Leading with Confidence: Eleanor Yip on Empowering Women in the Workplace

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2022, we speak with Eleanor Yip, Head of the Trusts Team at Equiom Hong Kong. Eleanor shares her personal experiences and offers valuable insights to inspire and empower women in the workplace to learn, grow and succeed in their careers.

What are the key qualities to being a good leader?

Eleanor: Having a can-do attitude! Although gender equality has been promoted for decades, women in leadership positions are still coming across barriers. For me, the key to being a leader is maintaining a can-do attitude and believing in yourself.

As a female leader, what has been the most significant barriers in your career, if any?

Eleanor: Hearing disturbing and subjective comments, such as ’women are relatively emotional’, lowers my confidence from time to time. These noises can sometimes affect my emotions, judgement and mindset, and I meditate to filter those noises and move forward.

What do you think of Equiom in terms of gender equality?

Eleanor: Actions speak louder than words, as we see certain senior roles at Equiom are filled by women. Clare Belcher being Group General Counsel, Sarah Gomersall being Chief People Officer and numerous ladies as Managing Directors in different jurisdictions, Equiom does stand by gender equality.

What do you think of your business sector or profession in terms of gender equality?

Eleanor: I have seen an increasing number of females holding key positions and it’s incredible to see how many women are thriving in the financial industry these days. It’s great to see that large corporations are committed to appointing more women in senior management roles and it gives me confidence that we’re heading in the right direction.  

Are there other women who inspire you? 

Eleanor: Ho Ching, the current member of the Board of Directors and the soon-to-be Chairman of Temasek Trust, an independent Trustee of philanthropic endowments and gifts in Singapore inspires me the most. She’s the wife of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, but that hasn’t stopped her career development and philanthropic passions. She helmed Temasek Trust for 17 years while supporting various community services and charitable organisations. She demonstrates the can-do attitude – ’you can be/do whatever you want’ - perfectly.

How have you developed confidence and resilience during your career?

Eleanor: Embrace the imperfections, we are human beings so it’s impossible to be perfect. I consider the mistakes I’ve made along the way as a part of the learning process. Accept yourself completely, know your worth, minimise the possibility of repeating the same mistakes and see your mistakes as gifts – this will transform your whole being.

How do you unplug from work and take care of yourself?

Eleanor: Meditation always helps me to unwind, listen to my soul and reset my mentality.  

What advice would you give to other aspiring female executives or those who are entering this profession?

Eleanor: As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus said ’You cannot step into the same river twice’, the only thing that never changes is change itself, especially in the digital era. We all face changes every day. Once you can recognise this reality, you become confident and adaptable to changes. Be brave, be ready and embrace change.  

Inspired by Eleanor’s journey? Visit the Equiom Careers page to explore our current opportunities.