Programmes

On 23 May 2024, WorkWell Leaders held its 9th CEO Dialogue around the theme of “Purpose-driven transformation, short term pressures and human-centred outcomes”. Hosted by Founding Member of WWL Standard Chartered Bank, 36 CEOs gathered bright and early for a closed-door conversation with Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.

Patrick Lee, Singapore and ASEAN CEO of Standard Chartered Bank welcomed attendees, highlighting the shared responsibility of government and private sector leaders to steer cultural transformation from the top down.  Minister Ong then took the floor for an intimate fireside chat moderated by WWL Chairperson Anthea Indira Ong.  Speaking from his experience leading large-scale transformations in the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) and Ministry of Health (Singapore) (in particular with navigating COVID-19 and the launch of Healthier SG), Minister Ong shared the importance of sourcing the right answers from those who have the expertise in the specific field that is undergoing change.

The conversation spanned a wide range of topics including strategies for framing transformation for mass buy-in and how to balance short term performance goals amidst macro uncertainties. Leaders posed hard-hitting questions during the Q&A session around flexible work arrangements, engaging young workers with differing perspectives on the role of the workplace and much more. It was especially heartening to hear Minister Ong compliment WWL’s “4C” leadership values (Compassion, Courage, Clarity, Commitment), and he even suggested that to anchor transformation on purpose potentially required a 5th “C” of Conviction.

Going into the small groups sharing sessions, 95% of attendees had indicated that their organisations were in the midst of major transformation.  As a close-knit community of like-minded CEO peers, it was a comfort to many to learn that they are not alone in balancing transformation for long-term value creation with short-term goals. The respective groups dove deep into the overlaps of their personal purpose and change management and how that had to be exemplified by leadership behaviours.

Many leaders were moved by the humility and “I’m-Still-Learning” spirit of the discussions. This is the essence of WorkWell Leaders which champions the principle that not all of us have all of the answers, but between us we may get close to the answers through mutual learning and sharing of experiences.  Leaders also shared their own coping mechanisms in periods of high uncertainty and change as it’s so important to “Be Well to Lead Well”.

Sincere thanks to Patrick Lee and the lovely folks at Standard Chartered Bank for hosting today’s CEO Dialogue.