From boss to leader: How to master the skills of leadership, learning and growth

When asked what qualities every good leader should have, Izzana shared how a leader needs to be empathetic, collaborative and result-oriented. The self-professed natural collaborator who has worked in various fields such as corporate entrepreneurship, politics and NGOs said, “Anyone can be a leader, regardless of their role or position. The key is to able to evolve as your company grows.”

In the case of Loo, he believes an entrepreneur needs to value humility, creativity and foresight. He said, “When we’re at the top, we must be extremely humble. When you’re at the bottom, being humble can lift us up and give us much-needed support from others.

“Thinking outside the box and being forward-thinking is also important. This means exploring new possibilities and opportunities to gain a competitive advantage. By anticipating future trends and adapting strategies accordingly, a good leader can create innovative solutions to meet the needs of their customers.”

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Tan added that she believes that a good leader needs to set aside their ego to focus on equality and collaboration. “Being a leader is about solving problems together and not expecting myself to have all the answers. Our roles are much bigger than any of us.”

She also emphasised the importance of leaders trusting others and respecting different perspectives. “No one is above or below anyone else because what works in your country or community may differ from mine. Just because someone works in a foundation doesn’t mean their work is more important than a grassroots activist.”

Tan stressed the importance of acknowledging team members. “I often have to remind myself that I cannot do everything, even if I have the experience and expertise,” she said.

“It’s necessary to step back and allow others to use their skills. This is something I have learned over the years. We should always be looking to build new relationships, nurturing existing ones and seeking out the next opportunity to continuously progress without clinging to the past.”

In the case of Izzana, she stresses how recognising complementing strengths and weaknesses is crucial. “Each of us brings different strengths to the table. I have an extremely creative co-founder from Mexico, which is not my strong suit. My role and strength lie in administration. Leading an organisation requires diverse skill sets and we understand that one person cannot do it all.”

She also described how her team supports each other—especially when one team member goes through different life stages. She said, “Sometimes the fire may dim, so we find ways to re-inspire each other. Recognising that you can’t carry the load at that moment is important. Sometimes, my co-founders had to focus on running their political campaigns and organising fundraisers, so I stepped up. It’s about knowing each person's limits.”

Loo used to find it hard to say ‘no’ to people, but he has learned to prioritise it over ‘yes’. This has simplified his life. He explains, “There are many great ideas, but we can’t pursue them all. We have to be selective and focus on what matters most. Saying ‘no’ is not about being rude or dismissive, but about being honest and clear with ourselves and others.”

He adds that saying ‘no’ can also build respect and trust. “When we say ‘no’, we show that we value our time and the other person’s time. We also show that we are confident and assertive in our decisions.”

After the panellists each shared their visions for their future, the event drew to a close with the guests mingling and enjoying the canapés and mocktails.

Meet more honourees from Malaysia on the Gen.T List.

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