CGS International’s Azizah Mohd Yatim: Great leadership starts with understanding your team

Observing several shifts over time in this rapidly changing industry, Azizah shares that there are actually more women than ever working in the capital markets (although it’s true that men tend to take the majority of senior leadership roles in the sector).

Citing industry veterans like Malaysia’s public services pension fund Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP) CEO Datuk Nik Amlizan Mohamed and PhillipCapital Malaysia group chairperson Datin Nona Salleh, Azizah emphasises that there is certainly no lack of female talent in this industry. 

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There are, however, fewer people over the age of 50, like herself. Given the generational divide, leadership styles have changed over time and Azizah is acutely aware of it.

“Obviously there are many young people in this industry, and for them to adapt to our culture, we have to learn to adapt to theirs,” says Azizah, resolving to take the best aspects gleaned from her mentors while excluding the more negative ones.

Determined to create opportunities for younger generations, Azizah spearheaded a pilot management and associate training programme in CGS International that gives trainees attachments with all company departments. Though it entails a lot of work and learning, participants will have the unique advantage of understanding the company better and gaining experience from the ground up.

“These are the future leaders we are talking about,” Azizah says. “I want young talents who are keen about the market and, more importantly, who can move the market further. Someone who is not interested will have a difficult time moving forward. Someone who has a true desire to learn about all these different pillars will have the ability to think about how to move forward.”

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As a leader, Azizah prioritises values of humility, integrity and curiosity—doing her best to instil these aspects in her team as well.

From giving your team members a chance to learn from failure to demonstrate the ability to lead without silencing other voices, Azizah’s leadership takeaways can be summarised below: 

• “Being a leader is not easy—you need to understand your people, relate to them and give clear direction. Give your team members opportunities to speak up, and most importantly, give them a chance to think for themselves.”
  
  
• “Some bosses don’t want to allow their staff to decide on anything, but decision-making is a way of teaching people how to improve themselves. Allow them to try, and if they fail, they will learn.”
  
  
• “Be humble, have integrity. Always network. Don’t be afraid to approach people and introduce yourself at events, dinners and wherever. You never know who will be a catalyst for opportunity for you, whether it’s a job recommendation elsewhere or a learning opportunity. This will benefit you in any industry.”  

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