Cover Lumi Beauty founder and Berjaya Corp executive director Chryseis Tan opens up about developing perseverance and passion to juggle different roles (Photo: Lumi Beauty)
Lumi Beauty founder and Berjaya Corp executive director Chryseis Tan opens up about developing perseverance and passion to juggle different roles (Photo: Lumi Beauty)
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Chryseis Tan, the multi-tasking executive director of Berjaya Corp and founder of Lumi Beauty touches on the challenge of balancing startup life and corporate responsibilities
Entrepreneur, influencer, scion, daughter, mother, and board member Chryseis Tan’s incredible life and career is a testament to women and girls everywhere that you really can achieve the incredible when pushed outside your comfort zone.
Four years ago, Chryseis launched her skincare brand Lumi Beauty at the height of a pandemic while on the verge of embracing motherhood for the first time. Everywhere she turned, she seemed to turn impossible tasks into achievements and carve her identity as a formidable entrepreneurial force outside her family’s business empire.
“The past year has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability as an entrepreneur and leader,” says the eloquent mother of two, debunking the myth that success and change have come her way easily.
Read more: Chryseis Tan On Motherhood And Her New Skincare Brand
Last year, Berjaya Corp—a conglomerate founded by her father, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, made headlines by announcing its first-ever all-female executive board helmed by HRH Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, daughter of Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
A ground-breaking move by a Malaysian company, the decision sparked praise from onlookers, while some raised questions about whether it would prove to be an effective one for the company’s overall growth and sustainability.
See also: Jane Lau on motherhood and the values she holds dear
Appointed as executive director of the board while sitting on other boards of Berjaya Food Bhd, Berjaya Assets Bhd, and Berjaya Land Bhd, Chryseis has had to perfect her balancing routine more than ever. Fulfilling her responsibilities in the family business did not stop her from working tirelessly to launch Lumi Beauty’s Peony and Gleaming Hands series this year, just three months apart from each other. Through it all, you’ll still find her in time to dote over her two children with the loving support of her businessman husband, Naza Group’s SM Faliq Nasimuddin.
From learning the art of delegating to embracing an environment of inclusivity, empathy and openness in an executive board entirely of women, Chryseis shares more about what the past year and a half has taught her about running a business and adapting to change.
Congrats on the launch of Lumi Beauty’s hand cream series! How do you feel about this new phase for the brand?
We are incredibly excited as it is more handcare focused, which is our first take at body care items—a brand new avenue to what we currently have. The entire R&D process has been super insightful and we have been learning so much about how truly important our hands are especially when it comes to our confidence.
Between running Lumi and executing your responsibilities at Berjaya Corporation, your schedule must be packed! Tell us your top time management tip.
Prioritise and delegate effectively. I usually like to give myself a head start on the day by waking up earlier and reviewing tasks for the day so I can focus on priority tasks first. I also believe that effective delegation is key to getting things done.
It’s inspiring to be part of a team where diverse perspectives are valued.
It’s been more than a year since the announcement of Berjaya Corporation’s first all-female executive board, with you as executive director. What’s the most significant change in working with an all-female board?
The most significant change in working with an all-female board has been the collaborative and inclusive environment it fosters. There’s a strong emphasis on open communication, empathy, and mutual support, which has led to more thoughtful decision-making and innovative solutions.
This dynamic has not only enhanced our working relationships but also positively impacted our overall corporate culture. It’s inspiring to be part of a team where diverse perspectives are valued and where we can collectively drive the company forward with a shared vision of empowerment and equality.
What are the biggest changes you’ve had to adapt to in your new role at Berjaya Corp in the past year?
The biggest changes include managing a larger and more diverse team, navigating the complexities of a multinational corporation, and balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day operational responsibilities.
Transitioning from a startup environment at Lumi Beauty to a major corporate setting required me to develop new skills in corporate governance, stakeholder management, and long-term strategic planning. Additionally, I’ve had to be more attuned to regulatory and market trends that impact our varied business interests globally.
What do you think the past year taught you about yourself as an entrepreneur and a leader?
It taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability as an entrepreneur and leader. Navigating the challenges of both running Lumi Beauty and fulfilling my role at Berjaya Corporation has reinforced the value of staying flexible and open to change.
I’ve learned to trust my instincts, make decisions with confidence, and lead with empathy. This period has also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement, as well as the power of building and nurturing a strong, supportive network. Ultimately, it’s shown me that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to successfully juggle multiple roles and make a meaningful impact.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
