Cover Anna Yip, CEO, Business Development & Deputy CEO Singapore, Singtel
Anna Yip, CEO, Business Development & Deputy CEO Singapore, Singtel
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For our Thriving at the Top series, female leaders from Asia share how to sustain success as a CEO. Here, Anna Yip discusses overcoming fear and self-doubt and the importance of investing in relationships both personally and professionally
In 2023, the highest number of CEOs at US companies left their post according to research by Challenger, Gray & Christmas since it began tracking 22 years ago. With the rate of new CEOs who are women rising year on year, the percentage of women leaving the top spot was 24 percent in 2023, up from 19.5 percent in 2022.
In our new series, Thriving at the Top, women CEOs share their insights on avoiding burnout and setting boundaries, balancing life and work, managing stress and investing in personal growth, as well as their advice for how other CEOs can lead with resilience and longevity. Here, Anna Yip, CEO, Business Development & deputy CEO Singapore, Singtel, weighs in.
See also: Thriving at the Top with Harshika Patel, J.P. Morgan
How long have you been in the role of CEO/your current role of CEO?
I joined Singtel about four years ago as CEO of Consumer Singapore. My current designations [CEO, Business Development & Deputy CEO Singapore], took effect in June 2023 with the re-org. Before Singtel I was executive director and CEO of Smartone Telecommunications in Hong Kong.
CEO burnout is common. Can you share any personal experiences or challenges you have faced in managing your workload and avoiding burnout as CEO? How did you overcome them?
[There are] three things that I believe are very important in managing my workload and pressure: it’s about building leverage, being present and being good to yourself. First, I always look out for the best talent with the right aptitude whom one can bring to the team; second, focus on the present and the near future, but not worry excessively on the uncontrollable; third, don’t take things too seriously, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Is work-life balance achievable for CEOs and other top-level leaders? How do you make time for friends and family / hobbies / self-care?
Absolutely. It is important for us to work hard but also have fun [to] keep us sane and interesting human beings. No one wants to work with a robot without warmth. I set time aside to rest, recharge and reflect every week.
Many CEOs feel the pressure to be constantly available and connected. How do you set boundaries? What routines or habits do you have that help you disconnect from work?
I have to say I like to stay connected, but I do not feel pressured to do so; it’s just my own preference. To me, the most important thing is one’s mindset of being fully ‘present’ at any time. Being ‘offline’ does not necessarily mean one is relaxed or not thinking about work. There are quite a few breathing or meditation exercises that can help one build mindset discipline.
See also: Thriving at the Top with Nasaa Narmandakh, Monpolymet Group
What other aspects are important for sustainable leadership?
For me, it is very important to have other things in one's life that are not purely job or career driven. Family is a priority, and my friend circle is another important ingredient for me in creating and sustaining a balanced and fulfilled life.
Continuous learning and personal growth are vital for sustainable leadership. What are some ways you invest in your own development amidst your busy schedule?
Keep investing in one's network, family and friend circle. Building and investing in long-lasting relationships are so important both from a professional and personal aspect. In addition, there are knowledge domains that one may be interested in, and one should pursue them. Continuous learning is so important to keeping us young and alert!
Are there any resources that have been helpful to you in your role as a CEO that you would recommend?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a book that I have recommended to many people—I like the way Tolle explains the paralysis of fear and self doubt, and how to overcome the feeling. Adam Grant and Daniel Kahneman are also my favourite writers—almost anything they have written is worth reading as I have lots of interest in understanding how we think and why we act. In recent years, I am also getting increasingly concerned about the risks of technology, and mental wellness of youths and adults, and I listen to podcasts such as Your Undivided Attention to follow the topic and latest debates.
Are there any bad habits with regard to your work that you have identified and would like to or are in the process of trying to change?
Not to work and send out messages too late. It could send the wrong signal even if one is not expecting answers from the recipient.
About
Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
