Thriving at the Top: Wong Sze Keed of AIA Singapore on starting each day with a positive mindset, embracing experimentation and advocating for women's leadership

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?  

Prioritising time to unwind and relax after work is important in obtaining a healthy work-life balance. Fitness is also something I am deeply passionate about, hence, I often hit the gym or go for a run a few times a week. 

Weekends are an important time for me to spend time with my family. I usually play a round of golf with my husband, which allows us to bond and enjoy each other's company while staying active. My husband and I go to the market on Saturday mornings, and this is also when we take the opportunity to chat and relax over coffee. My elder daughter joins us whenever she is back for her summer break. Now that both of my daughters are studying overseas, we connect with one another virtually. I speak with them at least three or four times a week and this has helped us continue to stay close to one another. 

Continuous learning and personal growth are vital for sustainable leadership. What are some ways you invest in your own development amidst your busy schedule?  

I firmly believe that continuous learning and personal growth are foundational to sustainable leadership. Despite a demanding schedule, investing in my own development remains a priority.  

At AIA Singapore, we foster a culture of learning and innovation, which inspires me to stay abreast of industry trends and leadership practices.  

I allocate time for reading industry publications, attending seminars, and engaging with thought leaders to broaden my perspectives and stay updated. For instance, I recently attended a LinkedIn training session together with my EXCO team, so that together we can drive more advocacy for AIA. 

By consistently pursuing knowledge and self-improvement, I not only enhance my leadership effectiveness but also contribute to the long-term success of AIA Singapore. 

I am also deeply involved with the WorkWell Leaders [a Singapore-based non-profit collective of CEOs and leaders focused on championing employee mental health and well-being] and the Financial Women's Association of Singapore (FWA) community. Besides continually connecting with leaders across industries on how leaders can better empower their people managers as well as care for the mental health and well-being of employees, I am also a dedicated advocate for women’s leadership. I am passionate about empowering and supporting women in their professional journeys. My commitment to this cause drives me to actively mentor within the FWA, where I provide guidance, share insights and help foster the growth and development of aspiring women leaders. Through these interactions, I also gain valuable insights, build meaningful connections, and reinforce my dedication to creating a more inclusive professional landscape. 

Are there any resources that have been helpful to you in your role as a CEO that you would recommend?  

Reading widely, speaking with industry leaders, subscribing to international and local news updates via mobile apps and social media are my ways of staying connected, engaged and up-to-date, which helps me to make informed business decisions.

See also: Anna Yip of Singtel on overcoming self-doubt and nurturing long-lasting relationships

Are there any tips you can share for managing the stress that often accompanies a CEO role and maintaining a positive mindset?  

Mental health is something that is incredibly important to me and that I prioritise in my life, particularly as mental health concerns have been rising in Singapore over the years, especially in the workplace. Every morning before starting my day at work, I exercise, either going for a run or hitting the gym for a workout. Exercising in the morning helps to keep my mind fresh and kick-start the day with a positive mindset. 

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?  

My husband tells me that I spend too much time on my phone. I need to work on reducing screen time and spend more time doing other activities. 

What advice, key practices or principles would you share to ensure CEOs lead in a sustainable manner? 

Some key principles and tips that I strongly believe in and would like to share to other CEOs include: 

• Lead in a calm manner: There is never a need to have impulsive and dramatic reactions. No problem is ever totally unsolvable—sometimes we are just yet to see the solution and we need to work harder to find it. At times, it may even be helpful to leave the problem alone for a while and come back after some time. Taking a step back allows me to compose myself, realign my thoughts and helps me to find my way to the solution. 
• Be flexible and open to experimenting: With many things in life, some situations may not always go our way. Sometimes we face bumps along the road, however, we should not let that set us back. Instead, we should take this as an opportunity to try new things and grow. Embracing flexibility and being open to experimentation allows us to navigate challenges more effectively and discover new, rewarding paths. I always tell people, there is never failure but many learning opportunities.  
• Always have a positive mindset: Choose to focus on people’s strengths rather than weaknesses. Having a positive mindset creates a thriving environment and that is important to build strong mental resilience.

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