Cover Mich Goh, director of public policy for Asia Pacific, Airbnb
Mich Goh, director of public policy for Asia Pacific, Airbnb
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From navigating male-dominated spaces to championing inclusive leadership, Airbnb’s Mich Goh shares her journey of resilience and empathy—revealing how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on success
“Earlier in my career, I sometimes found myself in rooms where assumptions were made about my expertise or authority,” Mich Goh, Airbnb’s director of public policy for Asia Pacific, recounts when talking about being in an industry often shaped by male leadership, a familiar sentiment often felt by many women in all levels of the corporate world.
“But rather than letting these experiences deter me, I learned to assert my voice with confidence and to build credibility by consistently demonstrating deep expertise and strategic thinking,” Goh adds as she recounts her journey in the travel industry with neither a bitter nor triumphant but rather a more pragmatic one.
For Goh, navigating male-dominated spaces isn’t a footnote in her career; it’s the forge where she honed a leadership style that blends unshakable expertise with radical empathy.
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The foundation for Goh’s distinctive leadership philosophy was laid early. Growing up in Singapore, she pursued a degree in Business Management with majors in Marketing and Political Science at Singapore Management University, where she discovered her passion for the intersection of policy and business.
“After graduating, I started my career as a consultant, leading teams that advised multinational companies across the Asia Pacific on government relations, public policy, and public affairs strategies,” she explains. “This experience helped me understand the complex dynamics of the region and sparked my interest in shaping policy that drives innovation and supports economic growth.”
Today, beyond her role at Airbnb, Goh serves on the management committee of the Asia Travel Technology Industry Association, contributing to the broader evolution of travel and tourism across the region. And she somehow finds time for personal growth too—reading an average of one book weekly in 2024 and recently taking up tennis.
What distinguishes Goh in the policy arena is her emphasis on empathy—not as a soft skill to be deployed occasionally, but as the cornerstone of effective leadership.
“To me, empathy in leadership is about truly understanding the needs, challenges, and aspirations of both your team and the broader community you serve,” she says. “It’s not just about listening—it’s about taking meaningful action based on that understanding.”
Above For Goh, leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould—it’s about bringing her authentic self to the table
For Goh, leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould—it’s about bringing her authentic self to the table
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This philosophy manifests in practical ways, particularly when working with diverse teams across the Asia Pacific. “Instead of being focused solely on outcomes, I prioritised open conversations and truly understanding the concerns and individual realities of each team member, and adapting my leadership approach based on cultural and country-specific nuances.”
The results speak for themselves. “By ensuring my team felt heard and supported, we navigated challenges effectively not just through technical expertise, but by fostering trust and motivation.”
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In a region as diverse as Asia Pacific, Goh rejects one-size-fits-all approaches to policy-making. “Each jurisdiction has its own unique cultural, economic, and regulatory landscape, and we take the time to engage, listen, and collaborate with local stakeholders to ensure our policies are not just globally aligned but locally relevant and effective.”
Malaysia offers a prime example of this approach in action. “Through our collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) on the DE Rantau initiative, we’ve been able to support the country’s ambition of becoming a leading hub for digital nomads,” she explains. “Together, we’ve identified and promoted over 800 digital nomad-friendly Airbnb listings that cater specifically to long-term remote workers.”
Goh’s team has also engaged with PLANMalaysia to share industry feedback and best practices for national Short-Term Rental Accommodation guidelines, and partnered with legal professionals at ZICO to introduce reference building by-laws for strata properties.
Cultural engagement extends beyond regulatory frameworks. “In recent years, we have hosted Hari Raya Open Houses, titled Riangnya Raya Bersama Airbnb, with well-known Malaysian names such as Neelofa (2023) and Meerqeen (2024), offering travellers the opportunity to experience the warmth and traditions of Hari Raya firsthand.”
Similar culturally attuned initiatives extend across the region, from Indonesia’s ‘Bali Travel for Good’ campaign to Thailand’s locally curated city guides.
Above Motherhood has changed Goh’s perspective on leadership
Motherhood has changed Goh’s perspective on leadership
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Perhaps most revealing is Goh’s perspective on how motherhood has enhanced rather than hindered her professional journey.
“Motherhood has undoubtedly shaped the way I approach leadership—resilience, multitasking, and patience are not just parenting skills; they are critical in the workplace as well,” she reflects. “Becoming a mother has also made me truly understand the need to focus on the most impactful work. When every minute you’re spending on a piece of work is time away from your child, it makes you more conscious of the trade-offs you’re making and prioritise only the work that drives the most strategic impact.”
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This clarity has helped her redefine conventional notions of success. “The idea of ‘having it all’ is often framed as an impossible standard, especially for working mothers. For me, success isn’t about achieving perfect balance every day—it’s about making intentional choices that align with my values, both as a leader and as a parent.”
Goh acknowledges the challenges she’s faced. “Earlier in my career, I was told that taking time out for parental leave would slow my professional growth. I also did not see many examples in the workplace of mothers who were able to balance their own career aspirations with being a present parent.”
Yet her conviction remained unshaken. “I’ve always believed that being a mother is an asset, not a disadvantage—it’s made me a more empathetic, adaptable, compassionate, and strategic leader.”
For women aspiring to leadership roles, particularly in male-dominated industries, Goh offers wisdom distilled from her journey: “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould—it’s about bringing your authentic self to the table.”
She challenges conventional leadership paradigms. “There can sometimes be an unspoken expectation to lead in a certain way—often equating strength with authority or decisiveness while overlooking the power of empathy, collaboration, and adaptability. But the truth is, these qualities aren’t just ‘nice to have’—they are essential for effective leadership.”
Her parting advice carries both reassurance and a call to action: “To women aspiring to lead: don’t shy away from what makes you different. Your values, perspectives and experiences are valuable. Seek mentors who uplift you, surround yourself with a strong support system, and most importantly, trust that you belong in the spaces you step into.”
In a corporate world still finding its way toward true inclusivity, Goh offers not just inspiration but a practical blueprint for leadership that harnesses authenticity as a strength. “The more we embrace diverse leadership styles,” she concludes, “the more we reshape what leadership looks like for future generations.”
Credits
Images: Airbnb
Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
