Cover Divia Harilela and Angelina Kwan go head-to-head in this month’s great debate (Photos: courtesy of Divia Harilela and Angelina Kwan)
Divia Harilela and Angelina Kwan go head-to-head in this month’s great debate (Photos: courtesy of Divia Harilela and Angelina Kwan)
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Divia Harilela, editor and founder of The D’Vine fashion and lifestyle consultancy, goes head-to-head with Angelina Kwan, CEO of Stratford Finance, in this month’s great debate
Are “nepo babies”—children of the rich and famous, who have succeeded in careers similar to those of their parents—unfairly scrutinised?
Divia Harilela: YES
“This is a tough question to answer, as it really depends on the context or situation. It is only natural that the offspring of someone famous is automatically placed in the public eye, and oftentimes, it is not their choice. However, by choosing a career path that is similar to that of their parents, it is only natural that there will be comparisons. This phenomenon isn’t unusual or exclusive to celebrity culture.
Unfortunately, humans in general are predisposed to judging others. I was always taught that a person’s actions and intrinsic values—be it their integrity, work ethic, humility or how they treat others—is far more important than just a name. Ultimately, without talent and hard work, a famous parent or relative can only open doors for so long.”
Read more: Cultural appropriation or appreciation? Why representation matters within the fashion industry
Angelina Kwan: NO
“Nepotism should be scrutinised. Nepo babies benefit from the access and advantages provided by their influential and powerful parents who help them to obtain certain jobs that they might not have got on merit alone.
Nepotism works to open doors and exert influence or even pressure people to hire the nepo baby. We see nepotism in finance, entertainment, sport, politics—and any field where competition is fierce, jobs are scarce and elites can exert influence to help their children.
For those who work their way up the corporate ladder through merit, hard work and sacrifice only to then have a nepo baby—who may or may not have any experience at all—parachute over them to be their boss is an infuriating and demoralising event in a working person’s career. It can lead to mediocrity in the workplace, gossip, discontent, loss of productivity and actual attrition, as excellent employees leave. More broadly, nepotism can kill teamwork and esprit de corps, which most organisations seek to build.
Companies should implement policies to examine their hiring processes, to ensure transparent recruitment systems are in place, and to ensure all applicants are considered and promoted based on merit. This will help companies adopt proper corporate governance which will in turn promote better working environments and happy employees.”
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
