International Women's Day 2024: LAC's CMO Evelyn Teo on daring to be the one to trigger change

This year’s International Women’s Day 2024 theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ Yahoo Life Singapore speaks to inspiring women of today who are making a difference and forging a better world. Today, we speak with LAC's Chief Marketing Officer Evelyn Teo.

Be it implementing new measures, speaking up for herself, setting boundaries, or lifting up other women, LAC's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Evelyn Teo never shies away from speaking her mind. This willingness to step out of her comfort zone has helped propel her personal and professional growth all these years. The CMO kickstarted the e-commerce wing of LAC just before the pandemic. This move proved to be a timely one and eventually helped ease the company's transition from retail to online during the trying pandemic period. Now that the hybrid work environment has come in place, Evelyn is also hands-on when it comes to mentorship and coaching. Leading a women-centric workplace is never easy, even as a woman. For one, Evelyn had to set clear boundaries for work-life balance as a single woman. There's no better time than International Women's Day for us to delve deeper into the psyche of an accomplished and inspiring woman like Evelyn.

What is it like to be a woman today?

As a woman in Singapore today, I am fortunate to reside in a country where equal opportunities for women is not just a concept but a tangible reality. International Women's Day is a poignant reminder of the progress we've made in fostering equal opportunities. At LAC Global, we not only embrace diversity and inclusion, but our women-led management team brings a wealth of perspectives to drive innovation and success too. Being a woman today means leveraging our strengths, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations. It is about creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued, and at LAC Global, we are proud to champion these principles.

Name a female personality who inspires you and why.

One female figure who truly inspires me is Esther from the Bible. While she may not be considered a conventional personality in the contemporary sense, her story holds immense inspiration for me. Esther's remarkable courage and unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of life-threatening risks are truly commendable.

Her narrative reinforces the importance of speaking out and expressing ideas, even in challenging circumstances. Esther's boldness and resilience in advocating for what she believed in resonates deeply with me. This inspiration fuels my belief that taking risks and making an effort are crucial for personal and professional growth. It reminds me that success often comes when one is willing to step outside their comfort zone, and that, in itself, is a significant step toward overcoming challenges. Esther's story serves as a timeless testament to the power of determination and the potential for positive change that can arise from courageous actions.

Share with us your proudest achievement to date.

My proudest achievement to date circles around the strategic decisions and actions taken during a critical period for LAC. A year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we revamped our company's e-commerce site to the enterprise level, as well as introduced a more robust payment gateway and enhanced logistics arrangement. This foresight proved crucial when the pandemic hit, and when Singapore went into lockdown.

The agile implementation allowed LAC to swiftly adapt and continue operations seamlessly, avoiding any disruptions. In addition, through my tenure as the Head of Marketing, I led the growth of the marketing and e-commerce team from 6 individuals to a robust team of 34, ensuring we have the talent and resources needed to navigate the evolving landscape.

What are some of the challenges you have faced/are facing at this point in your life, be it personal or in your career?

During the challenging pandemic period, managing a marketing team became especially demanding due to the lack of face-to-face interactions, which were crucial for boosting morale and creativity. While hybrid and remote work are promoted widely, they pose challenges in our industry, requiring significant efforts to coach managers on effectively leading their teams across various locations.

As a female leader, I also faced some stigma associated with female bosses, compounded by being single. It takes time for new team members to understand my commitment to work-life balance, particularly for those with families. Another ongoing challenge involves instilling a coaching and mentoring culture within the department.

Continuous reminders to managers and supervisors are necessary to encourage them to focus on their team's development and well-being, emphasising that employees are more than just company resources but individuals seeking personal growth. This effort must be a two-way street, with both staff and superiors actively engaged in career development to prevent misalignments and retain valuable talent dedicated to the company's success.

What kind of improvements do you wish to see/have seen in your industry that will help women?

As we embark on the new millennium, I am heartened by how society has evolved through the years to embrace positive changes that empower women, witnessing a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion within our industry. At LAC Global, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment for women.

Notably, our leadership team proudly includes a substantial representation of accomplished and resilient women. Looking ahead, we aspire to further address meritocracy – equal chances for everyone regardless of gender and background through ongoing initiatives. This includes the promotion of mentorship programmes designed to empower women within the organisation, creating platforms, fostering a workplace where their contributions are recognised and celebrated. Our vision is one of continuous progression, ensuring that every woman at LAC Global feels empowered and valued.

What products/services from your company would you personally recommend to Yahoo readers?

It will definitely be LAC's bestseller, the LAC Masquelier's French Pine Bark Extract - a supplement that provides a holistic approach to well-being for busy individuals, and LAC Liver Protector. I’m personally a fan of the French Pine Bark Extract and have been taking for the past decade.

The LAC Masquelier's French Pine Bark Extract is rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for fighting against harmful free radicals in the body and boosting immunity. Apart from its antioxidative benefits, the LAC Masquelier's French Pine Bark Extract also supports vascular health by preserving the flexibility and integrity of blood vessels. Additionally, the supplement stimulates collagen production, fostering the strength and elasticity of connective tissues for healthy ageing.

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The LAC Liver Protector plays a crucial role in nourishing and supporting the liver. Recognising the significance of a healthy liver in preventing issues like outbreaks, sleep disturbances, and overall fatigue, I was motivated to try LAC Liver Protector due to my struggle with insomnia. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, this supplement has proven effective in protecting against fatty liver and reducing unhealthy blood lipid levels, contributing to overall well-being and improved sleep quality.

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What is your self-care routine like?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and prioritising self-care are crucial aspects of my routine. To achieve this, I set clear boundaries for work. Establishing these boundaries helps me create a distinct separation between professional and personal life, fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle.

Outside of work, I find great fulfilment in volunteering at my church. Being actively involved in volunteering allows me to pursue my passions beyond the confines of my professional responsibilities. This not only serves as a form of self-care but also provides a meaningful outlet for contributing to the community and connecting with others on a deeper level.

Furthermore, I make a conscious effort to dedicate weekends solely to personal time and relaxation. During this period, I refrain from engaging in work-related tasks and ensure minimal contact with my team, unless there's an urgent matter that requires immediate attention. This practice enables me to recharge, rejuvenate, and approach the work week with renewed energy and focus. Overall, these intentional measures contribute to a more balanced and holistic approach to both my professional and personal well-being.

What is one advice or quote that inspires you?

Don’t be afraid to be the one to trigger change.

What advice would you give to fellow women juggling different hats?

It's essential to carve out time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether it's taking some time off to travel, scheduling regular exercise sessions, or simply indulging in activities that bring you joy, prioritising what matters most to you is non-negotiable. Additionally, setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary is crucial for preserving your well-being. It's okay to delegate tasks, ask for help, or decline additional commitments if it means maintaining balance and preventing burnout.

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