New Direction

Hilti Singapore general manager Sonia Mokdad shares how moving to South-East Asia changed her life professionally and personally.

- Anastasia Prikhodko

Sonia Mokdad has been with Hilti, a Liechtenstein multinational business, for 20 years. From working in the supply chain to marketing and sales, she’s learned and constructed a leadership style that reflects compassion, honesty and authenticity. “We work in the construction space,” she says, explaining that the company develops, manufactures and markets products for the construction industry. “It’s rough but down to earth. It’s also very male-dominated. The key to a business like this is to treat people like adults, give them freedom and allow a culture of error.”

Hilti Singapore’s General Manager explains that a top-down approach would, of course, be much easier and faster, but then it wouldn’t be about the people. “We need to create space for unusual ideas and trust people,” she says. “I think this will bring out the most potential in every business. It takes patience, but the result will be much higher than if you don’t listen to your team.”

Sonia goes on to say that sometimes businesses forget that behind its success are hardworking individuals, not just numbers. “At times, we are not brave enough to say it because it sounds weak and not economical enough,” she points out.