For the second year of our Her World Mentorship Programme, we want to empower young women by providing them the tools, guidance, and support needed to break down these barriers and overcome limiting beliefs. Nine exceptional mentors – each with a wealth of experience and expertise – tell us why they are passionate about giving back and share the wisdom they’ve gleaned throughout their careers.
Breaking barriers in beauty
JESSICA FUN Managing director, Shiseido Singapore
Thirty-four years ago, Jessica Fun joined Shiseido as a fresh graduate. Climbing through the ranks and having the opportunity to experience multiple roles within the company gave Jessica a holistic perspective on building a cosmetics empire in Asia.
Her hard work paid off: In 2017, she made history by becoming the first local managing director for Shiseido Singapore, a role typically held by a Japanese. In 34 years, she’s had her fair share of achievements, but she believes the three that stand out include launching the first Cle de Peau Beaute boutique in Singapore, transforming Shiseido Singapore’s business performance and return to profitability, and lastly, building a powerful, productive and efficient team.
Having been lucky enough to have mentors throughout her career helping her navigate the industry-specific and soft challenges, she believes in the power of mentorship.
“Mentors and friends provide not just wise counsel, but also a great help in small and seemingly unimportant things we are missing. They provide the advantage of their experience, which almost removes the learning curve and allows us to avoid unnecessary mistakes. However, the full effect of mentorship can only be felt when we leave the door open for learning and self-reflection,” she says.
What excites you the most about being a mentor?
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2024 edition of Her World Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Dressing For Success
Today's workplace dress codes are more varied than ever, but as the lines blur, we're left wondering: Is dressing down impacting how we show up - and how confident we feel at work?
Power Puff
This '80s skirt trend is popping up on our social media feeds and on the streets.
Is Social Media Really Necessary For Career Success?
Social media platforms are powerful job-hunting and networking tools, but if you don't use them for professional reasons or aren't comfortable posting online, don't worry - there are other ways to improve your career prospects.
PAYING IT FORWARD
When she noticed that women in developing countries were not getting the funding they deserved, Laina Raveendran Greene started Angels of Impact.
FIRING UP SINGAPORE'S INDIE CINEMA SCENE
Nothing makes Karen Tan, co-founder of The Projector, more happy and fulfilled than making a difference to a film-goer's experience. For her, that spells \"f-u-n\" and brings people together. In the third instalment of the \"HER WORLD, HER SPARK\" series, presented in partnership with DBS, we speak to Karen about her journey.
WILLA BELLE
ONG is intentional about building the next blocks of her career
Back For Good
Get ready we are now in the halterneck era.
Stick Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is extremely important to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Beyond The 9-To-6
According to Her World's annual What Women Want survey, a staggering seven in 10 women in Singapore are willing to take a pay cut for a job that offers better perks and benefits, with a flexible work schedule being a top priority. Are employers here ready to accept flexible arrangements as part of our lexicon?
Leading Singapore's Sustainable Innovations
In this second instalment of the "HER WORLD, HER SPARK" series, presented in partnership with DBS, we speak to Oh Chu Xian, founder of deep tech start-up Magorium. Determined to make the construction sector a more sustainable one, she's revolutionising it with a new technology that turns plastic waste into sustainable building materials.