As the global chief DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) officer at Shell PLC, Lyn Lee has had her fair share of foot-in-mouth moments. She was in London to speak at the 2021 Business Disability Forum Smart Awards, where Shell was a finalist. During the coffee break, another conference attendee asked her where the milk was. Without thinking twice, she pointed it out.
“The waiter serving the beverage looked at me, and told me that the person who asked me was visually impaired,” she says with a sheepish smile. “For a split second, I felt embarrassed, like I was an imposter. I was attending a conference on disability inclusion, [with] the research that my organisation had sponsored. How could I have missed the nuance of a person who needed my help at the coffee line?”
This anecdote perhaps best encapsulates what Lyn does as DEI officer at Shell, and also highlights the complexities of the role.
She had been at Shell for 15 years, undertaking various HR and operations roles, before being asked to take on this role five years ago. The DEI role had seen a revolving door of candidates, and Lyn was not sure about what she could do differently, and whether she would have any impact. After being asked for the third time, Lyn decided to introspect: “I started thinking, maybe there was a reason I had been asked. I was told that I have the right insights and background to do this job well.”
She says: “I started to consider how I could use the privilege of being appointed as chief DEI officer to make a difference and create a positive impact on others. It made me think about my purpose in life, and the legacy that I wish to leave behind. As a mother, I also wanted to be a role model for my [two] daughters.”
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Her World Singapore dergisinin January 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
What Are Some Watches That Double As Pieces Of Art?
The Bvlgari Fenice High Jewellery watch is a spell-binding expression of the Italian jeweller's audacious aesthetic.
Getting To The Seoul Of K-Beauty
The days of complex 10-step skincare routines may be behind us, but K-beauty's skin-first approach continues to dominate markets worldwide. Here's a closer look at the phenomenon.
My Super Power Is Saying No
It's 2009, and some 1.67 million Singaporeans are tuning into the two-hour finale of the hit Chinese language series The Little Nyonya, transfixed by the multi-generational saga of three Peranakan families.
New York State Of Mind
Inspired by the Big Apple, Coach's new Times Square Tabby is an amalgamation of the city's love stories, both old and new.
Building Safer Workplaces
As an increasing number of workplaces are understanding the importance of mental health, we ask three leaders what it will take to move the needle to create environments where we can speak up, challenge the status quo, and have our needs met.
What Beauty Routine Should You Follow If You Have Eczema?
Quinn Chen, co-founder of Singapore beauty brand, Ice's Secret, answers.
A Mid-Career Change Is Not A Crisis
A mid-career switch, while daunting, can be the key to unlocking a more fulfilling and aligned professional life.
It's Cool To Get Cold
Ice baths are popping up around Singapore, waiting for you to take the plunge.
Will joining a breast cancer support group help me with my healing journey?
Emily Goh, senior medical social worker, answers.
PASSION FOR A CAUSE
Rebellion of the academic sort - runs in Anna Yip's blood. The deputy CEO of Singtel Singapore tells us how self-love, confidence, and a passion for tech guide her as she leads one of the nation's most established telecommunications companies into the future.
