15/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 15, 2025 theSunday Special XI

This makes adaptability a prized trait not only for employees but also for lead ers. Visionary leaders don’t resist change; they anticipate it. They experiment, adjust and learn quickly. They encourage their teams (and themselves) to ask, “What can we try next?” rather than cling to “what used to work.” T KH DELOLW\ WR UHPDLQ ÀH[LEOH ZLWKRXW losing sight of core values is what sepa rates visionary leadership from reactive management. Leadership rooted in empathy and inclusion Visionary leadership is not about having all the answers. In fact, it thrives on listen LQJ HVSHFLDOO\ WR SHUVSHFWLYHV GL̆ HUHQW from one’s own. Malaysia’s multiracial DQG PXOWLJHQHUDWLRQDO ZRUNIRUFH R̆ HUV D rich ground for inclusive leadership, but LW DOVR UHTXLUHV LQWHQWLRQDO H̆ RUW “Inclusive leadership begins with em pathy. It’s about creating space for others to be seen, heard and supported – not just tokenistically, but meaningfully,” said Lai. Studies have shown that inclusive teams outperform non-inclusive ones in both creativity and decision-making. Beyond performance, however, inclusion builds trust – a foundation essential for sustaining any vision. For leaders hoping to build diverse WHDPV WKH ¿UVW VWHS LV RIWHQ H[DPLQLQJ their blind spots and biases. Self-inquiry becomes the doorway to collective em powerment. The quiet power of mentorship and community In a world obsessed with individual achievement, the value of mentorship and community support is sometimes underestimated. But for many profes sionals, having a sounding board can be transformative.

Lai credits much of her growth to mentorship – not in a formal sense, but through thoughtful and honest conversa tions with peers and seniors. “I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t about someone telling you what to do. It’s about being asked the right questions at the right time.” Wavemakers Collective, the initia tive she co-founded, was born from a similar spirit: a space for creatives and changemakers to connect, share insights and support each other’s growth. “We weren’t trying to build a brand. We were trying to build a space where people could grow in the company of others,” Lai adds. This sense of belonging – of being seen, challenged and celebrated is often the missing piece in many people’s careers. Making space for pause, purpose and rest In conversations around leadership and ambition, rest is rarely mentioned. Yet it is essential. Burnout remains a growing concern in Malaysia. According to a 2023 report by the Malaysian Medical Association, nearly 40% of working adults experi ence symptoms of chronic stress, with contributing factors ranging from long hours to unrealistic expectations and lack of support. Visionary leaders prioritise rest, not as a luxury but as a necessity. They under stand that creativity and clarity emerge in the pause, not just the hustle. They model this for their teams, allowing them to slow down when needed. “Some of my biggest breakthroughs came during seasons where I slowed down, not sped up. When you’re quiet enough, you have a chance to speak,” Lai echoes this belief. R HGH¿QLQJ VXFFHVV As younger Malaysians begin to shape the IXWXUH RI ZRUN WKHUH LV D JURZLQJ UHGH¿QL tion of what success looks like. It’s less DERXW WLWOHV RU ¿QDQFLDO EHQFKPDUNV DQG more about alignment - doing work that feels authentic, impactful and sustainable. This mindset doesn’t reject ambition, but it questions its motives. It asks, “Is this success meaningful to me?” For visionary leaders, this question be comes the heart of their decision-making. It guides their choices, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Leading from wherever you are You don’t need to wait for a promo tion or a perfect opportunity to practise visionary leadership. Whether you’re a junior executive, a freelancer or someone LQ FDUHHU WUDQVLWLRQ \RX FDQ OHDG ± ¿UVW yourself, then others. Start by noticing what energises you. Reflect on what success means to you personally. Seek out mentors, ask bold questions and share generously with your peers. Learn to rest, not quit. Above all, stay curious. As Lai puts it, “Leadership isn’t a title you’re given. It’s a posture you choose. It’s how you show up, how you listen and how you move forward with intention, even when the way isn’t clear.” In shaping your career in motion, the most powerful tool you have is your vision. The clearer you see yourself, the further you can go.

“We’re often in such a rush to chase external markers of success that we don’t take the time to listen inward,” she said. “But when you pause long enough to ask ‘Why am I doing this?’ your decisions become clearer.” In this sense, visionary leadership isn’t only for CEOs or managers. It’s for anyone willing to pause, reflect and choose a direction that honours their whole self. Setting goals with intention, not pressure While ambition is celebrated in profes sional circles, the pressure to “always be achieving” can also be paralysing. Vision ary leaders know how to set goals that are not just productive but also meaningful. The SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound is often recommended as a tool for setting clear goals. But Lai believes it’s just as important to ask: “Is this goal mine or am I doing it to meet someone else’s expectations?” “When your goals resonate with your core values, you’re more motivated, more focused and more resilient,” she said. “It doesn’t mean the journey is always easy, but it feels worth it.” Goal-setting becomes a powerful com pass, not a rigid map. It allows for pivots when circumstances change – something fundamental in an unpredictable job market. Navigating uncertainty with adaptability Malaysia’s labour market is still recover ing from post-pandemic disruptions, although the unemployment rate has steadily declined to 3.3% as of early 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Yet many workers continue to face job insecurity, skills mismatches and automation pressures.

Inclusive teams outperform non-inclusive ones in both creativity and decision-making.

Visionary leadership isn’t only for CEOs or managers. It’s for anyone willing to pause, reflect and choose a direction that honours their whole self.”

Visionary leaders know how to set goals that are not just productive but also meaningful.