Belinda Koh

Belinda, the nominator's former manager, had a unique ability to provide a clear direction, a "north star," even when the strategy was shifting. She emphasized that the most important thing was to ensure everyone fully understood and was aligned with the new direction. This lesson became a cornerstone of the nominator's leadership style when leading Aspire in Indonesia, where constant pivots are common. Her crucial advice was on mastering the balance between managing up and managing down, reminding the nominator that as a manager, you are often "sandwiched" between the needs of your team and the expectations of higher-ups. Belinda's mentorship, characterized by emphasis on transparency, alignment, and clarity, helped guide teams through uncertainty.