Karen See is a big believer in mentoring and coaching, she is committed to helping people be happy, confident, successful and better versions of themselves. Karen has lived in Sydney, London, New York and is currently based in Hong Kong.
What’s your story?
Formerly Chief Communications Officer at an International Advertising agency, I was very dissatisfied with the lack of women in leadership, so in 2015, I co-founded {embrace} worldwide, a leadership and coaching consultancy — also developing a proprietary leadership model based on global leadership ideologies and scientifically proven principles of human behaviour, positive psychology and neuroscience. The consultancy is based in Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.
What excites you most about your industry?
As a leadership coach, I get an opportunity to work with many people to help them show up as their very best. I am a ‘legacy building’ expert, and I work with people to ensure every interaction has a positive, lasting impact. I thrive on the being about to support people to have success every day.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have lived in Sydney, London, New York and am now based in Hong Kong where I have made it my home. Being of Chinese descent, with international experience, I believe I can connect more easily with people who may need coaching support in Hong Kong.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Hong Kong! It is frenetic and fun. It’s not called Asia’s World city for nothing. What I love most about Hong Kong is its ‘pay it forward’ attitude. It’s such an entrepreneurial city and everyone is willing to help each other.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
What I have learnt since starting {embrace} worldwide, is that we are who we are through all the experiences that we have – however at the same time we don’t have to define ourselves from our past. I believe we are a constant work-in-progress. If we are self-aware, our aim is to get better every day.
Who inspires you?
I am literally inspired every day by the many phenomenal women that I meet.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I have driven the #metoo movement in Hong Kong since it was launched in October 2017, however, I learnt today that in some Asian countries, there is no sexual harassment protection for men. Which is very concerning.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
NOTHING! I love what I do and I believe that all my experiences has lead me to be the person that I am today.
How do you unwind?
I like yoga and trail running (mostly walking). My Dad also has a place in Fiji and so I try to get down there every couple of months.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali. I love the culture, villas and shopping.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Thrive by Arianna Huffington
Shameless plug for your business:
At {embrace} worldwide, our mission is to help people be happy, confident and successful every day.
The {embrace} success model is a proprietary system based on scientifically proven principles of human behaviour, positive psychology, emotional intelligence and neuroscience, as well as practical and relevant experience across corporate leadership and professional coaching.
We run workshops for corporations and individuals with topics including self-belief and confidence, leadership, respect in the workplace, executive presence and purpose and values.
How can people connect with you?
[email protected]
—
This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started,
built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
