At Moxy, we believe in inspiring action by highlighting real stories of real women. Today, we present Carine Tan, a seasoned professional with 16 years in category management. Join us as we explore Carine's experiences and insights, where she encourages embracing one's personality, motivations and encourages active listening from HR and CEOs.
Introducing Carine
Can you briefly share about yourself, your professional journey and the most important milestones that have shaped your career?
Hello, my name is Carine and I have over 16 years of experience in category management for the consumer goods/lifestyle industries. I've worked with companies like Nike, Sephora, Hasbro, and my most recent stint is with Adidas as a Category Director for APAC.
A pivotal moment in my career was when I chose to relocate to Shanghai, China at the age of 29, despite it only being a lateral move. This experience provided invaluable international exposure in a dynamic market, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in staying relevant.
Can you share the key strategies that have been crucial in navigating challenges and achieving success in your career? How do you think they can inspire others?
Look beyond short-term gains when considering job offers; instead, think about how each role can contribute to building and shaping your career.
Career planning is crucial, especially in Singapore where it's often lacking. I've been fortunate to work in companies where career planning and goal setting are equally, if not more important than appraisal exercises. This approach has helped me view jobs as building blocks toward my goals, even if they may not seem exciting initially. I've seen individuals stagnate in their careers due to a lack of planning, which is why I advocate taking control of your career path and considering how each job can shape your future.
Can you highlight a professional triumph that not only elevated your career but also contributed to the overall success of the organization?
During my time at Nike Greater China, I collaborated with a cross-functional team to successfully revitalize the sports bra business from 2012-2016. Despite facing initial challenges and doubts about the market, we persevered in driving growth for this business segment. By identifying and addressing issues such as product fit, education, and retail support, we achieved significant expansion and growth. This experience taught me the importance of not accepting failure at face value, but rather understanding and systematically addressing underlying issues, a skill that has been instrumental in turning around several consumer goods categories in my subsequent career.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the workplace, and how did you overcome them?
My advice is to understand your motivations, stay true to yourself, and find those who celebrate you in your work.
I've always been outspoken, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn, which leads me to speak up and ask questions in meetings. I thrive in discussions where diverse viewpoints help us find the best approaches for business growth.
However, this trait may not be common for a female from Southeast Asia, as some male colleagues have found it intimidating and openly shared that opinion with me. Initially, I felt ashamed and tried to be more reserved, but I soon realized the importance of embracing my personality and motivations, which are centered around learning and achieving the best outcomes for the business. I've stayed true to myself and surrounded myself with people who value these qualities, finding inspiration from admired leaders.
In fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, what innovative steps do you think organizations should take beyond traditional policies?
The DEI team shouldn't be silent contributors; instead, they should actively engage employees in understanding DEI beyond just policies. An example would be at Adidas, where the Women’s Network provided a forum for women to connect, empower each other, and champion DEI. These meetings were open to all employees, sponsored by the senior leadership team, and created a safe space for discussing topics to help women navigate the workspace. Through these meetings, male colleagues have also shared that they gained valuable insights, enabling them to better support women in the workplace and be more sensitive to situations that may have been biased but considered the norm.
The Crucial Role of Active Listening, Collective Support, and Authenticity
From your perspective, why is it crucial for HR and CEOs to actively listen to the voices of female employees?
Women often face unfair labels like “too quiet,” “too intense,” “too aggressive,” or “too emotional”, which can limit their potential. Addressing these biases through active listening by HR and CEOs, can foster a more inclusive environment where women feel empowered to contribute fully, benefiting both women and the organization as a whole. Creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best, regardless of gender, is essential. Many biases and social norms have also gone unaddressed due to a lack of safe spaces for female employees to speak up, leading to a lack of awareness of their impact. Through active listening, HR and CEOs can become aware of these situations and work to avoid them, creating a more equitable workplace.
What message would you like to convey to other women who may be hesitant to share their stories or voices in the workplace?
You are not alone. If you are feeling a certain way, chances are that many others are feeling the same way too.
Find a group of people you trust and be open and vulnerable about your feelings. They can serve as a sounding board and validate your feelings, helping you approach situations with more confidence. If you struggle to speak up in a group setting, remember the spotlight effect - chances are, others won't be as bothered by your comments as you think. Be brave, speak up, and don't let fear hold you back from sharing your voice and stories.
Reflecting on your experiences, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self when starting your career, and how might it resonate with emerging women leaders today?
The earlier you figure out who you are and what you stand for, while still accepting yourself, the sooner you will find joy. Avoid the traps of trying to be someone else, overcompensating due to insecurity or hanging around naysayers.
Remember women don’t need to compete or undermine each other; we can all succeed by supporting and uplifting one another, it's not a zero-sum game. Celebrate, support, and encourage one another, the impact of such positivity can be truly transformative.
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Thank you for joining us on Carine's inspiring journey. Feel free to share your own story in the comments or join the movement by sharing your insights on Moxy Movement to make your voice heard!
