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This approach not only ensured the continuity of its leadership development initiatives but also enhanced the learning experience by making it more flexible and accessible, as Fiona Yap, Head of People, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, tells us.
At the heart of every successful organisation lies a strong leadership framework, and for CBRE, this philosophy has proven pivotal in its 2024 HR Excellence Awards, Singapore win.
By prioritising leadership development and addressing the diverse needs of a global workforce, the organisation's People team has crafted a strategy that bridges performance gaps, fosters inclusivity, and prepares teams for the future — earning CBRE a bronze win for 'Excellence in Leadership Development'.
In this interview, Fiona Yap, Head of People, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, CBRE, shares with HRO the motivations, challenges, and impactful lessons that she and her team believe have defined their winning journey.
Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?
Our motivation stemmed from the need to bridge the gap between well-trained people managers and optimal team performance. Recognising that effective leadership is crucial for achieving business goals, we designed a comprehensive leadership development strategy.
This strategy focuses on equipping leaders to maximise team effectiveness, unlocking the potential of a diverse leadership team, and preparing for succession planning.
By investing in our leaders, we aim to foster a culture of trust, engagement, and innovation, ultimately driving business success and maintaining our competitive edge.
Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?
A significant challenge we encountered was addressing the diverse learning needs and preferences of our global workforce. To overcome this, we adopted a flexible and inclusive approach by offering a blend of virtual and in-person sessions, localised content, and leveraging AI-driven technology. This approach not only ensured the continuity of our leadership development initiatives but also enhanced the learning experience by making it more flexible and accessible.
Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape?
Beyond recognition, we hope our feature in the HR Excellence Awards will inspire the HR community to prioritise leadership development and diversity. By showcasing our successful strategies and outcomes, we aim to encourage other organisations to invest in their people, fostering a more inclusive and effective workforce. Our goal is to contribute to the broader HR landscape by sharing best practices and demonstrating the tangible benefits of a robust leadership development programme.
Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
For those aspiring to follow in our footsteps, my advice is to prioritise continuous learning and adaptability. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and be open to innovative solutions. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and fostering a culture of collaboration are key to successful HR initiatives. Additionally, always keep the end goal in mind—creating a positive impact on your organisation and its people.
Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?
The driving force behind our success has been the unwavering support and vision of our senior leadership team. Their commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and their belief in the potential of our people have been instrumental. Additionally, the dedication and passion of our HR team, who tirelessly work to implement and refine our strategies, have been crucial in achieving our goals. Their collaborative spirit and innovative mindset continue to inspire and drive our success.
Read more interviews on why organisations have won trophies for their HR practices - head over to our Winning Secrets section!
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