In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, transformation is no longer just a buzzword but an essential process for organisations to stay competitive, relevant, and resilient.

Transformation takes many forms, from technological innovations to shifting organisational cultures and strategies. But, at the heart of this transformation lies a group of leaders who are uniquely equipped to drive change: women.

As the Chief Human Resources Officer and Regional People Director at Inchcape APAC, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact women have in shaping organisational change, especially in the human resources function.

HR is often seen as the heartbeat of any organisation, and it is within this space that women are not just participating in transformation – they are leading it.

Their ability to empathise, engage, and foster collaboration is a crucial component in driving change in the Asia Pacific region.

In this article, I will reflect on how women leaders, particularly in HR, are uniquely positioned to lead transformation across organisations in Asia Pacific and share personal insights from my experiences leading change and empowering teams.

Women as empathetic leaders driving change

One of the greatest strengths women bring to the leadership table is empathy. Empathy is often regarded as a critical ‘soft’ skill. Empathetic leaders are able to connect with employees on a deeper level, understand their challenges, and provide the necessary support for them to succeed. This ability to relate to the human aspect of an organisation is essential when navigating transformation.

In HR, the human element is at the core of everything we do. From recruiting the right talent to designing employee engagement strategies, our decisions affect the well-being and development of individuals across the organisation. As transformation becomes increasingly people-centric, the role of HR leaders has expanded from simply managing resources to truly understanding and shaping employee experiences. Women leaders are often natural collaborators, able to build strong, supportive relationships with employees, making them well-positioned to facilitate the kind of transformation that puts people at the heart of change.

In my experience at Inchcape, leading HR transformation across multiple countries in Asia Pacific required understanding the unique cultural and organisational dynamics of each market. This involved not just making strategic decisions from the top, but truly listening to the teams on the ground. Whether it was gathering feedback from employees in different regions or leading workshops to ensure everyone felt included in the process, empathy played a key role in fostering trust and ensuring that transformation was not only strategic but also people-oriented.

Empowering leaders to embrace courageous leadership

Women play a pivotal role in empowering others to embrace courageous leadership, especially through times of transformation. Women in leadership roles often take an inclusive approach, ensuring that others have the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed. This focus on empowerment creates an environment where individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their work, contribute new ideas, and drive change from within. The ability to navigate challenges with both strength and vulnerability inspires others to act with confidence and creativity in the face of uncertainty.

At Inchcape, one of our primary objectives has been to build agile, high-performance teams that can respond to the fast-paced changes in the automotive industry. This has meant encouraging cross-functional collaboration, upskilling employees, and creating opportunities for leadership at every level.

I have found that when women leaders actively support their teams by providing opportunities for growth, guidance, and mentorship, the result is a more confident, engaged workforce ready to embrace transformation. By empowering people to step into leadership roles, we not only build a strong foundation for organisational change but also create a culture of leadership that extends throughout the organisation, which is vital for long-term sustainability.

Leading by example: Women’s resilience and change agility

Transformation can often be a difficult and uncertain journey. Whether dealing with technological disruptions, cultural shifts, or economic challenges, change requires resilience, adaptability, and a clear vision. Women leaders have repeatedly demonstrated these traits, particularly in Asia Pacific, where diversity, geographical complexities, and varying business environments add layers of complexity to the change process.

As women, we are often called upon to juggle multiple roles – balancing work, family, and personal responsibilities while leading organisations through change. This experience of resilience and adaptability equips women with a unique perspective on leadership. We understand what it means to navigate challenges and persevere through adversity, and this experience translates into a leadership style that inspires others to do the same.

In my own journey leading transformation at Inchcape APAC, I have had to adapt quickly to rapidly changing business conditions and market demands. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, forced us to rethink how we operate, communicate, and connect with our employees. It was a challenging time, but it also provided an opportunity to rethink our approach to leadership. As a female leader, I was able to leverage my resilience to guide my team through the uncertainty, creating clear communication channels and a sense of stability even in the face of disruption.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in driving change

One of the most profound insights I have gained as a female leader in HR is the undeniable connection between diversity, inclusion, and organisational success. Diversity in leadership teams brings a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences that are crucial for navigating transformation. However, it’s not enough to simply have diverse voices at the table. It is also essential to ensure that these voices are heard and valued.

Women leaders are often at the forefront of driving diversity and inclusion initiatives within organisations. At Inchcape, we have made significant strides in creating a more inclusive workplace where every employee feels respected and has equal access to opportunities for growth. By championing diversity in all its forms – whether gender, ethnicity, or background – we ensure that our transformation efforts are grounded in a broad range of ideas and perspectives.

In my role, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented women and men from diverse backgrounds. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping us navigate the challenges of transformation, and it is through their collaboration that we have been able to innovate, adapt, and thrive. As we continue on this journey, I remain committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain at the core of our transformation efforts.

Women and organisational transformation

As we look toward the future of work, it is clear that women will play an increasingly important role in driving organisational transformation. With their empathy, resilience, and ability to empower teams, women leaders are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in shaping the future of organisations across Asia Pacific.

As I reflect on my own experiences leading transformation at Inchcape APAC, I am reminded of the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and the human touch in driving lasting change. By embracing the leadership qualities that women bring to the table, we can build organisations that are not only resilient but also equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Ultimately, the role of women in shaping organisational change is not just about achieving gender equality – it's about creating workplaces that are more innovative, more inclusive, and better equipped to handle the challenges of the future. It is through women’s leadership that transformation can truly take root and lead organisations toward a more sustainable and successful future.