Event report
Past Event | Inspirational Women Leaders’ Series #20
For the the 20th edition of our our Inspirational Women Leaders series, we had the pleasure of welcoming two accomplished speakers: Karine Delvallée, CEO Singapore and Head for Southeast Asia at BNP Paribas and Femke Kroese, General Manager Southeast Asia & Oceania at Air France KLM.
In an intimate and candid conversation, moderated by Chloé Vialard, Avocate/Lawyer at A&O Shearman, both leaders shared candid experiences, practical wisdom, and uplifting messages for the next generation of leaders. The conversation spanned working abroad, navigating cultural and business complexities in Southeast Asia, and the personal leadership traits that define resilient, people-centric leaders.
Below are the five key learnings that emerged from the discussion:
1. Transform Challenges Into Opportunities
The speakers highlighted how crises can become catalysts for growth when approached with openness and resilience. Taking opportunities to live and work in new environments fosters adaptability, shapes one’s leadership identity, and creates unexpected paths for both personal and professional advancement.
2. Trust and People-Centric Cultures Drive Growth
A recurring theme was the importance of trust—trusting teams, giving ownership even when expertise is still developing, and offering space to learn by doing. The leaders emphasized cultivating an environment where collaboration is natural, support is accessible, and people are encouraged to rise to their potential. Building a culture of “proof of trust” empowers individuals and strengthens team cohesion.
3. Southeast Asia: A Region of Complexity and Opportunity
The speakers shared insights into the dynamic and diverse markets of Southeast Asia. With varying stages of economic development, distinct jurisdictions, and rapidly evolving client expectations, the region presents both complexity and immense opportunity. The fast-paced growth of AI and digital transformation is reshaping several sectors. Success requires agility, patience, and a holistic approach to building long-term client relationships.
4. Balancing Global Vision with Local Realities
Operating across global organisations requires constant dialogue between regional teams and headquarters. Leaders highlighted the need to contextualize global policies, ensuring they align with the sophistication and competitiveness of local markets. Achieving this balance means hiring strong local talent while also retaining individuals who understand the company’s global culture and can influence HQ. Navigating both worlds is essential for sustainable impact.
5. Leadership Is a Journey of Continuous Learning
From pivotal career moments to personal habits, the leaders spoke about the value of going beyond one’s job scope, maintaining a growth mindset, and building resilience. They stressed the power of mentorship, external coaching, and cross-industry peer networks. Personal touches also matter—leaders who stay connected, remember names, and explain complexity simply leave lasting impressions.
They encouraged aspiring leaders to “be a sponge,” absorb knowledge from every interaction, nurture professional relationships, and confidently speak up about their achievements. Networks—especially women’s networks—play a vital role in opening doors and shaping long-term opportunities.
The event served as an inspiring reminder that great leadership combines courage, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to people. By embracing challenges, fostering trust, and staying curious, women leaders across industries can shape not only their careers but the future of their organisations.
A heartfelt thank you to Karine, Femke, and Chloé for their inspiring contributions and to everyone who joined us for this engaging conversation.
This event was supported by our Committee Partner, BNP Paribas.
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