To the World, On embracing our authentic selves

By Bea Lim, Managing Director

It’s been a tradition for my Mom, Monette Iturralde-Hamlin and I to chat about the state of women empowerment leading up to International Women’s Day. In 2023, we recorded a podcast on Embracing Equity and what it means to be an inconvenient woman – someone who defies the “norm” and works hard to break barriers and biases. One of the topics we touched on struck me so hard that it became a reflection for an entire year leading up to IWD 2024.

We talked about getting to a point that when we talk about women in leadership positions, or in careers or designations that are usually attributed to males, we do not have to attach our gender to it—women leaders, female CEO, female president, female astronauts, engineers, scientists. Mom discussed her experience at the Women Business Council and the book they wrote called I Am Woman. She shared her hope where the word “leader” didn’t need qualifiers – a future where  women leaders are simply called leaders and recognized for their skills and the positive impact they have.

That’s when we’ve made it – when we do not have to push and fight for our dream jobs or our skillsets or talents because we’re female. When we are celebrated for who we are, for our worth, for our hard work and passion as leaders. Period.

This vision is something we hold so close to our hearts in TeamAsia. We want to continue creating a space where we celebrate every person’s unique essence, free from labels that hold us back. A world where we can be our authentic selves, “loud and proud” with our own special mix of talents and perspectives.

This vision motivates me every day. It’s a world I want to see and live in myself, and for countless others. It’s a vision that has even inspired TeamAsia’s own commitment to pushing for gender inclusivity and equity. We strive to ensure every next-level experience we bring to our partners and communities reflects this value.

Our journey towards that dream continues, and it’s fueled by a deep belief that every voice deserves to be heard. Let’s keep talking about this, keep practicing this amazing act of embracing inclusivity and equity. Let’s create a world where everyone’s authentic selves shine, celebrate our individuality, and inspire each other.

In doing that, I leave you with a challenge: what do you think should be the next theme for women’s month? Yes, we are continuing the conversation because the work doesn’t stop at the end of the lovely, empowering month of March. This is everyday work.

So let’s make it happen.

With passion and purpose,
Bea Lim