Chi-’CEO’: Women on the driver’s seat
During breakfast one morning, my 10-year-old daughter announced she preferred hanging out with boys because, in her words, “They’re drama-free.” As a mom of five, I’ve seen it all, and her remark transported me back to my childhood—surrounded by my older brother and his friends. Back then, I thought I had mastered navigating a male-dominated world—especially when I co-founded Tuason Racing School with my husband in 1999. Racing was masculine, straightforward, drama-free—or so I thought. Boy, was I wrong.
Handling twenty or thirty racing egos, each fiercely competitive with only one winner, quickly taught me that drama isn’t exclusive to one gender. Now, 26 years later, as CEO of Tuason Racing, I’ve realized a crucial lesson: You don’t have to sacrifice your feminine strengths to succeed in a man’s world.
Mom CEO wisdom
Being a mother has unexpectedly sharpened my leadership skills. Just like parenting, guiding your team involves clearly laying out options and consequences, and letting them make informed choices. This method fosters autonomy and accountability—no babysitting required (well, maybe just a little).
Another crucial lesson is not to take things personally. Younger Jeanette used to get easily frazzled and upset that work conflicts stole precious family time. Now, wiser Jeanette has learned that not everything deserves emotional bandwidth. Letting go of issues quickly ensures they don’t hijack your entire day, saving your sanity and boosting productivity.
And speaking of sanity, never underestimate the power of taking a step back. Whether it’s a quiet coffee break or a quick meditation between meetings, reclaiming even a few moments to reset can make all the difference.
Rallying for change: Angkas founder , Angeline Tham
Angeline Tham never imagined herself steering a motorcycle business, let alone one that would challenge the status quo. Raised in Singapore with traditional expectations—excelling academically and securing a stable career—she started at JP Morgan, firmly planted in the banking world. However, life had other plans. Angeline’s defining moment came in 2019 when nearly 30,000 Angkas riders united to defend their livelihood. Witnessing their passion transformed Angkas from a mere enterprise into a powerful social movement.
For Angeline, leadership is deeply rooted in empathy and respect. Each rider isn’t just a statistic; they’re individuals with families, dreams, and stories worth hearing. Her empathetic approach doesn’t merely drive profits—it changes lives. She advises women in male-dominated fields not to internalize biases: “Recognize your unique strengths, and don’t let societal expectations box you in.”
When challenges arise, Angeline finds strength in the Serenity Prayer and the Taoist parable of the farmer, both emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
Multiple shutdowns taught her that setbacks are simply preparations for comebacks, enabling her to rebuild Angkas stronger each time.
Legacy leadership: Lisset Laus-Velasco
Lisset Laus-Velasco grew up immersed in her family’s automotive business in Pampanga. Guided by her father, the late Levy P. Laus, she learned early that genuine leadership transcends gender, rooted instead in integrity and unwavering dedication. Initially pursuing a career outside the family business, Lisset eventually embraced her legacy, driven by her father’s deep-seated values: resilience, integrity, and a passion for community growth.
Taking over LausGroup after her father’s sudden passing tested her resilience, especially with the added challenge of steering the company through a global pandemic. She tackled these trials with strategic prioritization, empowering her team and ensuring balance between work, family, and self-care. Motherhood further honed her leadership, teaching her invaluable lessons in patience, clear communication, and empathy. She believes great leaders guide and uplift others, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Lisset’s go-to strategy for stressful times is gratitude. She maintains clarity and purpose even amid chaos by focusing on the positives. Her advice to aspiring female leaders is heartfelt yet straightforward: “Have courage, remain authentic, and always lead with kindness. Your gender is not a barrier; it’s your unique strength.”
Driving forward
Navigating the male-dominated motoring industry might feel daunting, but remember this: Women have strengths uniquely suited to leadership. Embrace them, leverage them, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed step back. Remember, you’re not here to fit in but to make a difference.
