The Climate Leaders Network presents: a Q&A with Michele Wee

What personal experiences or values first ignited your passion for sustainability, and can you share a defining moment in your career that reinforced your commitment to this cause? How has this shaped your approach to leadership?

On the personal front, my interest was born as early as when I had my first child 16 years ago. Children really have the ability to change your outlook completely. It’s the maternal instinct to want to protect at all cost. The values we instill in the younger generation will add to the ground swell of likeminded individuals to change the world. We start with our own ecosystem and branch out from there, every little bit counts. My Bank’s strategy is to deliver sustained prosperity. My Bank has taken a stand to “Accelerate Net Zero”, “Lift Participation” and “Reset globalization” by capitalizing on our unique footprint and diverse experience to create value for our business, our clients and our communities. I am very lucky that I work in an organization that fully aligns with my personal goals. This wonderful union of purpose and values has allowed me to implement our strategy and stay true to my north star. This is the consistency in which I approach leadership.

In your journey as a woman in leadership, what has been the most significant barrier you’ve had to overcome, and how did it shape your perspective on empowering other women in your industry?

There is this underlying fear of not being good enough, not smart enough, not empathetic enough.  I question myself a lot, I still do. I have learnt to turn this into a positive outcome as I take every opportunity to better myself through continuous learning. I make it a point to consistently step out of comfort zone. My motto “Progress happens outside of comfort zone” is a value that deeply resonates with me. I am lucky that I have the opportunity as a senior female leader to be invited to multiple events to share my experiences. Through these shared experiences, hopefully this has helped others with their personal journeys.

Sustainability and financial inclusion are often spoken of in silos. How do you integrate these concepts in your work at Standard Chartered, and what role do you believe women leaders play in bridging these gaps?

As females, I think we particularly juggle between different roles socially. This gives us a lot more empathy on what’s going on around us. Awareness is the first step to being able to do something to help address the gaps. Especially if we are in the position as senior leaders to utilize the resources around us and support sustainable growth, we need to take ownership, hold ourselves accountable and help where we can. Thankfully, I think that everyone is much clearer now that the two have to go together. The Bank has launched a wonderful program that will support women led and women owned business with financing, overtime supporting women will help build sustainable communities.

Outside of your professional role, are there personal passions or interests that help fuel your commitment to sustainability? How do they influence your approach as a leader?

I am mindful of what I use and influence my family to do the same. Simple things in my view the most often overlooked, for example, we reject single use plastic, we don’t use kitchen paper towels , I support FMCG products that have recycle policies to name a few. You may think this is insignificant but imagine if 8.1bn people have the same considerations, I believe we can collectively make a significant difference. I carry this attitude to the office. Our Bank is LEAD and LEAD EDGE  certified. We live the values of sustainable growth internally and externally.

You’ve mentioned creating a legacy of change. What advice would you give to young women who want to leave their own mark in fields that are traditionally male-dominated?

Firstly, find your North Star and direction of travel, there will be forks in the road which may take you down different path but you will come back to the right path if you truly understand your purpose and values. We carry this in both personal and professional life. Therefore, find the work environment that aligns to this. What I will say is that the work environment is much more supportive of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion so optimize on this opportunity. This means personal ownership and accountability of your own career and life. Seek Coaching and Mentors who will be able to guide you in the journey.

Looking ahead, what trends in sustainability and leadership are you most excited about? How do you envision inspiring the next generation of leaders to embrace these opportunities and continue your legacy of impact?

For sustainability, I am excited in the role of data and technology in ESG reporting. We can progress what we can measure. For leadership, change and agile mindset to be able to adapt to rapid changing environments and the social contract. I also strongly believe in being a vulnerable and authentic leader. Trust is foundation of any relationships. I will continue to share my views on these topics. In my view, even if I can have an impact on 1 individual, it is a job well done as every little bit counts.