Lisa Gulbin’s Post

Speaking in front of an audience has always been a daunting feat to me. I forget how to speak in full sentences, I can’t string my lines together, or speak too fast… but for some reason this time, it all clicked. Grateful to be invited by the Asia Pacific Community Circle ERG at Zalando as a speaker, and for the super attentive audience who got to listen to me for 45 minutes as I shared my experiences as a Singaporean living in Germany and what I recommend to do to dissolve stereotypes at the workplace. In summary, they are 3 things: 1) Help others understand your background (if anyone can name Asian stereotypes they’re not realizing how diverse Asia is) 2) Break out of the mould when it feels right (if saying no is too hard, saying hmm can be a step towards it) 3) Do the same thing for the other culture (understand their background + accept they could break out of their mould too) Thanks also to the organizers who made it a smooth sailing experience Wei Gao Jooyeun Jeon Rishabha Ganju

🎉 It's my 12th Work Anniversary at Canon Singapore! It feels like just yesterday when I walked through the doors🚪on April 19, 2012, for my first day at work in Canon. As I celebrate this milestone, equivalent to one cycle of the Chinese zodiac calendar and a journey I never imagined would extend this far, I'm taking a pause to reflect on this incredible journey of growth, learning, and achievements that has marked this chapter of my career. Here are my 5 personal key takeaways: 1. Productivity Over Long Hours ⏰ Quality over quantity. While I initially found myself spending long hours, including many late nights in office and weekends, to immerse myself in understanding the business, I've come to realise that true productivity isn't about the number of hours worked, but rather the quality of work accomplished. 2. Embrace Change and Innovation💡 The only constant is change, and embracing innovation is vital for staying ahead and being relevant. Witnessing the transformative evolution of smartphone📱cameras in our industry underscores the importance of embracing change and innovation. 3. Empathy Matters 💕 Beyond skills and knowledge, empathy is essential in fostering strong relationships and teamwork. Understanding and supporting colleagues (even the most difficult ones) can go a long way to enhance collaboration and strengthen bonds. 4. Finding Balance 🏄🏻♂️ Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing pursuit. There are times when work (e.g. during event season) demands more attention, and other times when personal life events (such as wedding 💒 and loss of a loved one) take precedence. It's about give-and-take, and finding harmony and flexibility to navigate through different priorities. 5. Prioritise Health 💪 Health is Wealth. Amidst the hustle and bustle of work, prioritising physical 🏃♂️ and mental well-being 🧠 is essential. Taking care of ourselves enables us to perform at our best and sustain long-term success. This journey has been truly humbling and meaningful, thanks to the talented and dedicated colleagues who have inspired me to push boundaries and pursue excellence. To my bosses, colleagues, and team members, thank you for your trust, support, and guidance over these 12 years. Here's to continued growth, learning, and success in the years ahead! 🙏 #workanniversary #Canon #reflection #thankful

A year ago today, I thought I had officially hit the peak of my career. It was announced that we (Digitas North America) had won our pitch to LVMH, which simultaneously felt like a dream come true after all the hard work, late nights, and invigorating creative moments (and it is genuinely my dream company to work for) while also feeling very much like the bittersweet conclusion, as I knew I would not be continuing to officially onboard this incredible new client. However, two days later I realized that I had received the greatest promotion of my career. Under my new title, mom, I found that my career wasn’t over. My skills of organization, time management, creative problem solving under pressure, and training/teaching were just given a new challenge and opportunity for me to level up. Returning to work after my maternity leave, I have found myself bursting at the seams with growth and feeling so ready to continue to level up. I got lucky (or maybe I made my own luck) in that I was able to work for that dream client, building their audiences, for a small stint while transitioning back, before rolling on full time to another pretty incredible team serving another extraordinary client, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company . I used to think that life and work were in competition. That was why you need to "balance" in the work/life arena. But in reality, work is part of life and growth in life is a part of growth in the workplace. These are not competing parts of ourselves, but rather an integrated apparatus from which we form our whole selves. Do not fear growth in any area of your life. Let it lead you forward in all aspects of yourself. #inspiration #careergrowth #growthmindset

I am almost three years into my tenure at TIAA and one of the things I am most proud of is the culture we have built within the Marketing & Communications team, created in part through our team wide rituals. A critical ritual is our Quarterly Town Hall which we hosted again this week. We have created an intentional structure we repeat every quarter: • Introducing new faces, celebrating tenure and promotions. Who doesn’t want a shout out? • Building personal connection through a single question asked of every presenter, starting with me. This quarter the question was ‘What was your first job?’ I believe that this builds greater affinity. A surprising number of people worked in hairdressers. • Bringing in a speaker from outside Marketing & Communications to share perspective and including a rapid fire question round. • Reviewing our shared scorecard, celebrating the wins, but with a focus on ‘embracing the yellow/red’ so we can learn where we need to do better. This is how we build a growth mindset as a team. • Inviting team members from all levels to present learnings from the prior quarter and others to share what’s coming the following quarter. Folks don’t want to just hear from leaders - they want to learn from each other. • Open, live Q&A. Unscripted, but not anonymous. I got a great question yesterday about my biggest AHA’s of 2024. Maybe I’ll share those in my next post. Thanks to the whole team for everything you continue to do to grow our business and build our collective culture. What team rituals do you have?

Magic moment at Starbucks 😁🙏 Yesterday , I experienced something truly special that reminded me of the importance of staying consistent and true to my values. While sitting in a Starbucks, three different individuals, each from twenty years ago, approached me separately to express their gratitude for the positive impact my work had on their lives. I thought this was some sort of prank, it was surreal. The first individual young man in his 30s married with children shared how my speeches had helped shape his perception on life. The second individual a mother of 2 mentioned how she now teaches her children the lessons she learnt from me. The third individual appreciated the accuracy and sincerity with which I delivered my messages. These encounters turned my ordinary day into an extraordinary one and underscored the significance of my efforts over the years. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s not working or what needs fixing in our lives and our work , but simple moments like these can make you feel fulfilled. This experience has reinforced a vital lesson: it's essential to reflect on your journey and recognise the impact you've made. Here are a few takeaways from my reflections: 1. Stay Consistent: Consistency in your efforts and message builds trust and reliability. Over time, this consistency becomes the foundation of your impact. 2. Be Genuine: Authenticity resonates deeply with people. When you genuinely care about others and their growth, it leaves a lasting impression. 3. Reflect on Your Growth:Regularly take time to look back on your journey. Acknowledge the milestones and the positive changes you’ve inspired. This reflection not only motivates you to keep going but also helps you stay aligned with your values. 4. Pay It Forward: The lessons you impart can ripple through generations. Seeing others pass on what they've learned from you is a powerful testament to your influence. In our busy lives, we often forget the journey we’ve been on and the impact we’ve made. Moments like these serve as a reminder to keep moving forward with purpose and dedication. So, take a moment today to reflect on your own journey and appreciate the positive changes you've contributed to. It will not only inspire you but also reaffirm the path you’re on. Keep going, stay true, and continue to make a difference. Remember someone is being impacted by your presence, so keep loving people.

When I joined Eyrene as the customer success officer, the company was already an established business. But it wasn’t always like that. Two founders started Eyrene in the mid 2010s, one was a tech whiz, the other - a man with vast business expertise. The guys were initially off to a bumpy start, but who isn’t, right? The first major customer – PepsiCo  – came in 2017 (still with us to this day - thank you guys). I personally mediated the whole thing, living up to my job title of customer success officer. The PepsiCo deal was followed by key partnerships with Henkel Polska, Henkel Iberica, BAT Malaysia, and some other big names. When the pandemic hit, Eyrene pretty much went into survival mode, focusing solely on the existing customers. But we weathered the storm. 2021 marked a turning point, when the market started to pick back up, and a strategic decision was made to go global. Since then Eyrene has captured a rather substantial share of the digital merchandising market. We are continuously looking for ways to expand our geography. What began as a team of 2, has evolved into a business with over 80 staff members (makes me super excited as Eyrene’s CEO). And the growth doesn't stop there. We are actively onboarding staff members, and not only tech guys. Fingers crossed, it is going to stay that way:)

This month, I’m celebrating my 2nd anniversary at Miviso. How did I feel when starting this new journey? Well, at the beginning, I felt scared and lost. 😱 (Of course, they didn't know about this.) 😀😉 I knew how to overcome challenges and difficult situations, but would I be as effective in a new industry, working with different people, and adjusting to a new team and clients? After two years, I'm excited to share what's been helping me along the way: ✔️𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 Stay curious, ask questions, and be willing to admit that you don't know everything. No one comes fully prepared, even in senior roles. ✔️𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 Share your thoughts, plans, and challenges openly. This ensures timely help, not just during adaptation but always. ✔️𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 Don't sacrifice what's important to you for a good first impression. Think long-term. ✔️𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 I believe in the power of sharing knowledge to create an environment where everyone can learn and excel. ✔️𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐬 Prioritize collective success over individual glory. It's "we", not "I" that drives workplace achievements. ✔️𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 Be honest, reliable, and respectful to make everyone feel valued. Don't forget to collaborate on an equal footing. ✔️𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 Provide support and guidance, enable colleagues to reach their full potential, and please, don't cut their wings. ✔️𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 Offer constructive and actionable feedback. Praise what went well and offer suggestions for improvement. ✔️𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 Be responsible for your actions, especially when things go wrong. Learn from mistakes and demonstrate integrity and accountability. ✔️𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 (𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦) 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Acknowledge hard work and dedication, and celebrate achievements, big or small.

As I approach my 5-year work anniversary at Walmart, (08/13/24) I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had. This milestone is not just a marker of time; it represents personal & professional growth. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. This post is not just a celebration of time spent but a tribute to the growth, lessons learned, & the strength I’ve gained along the way. Five years ago, I walked through the doors of Walmart as a New associate, eager to learn & contribute. Little did I know that this journey would be filled with challenges that would test my resilience & character. Throughout these years, I’ve faced various situations—some rewarding & others quite difficult. However, each experience has been an opportunity for growth. Through every trial, I learned to stay strong & committed to my values.The struggles I encountered became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. They pushed me to dig deep within myself and discover strengths I never knew existed. This journey has not only made me a better employee but also a better person.I’ve learned that perseverance is key. There were times when I felt overwhelmed or underappreciated, but instead of letting those feelings consume me, I chose to focus on what I could control: my attitude & my work ethic. This mindset has not only helped me navigate tough situations but has also allowed me to emerge stronger and more determined. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of empathy. Understanding that everyone has their struggles has made me more compassionate towards my colleagues and customers alike. This empathy drives me to support others who may be going through similar challenges. In an environment where opinions can vary widely, staying true to my values has been crucial. I’ve encountered individuals who stood up for what was right, even when it was unpopular or criticized. Their courage inspired me to be a better me & to advocate for others who may be struggling &feel overwhelmed. Help advocate fairness and kindness in every interaction.Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate with a few remarkable individuals who have remained genuine & supportive despite the ups & downs. These relationships have been invaluable beyond measure; they remind me that there are people who care deeply about doing what’s right. Each challenge has equipped me with tools to help others facing similar struggles—whether it’s offering guidance or simply being a listening ear. As I celebrate this milestone, I am filled with hope for what lies ahead. My goal is not just personal growth but also helping others thrive in their. I pray that I continue learning and evolving into the best version of myself while uplifting those around me in their own journeys as well. Here’s to many more years of growth, resilience, and making a positive impact together.

As I approach my 5-year work anniversary at Walmart, (08/13/24) I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had. This milestone is not just a marker of time; it represents personal & professional growth. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. This post is not just a celebration of time spent but a tribute to the growth, lessons learned, & the strength I’ve gained along the way. Five years ago, I walked through the doors of Walmart as a New associate, eager to learn & contribute. Little did I know that this journey would be filled with challenges that would test my resilience & character. Throughout these years, I’ve faced various situations—some rewarding & others quite difficult. However, each experience has been an opportunity for growth. Through every trial, I learned to stay strong & committed to my values.The struggles I encountered became stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. They pushed me to dig deep within myself and discover strengths I never knew existed. This journey has not only made me a better employee but also a better person.I’ve learned that perseverance is key. There were times when I felt overwhelmed or underappreciated, but instead of letting those feelings consume me, I chose to focus on what I could control: my attitude & my work ethic. This mindset has not only helped me navigate tough situations but has also allowed me to emerge stronger and more determined. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of empathy. Understanding that everyone has their struggles has made me more compassionate towards my colleagues and customers alike. This empathy drives me to support others who may be going through similar challenges. In an environment where opinions can vary widely, staying true to my values has been crucial. I’ve encountered individuals who stood up for what was right, even when it was unpopular or criticized. Their courage inspired me to be a better me & to advocate for others who may be struggling &feel overwhelmed. Help advocate fairness and kindness in every interaction.Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate with a few remarkable individuals who have remained genuine & supportive despite the ups & downs. These relationships have been invaluable beyond measure; they remind me that there are people who care deeply about doing what’s right. Each challenge has equipped me with tools to help others facing similar struggles—whether it’s offering guidance or simply being a listening ear. As I celebrate this milestone, I am filled with hope for what lies ahead. My goal is not just personal growth but also helping others thrive in their journeys. I pray that I continue learning and evolving into the best version of myself while uplifting those around me in their own journeys as well. Here’s to many more years of growth, resilience, and making a positive impact together.

This year SIMPLE celebrates its 30th anniversary and I have spent 1 of those 30 years with the company 🍾 After 5.5 years at BSH, I didn't think I would return to FMCG from the technology sector. But now I want to share with you my top three reasons why I love Simple. And no, it's not just the opportunity to take part in product tastings 🍷 - although testing wine and vacuum cleaners are two very different types of internal product testing 😃 1/ The cosmopolitan nature of the company - working with the best suppliers in the world and with many marketers who specialise in different regions and bring a piece of their country's culture with them. 2/ The company's resilience and crisis management - in a country where economic and political upheavals are constant and family businesses are almost non-existent, 30 years is a truly significant milestone. 3/ Developing the country's wine culture - it's not just about putting wine on the shelves. It includes our own media, an in-house marketing agency, and expertise in developing our own brands. I wish Simple many more milestones over the next 30 years, and I wish all my colleagues continued drive! 🥂