The Women Behind the Power that Matters

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The Women Behind the Power that Matters

Celebrate International Women’s Day 2020 by getting to know the women in Rolls-Royce.

On 8 March, the world celebrates International Women’s Day! To help acknowledge the achievements of women everywhere, we talked to our very own female professionals at Rolls-Royce in Singapore – one of the company’s five global hubs – to see what motivates them to achieve more:

Anna Tai, Chief of Materials Capability Group

1. Hi Anna! Can you tell us more about what you do in Rolls-Royce?

Sure! I lead a team of engineers to provide materials engineering services to in-service fleets and manufacturing facilities in the Asia Pacific region. Research is also another field I’m involved in and I have a team in Research and Technology, developing techniques and methods for use in component repair services. We are also doing our part for sustainability and supporting materials development strategies in electrification which will help reduce carbon emissions.

2. What’s your secret to juggling work-life balance?

I believe it takes an understanding of which is required more based on different situations and adjusting accordingly. I focus on setting my boundaries by my priorities at a given point in time, whether it is to work more in the office or allocate time for family or an errand at home. It’s also important to ask for help when you need it—both at work and in your personal life. I’m fortunate to have a supportive family that offers motivation for whatever I do.

3. What excites you in your role every day?

The team I lead is very diverse in the activities and support they provide to Rolls-Royce. This challenges me constantly and allows me to broaden my knowledge in the work we do.  I am learning new things every day. The people that I meet in my role, internally and externally, are very dynamic and I learn a lot from speaking with them. I need to switch my gears often and very quickly to stay engaged and adapt to different styles of communication for the variety of people I meet in my role.

4. Who’s a female figure that inspires you the most?

It would be Elizabeth Choy, one of the early pioneers in Singapore’s history. I love reading war stories and movies and Mrs Choy is a female war heroine in those difficult times. She was courageous to stand up to help others in the face of oppression and also advocated education for the blind in Singapore.

Michelle Hatfield, Commercial Manager, Asia Pacific Customer Team, Civil Aerospace

1. Hello Michelle, can you tell us what you do in Rolls-Royce?

I am responsible for the contractual account management of key customers in the region. The quality of customer experience is the name of the game and some of my customers include leading carriers like Singapore Airlines. Currently, I am on maternity leave following the birth of my second child.

2. Congratulations! How will a new addition to the family affect your work and personal life?

There will definitely be a period of adjustment, but it helps to be working in an environment that supports flexibility. I also acknowledge that certain aspects of my job require a degree of sacrifice. Hence, it’s important to not feel the need to be apologetic for the idea that both work and personal life are of great importance to me. I’m also mindful to focus on my well-being and I’m glad to have a loving husband and family that support me.

3. What are some of your proudest moments in the company?

As aviation and technology needs change fast, meeting customer demands can be pretty challenging—and also extremely rewarding. That’s why I was very happy when given the Rolls-Royce Trusted to Deliver Excellence award. It was fulfilling to know that our customers were happy with the hard work my team and I put in. My team members are very dear to me and my passion is also to see them grow and excel. Great moments are also built by smaller ones. Hence, I’m really proud of my work in the day-to-day responsibility of driving win-win outcomes with new customers like Vietnam Airlines and Japan Airlines.

Era Eryani Abu Bakar, Technician, Seletar Assembly and Test Unit

Era Eryani (left picture: front row, second from the left; also pictured on the right) with her senior Nur Atikah Azman (left picture: second row from the bottom, seated at the centre) and their team.

1. Tell us what you do at Rolls-Royce, Era!

I am part of a team in the Seletar Assembly and Test Unit. We assemble the cores of the Rolls-Royce Trent engines. Another part of my job is to inspect the engine before it is sent for testing. This is to ensure that it is built to industry standards and according to specifications.

2. It sounds like it takes a tremendous amount of work and focus. What keeps you going?

My job varies every day. Therefore, I face different types of challenge constantly. Crazy as it may sound, I love challenges. It gives me that adrenaline to push myself to be better. Above all, there’s always something to new learn.

3. What’s your personal motto in work and life?

Do what you love and love what you do. When we follow what we’re passionate about, we enjoy what we do every day. With proper time management and discipline, I also get to enjoy both aspects of my life.

4. Who are the women that inspire you most?

There are two women close to my heart. The first is my mother, who is the perfect demonstration of hard work over talent. She worked her way up with little to no educational qualifications. The second is Nur Atikah Azman, my senior and mentor. Her professionalism and willingness to pass on her skills is very inspiring. I wouldn’t be where I am if not for her.

Gennie Neo, Venturing and Incubation Lead, R2 Data Labs, Asia Pacific

1. Your role in R2 Data Labs sounds incredibly exciting! What can you tell us about it, Gennie?

R2 Data Labs is our acceleration hub for data innovation. We use amazing technologies like advanced data analytics, industrial artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to create new services for customers and find more efficient ways for design, manufacturing and operations.

In my role, I help create and manage partnerships between Rolls-Royce and innovative start-ups, educational establishments, industrial partners, public sector bodies, internal teams, customers and suppliers. The aim is to build on one another’s technological expertise and lead innovative projects that deliver value to Rolls-Royce and the industry.  

2. The work sounds challenging. What’s your secret to juggling your responsibilities in work and life?

There’s no secret really! It’s all about prioritising work tasks intelligently and purposefully making time to have a life.

3. What do you believe are the biggest stereotypes against women in the industry?

It’s the pre-existing ideology that women are tied to wifehood and motherhood. Women are capable of so much more.

4. How would you like to see women play a bigger role in the company?

It’s definitely to see more women taking on leadership positions. I believe people have entrenched impressions of leaders, such as being bold, assertive or visionary, which are more often than not associated with characteristics of men. However, leadership is more than that. I believe men and women can lead as individuals in their own style.

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