In today's fast-paced, competitive world, we often equate success with audacity, aggression, and the relentless pursuit of goals. Yet, occasionally, we come across stories that remind us that success can also be sculpted with gentleness, kindness, and humility. The story of Kelvin Teo ☀️, the Co-founder and CEO of Funding Societies, Modalku Group, and his esteemed Singapore Managing Director/Country Lead, Simon Xie, is one such narrative.
A Symphony of Ambition and Humility
Their journey isn't merely a business success story. It’s a saga of human connection, of humble leadership, and of achievements that resonate beyond boardroom charts and profit margins. Kelvin's ascent to establishing Southeast Asia's largest SME digital financing platform stands as a beacon to many, not just for the professional milestones but for his unwavering authenticity and empathy.
This CEO's self-description as an "introverted and spontaneous" individual outside of work may surprise some, considering his monumental achievements. But it serves as a powerful reminder: success in the business realm doesn’t mandate an extroverted, dominating personality. Genuine kindness and supportiveness, traits Kelvin exemplifies, can also form the pillars of an impactful leader.
On the other hand, Simon Xie, with over a decade's experience in financial services, complements Kelvin perfectly. As the architect of a cohesive strategy involving sales, partnerships, and operations at Funding Societies Singapore, Simon is a testament to how visionary leadership can steer an organization's mission.
Their combined ethos presents a philosophy where the values of a company mirror the integrity and character of its leaders.
Why Humble Leadership Resonates
But, one might ask, why is humility in leadership so essential?
It's a fair question in a business environment that often highlights aggression as a key to success. But as Kelvin and Simon prove, humility is not the antithesis of ambition. In fact, humble leaders often build workplaces where employees feel genuinely valued. In such nurturing ecosystems, innovation is not just a buzzword; it's an everyday reality. Here, teams are not just collections of individuals; they become synergistic units pushing boundaries.
For many of us in the corporate realm, terms like empathic leadership often float around as trendy jargon. But at Funding Societies, these aren't just words. They're a lived experience, influencing every decision and action.
A Beacon for Future Leaders
As we scout for inspiration in our professional journeys, looking towards leaders like Kelvin and Simon can be transformative. Their tale reminds us that scaling professional summits doesn't necessitate leaving one's authentic self behind.
Success, as showcased by the duo and their team, becomes even more poignant when blended with humility. It leaves a lasting imprint, not just on balance sheets but on hearts and minds.
To young professionals and seasoned executives alike, let their story be a reminder: It is not just the destination but the journey's character that truly matters. In the world of business, as in life, wearing one's heart on one's sleeve can be the most potent armor.
As we chronicle the success stories of our times, let's ensure narratives like Kelvin's and Simon's don't get lost in the cacophony. Theirs is a tale worth telling, retelling, and most importantly, emulating.
-This is an opinion piece by Dr Magda Lilia CHELLY, Managing Director and CISO, Responsible Cyber. Follow her on LinkedIn.
