HLP Voices Series#3 - Don’t forget to say thanks to our male allies!

We are proud to welcome Dr. Christina SS Ooi as our guest for HLP Voices.

Dr. Ooi is a seasoned executive and thought leader with over a decade of leadership experience in procurement and strategic transformation, having held senior roles in renowned organizations such as Air Liquide, FGV Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airlines, Khazanah Nasional Berhad and IBM.

Named a 2024 LinkedIn Top Voice, Dr. Ooi is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI) and a certified member of the ESG Association of Malaysia. She currently serves as a Board Member of CMI Regional Board of Malaysia, and is widely respected as a speaker, mentor, and published author.

✍️ By Dr. Christina SS Ooi

Dr. Christina SS Ooi, FCMI

In the spirit of International Women’s Day 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on our career journeys as women. How far we’ve come. How we navigated through the maze of the corporate world. And how we managed to overcome all those adversities. 

As I look back at all those years of early struggles in the different roles, organizations and industries, there was one common thread in all of my experiences. I had male allies who were there for me – listen, support and respect. I owe my illustrious professional life to all of them.

I discovered that male allyship took many different forms and varieties. And every one of them had given me a nudge or two. Even their assuring faces were like words of encouragement. And of motivation to me. 

My male allies were not just my immediate managers. Some were my peers. And others, my friends from university days. 

I found myself attracted to male dominated industries like technology, telecommunications, aviation, plantation, and even industrial gas. For some strange reasons. Perhaps that was one good reason why I was surrounded by more male allies than my other peers who were in non-male dominated industries.

It was not smooth sailing for sure. Bumps along the road. Hiccups and teething problems were aplenty. But every time a challenge or two raised their ugly heads, I was bold and courageous to take the bull by the horns. I mustered enough guts to face adversities. And used my grit and tenacity to plod on. Resilience and willpower were my top strengths. 

Even then, I was not successful at every attempt. I had my fair share of failure. But I was not afraid to falter and flop. But I bounced back. Again and again. Until I succeeded.

I did not do everything on my own. I had my team, yes. But it was my male allies who rallied behind me. Cheered me along the way. They never gave up on me. 

I must say some of them were fantastic listeners. Maybe they were born to listen to my opinions, points of view and perspectives. They were active listeners, to say the least. They demonstrated plenty of empathy. In a way, it indirectly boosted my self-confidence by validating my feelings.

Then there was the time when I tabled my humble opinions, my male allies helped to amplify my voice. They made sure that my ideas and contributions were valued and heard by top leadership. They were my sponsors who called out my name in those high profile meetings.   

I had always felt that my male managers promoted inclusive environments. I never felt left out. This really helped me find my sense of belonging in the workplace. They created a psychologically safe platform for everyone, both men and women, for all of us to share our humble views, and to speak up. I asked a lot of questions. And never once was I ridiculed, brushed aside or dismissed.

And above all, they were always supportive of my wanting to take up key leadership positions. I had always put my hand up for those positions without any fear nor self-doubt. Because I know I have their continuous support. And they always had my back. No matter what.

And in celebration of the International Women’s Month in March 2025, I pay tribute to all my male allies. Thank you so much for everything!