Intan Suraya Shaarani

Not antisocial, just selectively social. With almost 10 years leadership experience I'm supposed to be naturally outgoing but as a certified introvert (not officially) I’ve always preferred quiet corners over crowded rooms, shaped by a childhood of frequent school changes due to my parents’ careers. Making close friends felt like speed dating with no second round, leaving people unsure if I was shy, mysterious, or just a little weird. Stepping into leadership early on felt like assembling IKEA furniture without a manual. As someone who thrives on structure, I believed clear KPIs and goals would guarantee results. Spoiler, they didn’t. I often wondered, “Why is it so hard to close the month-end book on time?” Working with Gen Z brilliant, tech savvy, but sometimes mysteriously absent from scheduled meetings (that right there on the calendar). I kept pushing for results, convinced that structure alone would solve everything. But then came a wake-up call that changed everything. My youngest sister, who often said I was too hard on her, passed away suddenly at 22. Her words echoed in my heart long after. I realized that doing “what’s best” isn’t just about being right - it’s about being present, kind, and trusting others to grow in their own way. That moment reshaped my approach to leadership. I began to see it not just as managing tasks, but as guiding people through uncertainty with empathy, patience, and honest communication. When you genuinely care, people respond. When you listen, they thrive. Today, I lead a big, dynamic team that’s more in sync than I ever thought possible (despite still awkward weather talk with someone in the elevator). They’ve even mastered the art of asking for coffee treats after a smooth month-end close. And yes, I give in because when my team delivers, and grows together, a cup of coffee is a small price to pay for a job well done. Leadership continues to be a journey of growth - and apparently, so is elevator small talk.