Mastering People Strategy: Insights from Singtel’s HR Leader Aileen Tan

Navigating the intricate landscape of human resources and culture transformation can be a daunting task. In a recent episode of “Rolling Stories,” host Adrian Tan and co-host Manu Khetan welcomed Aileen Tan, the Group Chief People & Sustainability Officer at Singtel Group. Aileen shared invaluable insights on her unconventional journey into HR, the transformative power of Singtel’s ‘BIG’ culture framework, and the crucial role of AI democratization and sustainable HR practices in building future-ready organizations. By exploring Aileen’s journey and her advice, we uncover actionable strategies that HR leaders and organizations can implement to create a thriving, inclusive, and innovative workplace.

Key Takeaways

• • Culture is More Than a Slogan: Singtel’s ‘BIG’ framework (Belonging, Impact, Growth) actively shapes employee engagement and experience, demonstrating that culture must be lived, not just declared.
  • Trust and Authenticity Drive Leadership: Aileen’s transition from ‘textbook smart’ to building genuine relationships highlights the power of vulnerability and trust in effective leadership.
  • Democratizing AI and Talent Mobility is Key: Proactive AI training for all employees and unconventional talent mobility practices are crucial for building capability and retaining talent.

Defining and Living Organizational Culture

The Essence of ‘BIG’ Culture

Aileen Tan emphasizes that Singtel’s ‘BIG’ culture framework — focusing on Belonging, Impact, and Growth — is not just a set of aspirational words but a living, breathing framework that deeply enhances employee engagement. This framework serves as a cornerstone for fostering a positive and productive work environment.

• Belonging: Creating an environment where every employee feels welcomed, valued, and safe to express their ideas. This goes beyond simple inclusion to active participation and psychological safety.
• Impact: Empowering employees to understand how their contributions directly affect the company’s success and broader society. This sense of purpose drives motivation and commitment.
• Growth: Providing continuous learning opportunities and career development pathways, enabling employees to expand their skills and potential. This fosters a dynamic workforce ready for future challenges.

By meticulously integrating these elements into daily operations and employee initiatives, Singtel demonstrates that a well-defined and actively practiced culture is paramount for both employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Leadership Lessons: From Textbooks to Trust

Aileen’s candid reflection on her leadership evolution offers powerful insights. Beginning her career with a background in statistics and computer science, she initially approached leadership with a “textbook smart” mindset. However, her journey taught her the invaluable lesson of transforming this into a style rooted in authentic, trust-based relationships.

“Building authentic, trust-based relationships is paramount,” Aileen states, underscoring the shift from a purely theoretical understanding of leadership to one that prioritizes genuine human connection. This transformation highlights the importance of:

• Vulnerability: Leaders being open about their own learning curves and challenges.
• Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of their team members.
• Active Listening: Genuinely hearing and valuing diverse perspectives.
  This evolution in leadership style not only builds stronger teams but also fosters an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, innovate, and contribute their best.

Broadening the Horizon: Future of Workplace Culture

Democratizing AI and Talent Mobility

Aileen Tan champions the democratization of AI and innovative talent mobility practices as critical components of a future-ready HR strategy. Singtel’s commitment to providing AI training for all employees, not just a select few, is a testament to their forward-thinking approach. This proactive upskilling ensures that the entire workforce is equipped to leverage emerging technologies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

Beyond AI training, Singtel is also exploring unconventional HR practices, particularly in democratizing talent mobility. This involves:

• Internal Transfers and Skill Development: Facilitating internal movements across departments and roles to broaden employee skill sets and provide diverse experiences. This not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the organization’s overall capabilities.
• Impact on Retention: Aileen highlights the positive impact of these internal transfer policies on employee retention, demonstrating that empowering employees with career pathways significantly increases loyalty and reduces turnover.

These initiatives underscore the importance of investing in employee capacity and capability, ensuring that Singtel remains agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Sustainable HR Practices and Continuous Learning

The conversation also delved into the significance of sustainable HR practices and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Aileen emphasized that successful initiatives must be sustainable in the long term, requiring ongoing commitment and adaptation. The “Learning Fiesta,” a decade-long commitment to continuous learning at Singtel, exemplifies this dedication. Such sustained investment in employee development, including widespread AI training, ensures that the workforce remains relevant and resilient.

Conclusion

Aileen Tan’s insights on “Mastering People Strategy” offer a compelling blueprint for HR leaders and organizations striving to build thriving, inclusive, and future-ready workplaces. Her journey from statistics to people leadership, Singtel’s impactful ‘BIG’ culture framework, and the commitment to AI democratization and talent mobility underscore the transformative power of strategic and empathetic HR. As Aileen concludes with a rapid-fire segment emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability, it’s clear that in the dynamic world of HR, the ability to evolve, trust, and empower people remains the ultimate key to success.

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June 24, 2025