Future Women Leadership Series Van Tang on how to be a hardworking but lazy leader
6 snips
Oct 22, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Van Tang, CEO of GHD for the Asia-Pacific region, reveals her unique approach to leadership, blending hard work with a 'lazy leader' philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of adaptive management and sharing leadership through listening and collaboration. Van shares insights on navigating male-dominated spaces, using humor to assert authority, and the art of delegation. She also addresses the generational impatience of young talent and advocates for broad experiences over title-driven growth, making the case for authenticity in leadership.
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Leadership Realised At Executive Level
- Van Tang realised she was a leader only when she reached an executive level at GHD around ten years ago.
- Earlier roles felt like filling gaps and coordinating rather than recognising herself as a leader.
Bridging Leadership Works By Pausing
- Van describes herself as a 'bridging leader' who pauses, listens and connects differing perspectives.
- She uses that pause to find common ground or ways to navigate between parties.
Claiming Presence In Intimidating Rooms
- Van recalls feeling physically and culturally disadvantaged in rooms dominated by tall men and few women.
- She adapted by using heels, positioning and humour to claim presence until confidence grew.