Who We Are with Rachel Lim #41: From DBS Intern to CEO: Tan Su Shan on Redefining Leadership at the Top
Tan Su Shan’s story is more than a career trajectory; it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to lead. In this special and intimate conversation during Love, Bonito's IWD event, Su Shan, now the CEO of DBS, reflects on her journey from intern to the top of one of Asia’s most influential banks.
She opens up about the moments of self-doubt, the lessons learned from “demotions,” and how she learned to command a room without changing who she is. From cultivating clarity and conviction, to breaking through the “sticky floor” that holds many women back, Su Shan shares powerful truths about ambition, presence, and the price of leadership.
Whether you're a rising leader, a seasoned professional, or simply navigating what it means to take up space in your own life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and actionable insight.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 From Intern to CEO: Su Shan’s Early Days at DBS
02:04 When a “Demotion” Becomes a Turning Point
07:16 Facing Self-Doubt and Leading Through Discomfort
08:57 Learning to Command the Room with Confidence
12:02 Grounding Leadership in Customer-Centricity
14:08 How “WRECKOON” Shaped Her Perspective as a Leader
15:41 The One Leadership Skill That Will Define the Next Decade
17:57 The Best Investments Su Shan Has Made in Life
19:28 Q&A: Building Clarity and Communicating with Impact
21:07 Q&A: Finding the Right Mentors and Sponsors
23:59 Q&A: What It Really Takes to Build Great Teams
26:15 Final Reflections: What Leadership Means Today
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Su Shan here: linkedin.com/in/tan-su-shan-50296732