A Female Leader’s Journey of Purpose, Balance, and Heart

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, we sat down with Lili Mow, Vice President of Solution Business (Automation) for Southeast Asia and ANZ. Based in Singapore, Lili brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the power and electrical industry, and stands as one of the few women at the top in a traditionally male-dominated field.

What unfolded was not a formal interview, but a warm and candid conversation. One that moved effortlessly between career, family, and the values that anchor both. At its heart, Lili’s story is one of resilience, clarity, and quiet conviction.

From Engineering to Leadership in a Male-Dominated World
Lili introduces herself not by her title, but first as a working mother of three grown children. Only then does she reflect on her professional journey, one largely shaped within male-dominated environments, both within organizations and across customer landscapes.

Over the years, she has carved out her leadership path with determination and purpose, navigating challenges with a steady sense of self.

International Women’s Day and the Need for Honest Conversations
When asked what conversations we should be having more honestly this year, Lili speaks with clarity.
She resonates deeply with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “Rights, Justice, Action,” emphasizing that true progress lies not only in legal equality, but in its everyday enforcement, particularly in the workplace.

She also reflects on the “Give to Gain” call to action, noting how meaningful it is to see companies actively champion gender equality.

“I would like to see us focus more on action, creating opportunities, ensuring equal rights, and truly empowering women.”

The Reality of Balance Beyond the Myth of 50–50
Balancing leadership and family life is often framed as a perfect equation. Lili gently challenges that notion.
She acknowledges the added pressures many women face, especially in Asian cultures, where family responsibilities are still often placed disproportionately on women. When childcare or eldercare is needed, it is still frequently assumed that women will step back.

Lili speaks openly about what she calls her “blessing”: a supportive family and healthy children who understand her passion for her work.

“Many talented women do not lack ambition or capability, they simply carry heavier responsibilities.”

Rethinking Work-Life Balance
Rather than offering prescriptive advice, Lili shares her personal perspective, one shaped by experience.
For her, balance is not static.

“Is it always 50–50? Not really. When my career is advancing, it becomes closer to 80–20. I become a ‘weekend mom’. And if I can achieve that, I think I have done a good job.”

She is candid about the trade-offs. Career progression, she says, requires effort, and often sacrifice.
One boundary she has always upheld is simple but firm: she can travel up to 75% for work, but she will always be home on weekends. This agreement is clear not only with her employer, but also with her family.

Her philosophy is refreshingly pragmatic.
There is no universal formula. Some live at 60–40, others at 80–20. The right balance is simply the one that allows you to contribute meaningfully, and to feel fulfilled.

Resilience Through Life’s Highs and Lows
Like any long career, Lili’s journey has not been without setbacks. But her approach to challenges is deeply rooted in perspective.

During difficult periods, she draws strength from the constants in her life: her family, her parents, her colleagues, and her friends.

“These are the people who help me fly high again.”

There is a quiet determination in her words, a refusal to give up, not out of pressure, but out of love.

“I live for the people I love, and the people who love me.”

A Leadership Style that Evolves
Lili laughs when asked to describe her leadership style, reflecting on how much leadership itself has changed over time.

She has witnessed a clear shift, from traditional top-down management to a more inclusive, human-centered approach.

Today, she believes leadership must be situational.
With a multigenerational workforce, Gen Z seeking purpose and meaning, while Gen X leaders are shaped by discipline and hard work, she sees the need for greater understanding across perspectives.

“If we don’t acknowledge these differences, there will be more conflict.”

Her approach is grounded in three principles: adaptability, empathy, and inclusiveness.

“Everyone has their own talent. A good leader creates space for those talents to be seen and valued.”

Finding Joy in Simplicity Outside of Work
For many years, Lili’s world outside work revolved entirely around her children. Only now, with them grown, has she rediscovered time for herself.

These days, her hobbies are simple and deeply personal. She enjoys playing word and number games like Scrabble, Wordle, Rummikub, and Sudoku with her family and friends.

Her daughter, she shares with a smile, often calls her “a bit boring… and a bit of a nerd.”

Lili doesn’t mind at all.

Pride at Home and at Work
When asked about her greatest achievement, Lili’s answer comes without hesitation.
She is proud of raising three children who hold strong family values, care about sustainability, and strive to contribute positively to society.

At work, her pride lies in something equally meaningful, helping others grow.

As an accredited business coach with the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC), she finds fulfillment in guiding others to see their own value and potential.

“I hope these interactions inspire people, and in turn, strengthen the company as a whole.”

A Call to Action through Giving
Her message for International Women’s Day is simple, yet powerful.

Gender equality, she says, is not an abstract concept, it is a daily responsibility.

“Through the role you hold and the work you do, you have the responsibility to practice equality.”

It means giving opportunities. Creating space. Ensuring fairness.

“Give to Gain.”

On Being a Woman and Embracing Perspective
When asked about the advantage of being a woman, Lili laughs.

“I cannot compare, I have never been a man.”

But she speaks thoughtfully about the importance of gender diversity.

Men and women, she believes, often bring different perspectives, whether in ambition, decision-making, or how they define value and satisfaction. Together, these differences create balance.

She also embraces the lighter side of identity, appreciating the freedom to express herself, even while smiling at familiar stereotypes.

In the end, her view is simple.
It is not about comparison. It is about balance, respect, and recognizing the value each person brings.

A Quiet Kind of Leadership
This International Women’s Day, Lili Mow’s story is a gentle reminder.

Leadership does not have to be loud. It does not have to be perfect.

It can be thoughtful. It can be balanced. And above all, it can be deeply human.

About the Author (Editorial Team)

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