Careers rarely follow a straight line. For CEO of Jebsen & Jessen Ingredients Lim Siew Tin, the journey from sales executive to leading a business unit has been defined less by titles and more by a willingness to keep learning.
This industry also has many senior female leaders.
Frankly, women really do need to work extra hard to earn their roles. Don’t be overly upset when male leaders don’t invite you to join them yet. It’s not that you’re overlooked—they just haven’t needed your help at that point.
2. What insights can you share about building strong professional relationships?
Strong professional relationships start early. Imagine when you’re junior—your customers and partners are probably juniors too. Use that advantage to build lasting trust and relationships. As we become senior, so do our partners. Age is gold.
3. Has there been anyone who played a significant role in guiding your career?
I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors at different phases of my career. They wanted to see me succeed, were willing to invest their time and resources in me and stayed with me throughout my journey. Special thanks to Harry Kok, my retired former boss, who gave me the opportunity to engage principals with him when I was a junior. He pushed me beyond my role, assigned me to run many different projects, guided me in engaging different stakeholders, and gradually imparted business development skills.
4. What do you consider to be the turning point?
The turning point was in 2010, when another former colleague Volker Schmidt encouraged me to take up the Company Manager role at Jebsen & Jessen Chemicals Philippines. It was out of my comfort zone—a new role, a new place and new colleagues. I took it on out of curiosity, not knowing what was ahead. With that experience, I no longer feared a series of job changes—to Indonesia, Thailand, back to Singapore, Malaysia, and now leading the Ingredients business unit.
5. With your demanding schedule, how do you effectively manage your time?
I walk in the mornings to get fresh air and chat with joggers or strangers. It’s very uplifting because they’re not work partners—just simple, pure engagement. Watching documentaries and listening to music are also good ways to relieve stress. And always remember to make time for family and friends—mark it in your calendar like any other appointment. I also mark my calendar according to priority and urgency. A to-do list is also a good way to keep myself structured.
6. Is there a particular movie, series or book that you hold dear?
I’m not a movie, drama, or music fan. However, I love the book The Little Prince—probably the only Western book I truly love—alongside many Chinese works of literature, especially Journey to the West and classical poems.
7. Finally, what advice would you give others looking to grow their careers?
• Keep learning and don’t limit yourself to your current job scope. Any project that lands on my plate is an opportunity to learn more, and engaging with subject matter experts makes me a better person.
• Benchmark your dream job and build the capabilities needed, whether it’s technical knowledge (there are many professionals available to consult) or networking with colleagues, partners, competitors and business associates. Do this step by step, be patient and stay curious.
• Find a mentor who believes in you and wants you to become better every day. Invest in that relationship.
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