Q+A with Susan Su, Alice Wong, and Joanne Teoh
In the fast-paced world of packaging, women are shaping the industry landscape in Asia. Behind the scenes of some of the region’s most innovative companies there are remarkable women, many of whom are also working mothers, driving growth and fostering innovation.
This Women’s History Month, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing TransPak’s women in leadership to gain invaluable insights into the role of women in the packaging industry. Last week, we spoke with two women in leadership in the US, Arlene Inch and Tracy Pratt.
In this Q&A article, we delve into the experiences of TransPak’s General Manager of Taiwan, Alice Wong, General Manager of China, Susan Su, and General Manager of Johor, Malaysia, Joanne Teoh to gain a global perspective on women GMs in our industry. Through candid conversation, Alice, Susan, and Joanne offer a wealth of knowledge on how they achieved career success, how they maintain work-life balance, and the evolving role of women in leadership in Asia.
Q: Can you share a bit about the educational path, career milestones, and skills that helped you reach your current leadership position at TransPak?
Alice: After completing my studies in tourism at the University of Taiwan, I first worked for a travel agency and forwarding company. I gained additional experience before joining TransPak working across various European countries, primarily focusing on purchasing and administration in the industrial and computer sectors. My previous role involved working for a company specializing in a then-innovative space: manufacturing Bluetooth headsets.
My sales and tech background were helpful as I transitioned into my role at TransPak, as well as my fluency in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
Susan: I majored in accounting at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and became a qualified accountant in the UK in 2008. Having practiced in both the audit and financial management field, I became interested in business and operations.
Prior joining TransPak, I was Head of International Finance at Viacom, which was based in London, where I lived for half of my life. On a day-to-day business, I work with diverse teams and stakeholders from all over the world. And it provided me the opportunities to practice my English, Mandarin and Japanese. Thanks to our CEO, Bert Inch, I have had the privilege to excel in a leadership role with a global company like TransPak.
Joanne: I hold an International Advanced Diploma in Business Management, and throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in HR and Office Administration. Prior to my tenure at TransPak, I spent eight years as an Administrative Executive at a semiconductor company.
Q: Can you tell us about your career at TransPak, and what your day-to-day responsibilities are as a General Manager?
Alice: I’ve been with TransPak for 15 years now. When I first started, I had a multifaceted role in our tiny Taiwan operation, mainly working on sales and administrative tasks. At that time, it was a modest setup with just my boss, two other women in the office, and seven people handling crating.
Now, I am the General Manager of TransPak Taiwan. A typical day involves managing operations and addressing any issues that may arise. Being a female leader in an industry dominated by men adds an interesting dynamic. However, with time, I’ve earned the trust and respect of my colleagues through my knowledge and capability.
Susan: I began my career with TransPak five and a half years ago as the Senior Finance Director for APAC, and I’m now acting as the General Manager of China. I spend about 50% of my time traveling and meeting our customers and local teams in Asia.
A general manager is the glue that holds the pieces together, which is especially important here in China as there is a lot of collaboration between our team and the US team. I currently split my time between living in Taiwan and Shanghai, where TransPak has a large facility that I oversee.
An integral part of my role as a General Manager is being a people person and navigating different personalities, departments, cultures, and languages.
Joanne: I joined TransPak in 2010, and this year marks my 14th year with the company. I often jest with my team, referring to myself as the “General Manpower,” as I always have to align my General Manager of Johor, Malaysia roles with day-to-day operations.
I also spend a lot of time working with my team, who I approach with the same care and consideration as I do with my family. Watching them grow, discover their strengths, and overcome their weaknesses is incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What barriers have you faced in your career as a woman in leadership?
Alice: At first it was a little strange to have a woman boss in the office because people weren’t really used to it. However, since I had been with TransPak from the beginning of our operation in Taiwan, people knew me and trusted me. Once they recognized that I had the knowledge and ability to manage, I earned respect quickly. At TransPak there are so many other women in leadership roles, so having a network of peers for advice and support has been invaluable.
Susan: I tend to focus on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on the negative. And I believe in leading by example, regardless of whether it’s a woman or a man in a leadership position. As people say, respect is earned and not given. Sometimes I must roll my sleeves up and show team members how it is done. Other times, I need to coach team members to step up and focus on the bigger picture. After a while, my team members developed faith in me, and leading a diverse team to achieve a common goal became much easier.
Relocating to Taiwan from the United Kingdom, however, presented some challenges in adapting to cultural differences. There were certain behaviors and customs I had to get used to. For example, when I approach a younger colleague as their superior, they always stand up from their chair. While I initially wanted them to feel at ease, I came to understand that it was simply a gesture of respect and a cultural norm they were accustomed to.
Joanne: I’m fortunate to have a fantastic team and incredibly supportive management that provides ample support in my work. When it comes to significant barriers I’ve faced as a woman in leadership, the main challenge has been finding the balance between work and family responsibilities.
Q: How do you see the role of women in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles, evolving in Asia?
Alice: There has been a noticeable shift over the years, with more women actively participating in the workforce compared to when I first began my career. There’s also been a gradual shift in society’s perceptions of women’s presence in the workplace and in professional settings. Notably, at the TransPak facility in Taiwan, nearly 70% of the employees in our office are women.
Susan: I think it probably depends on the country in Asia. Personally, I didn’t grow up in Asia; instead, much of my formative years were spent in the UK, which offered distinct opportunities. That being said, I find it quite common to find women in leadership roles now across continents, including in General Manager roles. The younger generation of Asian women seems to be entering the workforce at a much higher rate than my generation.
Q: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Could you share some of your hobbies or interests outside of your professional endeavors?
Alice: I’m constantly working on perfecting the balance between my professional commitments and my personal life. Although work demands a significant portion of my time, I prioritize daily exercise and enjoy jogging. On weekends, I love traveling to visit and cook for my family.
Susan: I spend 90 minutes at the gym five times a week, focusing on cardio and weightlifting, and occasionally join classes for a change of pace. Watching rugby matches with friends, a hobby I developed during my time in the UK, is another favorite pastime. Traveling is a passion I share with my family, and some of my favorite destinations include Paris, southern France, and Singapore.
Joanne: During my time off, my primary role is to be a mother and spend time with my kids. Despite my main priority being my children, I still pursue activities I enjoy, like baking and reading.
Conclusion
TransPak is proud to have remarkable women General Managers like Susan Su, Alice Wong, and Joanne Teoh leading the charge in Asia. Their industry expertise, fluency in multiple languages, and adeptness in building cross-cultural relationships are key attributes that TransPak values in our global leadership team. We celebrate Susan, Joanne, and Alice’s profound qualifications and appreciate their ability to balance work and family life while fostering connections with customers and team members alike.
