What does it take to lead with both warmth and competence in one of the most demanding roles in public service?In this deeply personal conversation, Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling opens up about her journey from investment banker at Deutsche Bank to Temasek to becoming one of Singapore's most beloved politicians. We explore her unique leadership style that combines rigorous data analysis with genuine empathy, her experience thriving in male-dominated environments from Deutsche Bank to Parliament, and the honest realities of being a working mother who juggles elder care, two young daughters, and the demands of public service.This conversation goes beyond politics into the psychology of identity, the concept of "ghost ships" (the lives we didn't choose), and why she spends her Sundays reading children's books to help both kids and adults discover their worthiness.If you've ever struggled with FOMO, mother's guilt, or finding your authentic leadership voice in spaces that weren't designed for you, this episode is a masterclass.Resources mentioned:Prof Martin Seligman’s PERMA Model of Wellbeing - Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment - ⁠https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/⁠Writer Cheryl Strayed’s essay on Ghost ships ⁠https://cherylstrayed.substack.com/p/the-beauty-of-what-is⁠Follow SMS Sun Xueling on IG at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sun.xueling/

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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