How three bosses set the tone at work by embracing vulnerability

Hsieh Fu Hua: He went in search of meaning after tough childhood, job loss

- Joyce Teo

Leaders are accustomed to having power at their fingertips, but they often struggle with the paradox of embracing both authority and vulnerability.

Yet, reconciling these opposing forces can help inspire trust and connection and create a psychologically safe environment in the workplace.

Here are three leaders who have gone through tough times and show that it is more than okay to be vulnerable.

Hsieh Fu Hua: He went in search of meaning after tough childhood, job loss

When Mr Hsieh Fu Hua became chairman of UOB in 2013, he had to fill in an application form, which included a question on whether he had sought help at a mental health institution.

He replied "yes".

"The company secretary came into my office (after looking through the form). She was shocked (and she said) 'Surely, you don't mean it, right?'," he said, with a laugh.

"If I, having done what I have done in my career, can't even stand up to say something openly and honestly, can you expect others to do the same?"

The finance industry veteran, 75, who has his own charity, Binjai Tree, has co-founded others such as the Caregivers Alliance. He serves on the boards of several non-profit and business organisations, including NUS and sovereign wealth fund GIC.

He started his career in merchant banking and capital markets in 1974 when he joined Morgan Grenfell Asia Holdings upon graduation, rising to head the organisation by 1985.

He subsequently served as group managing director of BNP Prime Peregrine Group Hong Kong, was chief executive of the Singapore Exchange, president of Temasek, chairman of Tiger Airways, chairman of UOB and chairman of Asia Capital Reinsurance Group.

But in 1993, Mr Hsieh found himself out of work after a public fallout over management control with his employer that led to him resigning from Morgan Grenfell Asia Holdings, together with four other directors.