The ability to see things from a different perspective can be a powerful tool to understand and solve problems, particularly in a business context, according to Jasmin Koh, Head of Business Improvement and Operational Effectiveness within Anglo American’s Marketing business.
Jasmin’s natural empathy and talent for understanding others’ perspectives and needs have helped her to build a successful career spanning over three decades in both consultancy and industry.
In a conversation to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Jasmin shared the life events that have shaped her worldview and contributed to her desire to support all things Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Q. Where and how did you grow up, and what were some of the formative moments that got you to where you are today?
A. I grew up in Singapore in an extended family. We lived with my grandmother and my father’s three sisters, who were 10-15 years older than me. They weren’t in school or at university so they were around a lot of the time, and helped to encourage and coach me.
Through Junior College (two years of pre-university study), I worked as a private tutor, where I also developed a passion for teaching. I found a lot of fulfilment in helping my students do well and for a time I aspired to become a teacher.
Eventually, however, I decided to explore opportunities in the commercial world, studying for an undergraduate degree in Physics and gaining my postgraduate diploma in Computer Systems Analysis, before entering the working world full time.
Q. How do you think those experiences helped shape the person you have become?
A. From a young age I have always been the ‘older sister’; to my brother and among my cousins. I was always taking care of others and this really helped me in my consulting career. If you are prepared to really listen, I find you often know the right direction and can devise the solutions that help achieve a successful outcome.
When you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you realise what you have in common and what makes you different. I think my passion for doing this – being curious about others, being aware of my impact, and adapting accordingly – have helped me become a more empathetic person.
Q. Tell us about your role at Anglo American? What do you do and how has it shaped your perspective on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)?
A.I specialise in change management, centred on new business opportunities Anglo American wants to explore. My team and I project manage these opportunities from inception to operationalisation.
We’re quite a diverse team, with colleagues based both in London and Singapore. While it’s important for team members to come from a trading background or to have a trading mindset, their experiences are not the same and span different products – from oil and gas, and minerals, to banking. For me, the diversity of thought that this brings to the table is particularly important.
In my time leading teams I have learned that it’s important to play to the strengths of each person, to ensure they can make the most of their skills and are given the space to do that. This provides different insights and helps us appreciate all outlooks and angles, so that we can make better decisions to benefit our customers and all our stakeholders.
Q. Throughout your career, you have supported and participated in DEI initiatives. What learnings can you bring to Anglo American’s Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) committee from these experiences?
A. I have always enjoyed being part of the DEI events organised across the business as well as within previous organisations I have worked for. This year, I was invited to be part of our global I&D committee and felt that the timing was right for me to step up my contribution.
This means participating with enthusiasm, but also shaping our programmes and helping to ensure that all of us feel empowered to bring our whole selves to work. Looking across the organisation, across our employee communities and asking, ‘what do they need’ and ‘how can we make a difference’.
Q. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is #EmbraceEquity. What does this mean to you?
A. As I have progressed in my career, I’ve come to appreciate how important it is to be exposed and open to a wide variety of perspectives. Particularly since having my children, I’ve realised that, regardless of our different walks of life, respect and inclusion are the foundations to forging long-lasting connections and a thriving professional environment.
The year’s IWD theme – Embracing Equity – resonates with me precisely because of the unique blend of talents and personalities I come into contact with, every day. Everyone is different. A former manager once said to me, ‘a penguin will always hire another penguin’.
But for a global organisation to thrive, you need real diversity. Whereas a colony of penguins will always operate in the same way, a true diversity of viewpoints challenges the status quo and helps us to think differently.
Q. Sounds like wise advice. What do you think can be achieved if we embrace DEI principles more?
A. The goal of equity is to change systemic and structural barriers that get in the way of people's ability to thrive. I have a story to share on this.
I was once presented with the opportunity to work on an assignment with the chief executive of a company. At first, I turned down the role. He came and tapped me on the shoulder and asked why. I explained, “well, I’m a mother, so I can’t travel that much”. He said, “fine, you don’t have to travel. If I need you to and you can’t, you just have to tell me”. Then, I said, “but I need job security and this role is only a short rotation. I won’t know what to do afterwards and am worried I may be laid off”. He said: “Don’t worry, when you finish in this role, I’ll help ensure you have another one”.
That day, he showed me what equity is. And, when I look at my kids, I see how important this is, because their needs differ wildly and it is my job as a mother to ensure they can thrive at the same pace, and to the same level. This is the same for everyone. We all have our strengths and our weaknesses but, given the right chance, we can definitely succeed.