Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary
Episode Title: #355 Tin Pei Ling: Making Motherhood, Parliament, and Progress Work—Her Way
Host: Vince Chan
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #355 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Tin Pei Ling, an elected Member of Parliament, dedicated mother, and advocate for women's empowerment and mental health. This episode delves deep into Pei Ling's journey of balancing multiple demanding roles while driving significant societal changes.
Recap of Previous Episode
Vince begins by referencing the last episode featuring Paling, who transitioned from a psychology major to becoming the youngest elected parliamentarian. This sets the stage for discussing the three-stage model of change proposed by social psychology pioneer Kurt Lewin:
- Unfreeze: Understanding the need and motivation to change.
- Change: Adapting to new behaviors and environments.
- Refreeze: Solidifying the changes to establish new norms.
Vince emphasizes that this model applies universally, from personal goals like weight loss to large-scale organizational transformations.
Tin Pei Ling's Journey and MBA Experience
Pursuing an MBA Amidst Political Responsibilities
Timestamp: 10:35
Pei Ling shares her decision to pursue an MBA at Chicago Booth despite her demanding role as an elected Member of Parliament. She explains:
“I like meeting people, but I also love learning. After I graduated from university, I realized I do like being a student. I like to challenge myself and stretch my mind.”
—Pei Ling [10:35]
Her MBA experience provided her with rigorous academic training and a deeper understanding of business frameworks, which she found invaluable for her role in politics.
Learning Through Diversity and Rigorous Training
Timestamp: 10:49
Pei Ling highlights the diverse and experienced cohort at Chicago Booth:
“I learned from them and made great friends. Including you, Vince and...”
—Pei Ling [10:49]
She underscores the importance of being exposed to different perspectives and the disciplined approach to academics, particularly in macroeconomics, which enhanced her analytical skills.
Balancing Multiple Roles: Motherhood, Parliament, and Career
Navigating the Trade-offs
Timestamp: 13:07
Vince questions Pei Ling on balancing her responsibilities as a Parliament member, professional, and mother. Pei Ling candidly discusses the inevitable trade-offs:
“There will always be trade-offs. Something has to give at some point when we focus on something else.”
—Pei Ling [13:07]
She expresses the emotional toll of missing out on significant family moments due to her commitments but acknowledges the essential support systems that enable her to manage her roles effectively.
The Support Ecosystem
Timestamp: 16:58
Pei Ling emphasizes the critical role of support from her team, colleagues, and family:
“I have a great team who have stood by me even during the toughest of times and I'm grateful. ... At home, I've got my family, my parents, my husband and friends as well, who are willing to step in when I have to go out and do my part.”
—Pei Ling [16:58]
She highlights how this ecosystem of support is fundamental to her ability to perform her duties without compromising her personal life entirely.
Advocacy for Women Empowerment and Mental Health
Championing Women's Capabilities
Timestamp: 17:05
Pei Ling delves into her passion for empowering women, particularly in the digital age:
“It's about empowering women to create, to build capabilities, to create capacities to break the ceiling and help them achieve their aspirations.”
—Pei Ling [17:05]
She discusses initiatives to enhance women's digital fluency, which she believes can significantly reduce the gender gap and enable women to better juggle professional and personal responsibilities through flexible work arrangements.
Addressing Mental Health and Elderly Care
Timestamp: 17:05
Beyond women's issues, Pei Ling is deeply committed to mental health and elderly care:
“Mental wellness being such a core part of issues that youth are concerned about... For seniors, ensuring their basic living needs are being taken care of, ensuring that they continue to be socially and mentally engaged.”
—Pei Ling [17:05]
She underscores the importance of combating isolation among the elderly and ensuring their quality of life through community support and government initiatives.
Influence of Literature and Continuous Learning
Books That Inspire Growth
Timestamp: 20:52
When asked about books that have influenced her, Pei Ling mentions her admiration for Lee Kuan Yew:
“I'm a big fan of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. There's a lot of hard truth and very good wisdom that can be found in his book.”
—Pei Ling [20:52]
She also references a book on the power of regret, highlighting how reframing regret can drive proactive problem-solving and personal improvement.
Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
Vince reflects on the collective insights shared during the episode, relating them to broader societal issues such as aging, mental health, and women's empowerment. He expresses a keen interest in hearing more about Pei Ling's experiences and the changes she continues to advocate for in her community.
Pei Ling expresses her willingness to continue the dialogue and expand on her initiatives in future episodes:
“Happy to and anytime for you. Vince.”
—Pei Ling [23:43]
Vince concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and engage with the podcast through various platforms.
Notable Quotes
-
On the Necessity of Trade-offs:
“There will always be trade-offs. Something has to give at some point when we focus on something else.”
—Pei Ling [13:07] -
On Support Systems:
“I have a great team who have stood by me even during the toughest of times and I'm grateful. ... At home, I've got my family, my parents, my husband and friends as well, who are willing to step in when I have to go out and do my part.”
—Pei Ling [16:58] -
On Empowering Women:
“It's about empowering women to create, to build capabilities, to create capacities to break the ceiling and help them achieve their aspirations.”
—Pei Ling [17:05] -
On Lifelong Learning:
“I like meeting people, but I also love learning. After I graduated from university, I realized I do like being a student. I like to challenge myself and stretch my mind.”
—Pei Ling [10:35] -
On Mental Health and Elderly Care:
“Mental wellness being such a core part of issues that youth are concerned about... For seniors, ensuring their basic living needs are being taken care of, ensuring that they continue to be socially and mentally engaged.”
—Pei Ling [17:05]
Conclusion
Episode #355 of Chief Change Officer offers a comprehensive look into Tin Pei Ling's multifaceted life, illustrating how she navigates the complexities of political duties, motherhood, and personal growth. Her insights into change management, supported by Kurt Lewin's model, provide listeners with valuable frameworks for their own transformational journeys. Pei Ling's dedication to empowering women, enhancing mental health, and improving elderly care underscores her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive society. This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, continuous learning, and the importance of robust support systems in achieving sustained personal and professional success.
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