Show them what you are made of with impact and results

This photo appeared on my Facebook memories today. This was when together with other experts, we judged the Microsoft Imagine Cup Regional Finals. I was appointed as the Head judge and working along side with Michael Teoh and Bikesh Lakhmichand together with senior Management of Microsoft and a Professor from NUS.

Yes, when I was introduced as the head judge, I know some may assume I was, back then, just representing the government and will not put much challenge to the participants. To some, I may be just a makcik or kakak (I would want to believe it's kakak since you know I'm not that old) who was there due to my position, not so much by merit. Being underestimated has been something I occasionally had to go through and this was no exception. I'm glad Microsoft believed in me and so did my fellow judges. One even commented that I was giving the kids hard time justifying their project business case. Like other roles I played, I take this seriously since the winner will be representing the Asia Pacific region at the Global finale later in Seattle. We have contestants from countries all over the region like Korea, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and of course Malaysia to name a few.

This then reminded me of few of other being underestimated experience. One experience was when I was pitching on behalf of my company back then for a contract with one of the biggest local banks in Malaysia. Financially I was still struggling as I had 3 young children and their expenses will always be my priority. If I had to choose buying fancy clothing for myself versus buying their daily needs like formula, putting food on the table, diapers and daycare, my choice is of course obvious. I would like to believe the presentation went well but sadly the only thing that came out of it was when one of my bosses commented I went to the presentation dressed like I'm going grocery shopping. Reason behind that, I only can afford to buy just this one black blazer which I used for all my presentations and that day, I accidentally left that in the car and by the time I realised it, the presentation was about to start. I would still think I dressed decently and presentable. We did secure the contract and my presentation was praised by the bank's management team. However, I came out from this experience licking my wounds knowing I was judged differently without even trying to understand my financial standing.

And another experience, I had to attend an important meeting with one of the senior officials of a government ministry. I was parachuted to attend this meeting as my boss had to go off due to family emergency. While my boss believed I can do this, can't say the same about the chairman of the meeting. He commented about that I was "too young" and look inexperienced and questioning why am I being sent to attend this meeting. It took quite a while to gain his trust but I'm proud to say, he now always uses me as a benchmark when he speaks about work quality. Just imagine if I decided to give up or my boss decided to send someone else to manage this project based on just one meeting experience.

These experiences are some of many other instances that made me a more conscious leader and not to judge others based on how they dressed or if they don't speak (yet) in the first few meetings. Like me, I speak only when I add value to conversations. I don't speak just to be noticed or just for the sake of speaking. And I know many others who are like me and able to produce good impactful results. If we continue to judge people by the waythey look and not giving them the opportunity to shine, we may lose out in spotting (and developing) great talent out there. Some may not graduated from top universities abroad, which may be contributed to many reasons like affordability, family commitment or even timing. Some may no speak posh English due to lack of exposure and family background. That's not necessarily means they are not capable of producing good results and add value to your organisations.

We are where we are because someone decided to give us the opportunity to shine. I am blessed despite the negative experiences, I had many who believe in me and what I'm capable of. And I do hope all of us (me included) start looking beyond external appearance (including English accent) and start appreciating others based on their potential. Give people like me the opportunity to show what we are capable of. We may surprise you if you just willing to give us that chance.