#IWD2025: Nespresso SG's Peilin Lee on cultivating growth in marketing

The marketing industry is a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape where trends, technologies and creative ideas collide to shape the future of how brands connect with the world. As this vibrant industry evolves, it is crucial that the people behind it are equally forward-thinking, embracing change and pushing boundaries to lead the way.

While female leaders are steadily rising to the top, there's still much work to be done to accelerate gender equality and ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard. This International Women's Day, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE celebrates the voices of women who are making waves in Singapore's marketing landscape, breaking barriers and paving the way for the future generation of leaders.

Hear from Peilin Lee, head of marketing, Nespresso Singapore, on what she has to say:  

Don't miss: International Women’s Day: What 'accelerate action' means to SG marketing leaders 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What does 'accelerate action' mean to you?

Lee: 'Accelerate action' means turning inspiration into implementation, certifications in capabilities. I see acceleration happening when potential springs into action, with a tinge of urgency and excitement.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What's one bold step the marketing industry needs to take now to accelerate gender equality?

Lee:

The industry needs to recognise that talent development is not a one-size-fits-all.

Women encounter challenges that are specific to their gender due to social, historical and systemic biases. One mass conference is not going to solve this.

Let's implement development programmes that are customised to support professionals’ real-world obstacles – specific to both women and men. I’ve personally benefited from individual coaching and group facilitations that have expanded my perspectives, empathy and capabilities and urge organisations to prioritise these.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE: What advice would you give to other women in marketing who want to push for change and make a bigger impact at their workplace?

Lee: First, prioritise your self-awareness and self-mastery — understanding your motivations, belief system and default patterns creates a foundation for sustainable change and meaningful impact.

Second, practice deliberate growth— be the person who actively seeks feedback, regularly reflects and embraces challenges as learning opportunities. When you visibly commit to your own development, you also create permission for others to do the same.

Third, build developmental alliances— find mentors who inspire you, coaches who challenge you and peers who support you. I've worked with leaders committed to their own continual development and seen how this creates powerful ripples throughout organisations.

The most effective change-makers aren't necessarily the loudest—they're the ones who consistently demonstrate growth and grit, and then help others achieve it too.

Join us this coming 23 - 24 April for #Content360, a two-day extravaganza centered around three core thematic pillars: Challenging The Norm; Technology For Transformation; and Unlocking Imagination. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

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