Polishing Perspectives on Inclusion with Lydia Lim

SHOP LYDIA'S DRESS 

On Entrepreneurship:

My working style is straightforward and I’m someone who always preps before meetings. Asking questions instead of listening to presentations is common for me. So always always send me a teaser or presentation beforehand. I tend to get through that within a fraction of the time a presentation usually takes and note down important questions prior to meetings. 

As a result, I start all meetings with an opening message addressing everyone and our goals. I also chair my meetings especially in big group settings to maintain pace and focus. 

We cannot make everyone happy, however, being inclusive can be as simple as respecting differences. We can agree to disagree, and most importantly to tolerate and remain respectful.

On Supporting Women:

As the founder of Lydia Madeline Jewels, I always want to make sure that my core values align with the brand and that we always give back to the community whenever I can. I’m proud to say that we’ve always been a strong advocate for supporting women and we’ve done so in various forms over the past few years.

Back in 2020, I found myself coming across a shockingly increasing number of cases of domestic violence and abuse, especially towards women. That’s when the whole idea of starting a fundraising campaign for AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) came about.

I wanted something fun yet meaningful enough for the community to feel like they were fighting for something better together. I came up with the idea of “ A Mile in Her Shoes’ where we had 40 men wearing heels to raise awareness for the cause! The support was overwhelming and we managed to raise over $20,000 for AWARE.

Other than fundraising, I also wanted to celebrate the resilience, beauty, significance and charm that every woman has through my jewellery. To mark International Women’s Day in 2021, I launched the Butterfly Capsule Collection, a homage to women, expressed through its vibrant colors and materials. It continues to hold a special place in my heart. The collection's symbolism of transformation and hope resonated deeply as the world navigated life amidst Covid-19, with many embracing change in work and lifestyle.

On Neurodivergence & Inclusion:

There are friends and colleagues who are more sensitive to my neurodivergence of being ADHD. They have altered their communication styles with me just so I could hear and participate better. For example speaking faster, presenting information in dot points, scheduling and time management. This has positively affected the way I work with others too as I’m more mindful of their working style and needs.

In the name of workplace efficiency. In order for me to promote inclusion, we first need to create a safe space for individuals to expose / share their strengths and weaknesses. Only then as a team can we plug the "right fit" into roles they are naturally good at. We take into account their comfort zone, working style and communication preferences.

As business owners in today's corporate landscape, we must embrace the diversity of voices and experiences within our teams. By fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and heard, we not only unlock innovation but also cultivate a culture of belonging that drives success for all.

 SHOP LYDIA'S TOP   SHOP LYDIA'S BOTTOM

On Self-Care:

For me, self-care takes various forms, but I've honed a routine that's both comforting and dependable. To stay on track with my fitness goals, I commit to personal training sessions twice a week with a trainer. While I'm inherently hardworking, I admit I lack the willpower to push myself in a gym setting without some external motivation.

I indulge in my passion for tennis by playing or training at least once a week, which helps me channel any pent-up aggression. Daily meditation, even if it's just for 5 or 10 minutes, is essential for me, especially when my nervous system needs a break. It's a crucial tool for unwinding and improving my sleep quality.

Additionally, I have a weakness for skincare and wellness products. You'll often find me exploring the latest offerings, whether it's indulging in an Onsen, trying out a Cold Plunge, experiencing Cryotherapy, or relaxing in a Salt Room.

Lydia’s Style

I lean towards a classic style, favoring solid colors, diamond studs, long lashes, and neatly groomed hair. When it comes to office attire, I opt for business casual pieces, particularly those with stretchy fabrics in solid colors. This choice stems from my tendency to fidget while seated at work.

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This series is part of our International Women’s Month where we talk to amazing women who tackle professional and personal life fearlessly while living, as intended. Aligning with this year's theme #inspireinclusion, we are thrilled to share the stories of women who have inspired inclusion in different aspects of their life to forge a better world for other women.

This year, As Intended is supporting Daughters Of Tomorrow (DOT) to raise donations to enhance their impact towards social mobility for families of women in the DOT community. 

Daughters of Tomorrow is a registered charity organization with IPC status in Singapore whose mission is to facilitate livelihood opportunities for underprivileged women, and support them in achieving financial independence and social mobility for their families. 

The lack of childminding support can be one of the biggest factors preventing a woman from being gainfully employed. Singapore Tote Board will match dollar for dollar for donations made and Tax Deduction Receipts (TDR) will also be issued for donations above $10. You may like to learn more, and choose to donate directly to: https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/ai-for-dot-IWD-2024