A Defining Moment from Early Life
“My early life was marked by pressure to live up to my family’s expectations. I distinctly remember the moment I decided that fear would not control my decisions. This realisation shaped my career because it fueled my drive to pursue success without letting societal norms dictate my path. That moment gave me the courage to venture into new industries and global markets, like Dubai.”
From a young age, Owen recognized the weight of societal norms, particularly amidst the backdrop of a family steeped in military and political legacies that demanded excellence. Yet, it was Owen’s courageous choice to embrace fearlessness over trepidation that marked a defining chapter in her narrative. This pivotal decision not only influenced her perspective on adversity but also emboldened her to venture into uncharted territories across various sectors, eventually leading her to serendipitously discover Dubai as a beacon along her professional odyssey.
Choosing a Career That Resonates
“Transitioning from a career as a flight cabin crew to pivoting and specializing in HR has been a profound journey of personal and professional growth for me. This shift represents a natural progression rooted in my inherent skills and aspirations. Opting for this path was a deliberate decision as it enables me to not only foster organizational development but also empower individuals within the workforce. Witnessing the tangible difference I can make, not just in driving business performance but in guiding and uplifting the lives and career trajectories of those I mentor and lead, affirmed to me that I was on the right track.”
Owen’s transition into the realms of human resources and business development unfolded as a seamless evolution, seamlessly blending her profound love for both people and business acumen. In this dynamic intersection, she sculpted an ecosystem where individuals not only flourished but soared. At the core of her achievements lies a profound commitment to mentorship and leadership, particularly in sculpting and nurturing careers, serving as the cornerstone of her remarkable journey towards success.
Biggest Achievement: Championing Women Empowerment
“My most significant achievements are being recognized as “100 Most Influential Women in the World”; ‘Asia’s Leader in Promoting Women Empowerment & Rights.’ and the recent inclusion to the “Top25 Global Women of Influence”. These titles are important because it represents everything I strive for—breaking barriers, championing diversity, and inspiring women to reach their full potential in leadership roles.”
Within Owen’s illustrious list of accolades, being honored as one of the “100 Most Influential Women in the World”, recognized as ‘Asia’s Leading Advocate for Women’s Empowerment & Rights’, and most recently, named among the “Top 25 Global Women of Influence” shines as a pinnacle of her achievements. These prestigious titles underscore her relentless commitment to shattering glass ceilings and nurturing inclusive spaces where women are emboldened to embrace leadership roles with unwavering confidence and purpose, marking her as a beacon of inspiration and change in the global landscape.
A Humble Beginning and Early Challenges
“As a distinguished University Latin Honor recipient, my career journey commenced seamlessly in Manila, where I swiftly ascended into management roles. The most significant hurdle arose when transitioning from my role as an inflight cabin crew to a position with heightened exposure in governmental settings within a fast-paced global industry. Relocating to Dubai with just a suitcase and a vision tested my resilience profoundly. Conquering this pivotal moment not only cemented my determination but also showcased my adaptability, traits that have consistently underpinned my journey towards success.
“Embarking on her professional journey in prestigious executive positions in Manila, Owen deftly maneuvered the intricacies of transitioning to high-energy, global environments. The pivotal moment arrived when she made the bold move to Dubai, armed solely with ambition and determination. In the face of formidable challenges, she not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, using these initial obstacles as stepping stones towards her enduring success and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of her career.
Current Projects: Aligning with Long-Term Goals
“After having ascended to the pinnacle of the corporate hierarchy and explored diverse realms of expertise, it’s time for me to pay forward, I am currently immersed in mentoring emerging talents and spearheading corporate social responsibility endeavors. These endeavors resonate deeply with my overarching objective of nurturing leadership, especially among women, and catalyzing a culture of inclusivity in the professional sphere. My aspiration is to persist in leveraging my influence to effect substantial transformation within enterprises and across the expansive corporate domain.
“Owen’s unwavering commitment to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow is unmistakably reflected in the projects she currently champions. Whether she is actively mentoring the next wave of professionals or spearheading groundbreaking corporate social responsibility initiatives, every undertaking aligns seamlessly with her profound vision of fostering inclusivity and igniting substantial change within the very fabric of organizations.
The Most Inspiring Person: Francois Viljoen
“The late Francois Viljoen, who stands as my most influential mentor, profoundly shaped my HR and leadership philosophies. His invaluable wisdom not only molded my strategic HR acumen but also instilled in me the significance of empathy and compassion in effective leadership. His enduring impact on my career is profound, with his teachings serving as a beacon that continues to illuminate my path.”
Owen recognizes the late Francois Viljoen as a pivotal figure in shaping her leadership philosophy. Viljoen’s mentorship instilled in Owen the core values of empathy and compassion in leadership, which have become fundamental principles guiding her strategic HR decisions and people management approach.
Staying Motivated Amidst Challenges
“When facing challenges, I remind myself of the bigger picture—what I’m working towards and who I’m impacting. I also stay motivated by continuously learning and adapting. Every setback is an opportunity for growth, and I focus on the lessons I can take from each experience. My passion for empowering others keeps me going, no matter the obstacles.”
Unwavering resilience and profound sense of purpose have been steadfast sources of motivation during challenging periods. She perceives challenges not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones for growth, leveraging setbacks as invaluable lessons that continuously refine her leadership capabilities and foster personal development.
A Major Failure and the Lessons Learned
“One of the most profound professional setbacks I encountered was miscalculating the hurdles of venturing into a new market upon my arrival in Dubai. The stark cultural and operational disparities took me by surprise, yet I swiftly re-engaged. This humbling experience underscored the significance of humility and adaptability in uncharted territories. It imparted a crucial lesson on the necessity of thorough preparation and the pivotal role of cultivating a robust local network.”
Owen openly reflects on the initial hurdles she faced while venturing into new markets, notably the intricate operational and cultural obstacles that unfolded in Dubai. However, these experiences served as poignant lessons on the significance of humility, adaptability, and the strategic advantage of cultivating a robust local network.
The Most Important Lesson: Resilience
“The most important lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is key to long-term success. No matter how well you plan, challenges will arise. My ability to bounce back and adapt has shaped my approach to work and leadership. This lesson has helped me stay grounded while maintaining a forward-thinking mindset.”
Owen staunchly upholds the belief that resilience stands as the bedrock of triumph. Her adeptness in adapting amidst adversities not only defines her leadership ethos but also serves as a testament to her unwavering resolve and forward-looking mindset. This innate resilience not only keeps her grounded in turbulent times but also propels her towards future success with unwavering determination and grace.
How Success Has Evolved
“At the outset, SUCCESS to me was equated with prestigious titles and financial conquests. Yet, as the sands of time settled, a profound truth dawned upon me. TRUE SUCCESS isn’t merely about personal accolades; it’s about the transformative impact we wield—enabling, embracing, and etching a legacy that reverberates through generations. Today, success for me resonates in the fulfilment of knowing that I have been a beacon that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives, leaving behind a tapestry of inspiration and empowerment.”
Owen’s definition of success has undergone a seismic shift over time. While once fixated on titles and financial conquests. Today, her metric for success transcends material markers; it is gauged by the profound influence she exerts on others, she now measures success by the magnitude of her impact on others, notably through championing inclusive work environments and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
Advice to Her Younger Self
“I’d tell my younger self to embrace failures and learn from them. Be bold, take risks, and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and resilience will be your greatest asset.”
Owen’s counsel to her younger self resonates with a profound belief in the transformative strength of resilience and bold risk-taking. She champions the embracement of failure as a gateway to growth and advocates for a perpetual journey beyond one’s comfort zone, fostering personal evolution and boundless possibilities.
Desired Legacy
“I want my legacy to stay, all must remember me as someone who broke barriers, championed diversity, and inspired others—especially women—to pursue leadership roles regardless of gender, ethnicity and heritage. I want the future generations to carry forward the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable with the courage and determination to overcome it.”
In reflective gaze upon Owen’s life’s journey, she seeks to be commemorated as a pioneer who shattered barriers and kindled change. Rooted in her unwavering dedication to diversity and empowerment, particularly for women, she aspires for her legacy to resonate as a testament to courage and progress. May her story ignite a flame of inspiration, urging all to embrace leadership with fortitude and grace, crafting a future where boundaries are but stepping stones to greater heights!
