For Brigitte Carmel Lim, leadership has never been about authority—it is about “leading by example.”
As the senior vice president (SVP) and chief operating officer (COO) of Topline Group of Companies, Lim navigates an ever-changing industry. Yet amid the complexities of overseeing the company’s operations and growth, she remains resolute and stays grounded in her core principles.
“I believe strongly in leading by example. The way a leader handles pressure, uncertainty, and success sets the tone for the whole team,” she said.
“People do their best work when they understand the vision and feel empowered to contribute to it, as we work together toward a common goal,” she explained, adding that leading comes with “clarity, accountability, and trust.”
In a dynamic industry like Topline, Lim said it is also crucial to learn the art of adaptability, especially during difficult circumstances. With her guidance as a leader, she encourages her teams to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on the problem and to seek opportunities.
“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” she added. “It’s about building a team that can solve problems, empower each other and grow together.”
Experiences that helped her grow as a leader
Looking back, Lim recognizes that the most defining moments in her career often came when she stepped into situations that demanded growth.
“My journey has really been shaped by stepping into challenges that pushed me to grow. Working in business—particularly in industries that are fast-paced and constantly evolving—has taught me resilience and the importance of making thoughtful decisions even under pressure,” she said.
Along the way, mentors and colleagues also played a vital role.
“I’ve also been lucky to work with people who believed in me and encouraged me to take on bigger responsibilities. Those experiences helped build my confidence and reminded me that leadership is a continuous learning process,” she shared.
But her perspective on leadership was not shaped by professional experiences alone. Beyond the boardroom, motherhood has profoundly influenced how she approaches both work and life.
“On a personal level, being a mom has also influenced how I lead. It gives me perspective and reminds me that leadership is not only about achieving goals but also about building people and creating opportunities for others,” she said.
“Some of the most defining moments in leadership come when you step into roles that initially feel bigger than you, but those are often the moments that help you grow the most,” she added.
Women are capable of leading
On National Women’s Month this March, she hopes more young women will recognize their potential and step confidently into leadership roles, even in industries where women are still underrepresented.
In sectors traditionally dominated by men, navigating leadership can come with unique challenges, but she emphasizes that determination, confidence, and the willingness to learn can help overcome them.
Her advice is simple but powerful: “believe in your capability and don’t be afraid to step forward.”
“Many women feel they need to be completely ready before taking on bigger roles. But for me, growth often happens when you take the opportunity and learn along the way,” she said.
“Stay curious, work hard, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, because most of the time, leadership begins the moment you decide to step forward,” she added.
Investing in women leaders
For organizations hoping to cultivate more women leaders, Lim believes the responsibility begins with culture. For her, companies must recognize and nurture talent, while also creating pathways for growth, particularly in environments where women often face systemic barriers, unconscious bias, or unequal opportunities.
“Companies should actively provide mentorship, leadership training, and opportunities for women to take on meaningful roles in decision-making,” she said.
Lim said these initiatives not only equip women with skills and confidence but also help counteract the subtle and overt obstacles that can prevent them from advancing.
Representation also plays an important role. “When women see other women in leadership positions, it reinforces the idea that those paths are possible,” she said.
Seeing women succeed in senior roles challenges traditional stereotypes and inspires others to pursue similar opportunities, helping to normalize diverse leadership in workplaces that have historically been male-dominated.
“Ultimately, diverse leadership teams make organizations stronger,” she adds. “When companies invest in women leaders, they’re not just empowering individuals, they’re strengthening the future of their organizations.”
