Leading Forward: Shaping the Future of YWLC
- Young Women's Leadership Connection
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Leadership sparks transformation; and with every new chapter, comes fresh ideas and perspectives that shape the future of YWLC.
As we welcome the 9th Executive Committee (EXCO), we are proud to introduce Casherine Goh as YWLC’s newly elected Chairperson. No stranger to leadership within the YWLC and beyond, Casherine previously served as Vice-Chairperson of the 8th EXCO. She now steps into this role with a clear vision to advance YWLC’s mission: empowering women, amplifying impact, and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive leadership community.
In this feature, Casherine dives deeper into her leadership journey, the values that ground her, and her aspirations for YWLC in the years ahead.
What makes YWLC special to you? Can you share a moment in YWLC that reaffirmed why this community matters?
As someone deeply rooted in values thanks to my family, I’ve always believed that character forms the foundation of true leadership. What makes YWLC so special to me is how closely its mission aligns with this belief. It’s a community that not only champions excellence in leadership but also does so with respect, purpose, and integrity. These values are at the core of everything we do as we develop the next generation of female leaders. That’s why YWLC holds such a meaningful place in my heart, because it’s not just about achieving great things, but doing so with purpose and compassion.
I see the strengths of this community in every single YWLC event; whether I’m there as a participant, a volunteer, or a leader. With every successful initiative, I’m re-energised by the spirit of women’s empowerment, the tangible impact we create, and the insights I take with me to grow personally and professionally. Rather than one defining moment, it’s the accumulation of these experiences that truly affirms why YWLC matters. It’s an ongoing journey of leadership and self-discovery - one that constantly reminds me of how powerful a community can be when it’s driven by shared values and a collective vision for positive change.
What is your vision of YWLC for the next two years?
As the 9th EXCO embarks on a new chapter together, our team is guided by five core guiding principles, each deeply rooted in the purpose of YWLC and designed to propel us forward with clarity and heart.
Staying Anchored to our Mission
While YWLC has matured significantly over the years, our purpose remains our true North Star. We must never lose sight of why we do what we do. The leadership team is committed to designing initiatives that consistently reflect YWLC’s brand as Singapore’s leading community for nurturing and connecting young women leaders. As we remain anchored in our mission, we must also evolve - innovating how we deliver impact to ensure we stay relevant and connected with our members.
Leading with Purpose and Impact
This term, I’m placing deeper emphasis on how we lead. Beyond what we do, I believe it’s important that every leader within YWLC shows up with positive intent and values. We aim to embody our core principles through our actions and interactions — cultivating a growth-oriented culture that is intentional, values-driven, and uplifting. Leadership, after all, is about inspiring change through authenticity and purpose.
Fostering Diversity, Inclusivity and Cohesiveness within our Community
Creating a community that celebrates every voice is a top priority. We are intentionally shaping our programmes and engagement to ensure that every individual in YWLC feels seen, valued, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. By weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) narratives into the fabric of how we connect and grow together, we build not just a diverse network, but a cohesive one with a deep sense of belonging.
Powering Growth with a Diverse Ecosystem of Mentors and Partners
YWLC stands strong because of the generosity of our mentors, community partners, corporate partners, and speakers. Their support breathes life into our four pillars: networking, mentorship, social impact, and leadership development. As a leadership team, we are committed to thoughtfully expanding this ecosystem — nurturing partnerships that are sustainable, impactful, and mutually enriching.
Shaping the Future for Women in Leadership
Our long-term focus is to catalyse lasting leadership impact that defines the future of young women in Singapore and beyond. This term, we’ll be working to elevate YWLC’s brand equity and presence, both online and offline, to enhance our thought leadership, spark conversations, and empower the next generation to lead boldly and meaningfully.
Aligned with our guiding principles, the 9th EXCO began our term by coming together to define the four core values we will uphold in every aspect of our leadership: Purpose, Respect, Growth, and Belonging. These values are not just aspirational words; they are the essence of how we show up, how we lead, and how we build authentic relationships within the YWLC community.
To institutionalise this shared ethos, we will be launching a new cornerstone initiative: the YWLC Values Charter. This Charter will serve as a living framework of what YWLC stands for — a reference point that guides how our members lead, engage, and drive impact with intention. The Charter is envisioned to be a timeless touchstone, extending well beyond our current term and anchoring generations of YWLC leaders to come. It will reflect our belief that leadership is not only about excellence, but also about fostering environments where individuals feel empowered, respected, and truly belong.
What role do you think YWLC could play in championing diversity, equity and inclusion in Singapore’s professional or civic spaces?
In the prevailing time when DEI efforts are experiencing fluctuating attention globally and across corporate environments, the role of YWLC in sustaining and advancing these conversations is more vital than ever. We have a powerful opportunity — and responsibility — to be a leading voice in shaping inclusive narratives in Singapore.
YWLC has long embedded DEI into the heart of our organisation since the start of time. From the intentional design of our programmes and events, to our thoughtful partnerships and community outreach, we strive to create spaces that amplify diverse voices and foster genuine belonging. This commitment goes beyond surface level; it's about cultivating a community where every woman leader feels truly seen, heard, and valued.
Through the example we set and the opportunities we create, we aim to shape what inclusive leadership looks like - not only within our own community, but as a ripple effect across the broader ecosystem. By continuously championing DEI, we reaffirm that inclusivity isn't a trend; it's a foundation to deliver meaningful long-term positive impact.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over the years?
My leadership style changes according to the situation and the demands of the leadership role I’m in! Over the years in different leadership capacities at work and at YWLC, I’ve naturally shifted across styles: embracing a more autocratic approach when swift, decisive action is needed; leaning into servant leadership when my goal is to motivate and uplift those around me; and stepping into transformative leadership when driving change and nurturing growth is the priority.
That said, the style that truly resonates with who I am at my core is purpose-led leadership. It is the most fulfilling and authentic way I lead. I’ve always been innately curious, and hence I always seek to understand the “why” behind the “what” - aligning every action with intention and meaning. Purpose-led leadership allows me to bring clarity, empathy, and drive to the table, ensuring that every task contributes to a greater vision and inspires others along the way.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I live by two life theories that shape how I lead and live intentionally, and they're ones I often share with my mentees and speak about in forums.
The first is the PIE theory of success, which suggests success is made up of 60% exposure, 30% image, and only 10% performance. To me, it’s a powerful reminder that how you show up, carry yourself (yes, dress up!), and how you make your work visible often matters more than just doing good work quietly.
The second is a framework on life prioritisation: we spend one-third of our lives asleep, one-third at work, and one-third outside of work. That means we have the power to be intentional in all three. So I always advocate for investing in a great bed to rest well, finding a career that energises you, and spending time with people and activities that nourish your soul. This is why I find so much joy in sleeping, speaking about my career in asset management sales, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering with purpose-driven communities like YWLC.
These theories and philosophies have helped build the foundation of my leadership journey, and continue to ground me in living with clarity and intention!
