​​Leading, Her Way: Empowering Women to Lead and Thrive in the Modern World

Leading, Her Way is a Leadership Development interview series featuring and spotlighting remarkable female leaders in Singapore, and their thoughts on self-exploration, career development, overcoming failures, and work-life alignment.

In this edition, we feature Ms. Yvon Bock, CEO and Founder of Hegen. Her decade-long breastfeeding journey sparked the creation of Hegen - a globally recognised motherhood and infant care brand renowned for its innovative Express-Store-Feed ecosystem and holistic perinatal support.

Q1. You took a significant leap from the boardroom to being a stay-at-home mom, and then transitioned into entrepreneurship. What mindset shifts or strategies helped you navigate such a major change?

A strong sense of purpose guided me through every transition in my journey. When I left the corporate world to become a stay-at-home mum, my focus was on being present for my firstborn and cherishing his milestones.

Later, when I stepped into my family business, I was driven by filial piety, which evolved into a deep appreciation for my father’s lifelong dedication — fuelling my desire to protect and grow his legacy.

Finally, launching Hegen was rooted in a mission to support and empower 100 million mums worldwide. Each transition came with challenges, but staying anchored to my purpose gave me clarity, resilience, and the courage to embrace change.

Q2. What was your biggest challenge when moving from stay-at-home mom to entrepreneur, and how did you overcome that?

My biggest challenge when transitioning from a stay-at-home mum to an entrepreneur was wearing multiple hats and juggling time between work and family. As a mum, my children have always been my top priority, and stepping into the entrepreneurial world meant finding a balance between the two.

When I first started Hegen, the workload was intense. Frequent business trips also added to the complexity, often taking me away from home. It was not easy leaving my children, and I frequently grappled with mum's guilt, feeling as though I was missing out on precious moments with them.

This is why I now make it a habit to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Every morning, I create a to-do list to prioritise my tasks, focusing on the most important and urgent ones. I tackle these as soon as I arrive at the office, helping me to maintain clear work boundaries. This allows me to leave on time and spend quality evenings with my family.

Ultimately, balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is not about achieving perfect equality between work and family but rather about finding a harmonious balance. It is about knowing when to disconnect from work, being fully present with my loved ones, and respecting that work time is for business. Embracing this balance has helped me grow as a mother and an entrepreneur.

Credit: Enterprise SG

Q3. For women who are looking to start their own businesses, what's one piece of advice you would offer to them?

My biggest piece of advice is to dream big! Do not limit your possibility of achieving your dreams. I truly believe that the narratives we craft for ourselves have the power to shape our reality.

I have always asked myself: What kind of impact do I want to leave behind? The answer was always clear: my vision is to empower 100 million mothers worldwide with the gift of breastfeeding.

Embracing the courage to dream big has transformed this vision into reality. Today, through Hegen & Flegen (formerly known as HLC Hegen Lactation Centre), I am proud to say that we have empowered mothers worldwide to embrace and enjoy their breastfeeding journeys.

Remember, you are capable of more than you can imagine. It is time to take charge of your story, dream big and manifest greatness!

Q4. As a mother of four, daughter, sister, and entrepreneur, you're managing many roles. How do you find balance, and is the concept of "having it all" something you believe in?

Yes, I believe that having it all is possible! But it requires balance, intention, and plenty of learning along the way.

When I first started Hegen, I was so immersed in building the business that work often took precedence over  family time. I was constantly busy, and it felt like there was never enough time in the day. However, over time, I realised that success at work meant very little if I was not truly present for my family.

I believe that a strong family begins with a strong bond between couples. Through it all, I am especially grateful for my husband, Leon, who has been my pillar of support and the person who uplifts me, be it at home or work. His encouragement reminds me that success is not just measured by what we achieve professionally but by the love and connection we nurture at home.

At work, I also started setting clear boundaries for myself. I aim to finish my workday on time so that I can spend the evening with my husband and children. Our evenings are for family time, and we practise ‘D2C’, which stands for Disconnect to Connect. We put our devices away and be intentional about spending quality time with our loved ones.

For me, having it all is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being intentional with my time and prioritising what truly matters. Some days are more work-focused, while others are all about family, but knowing when to draw the line has helped me find a healthier, more fulfilling balance.

Q5. You’ve clearly made empowering women a central part of your journey. What’s your personal mantra, and what advice would you give to men and women looking to support and uplift other women?

My personal mantra is to manifest and make it happen!

My advice to anybody who wants to uplift other women is to be genuine in celebrating their successes. Whether big or small, recognising women’s achievements boosts their confidence and sets an example for others. Kind words or acknowledging someone’s accomplishments can make a real impact. It’s about lifting women, championing their wins, and recognising the effort behind their achievements. 

For men, being an ally can start at home by supporting your mother, sister, partner and friends in pursuing their goals (Just as my husband, Leon, has always been my biggest cheerleader)! I always feel that motherhood extends beyond having the right tools and equipment; it is also about providing them with emotional support.

Ultimately, uplifting women is about building a safe space where they feel valued, appreciated, and empowered to thrive.

Q6. As a successful entrepreneur, what was the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned so far, and how has it shaped your approach to leadership and business?

One of the most unexpected lessons I have learned is that challenging moments often pave the way for better outcomes. Instead of letting disappointment hold me back, I use it as fuel to push myself forward to achieve greater heights. This experience taught me the importance of resilience, something that I now carry into my leadership style and approach to business, as well as to role model to my children.

Q7. Closing the gender equity gap is an ongoing challenge. In your opinion, what actions, policies, or mindsets are needed to empower women and create more opportunities for equity in the workplace?

1. Mindset change towards women in the workplace

Being a woman or mother is not a constraint; it is the key to a bigger world. With that said, employers must shift their mindset to recognise that women, regardless of their life stages or career paths, bring invaluable skills such as multitasking, efficiency, problem-solving, and, most importantly, empathy — qualities and soft skills essential to excel at the workplace.

Additionally, instead of viewing career breaks, caregiving responsibilities, or non-traditional career journeys as setbacks, organisations should see them as experiences that build resilience, leadership, and innovation outside a traditional corporate framework.

Creating a more equitable work environment means fostering a culture that values and supports women at all stages of their careers. This includes offering flexible work arrangements, ensuring fair hiring and promotion practices, and actively eliminating biases that hinder women’s progress. When organisations move beyond traditional perceptions and implement inclusive policies, they can unlock the full potential of a highly skilled, dedicated, and diverse workforce.

Workplace equity is not just about fairness—it’s also about recognising the immense value that women bring and ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive, lead, and contribute meaningfully to businesses and society.

2. Policies to create a more equitable work environment

When I first returned to work as a breastfeeding mother, I had to pump every three hours and regularly step away from my desk, which sometimes led to misunderstandings that I was slacking. My director was very supportive once I explained that my breaks were due to breastfeeding, not negligence. He even suggested a “Pumping in Progress” desk tent card to keep colleagues informed. My coworkers were equally encouraging, often bringing me snacks and offering support.

I believe it is important to provide facilities and cultivate a culture where mothers feel seen, valued, and respected. When organisations prioritise understanding and support, they empower mothers to thrive in their careers while confidently embracing their parental roles.

Credit: Enterprise SG

Author: Blanche Lim

Leading, Her Way is a series by YWLC’s Leadership Development Subcommittee, spotlighting remarkable female leaders in Singapore. For more information, reach out to leadership@ywlc.org.sg