#41: From DBS Intern to CEO: Tan Su Shan on Redefining Leadership at the Top

Tan Su Shan’s story is more than a career trajectory; it’s a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to lead. In this special and intimate conversation during Love, Bonito's IWD event, Su Shan, now the CEO of DBS, reflects on her journey from intern to the top of one of Asia’s most influential banks.

She opens up about the moments of self-doubt, the lessons learned from “demotions,” and how she learned to command a room without changing who she is. From cultivating clarity and conviction, to breaking through the “sticky floor” that holds many women back, Su Shan shares powerful truths about ambition, presence, and the price of leadership.

Whether you're a rising leader, a seasoned professional, or simply navigating what it means to take up space in your own life, this conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and actionable insight.

00:00 Introduction

00:38 From Intern to CEO: Su Shan’s Early Days at DBS

02:04 When a “Demotion” Becomes a Turning Point

07:16 Facing Self-Doubt and Leading Through Discomfort

08:57 Learning to Command the Room with Confidence

12:02 Grounding Leadership in Customer-Centricity

14:08 How “WRECKOON” Shaped Her Perspective as a Leader

15:41 The One Leadership Skill That Will Define the Next Decade

17:57 The Best Investments Su Shan Has Made in Life

19:28 Q&A: Building Clarity and Communicating with Impact

21:07 Q&A: Finding the Right Mentors and Sponsors

23:59 Q&A: What It Really Takes to Build Great Teams

26:15 Final Reflections: What Leadership Means Today

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Follow Su Shan here: linkedin.com/in/tan-su-shan-50296732