Hello Mentor S2 EP7 | Deborah Henry - #OTW to Changing the World One Step at a Time

In this inspiring episode of Hello Mentor, learn how Deborah Henry’s path from Miss Universe Malaysia to the founder of Fugee School exemplifies the essence of leadership skills in Malaysia.

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-21 at 8:08 AM

Updated on 2024-10-21 at 9:17 AM

Leadership in Malaysia: Deborah Henry’s Journey to Create Lasting Impact

In this episode of Hello Mentor, Deborah Henry sheds light on her transition from a beauty pageant winner to a leader in the social impact space. Her experiences reflect key leadership traits that are critical in the Malaysian context—adaptability, empathy, and resilience. From founding Fugee School to spearheading youth programs, Deborah’s journey highlights the leadership skills essential for success in Malaysia’s evolving landscape and offers actionable insights for aspiring leaders looking to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Embracing Leadership with Purpose and Compassion

Deborah Henry's story offers a profound look into what it takes to lead effectively in Malaysia. From launching the Fugee School to building youth programs, she has cultivated leadership skills that align with Malaysia’s evolving landscape—emphasising empathy, resilience, and community involvement.

Her multicultural upbringing and diverse experiences have shaped a leadership style that is inclusive, adaptable, and focused on empowering others. Deborah’s journey provides a blueprint for leaders striving to inspire change and foster unity in Malaysia’s complex social fabric.

1. The Birth of Fugee School: Building a Community with Purpose

Deborah’s leadership story began with her passion for human rights. After meeting a refugee family, she felt compelled to act, leading to the establishment of Fugee School—a learning center providing education to children from refugee communities in Malaysia.

Starting with a small tuition class, her initiative has grown into a comprehensive school offering primary and secondary education, along with youth programs aimed at improving the lives of marginalised children. Deborah’s leadership skills in Malaysia’s NGO landscape illustrate the power of empathy and perseverance, demonstrating that impactful leaders must be deeply connected to the communities they serve. The ability to lead with compassion, inspire change, and solve real problems sets great leaders apart.

2. Overcoming Leadership Challenges in Malaysia’s Social Sector

Deborah candidly discusses the difficulties of managing an NGO in Malaysia. One of the key challenges is securing sustainable funding in a system where refugees are often overlooked. Leaders in the social sector must possess resilience and innovative thinking, traits that Deborah has developed over her years managing Fugee School.

During the pandemic, Fugee School faced severe financial difficulties. To keep the school running, Deborah used her leadership skills to rally donors and foster partnerships. By leveraging digital tools and social media, she ensured the school remained open, showing that leaders must adapt and evolve to new challenges.

3. Key Leadership Skills in Malaysia: Inclusivity and Adaptability

A core aspect of Deborah’s leadership philosophy is fostering inclusivity. Her multicultural upbringing, combined with her professional experiences, has shaped her understanding of diversity. In Malaysia, where societal divides can often hinder progress, her approach serves as a model for inclusive leadership.

Deborah emphasises the value of empathetic leadership skills, urging leaders to actively engage with diverse communities. She also advocates for better integration of refugees into the workforce, arguing that Malaysia’s economy can benefit from unlocking their potential.

4. Developing Leadership Skills: Deborah’s Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Deborah shares several practices that have helped her cultivate strong leadership skills:

• Consistency: Regular routines, including physical exercise, help maintain focus and discipline.
• Courage: True courage lies in embracing vulnerability. Leaders must be willing to admit mistakes and learn from them.
• Compassion: A leader's ability to empathise with others strengthens team unity.
• Consciousness: Practicing gratitude fosters mindfulness, leading to more effective decision-making.

Deborah's advice to young leaders in Malaysia is to immerse themselves in communities and understand the realities faced by the people they aim to serve. Leadership, she explains, is not about control but about enabling others to thrive. On that note, identifying your unique leadership style and knowing how to leverage it effectively can make all the difference.

The Future of Leadership in Malaysia: Takeaways from Deborah Henry’s Journey

Deborah Henry’s journey offers profound insights into leadership in Malaysia. Her work at Fugee School demonstrates that successful leaders must combine empathy with strategy, balancing long-term goals with the immediate needs of their teams.

Aspiring leaders in Malaysia can draw inspiration from her ability to adapt, her focus on inclusivity, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference. As Malaysia continues to evolve, leaders like Deborah play a crucial role in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive society.

If Deborah's story has inspired you, it's time to cultivate your own leadership skills. Join communities around the world and connect with like-minded individuals eager to create positive change.

Conclusion

Deborah Henry’s story exemplifies the core elements of leadership skills in Malaysia: empathy, adaptability, and resilience. Whether you're leading an organization or working to develop yourself, her journey reminds us that effective leadership is about serving others and driving meaningful change. Through small, consistent actions, anyone can cultivate the qualities necessary to become an impactful leader in Malaysia and beyond.

Ready to build your leadership journey? Explore opportunities that align with your values and career goals at Hiredly.

About Hello Mentor

Hello Mentor is a podcast offering candid conversations on entrepreneurship, career growth, and ambition. Each episode features inspiring individuals who share personal experiences and actionable advice.

Catch all episodes on Spotify or YouTube for more inspiration and career guidance from industry leaders!

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-21 at 8:08 AM