Friday espresso: Discovering The Formula of Passion in Change - CHRO of Hartalega Mr. Siew Fei Yoon
Jan 23, 2026 1:01 am
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Discovering The Formula of Passion in Change - CHRO of Hartalega Mr. Siew Fei Yoon
There’s a popular joke that says, “You only need 14 days to learn HR.”
It always makes me smile because anyone who has truly worked with people knows how untrue that is.
Recently I’ve sat down with Mr. Siew Fei Yoon, CHRO of Hartalega, who transitioned from a mechanical engineering background to now, spearheading HR initiatives at Hartalega.
His journey reminded me that passion doesn’t always start as a calling. Sometimes, it begins as a responsibility we didn’t plan for, and grows when we realise the impact our decisions have on others.
This made me reflect on change, as a revealer of purpose.
👇Catch the full episode here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sG1oZCYzXE
WHY Passion Often Emerges During Change
🧭 Change strips away autopilot. When familiar paths fall away, we’re forced to think more carefully about why we do what we do, not just how.
💡 Responsibility reveals meaning. When our decisions start affecting people, not just outcomes, work stops being transactional and becomes personal.
🌱 Purpose often follows impact and vice versa. Purpose and impact are deeply intertwined. Leaders are here to improve lives, and as impact strengthens purpose, purpose in turn amplifies impact.
WHAT Passion in Leadership Really Looks Like
🎧 Listening before leading. Passion often shows up in the moments we choose to listen instead of rushing to fix. When leaders slow down to understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, decisions become more thoughtful, and people feel seen.
⚖️ Feeling the weight of decisions. Leadership becomes different when you realise your choices affect livelihoods, morale, and trust. Passion grows when leaders stop seeing decisions as tasks to complete, and start recognising the real people who live with the outcomes.
🛠️ Learning as you go, without pretending. Passion doesn’t require expertise on day one. It shows up when leaders are willing to admit what they don’t know, ask better questions, and grow into the role.
HOW HR Leaders Can Lead with Purpose Through Change
🧠 Hold both numbers and narratives. Data can show you what is happening. Conversations tell you why. Purpose-led HR leaders learn to honour both, using insights to guide decisions, while staying deeply connected to the people behind the metrics.
🌱 Treat change as growth. Career shifts, organisational changes, and new responsibilities don’t cancel out what came before. They stretch us. Every experience adds texture, perspective, and depth to how we lead.
🧭 Return to your “why” when the role shifts. Titles may change and expectations may evolve, but purpose remains steady. When things feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, anchoring back to why you chose to lead people in the first place provides clarity and confidence.
What I’ve learned from stories like these is simple, but powerful:
Passion is rarely something we “discover” by searching harder.
It often shows up quietly, when change forces us to care more deeply, decide more carefully, and lead more consciously.
Change is not a threat to passion. It’s often the place where passion becomes clear.
Connect with me on LinkedIn for more Leadership, Change and Heart content!
That’s the espresso, keep the momentum! ☕😌
Stay caffeinated & curious!
Koo Lily
l Founder of mq Training Coaching Consulting l
Leadership Coach l Change Facilitator l Speaker l
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