Today, we celebrate four outstanding iNova leaders who embody Give to Gain through the way they elevate others and open doors for the next generation of leaders in science and beyond.
Goh Yee Leng
Chief People Officer
When you think of the theme Give to Gain, what does it mean to you personally?
Give to Gain is about embracing a humble, positive, and open mindset that helps us grow. It’s choosing to treat others the way I hope to be treated – honestly, kindly, and authentically. Giving doesn’t need to be grand; sometimes simply stepping back, listening, or offering small acts of support can make the biggest difference. I also believe that when we give with sincerity, we gain far more in return to grow together.
How has giving (whether it’s time, mentoring, or knowledge) shaped your leadership journey?
I’ve learned that leadership is shaped through the people we work with. Giving not only enables me to elevate others, it also makes me a more grounded and compassionate leader. I also realise that when we show up for others, we grow together. That’s really at the heart of my leadership journey.
Why do you believe empowering others creates a ripple effect of success?
When we empower others and create opportunities for them, we set off a ripple effect that encourages others to pay it forward which multiplies the impact of success beyond a single moment. I believe that empowerment can turn individual actions into collective progress and building momentum for shared success.
Sarianne Opie
Country Head, South Africa
When you think of the theme Give to Gain, what does it mean to you personally?
To me, Give to Gain is a reminder that leadership is not about what we take, but what we offer. By investing our time, energy, and knowledge in others, we create an environment where people can thrive, and in doing so, we all grow together. True success is shared success.
How has giving (whether it’s time, mentoring, or knowledge) shaped your leadership journey?
Giving my time and trust to my teams has shaped me into a more intentional leader. I focus on creating an environment where people feel trusted, supported, and confident to step forward. When people know you believe in them, they grow faster and aim higher. Watching that growth is one of the most rewarding parts of leadership, and it continually inspires me to keep investing in others.
Why do you believe empowering others creates a ripple effect of success?
Empowering others multiplies impact. When we lift people up and value their unique strengths, they gain confidence and inspire those around them. That ripple effect strengthens teams, drives creativity, and fuels collective success. A team that celebrates differences and empowers each member is unstoppable.
Noura Khayata
Marketing Director, MENA
When you think of the theme Give to Gain, what does it mean to you personally?
For me, the greatest gain has always been people. Every success, achievement, and innovation comes from our teams. When we give them vision, guidance, and time, we gain results driven by focus and momentum. When we offer respect and recognition, we gain commitment. When we create opportunities built on trust and empowerment, we gain leaders ready to take on new challenges and reach even greater goals.
How has giving (whether it’s time, mentoring, or knowledge) shaped your leadership journey?
I believe that leadership and giving aren’t defined by titles, but by values. For me, leadership is rooted in striving for success with commitment while caring for others so we can serve patients better and faster. My journey has always been driven by a passion for giving. Giving my team clarity, creating healthy dynamics, and ensuring alignment to strengthen collaboration across functions locally and globally.
I invest my time in listening, guiding, and understanding each person’s strengths, challenges, and aspirations so I can help remove barriers and celebrate their achievements.
Most importantly, I lead with trust, respect, and empowerment because when people feel supported and believed in, they will fulfil their full potential.
Why do you believe empowering others creates a ripple effect of success?
Empowering others starts with giving them trust and the opportunity to show what they are capable of. When people feel genuinely believed in, they will put their best foot forward to excel. That determination to excel becomes contagious and inspires the entire team to become stronger and successful.
Lou Tomkins
Marketing & Innovation Director, Australia
When you think of the theme Give to Gain, what does it mean to you personally?
Give to Gain reflects my belief that true leadership combines empathy with intention. For me, I want to be a role model who creates a supportive environment where women feel connected, empowered, and confident in their own voices. When we invest in lifting others up, we strengthen our collective potential and shared success.
How has giving (whether it’s time, mentoring, or knowledge) shaped your leadership journey?
Giving has shaped my leadership journey. I have had leaders who gave me the confidence and support to grow beyond my comfort zone. I now pay that forward by empowering women to take ownership of their development, have honest conversations about their strengths and gaps, and pursue opportunities that stretch their capabilities.
By creating access to on-the-job learning, formal training, and stretch assignments, I aim to help women build confidence, grow their skills, and elevate their visibility across the business.
Why do you believe empowering others creates a ripple effect of success?
Empowering women enables them to show their full potential by applying their skills, stretching their boundaries, and learning confidently from mistakes. When women feel supported to lead with capability, pride, and ownership not just in what they achieve, but in how they achieve it, they grow in confidence and impact. And that confidence naturally inspires them to empower others, creating a ripple effect of success that continues to multiply.
