Hearing from Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Planning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health
How did you determine which businesses demonstrated a strong commitment to being a force for good? Essentially I used frameworks to judge. The ESG notion of People, Planet and Profit was an easy trio to remember so I looked for companies that not just tick the boxes but balance them. At the interview stage, I asked more probing questions about their business model because if these frameworks are not built into their ethos, then it probably will not be a sustainable force for good.
How do you balance the need to recognize businesses that are making a positive impact with the reality that many businesses must prioritize profitability in order to survive? Most people think of the environment, but I also focused on the communities in which they exist, and whether their governance structure could withstand threats from externalities. I used DEI frameworks as well because it generates significantly better business decisions, so I know that those companies are also in good hands and perhaps more bankable. Like all VCs say, it’s the team that matters.
Meet the judges interview series
Series #1 – Li Lian Liew GEMBA’13 – Director, Corporate Planning at Tan Tock Seng Hospital & Central Health