What if leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room but the one who listens?
In this episode, Aish speaks with Farehana Hanapiah, former Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at PETRONAS, Malaysia’s multinational energy company. From the “new kid” in class to spearheading people strategy for one of Asia’s most influential companies, Farehana shares her journey as a quiet and reflective leader in rooms where leaders are expected to be loud and extroverted.
Together, Aish and Farehana explore why meaningful leadership begins with curiosity, not control—particularly in high-stakes environments. They also reflect on the hidden power of allies, the myth of the solo leader and why long-term impact is always a team sport. Finally, Farehana sheds light on what it means to lead with purpose during moments of global crisis and how data-driven empathy and inclusion can reshape organizational culture.
About Farehana:
Farehana Hanapiah is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience at PETRONAS, Malaysia's national oil and gas company. As the former Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, she drove PETRONAS’ Global HR strategy and transformation. She's a passionate advocate for Learning & Development, adaptability and strategic collaboration. In addition to her leadership at PETRONAS, she serves on several boards and councils championing sustainability and addressing inequality.
Learn more about WDHB: wdhb.com
