Women who thrive: How KPMG’s Lee Sze Yeng leads with purpose and people-first principles

In an industry often stereotyped as rigid and numbers-driven, Lee Sze Yeng stands as a refreshing exception. As the first female managing partner at KPMG Singapore, Lee’s career isn’t merely about breaking glass ceilings – it’s about reshaping perceptions. KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, and advisory services to help businesses navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable growth. Its influence extends well beyond the boardroom – helping shape industries, strengthen economies, and promote corporate responsibility on a global scale.

With over two decades at KPMG, Lee has grown alongside the firm, witnessing its evolution from a 500-strong team to nearly 4,000 employees. But beyond the titles and milestones, it’s her deep-rooted belief in people, trust, and constant evolution that defines her leadership.

Fueled by purpose and adaptability

Interestingly, Lee’s path into accountancy wasn’t driven by passion but practicality – a decision influenced by her father and cemented by a KPMG scholarship. Yet what began as a sensible choice blossomed into a lifelong journey filled with unexpected lessons. From conquering her fear of heights during an early stocktake at a cement factory to spearheading strategic growth for one of Singapore’s largest professional services firms, Lee’s career reflects the power of adaptability and courage.

For Lee, leadership goes beyond strategy and numbers. It’s about nurturing a “happy and healthy organisation” (H2O) – an environment where well-being, collaboration, and meaningful work thrive. “Accountancy is so much more than ‘bean counting’,” she shares. “At its core, it’s about people and trust. Our role is to help businesses not only navigate today’s challenges but also prepare for tomorrow.”

As someone who has navigated the evolving landscape of professional services while staying true to her values, Lee brings a wealth of insight into leadership, resilience, and the importance of embracing discomfort to grow. Below, she shares her guiding philosophies and the lessons that have helped her to thrive in her career.

• What philosophy guides your approach to leadership and success?

I believe leadership isn’t about commanding from the top – it’s about creating spaces where people feel empowered, inspired, and valued. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Early in my career, I had to climb a cement silo for a stocktake, despite my fear of heights. It was terrifying, but it taught me the power of courage and resilience. I carry that lesson with me every day. It reminds me that growth often happens in uncomfortable spaces. That’s the environment I strive to cultivate at KPMG – where challenges become opportunities, and where people feel supported in their journey to be their best selves.

• What were some of the challenges you faced when climbing the corporate ladder as a woman?

I’ve been fortunate to build my career at KPMG, a place that champions equal opportunities and values quality and excellence. From the start, I’ve believed that success is rooted in hard work, talent, and staying true to your purpose. What I appreciate most is how KPMG fosters collaboration and encourages us to approach challenges with curiosity and courage.

Being a woman hasn’t felt like a barrier in my journey. In fact, qualities like empathy, resilience, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities have been my strengths. These attributes have helped me connect with others, lead diverse teams, and tackle problems with balance and perspective.

Of course, there have been challenges – tight deadlines, constant change, and navigating uncertainty can be tough. But knowing I’m part of a team that values excellence and has my back makes a significant difference. Leadership is about trust, listening, and understanding the bigger picture, and that’s what I strive to bring to every role.

• What has KPMG’s culture meant for your growth and leadership journey?

One of the things I value most about KPMG is its focus on people. It’s a culture that supports personal and professional growth. Whether exploring new areas in my career or pursuing personal goals, I’ve always felt encouraged to challenge myself and expand my horizons.

At KPMG, we’re also driven to ‘Be in Front’ – to go beyond meeting expectations and create something meaningful. It’s about asking the right questions, thinking long term, and embracing innovation. This mindset is woven into how we work and the goals we set. Courage and commitment are key, whether you’re leading a team, tackling new challenges, or encouraging others to think differently. And when you work alongside people who share those values, it makes the hard moments worth it – and the successes even more rewarding.

• Share one simple, powerful tip that has helped you to thrive in the workforce, and why it’s relevant for women today.

“Embrace change with an open mind, a spirit of humility to learn, and a commitment to building a happy and healthy organisation – while always staying true to yourself.”

This mindset has shaped my entire career. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s where the most growth happens. Staying curious, open to new ideas, and committed to learning has helped me adapt and contribute, even in moments of uncertainty. It’s about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth – both professionally and personally.

Talent isn’t just about what we build in ourselves; it’s also about how we uplift those around us. Leadership becomes less about personal success and more about the ripple effect of inspiring and supporting others. For women especially, this perspective can be incredibly empowering. Empathy, attentiveness, and resilience are invaluable in fostering collaboration and creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

I’ve also learnt that success isn’t only about the big wins. The small, everyday moments – mentoring someone, learning a new skill, or helping a colleague – are just as meaningful. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being open to possibilities, recognising that we all have something to learn, and bringing others along on the journey.