Women Who Thrive: Trust Bank’s Jocelyne Loh on the importance of being focused and present in the workplace

Navigating the corporate world as a woman comes with unique challenges, from finding your voice in male-dominated industries to balancing multiple responsibilities. Jocelyne Loh, Chief People Officer at Trust Bank, has spent over 20 years refining a leadership style built on confidence, authenticity, and presence. With an extensive background in human resources and organisational strategy, she has worked with leading global firms, including Accenture, Apple, and Willis Towers Watson, before bringing her expertise to Trust Bank.

As a pioneering employee at Trust Bank, Jocelyne played a key role in shaping the company’s HR strategy from the ground up. Leveraging her deep understanding of talent development, compensation, and leadership coaching, she has cultivated a people-first culture that prioritises inclusivity, engagement, and meaningful career growth. According to Human Resources Online, Trust Bank has achieved near gender parity under her leadership, a rare feat in the finance and technology industries, with women making up nearly 50 per cent of the workforce and close to 40 per cent of the C-suite.

Beyond policies and processes, Jocelyne champions a workplace that fosters transparency, collaboration, and innovation. She believes that true success isn’t about being the loudest in the room – it’s about clarity, conviction, and creating an impact. Here, she shares her leadership journey, the challenges she overcame, and the mindset shifts that helped her thrive in the corporate world.

• Looking back on your career journey, what were some obstacles you encountered as a woman striving for leadership roles, and how did you overcome them?

When I first started out, I was soft-spoken and often struggled to make my voice heard in male-dominated industries. Many of the men around me were more vocal, and as a result, their opinions were given more weight. I knew that to be taken seriously, I needed to step up – not by emulating others, but by refining my own strengths.

I made a conscious effort to build my confidence, master my craft, and express my viewpoints with clarity and conviction. Rather than forcing myself into a mould that didn’t fit, I embraced authenticity. This helped me gain the trust of my colleagues and establish credibility, not just through what I said, but through the impact I made.

• What is one fundamental strategy or mindset shift that has been instrumental in your professional success?

The power of being fully present. In a world that celebrates multi-tasking, I have learnt that focusing on one thing at a time is a game-changer. Whether it’s leading a discussion, making a critical decision, or connecting with a colleague, giving undivided attention leads to better outcomes, deeper understanding, and more meaningful interactions.

• How can this approach empower women at different stages of their careers to navigate the workforce with confidence and resilience?

In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by competing priorities. Many women juggle multiple roles – professional, personal, and everything in between – and feel the constant pressure to be everywhere at once. However, true efficiency comes from being intentional with our time and energy.

By practising presence, we become better listeners, better leaders, and ultimately, better problem-solvers. As a Chief People Officer, I have found that being fully engaged in conversations fosters trust and understanding. When we show up wholeheartedly in each moment, we build stronger relationships, make more thoughtful decisions, and create a work environment where everyone feels seen and valued. This is the foundation of a thriving workplace.