Mindy Tan on leadership, reflection and the Learn to Lead Program

Leading across functions, without formal authority

As a Global Product Manager at Atlas Copco, Mindy Tan is responsible for bringing new products and solutions to market. Her role sits at the intersection of product development, business and execution, requiring her to coordinate large project teams across functions, countries and cultures.

– My main KPI is to launch new solutions to the global market in a very short timeframe, she says.

While she does not have direct reports, she leads cross-functional teams involving stakeholders from R&D, supply chain, project management and commercial functions globally.

– One of the biggest challenges is leading people who don’t report to you. We all need to move in the same direction, so it’s about aligning people, building commitment and creating momentum across teams and cultures.

The importance of reflection

For Mindy, joining Novare’s Learn to Lead program was driven by a desire for continuous growth.

– I always want to improve myself. One day I want to be a leader, not just a manager. I wanted to strengthen my leadership capabilities and especially my soft skills.

One of the most valuable insights from the program has been the importance of reflection.

– Sometimes we don’t reflect at all for months. The program reminded me how important it is to stop and ask: What have I actually achieved today? What could I have done differently? What can I improve next time?

The insight has not stayed in the classroom.

– I’ve started blocking time in my calendar just for reflection. It sounds simple, but it has had a real impact on how I work and how I approach challenges.

The program reminded me how important it is to stop and ask: What have I actually achieved today? What could I have done differently? What can I improve next time?

Learning through shared experience

A key part of the Novare Learn to Lead Program is the opportunity to learn alongside participants from other industries and organisations.

For Mindy, those conversations provided valuable perspective.

– Inside Atlas Copco we have excellent leadership training, but when you meet people from completely different companies, you get new points of view. You start reflecting on your own ways of working and learn from how others approach similar challenges.

The exchange of experiences became an important part of the learning journey.

– Sometimes you realize that your company is doing something really well. Other times you discover a different approach that you can bring back and apply in your own organisation.

Leadership starts with how we treat other people

One of the insights from the program’s guest speaker stayed with Mindy:

– Nobody is better than anybody,’ as Peter Wallenberg Jr. said. That really resonated with me, it’s a simple reminder that we are all equal, and that leadership starts with how we treat others.

We are all equal, and leadership starts with how we treat others

Working on a Case for Change

As part of the program, participants presented their own ”Case for Change” – a challenge or opportunity they see shaping the future.

Mindy chose to focus on artificial intelligence.

–  There is a common concern AI will replace human workers, but I see it differently. AI is a powerful tool that can take over repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on creativity, problem-solving, and higher-value work. Just as computers did not replace humans but instead transformed the way we work, AI should be viewed as a technology that helps us innovate, improve, and create greater value.

Leadership beyond tasks

Reflecting on her Learn to Lead journey, Mindy believes the program has strengthened both her leadership mindset and her confidence in taking the next step.

– Leadership is not only about managing tasks and projects. It’s about understanding people, learning from others and continuously reflecting on how you can become better. That’s probably my biggest takeaway from the program.

Leadership is about understanding people, learning from others and continuously reflecting on how you can become better. That’s probably my biggest takeaway from the program.

About Novare Learn to Lead Program

Novare Learn to Lead is a leadership program for new or aspiring managers who want to grow in their role. Through an interactive format, participants gain practical tools, strengthen self-leadership and build a strong peer network. The program focuses on key capabilities such as self-awareness, accountability and resilience to help new leaders navigate change and drive impact.