With over 25 years of corporate experience and more than 1,500 hours of coaching under her belt, Adeline Tiah is not just a leadership and team coach—she’s a transformation architect.
As the Director of Soar Collective Asia and a sought-after keynote speaker, Adeline helps business leaders and mid-career professionals navigate the complex shifts of the future of work. Her work doesn’t just support individuals—it supports national priorities by equipping Singapore’s workforce to stay resilient, adaptive, and future-ready.
In this SG60 Showcase feature, we uncover Adeline Tiah’s journey from corporate executive to catalyst for reinvention. From authoring insightful books to launching an AI-powered coaching tool, Adeline shares how she’s helping Singapore thrive amid disruption.
Read on for a conversation that spans leadership transformation, Encore careers, and why she believes purpose is the new KPI.
Highlights
Reinvention in Action: From Corporate Strategy to National Impact
Q: Adeline, you’ve worked with thousands of professionals in Singapore. Can you tell us about a recent initiative that has directly contributed to Singapore’s development?
A: Since publishing REINVENT 4.0 in late 2022, I’ve led a movement to prepare Singapore’s workforce for future challenges. My focus is twofold: supporting business leaders through transformation and helping mid-career professionals, especially those in their 40s and 50s, navigate transitions and age-related career barriers.
Through collaborations with organizations like Workforce Singapore (WSG) and e2i, I’ve contributed insights on “Encore Careers”—helping Singaporeans explore second-career pathways. I’ve also delivered training and keynote sessions across government agencies, universities, and MNCs, including Unilever, Keppel, NTU, Singtel, UOB, and more. These sessions equip professionals with practical strategies to thrive amid uncertainty.
One key challenge is age discrimination. By leveraging my platform and experience, I help mid-career professionals rebuild confidence and find meaningful new directions. At the same time, I work with companies to evolve leadership mindsets so they can guide teams through volatility. These aren’t just workshops—they’re culture-shifting engagements that ripple through entire organizations.
Q: What inspired you to make this shift from a high-powered corporate career to this reinvention journey?
A: It was a deliberate pivot. After decades in leadership roles—including as Chief Marketing Officer at a startup incubated by SC Ventures, Standard Chartered’s Venture Capital arm—I realized I wanted to shift from chasing revenue KPIs to what I now call “people KPIs.” Success isn’t just about financial metrics anymore; it’s about making a lasting difference in people’s lives. That led to the founding of Soar Collective Asia and the publication of Life 2.0 to support people in transition. I believe transformation is not a one-off event but a lifelong journey.
Q: You’re known for integrating future-of-work trends into your speaking and coaching. What gives your work that edge?
A: Three things: First, I’m a practitioner, not just a theorist. I’ve lived through transformations in corporate and startup settings. Second, I bring academic depth—I’ve completed MIT’s capstone program on AI and Business Implications and continue to teach at universities like SUSS. Third, I’m constantly evolving. In 2025, I began my Master Coaching Certification journey to be accredited by the International Coaching Federation. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures my clients get the best of both worlds: practical strategy and cutting-edge insight.
From Personal Mastery to Systemic Change
Q: You’ve mentioned helping teams, not just individuals. How does that play out in your work today?
A: I believe sustainable transformation happens in a community. That’s why Soar Collective Asia partners with other coaches and mentors to create systemic change. As a certified Systemic Team Coach and resident coach at Unilever International, I focus on building psychological safety and team engagement. It’s about creating environments where people can bring their whole selves to work, not just their job titles.
Q: How do your personal interests influence your work?
A: Music, movement, and mindfulness play huge roles in my life. I’ve been a competitive swimmer, a cellist, and now I paint and do Piloxing. These practices give me the clarity and resilience I need as a coach. They aren’t just hobbies—they sharpen my ability to listen deeply, connect intuitively, and stay grounded in high-stakes environments.
Q: What differentiates you from others in your field?
A: I don’t offer off-the-shelf advice. I bring over 25 years of corporate leadership, real coaching hours, and a toolkit that blends Gallup Strengths, Soundwave, LEGO Serious Play, and more. My programs like Reinventing for the Future of Work and Life 2.0 Accelerator are designed to meet people where they are—and move them forward. My content isn’t abstract inspiration; it’s actionable, real-world tested, and deeply human.
Final Thoughts: What Adeline Tiah Teaches Us About Purpose-Driven Leadership
Adeline Tiah’s journey reflects a powerful redefinition of success. Her shift from the boardroom to the coaching room reveals how corporate experience, when combined with heart-centered purpose, can create seismic change—not just in organizations, but in society.
By guiding leaders through disruption, advocating for Encore careers, and merging innovation with empathy, Adeline stands out as a force shaping Singapore’s workforce transformation.
As Singapore prepares for the next 60 years, leaders like Adeline remind us that the future isn’t just about being ready for change—it’s about leading it with intention, integrity, and impact. In the future of work, mediocrity will be replaced by AI. To thrive, we need to constantly level up and reinvent ourselves.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase series—spotlighting leaders, thinkers, and builders shaping Singapore’s next 60 years. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
