With nearly three decades of experience in leadership coaching and HR consulting, Jass Malaney is on a mission to transform how leaders think, act, and influence in today’s volatile, fast-moving landscape. As the founder of Acquire Global Coaching, she blends corporate insights with personal resilience to guide executives toward global impact.
But Jass’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. She’s been instrumental in shaping Singapore’s coaching ecosystem—most notably during her tenure as President of ICF Singapore, where she scaled the chapter to 800 members in just four months.
Her initiatives helped institutionalize credentialed coaching in Singapore, leading to government recognition and tender eligibility, while setting a standard that has since been adopted across 200 chapters globally.
In this SG60 Showcase feature, Jass shares how her work cultivates a future-ready leadership mindset—one that aligns with Singapore’s aspirations for sustainability, global competitiveness, and agile transformation.
Highlights
Building Leaders for the World Stage
Q: Jass, tell us about an initiative that’s made a meaningful contribution to Singapore’s leadership ecosystem.
A: Over the past few years, I’ve actively served as a grassroots leader and HR mentor, designing programs that promote cultural integration, strategic thinking, and inclusive leadership, particularly through the IAEC at Siglap South Community Centre and community work with Mendaki. These experiences ground my executive coaching in the real needs of diverse professionals and communities.
Beyond the community, my “Elevate to C-Suite” and “Women in Leadership” programs have helped emerging leaders develop global perspectives and confidently navigate transitions in complex business environments.
One of the most significant contributions I’ve made was during my time as President of ICF Singapore. Within just four months, I grew the chapter to 800 members, positioning Singapore as a leader in the coaching profession across Asia.
This shift attracted government attention and tenders that began requiring credentialed coaches—changing the credibility landscape of our entire industry. The best practices we created here—such as Communities of Practice and breakfast meetings—have now been adopted by over 200 chapters globally.
Also worth mentioning is the national recognition I received in 2002—the Prime Minister of Singapore’s Award—for a Telephone Reminder Service initiative. It was first implemented by Alexandra Hospital and saved $40,000 in one month. This idea has since inspired service improvements worldwide.
Q: What national priorities does your work align with?
A: My coaching addresses key national imperatives—like building future-ready leadership, advancing social cohesion, and preparing leaders to face competition beyond our borders. Whether I’m working with a regional executive or mentoring a community advocate, my focus is on resilience, agility, and influence.
In 2002, received the Prime Minister of Singapore’s Award for the Telephone Reminder Service, a suggestion that has changed the trajectory of the service industry globally.
Equipping Leaders to Rise Through Change
Q: What’s your signature approach when working with senior leadership?
A: I help clients unlock clarity. Often, high-achieving leaders carry silent stress and uncertainty. My method integrates assessments like Hogan and Harrison with deep coaching conversations to surface what’s getting in their way, then guide them to lead with focus and authenticity.
Executives walk away with more than a plan—they leave with confidence and emotional strength. Many have gone on to take global roles, pivot their leadership style, or redesign their teams to thrive.
Q: You’ve held leadership roles yourself. How does that shape your impact?
A: Absolutely. I started my career leading a P&L at The World Bank at the age of 24, and since then have been in several leadership roles. I’ve served as President of ICF Singapore and grew the chapter to 800 members in just 4 months, then went on to serve at the Global Board of Directors for ICF USA, which gave me firsthand insight into leading across borders.
My professional journey—from strategic HR to coaching C-level executives—therefore gives me an insider’s view into the pressure points leaders face. In addition, I am an Accredited Board Director with the Singapore Institute of Directors and actively work with non-profit leaders as a mentor.
That blend of lived experience and coaching mastery allows me to serve as a trusted guide for leaders navigating transitions, conflict, or reinvention.
Courage, Clarity, and Coaching with Heart
Q: What sets you apart from others in the leadership development space?
A: I operate with a mindset of 200%, giving my absolute best to every client. My coaching style is warm, courageous, and deeply strategic. Clients describe me as someone who “holds the space” for truth, clarity, and transformation to emerge.
They trust me because I listen deeply, challenge respectfully, and walk alongside them. It’s this combination of insight, intention, and integrity that drives the lasting breakthroughs.
Final Thoughts: Jass Malaney’s Blueprint for Bold, Global Leadership
Jass Malaney is more than a leadership coach—she’s a catalyst for courageous transformation and a builder of ecosystems. With her sharp strategic lens and heart-led approach, she helps leaders rise not just in title, but in depth, impact, and global relevance.
Her contributions—from transforming coaching infrastructure to innovating service delivery—underscore that leadership is not just about vision, but execution with purpose. Jass equips leaders to anchor themselves with clarity, lead with empathy, and act with resilience.
As Singapore advances on the world stage, Jass is helping shape the leaders who will take it there—those who lead with courage, adapt with agility, and stay grounded in who they are, no matter how far they go.
Highlights
This article is part of the SG60 Showcase, spotlighting the leaders shaping Singapore’s future of leadership, transformation, and sustainable growth. Stay tuned for more.
Read the Chinese article here, or listen to the podcast here.
