Despite having no experience in the food and beverage industry, Amanda took a leap of faith and left SingPost after seven years to become the Group CEO of Delibowl Group. Her time at SingPost proved to be immensely valuable, equipping her with the vital skills to navigate Delibowl Group in a complex business landscape towards growth and success.
Tell us more about yourself and what you are currently doing.
After completing my MBA at Singapore Management University in 2013, I began my career at Singapore Post (SingPost) as a Special Project Lead in the Chief of Operations' office. During my time there, SingPost was undergoing an organization transformation, which provided me with the opportunity to work alongside McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.
Through this collaboration, I gained valuable experience in strategic management and effective leadership within a complex business environment. While at SingPost, I developed several key leadership skills, including systematic management approaches, logical thinking, and stakeholder management. Today, as the CEO of Delibowl Group, a local food and beverage Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) that comprises four unique brands - Nuodle, Delibowl, Xiang Pavilion, and HUI - I am leveraging the skills I acquired over the years to drive the company's expansion and growth in the highly competitive F&B industry.
What inspired you to leave SingPost and become the CEO of Delibowl Group?
I left SingPost due to personal reasons and the need to fulfill family commitments. After taking a year off, a close friend connected me with the founder of Delibowl Group. I was excited to accept the challenge of transforming Delibowl Group from a family-run business to a more structured and professionally managed company.
What challenges did you face as CEO of Delibowl Group, and how did you overcome them?
One of the most obvious challenges I faced was my lack of food and beverage experience, which became even more apparent when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and disrupted many businesses. However, my experience collaborating with stakeholders in various industries and my education from SMU equipped me with the skills to systematically address the problems and navigate Delibowl Group out of the pandemic.
Every day, I strive to learn more about the food and beverage industry to compensate for my lack of experience. This mindset has helped me to continuously improve and adapt to the changing business landscape, ensuring the continued success of Delibowl Group.
Can you share a success story or memorable moment from your work at Delibowl Group?
Amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, food delivery platforms became as a crucial lifeline for many food merchants. I recognised the immense potential of partnering with Grab and proposed a collaboration that leveraged Grab's food delivery platform. My efforts proved to be a resounding success, as we were able to establish a strategic partnership that benefited both companies.
Through this collaboration, Delibowl's online revenue increased by 3.5 times within a year. This achievement was a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the importance of adapting to changing market dynamics with agility.
In what ways did your education at SMU prepare you for your career, and how has it contributed to your professional success?
The intensive one-year full-time SMU MBA programme provided me with invaluable knowledge and insights from professional faculties and industry experts. The programme went beyond just imparting book knowledge, as it offered a wealth of hands-on learning experiences as well, including internships and practical assignments.
By studying alongside like-minded professionals and engaging with a range of business disciplines, I was able to develop a broad range of skills, including effective time management, task prioritisation, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of my professional life. My experience at SMU has been instrumental in my professional success, as it has equipped me with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate a constantly evolving business landscape with confidence and poise.
What advice would you give to other SMU alumni looking to switch careers to another industry?
For SMU alumni looking to switch careers, I recommend having a clear career vision and breaking long-term goals into small, achievable steps. Continuous learning is vital, and it is essential to remain agile and adaptable to stay ahead in your career. Commit to your decision for change and never give up on your goals.
Stay connected with Amanda at LinkedIn
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