Being fearless, staying fit and having fun

It is all about that good energy. Make your move after hearing from Sylvia who’s part of our Graduate Development Programme

When every day can be an adventure, it is important to stay on your toes, be flexible and ready to take on any challenges. For Sylvia Goh, joining the Graduate Development Programme has been one of the best moves in her life. We hear more about her active life in CapitaLand. 
 

Tell us a bit more about your exciting life at CapitaLand. Do you hit the ground running, or are you actively guided by your mentors at work?

I’m currently with the CapitaStar team handling business development and partnerships. CapitaStar is a digital multi-store, multi-mall cardless rewards programme by CapitaLand. We operate similarly to a startup. It is a dynamic team and in such a fast-paced environment, everyone is committed to growing the business and are entrusted with the freedom to meet potential clients and partners.  During these situations, it is key to have mastery over what you know and be able to convince the opposite party and close the deal.

That said, help is always around the corner and there when you ask for it. My mentors are always happy to help and contribute when the project gets too intense.  In CapitaLand, I am amongst many helpful and friendly seniors who are willing to spend their time to give me advice and share their experiences in and out of the workplace.
 

You sound really busy! How do you keep yourself fit? How often do you exercise?

Health is more important than wealth! Being healthy and fit allows me to focus at work and be at my best. I try to exercise at least 2-3 times a week. I dance, go for yoga and barre or even head out for a run. It’s a fantastic way to unwind.

With a busy schedule, finding time to exercise can sometimes be difficult. Thankfully, I’m not in a deskbound role, so whenever possible, I’ll even work it into my daily routine. I will choose to take the stairs instead of the lift or take a short walk to the next destination if it is nearby.

What about when you travel for work?

When the opportunity to travel for work arise, I always bring my running shoes! Being able to travel for work is a wonderful opportunity, but it can also be tough. Realistically, I may not find the time to exercise, but when time permits, I’m always glad I have my shoes with me! It is always better to have the shoes when you need it, than need the shoes and not have it! I will also try to stretch in my hotel room after a long day or after a flight. Doing some simple yoga poses does wonders to help you unwind! 

What do you like about dance, yoga and barre?

I started dancing when I was young and as a natural extension, I also picked up yoga and barre along the way.  They allow me to express myself through movement and build strength at the same time. It is time I’ve carved out for myself and a time to decompress.

I also have many friends who share the same passion as me and are instructors too, so it is a way for me to catch up with them!

Do you also work out with your colleagues?

Yes! We’ll be going for a barre class together – even the guys! The team is quite the active team and we have managed to round up 15 other colleagues to form a class. Not sure if we will get much exercise, but it’ll definitely be full of laughs! Looking forward to getting to know my colleagues outside of the office. 

How do you apply what you’ve learnt in the fitness studio, to what you’re doing at work?

Sometimes, you’ve just got to try! You cannot get discouraged just because someone else in class is able to execute the choreography or yoga pose better than you. At work, you need to have the courage to take on new challenges and try new things. It is in these situations where we find growth.

You also need to be open to feedback. At the studio, you’ve got the help of mirrors. At work, your ‘mirrors’ are your colleagues, your mentors and your bosses. It is ok to make mistakes. We learn from them and we take in the feedback and advice provided to constantly improve ourselves. 
 

What advice would you give to new graduates joining the workforce and wanting to stay fit and excel at the workplace?

When I first started work, I stopped exercising because I was trying to get used to a whole new routine. Over time, I found myself feeling lethargic and even falling ill.  I decided that I need to keep moving and keep fit.  I had to learn how to plan my time effectively and be disciplined. As a bonus, I can even use my flexible benefits provided by CapitaLand to pay for my fitness classes! 

To excel at the workplace, it is important to be focused on learning and not be afraid to speak up and ask for opportunities. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run.  I’m grateful that my mentors in CapitaLand have spent time to guide me. More importantly, they have also given me the opportunity to shine after. 

"You also need to be open to feedback. At the studio, you’ve got the help of mirrors. At work, your ‘mirrors’ are your colleagues, your mentors and your bosses. It is ok to make mistakes. We learn from them and we take in the feedback and advice provided to constantly improve ourselves. "

Sylvia Goh

With yoga, there is strength in flexibility. What about the CapitaLand GDP? Why did you join the programme and are your closing in achieving your career dreams?

Being part of the CapitaLand Graduate Development Programme has allowed me to try out different functions within the company. I’ve benefited from the flexibility of the programme and learnt a lot from my different rotations.

I’ve worked on projects involving in different asset types, from serviced residences, offices and now retail. It has definitely deepened my knowledge of the real estate industry.

My dad was actually from the real estate industry. When I was young, during our family outings and holidays, he would share stories about the design and heritage of the different buildings in Singapore and overseas.

These tales have allowed me develop a personal interest in places and spaces, how people interact with each other and how it shapes the community.

Being in one of Asia’s largest real estate companies, I can now tell my own stories. 

SHOP SYLVIA'S LOOK AT RAFFLES CITY SINGAPORE & GRAB DEALS OFF YOUR CAPITASTAR APP

Group: all outfits and accessories by LACOSTE

Photography: Hosanna Swee

           

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