May Ooi, a former Olympian who represented Singapore in swimming, traded in her swimsuit for the mat as a national Jujitsu athlete and then, a ONE Championship MMA fighter. Today, she champions gender equality in sports, advocating for women's leadership roles and shattering stereotypes with her journey from athlete to leader.
In honour of this month dedicated to celebrating women, we spoke with “Mighty” May Ooi about her journey not just as a multi-talented athlete but also for her valuable insights to inspire aspiring women leaders, not just in sports, but across all industries.
FUELLED BY A DESIRE FOR CHANGE
Growing up as an elite competitive swimmer in Singapore, I saw a severe lack of female leaders across the board ranging from coaches to technical officials and management committee members in National Sports Associations (NSAs).
Witnessing the lack of female representation in Singapore's sporting landscape ignited a fire within her. "I felt that having a female lead would have been helpful," she states, highlighting the importance of role models. This realisation, coupled with her experience in the US, where women in sports leadership were the norm, propelled her to return to Singapore and advocate for gender equality.
Ooi recognises the crucial role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. "Empathy is one of the four pillars," she emphasises, advocating for self-awareness, communication, and social skills as well. Her approach is not just about giving orders; it's about understanding, connecting, and fostering teamwork. This resonates with the growing emphasis on emotional intelligence in leadership today.
SHATTERING STEREOTYPES, BUILDING BRIDGES
Ooi doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges faced by women leaders: lack of representation, objectification, and ingrained societal biases. Yet, her spirit remains undeterred. She outlines a multifaceted approach to dismantling these stereotypes, including visibility, education, mentorship, and advocating for equal opportunities. Her call for collaboration between women and men in leadership positions further highlights the importance of inclusivity.
Highlighting the distinct strengths women bring to the table: strong empathetic skills, clear communication, and the ability to build trust and teamwork; these qualities, often undervalued, are crucial for effective leadership in any field. By sharing her experiences and insights, Ooi empowers other women to embrace their unique strengths and pursue leadership roles with confidence.
The road to leadership isn't always smooth. Ooi acknowledges the sacrifices involved, the loneliness, and the importance of finding a strong support network and mentor. Her advice is simple yet powerful:
Ooi's vision is clear:
“Women occupying 50% of the seats in all NSA executive boards and encouraging more women to take up technical positions like coaching, refereeing and judging in the field of play.”
While acknowledging the slow progress, her unwavering determination is an inspiration. She's actively paving the way for the next generation, ensuring they have more role models and a more inclusive environment to thrive in.
BEYOND SPORTS: A WOMAN OF MANY PASSIONS
Ooi's leadership extends beyond the sporting world. Her passion for working with children shines through her capoeira gym. She actively supports dog rescue organisations, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community. This well-roundedness adds another layer to her inspiring persona.
Emphasising the importance of continuous learning, from reading and podcasts to leadership workshops, she actively seeks opportunities to grow and evolve. Her recommendation of Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" highlights her focus on vulnerability and authenticity, crucial qualities for any leader.
Ooi's final piece of advice is a powerful reminder: "Leadership is not about titles... It's about recognising potential and having the courage to develop it." This message resonates not just with aspiring women leaders, but with anyone who dares to dream big and make a difference.
May Ooi's story is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. She is not just a leader in sports; she's an inspiration for anyone who believes in breaking down barriers, creating a more equitable world, and empowering the next generation to reach their full potential. As she continues her journey, one capoeira move and leadership decision at a time, we can all learn from her example and strive to make a positive impact in our own spheres of influence.