Building credibility in HR - Catherine Chow, Head of HR , Nestlé Hong Kong

SummaryCatherine Chow, Head of HR at Nestlé Hong Kong, shares insights from her 20 year career in HR. In this conversation, Catherine discusses the gap between how HR sees itself versus how the business sees HR, the challenge of building credibility in male-dominated industries like manufacturing and automotive, and the cultural dynamics of working across Hong Kong and Mainland China. She opens up about career moves she made for the wrong reasons—chasing titles instead of fit—and the red flags she overlooked. Catherine closes with powerful advice on self-advocacy for women in HR: your competency won't speak for itself, so stop waiting for opportunities to fall in your lap.Connect with Catherine here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-chow-kawing/TakeawaysHR is still viewed as operational "firefighters" rather than strategic partners in many APAC organizationsWomen in HR face a double challenge: the function is seen as nurturing and supportive, which can undermine strategic voiceBuilding credibility starts with speaking the business language—understand their pain points and prove you can solve problemsCultural context matters: in Chinese business culture, there's a belief that competency will speak for itself, but in commercial environments you must advocate for yourselfRed flags to watch: being drawn to bigger titles or scope without examining if the role actually fits your strengthsHR professionals excel at advocating for others but struggle to promote themselvesDon't let self-doubt eliminate your previous achievements ChaptersIntroduction - Meet Catherine Chow and her 20-year HR career across APACThe perception gap - How HR sees itself versus how business sees HR, and why it's harder for womenSpeaking their language - Building credibility in male-dominated industries through business acumenCultural balancing act - Navigating APAC norms while pushing for progressive HR practicesCareer red flags - When bigger titles lead to wrong moves and what to watch forThe self-advocacy gap - Why HR professionals struggle to promote themselves and what to do insteadYou are good enough - Final advice on trusting yourself and voicing your aspirationsKeywordswomen in HR, HR leadership, self-advocacy, career development, Asia Pacific HR, building credibility, female HR leaders, strategic HR, business partnering, imposter syndrome, cultural dynamics, Hong Kong HR, career progression, male-dominated industries, HR career advice