In the fast-paced world of sales and corporate leadership, Emily Lim has carved a name for herself as a formidable force. As the Sales Director of Amazing Borneo, she thrives in a competitive environment, proving that resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills are key to success. Her journey from corporate sales to the travel industry is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unique strengths that women bring to leadership roles. 

Coming from a family with four brothers and a father in sales, Emily’s early curiosity was sparked by the challenge of persuasion. “I gave myself a timeline of six months to see if I had what it took,” she recalls. “By the end of it, I was ready to buy a car to support my corporate sales career.” In 2013, she was headhunted to join Amazing Borneo Tours – a turning point that aligned her career with her passion. “I found meaning not just in creating great holidays for clients, but also in helping raise the standards and quality of life for our team.” 

Emily’s leadership was put to the test early on. “I was asked to take over the sales team right after the 2015 earthquake,” she says. At just 25, with less than two years in the industry, she led the team through crisis management, addressing an overwhelming influx of concerned climbers and navigating internal trust-building. “Through consistent dedication and strategic decisions, we overcame the storm and took the company to new heights.”

L-R: Lesley Hiew (Operations Director), Susannah Lo (Human Resources Director), Emily Lim (Sales Director),
Poh Khay Inn (Marketing Director), and Henry Ho (Finance Director)

Years later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges. “With tourism frozen, we focused on online initiatives and upskilling while navigating constant border closures and shifting travel conditions,” she says. “The key was to stay confident, agile, and clear in communication – these kept the team united through uncertainty.” 

Throughout her journey, Emily has leaned into her intuition to make fast, high-stakes decisions – an often underrated leadership skill. “Sometimes, you don’t have enough data to make a fully informed decision. I’ve learned to trust my gut, and it’s usually very accurate,” she says. Her intuition, paired with sharp strategic thinking, has become one of her most valuable tools in navigating uncertainty. 

Looking back, one of Emily’s proudest accomplishments is building and leading a team of over 20, composed predominantly of women from all walks of life. “Mentoring and supporting each one through their unique challenges – whether new moms or seasoned professionals – while consistently delivering results, has been a deeply rewarding part of this journey.”

Emily attributes much of her success to qualities that women naturally excel in – in communication and emotional intelligence. “Businesses are built and driven by people,” she explains. “When you’re able to communicate well, you build strong relationships, manage conflict, and improve processes. Our ability to read the room and adjust our approach is a powerful leadership advantage.” 

She also believes that women bring a distinct edge to competitive industries: humility and a hunger to grow. “We’re willing to say, ‘I don’t know – teach me.’ That openness makes us versatile and quick to adapt.” 

As a leader, Emily balances intelligence and tenacity with warmth and empathy. “Leadership by example is fundamental,” she says. “I don’t ask for anything I wouldn’t do myself.” Whether she’s reviewing workflows side-by-side with a team member or helping close challenging deals, she leads with presence and purpose. Regular one-on-one check-ins and her principle of equity – not equality – helped her empower her team to shine individually and collectively. “It’s about understanding each person’s strengths and tailoring support to help them thrive.”

She also highlights multitasking as a strength rooted in everyday life, particularly as a working mother. “We’re constantly switching gears. That mental agility is a huge advantage – juggling projects at work and tasks at home sharpens your ability to stay focused and get things done.”

At Amazing Borneo, women in leadership are not the exception – they are the norm. “This culture of mutual respect and collaboration is rare. We grow together by recognising each other’s strengths without ego.” 

Today, we celebrate Emily Lim – not just for her achievements, but for inspiring a new generation of women to lead with heart, strategy, and fearless authenticity.