Being part of the inaugural cohort of the Cynthia Goh Fellowship has been both a privilege and a deeply transformative journey. As the first batch of fellows, we stepped into something new—without precedent, but with a shared sense of purpose shaped by the legacy of Professor Cynthia Goh. What unfolded over the course of the fellowship was not merely a leadership programme, but a journey of personal discovery, growth, and alignment as a group.
Standing before a mirror – an honest reflection
One of the most significant aspects of the fellowship was the intentional focus on self-awareness. Through structured tools, I was able to better understand my own values, thoughts, behaviours and as an extension, my leadership tendencies. I came to recognise strengths that I had long relied on—being empathetic, relational, and grounded in servant leadership values. At the same time, this too surfaced areas that required growth.
This process was uncomfortable. It required honest reflection and a willingness to confront gaps between who I am, who I am becoming and who I want to be. Yet it was precisely this clarity that enabled the start of meaningful change. Growth began not with learning new techniques or skills, but with seeing myself more truthfully.
Learning Through Others – Mentors and Coaches
The fellowship provided a rich environment of mentorship and coaching, which played a crucial role in shaping my journey. Through guided conversations, I was challenged to think more deeply about myself, and about leadership—not simply as a set of skills, but as a way of being.
Discussions around roles, boundaries, and stakeholder engagement were particularly impactful. Challenges in navigating complexity—working with individuals who are very different from myself, who hold different values, priorities, and perspectives. Rather than avoiding these tensions, I began to see them as opportunities for growth, both for myself and for the teams I work with.
My coach and mentors also helped me recognise the importance of adaptability, shifting between listening and directing, supporting and challenging, depending on the needs of the situation. This has been an important shift —from leading primarily through support and relationship-building, to also stepping forward with clarity and courage when needed.
From Insight to Practice
A key strength of the fellowship is its emphasis on application. The learning was meant to be lived out in the complex real world. In day-to-day work, this translated into practical changes. I became more intentional in engaging teams in problem-solving, rather than carrying the burden of solutions alone. Building a core team to understand challenges from different perspectives, to help refine ideas, solutions and just to support each other. I learnt the importance of articulating ideas more clearly and to build alignment across stakeholders.
At the same time, I became more aware of the environments we create as leaders. Leadership is not only about outcomes, but about cultivating spaces where people feel valued, heard, and able to grow. This resonates deeply with my personal conviction that our work—whether clinical, educational, or organisational—is ultimately about restoring dignity and value to each person.
Bhutan Train-the-Trainer Programme – Leadership in Practice
My fellowship project, the Bhutan Train-the-Trainer programme, became a central platform for integrating these learnings. The project itself is focused on building palliative care capacity through developing local trainers—equipping clinicians not only with knowledge and skills, but also with the ability to teach and lead within their own context.
Working in Bhutan required me to engage with a wide range of stakeholders—clinicians, administrators, policymakers, and local champions. Each group brought different perspectives, expectations, and constraints. The Fellowship equipped me with the mindset and tools to navigate this complexity more effectively.
I learn to listen more deeply, to understand local needs and priorities, and to co-create solutions rather than impose them. I am learning to hold both long-term vision and short-term flexibility—to persevere in long-term goals while adapting to evolving realities on the ground.
Perhaps most importantly, the experience reinforced a key insight: sustainable change is not driven by external input alone, but by empowering local ownership. The goal is not simply to deliver a training programme, but to nurture a community of practice that can grow, sustain, and lead beyond the programme.
Fellowship Community – Growing Together
Beyond individual growth, one of the most meaningful aspects of the fellowship was the sense of community among the cohort. As the first batch of fellows, we shared a unique journey—learning together, supporting one another, and navigating challenges collectively.
There was a strong sense of camaraderie and trust. We were able to share about our struggles, uncertainties, and aspirations, knowing that we were in a safe and supportive environment. This created a space not only for learning, but for encouragement and mutual growth.
Over time, it became clear that the fellowship was not just about individual development, but about building a network of leaders connected by shared values and purpose. This sense of shared mission continues to be a source of inspiration and encouragement.
Looking Ahead – A Continuing Journey
The Cynthia Goh Fellowship has been a journey of alignment—bringing together values, leadership, and action. It has deepened my understanding of what it means to lead: not merely to achieve outcomes, but to enable others, to build communities, and to create environments where people can thrive.
As I continue my work in Singapore and Bhutan, I carry forward the lessons, not as a completed chapter, but as an ongoing journey. The growth that began here continues to unfold, shaping how I serve and contribute.
In many ways, this fellowship has brought me back to a simple but profound truth: leadership is ultimately about people. It is about recognising their value, investing in their growth, and walking alongside them as they make a difference in the lives of others.
Written by: Dr Ho Shirlynn, Batch 1 of CGF
