Up close and personal with a Senior HR Manager

Cheryl Lye from Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong shares insights from her professional and personal life with HRM Asia.
By: | October 27, 2017

Cheryl Lye

Senior HR Manager

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong and Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong

Who is Cheryl Lye? How would you describe yourself?

I’m a Senior HR Manager for Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong and Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong. I would describe myself as someone who is energetic, and one who appreciates spontaneity and adventure.

Complete this sentence. HR is…

About helping people and organisations grow.

What are the best parts of your job?

I find it tremendously rewarding to see talents whom I’ve worked closely with thrive in their careers. There’s a great sense of job fulfilment knowing that you have made an impact, no matter how big or small, on someone else’s job fulfilment, career aspirations, and livelihood.

What’s the worst part?

Having to dismiss or terminate someone for various reasons, especially employees who are good performers but in a moment of folly committed a wrongdoing.

Why did you go into HR?

You can say my path into HR was not planned for. I graduated with a degree in science and maths, and actually started off my career in banking

That must have been a risky move?

Yes it was. But I’m quite a risk-taker, and HR is something that really matches my personality and my passion for people.

What else are you passionate about?

I am passionate about travelling. It allows me to expand my perspective of the world. I like discovering new people, places and cultures, and of course, fabulous new food!

What would you be doing if you were not in HR?

If I wasn’t in HR, I would probably set up my own business, preferably in food and beverage. In having my own business, I know that every action I take truly has a direct impact on the outcome of the business and the people in the team. When you’re an employee, there are still limitations. When you’re running your company, everything you do has risks involved, and this suits the risk-taker in me.

How do you unwind after work?

I unwind by listening to music on my commute home, playing with my dog – who I treat as my son – and reading a book by my balcony at night when the dog has fallen asleep.

What book are you reading right now?

I am currently reading How to Win Friends and Influence Others by Dale Carnegie. I believe it will help me in my present role.