Yolanda Lee is the Founder and CEO of Uncommon, a private network for top female leaders to connect, learn and grow. Before Uncommon, she was the Regional Head of Consumer Partnerships for APAC and the Middle East at Deliveroo.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I help women feel at home — whether that's within themselves or within the top decision-making positions in the world.

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I worked for a year as a production assistant to some international techno DJs and toured the world for a year when I was still a teenager.

It really opened my eyes to the great big world out there but also to the numerous paths and definitions of success that one could choose in life.

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

As a leader, I pride myself on seeing someone's talent beyond their CV. I had the privilege of attending some of the top schools and universities in the world, but this also opened my eyes to the ingrained systems of privilege that exclude so many from these opportunities.

I am most proud of seeing potential in people that may have come from unconventional backgrounds but manage to shine and perform when given a chance.

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

We are going through the biggest shift in the working world since the Industrial Revolution and women entering the workforce en masse after WWII.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a greater sense of awareness about the humanity that is inherent in workplaces, and I am excited to see how this continues to shape the future of work.

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Learning and development have often been a kind of dry, corporate torture when really there is a lot more room to have fun and think outside of the box.

I recommend embracing playfulness in approaching lifelong learning.

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

To me, emotional intelligence and self-awareness are often overlooked but increasingly important to succeeding in well, life.

I try to create safe spaces where meaningful connections can flourish through connection and openness. Once those key ingredients are present, I can talk for hours about a range of subjects.

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

I am currently diving into the series Atlanta, which I love. I unabashedly love cheesy biopics and rom-coms.

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Mint Chocolate Chip