Sandra Tang

Tell me a little bit about yourself, personally and professionally?

Of course! I’m Sandra Tang, a Global Executive MBA graduate from INSEAD, class of 2023. I’m French-Algerian, a mother of two sons, and I’ve been based in Singapore for the past 15 years.

Professionally, I’m the ASEAN Managing Director and CEO of Publicis Resources, the global shared services platform for Publicis Groupe, a major international network of media and communications agencies. Our platform supports finance, payroll, accounting, and other back-office functions across the group.

I joined Publicis right after completing the GEMBA. Prior to that, I spent several years at Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company, where I was the Deputy to the Asia CFO, leading strategic finance projects and heading finance operations.

Over the past 17 years, I’ve lived and worked in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Germany, and France, mostly in finance leadership roles, often driving organisational change and transformation. I love being in Asia, a dynamic region with a lot of opportunities professionally and personally. 

You also pivoted to a new industry after the GEMBA. Do you feel your experience at INSEAD helped support that shift?

Definitely. INSEAD helped in three key ways. Academically, it was a great opportunity to refresh and deepen my knowledge of strategy, finance, marketing, and other core areas. Working through case studies with peers from different industries gave me new perspectives and really broadened my thinking.

Second, the network. Being surrounded by talented, ambitious people who openly share and challenge each other helps tremendously, especially when transitioning to a new sector or role.

And third, it gave me confidence. My current role is still finance-focused, but shifting to a completely new industry came with challenges. Having the INSEAD community as a sounding board, even post-graduation, was incredibly valuable.

Now that you’ve been in this new role for a while, have your expectations around leadership changed?

Yes, absolutely. The expectations in a shared services environment have evolved significantly. It’s no longer just about cost-cutting or efficiency. Today, it’s about strategic alignment—ensuring that shared services contribute to the broader business goals.

INSEAD’s teachings on vision, prioritisation, and strategic thinking really helped shape how I lead. I now focus much more on aligning our priorities with the overall strategy of Publicis Groupe.

And what would you say are the most important leadership qualities in today’s fast-moving world?

Adaptability and flexibility are essential. We live in a fast-paced environment where decisions have to be made quickly, often with limited information. Being decisive, yet open to change, is key—especially in Asia, where things tend to move at lightning speed.

You also need emotional intelligence and strong soft skills. It’s not just about technical expertise. As a leader, you have to build a strong team, guide and coach them, and bring out the best in their capabilities.

How do you balance technical know-how with soft skills in your leadership style?

It’s a balance, for sure. In finance, technical expertise is still essential—you need to understand the numbers, accounting principles, and financial operations. But you can’t be an expert in everything, so surrounding yourself with strong, capable team members is crucial.

I focus on building trust and creating an environment where people can thrive. Coaching, supporting, and empowering them are the soft skills that really drive performance.

And these days, staying up to speed on technology, especially AI and digital transformation, is also critical. Even if you’re not an expert, you need to be aware of what’s happening and how it impacts your function.

Do you apply what you learned during the GEMBA in your role today?

Yes, all the time. Beyond the academic knowledge, it’s really about the mindset I developed at INSEAD: being curious, asking questions, and continuously learning.

I came back from each module with new ideas and energy. I’d often share them with my colleagues and even my boss. INSEAD gave me the confidence to network internally, reach out across departments, and have meaningful conversations that helped elevate my visibility and contribution.

Can you share a concrete example of applying something you learned during the GEMBA?

Sure — one that stands out is marketing. Coming from the pharmaceutical industry, we approached marketing in a highly structured and regulated way. And at INSEAD, I have deepened my knowledge of certain marketing frameworks, such as price-volume analysis.

I remember coming back from a module, full of ideas I wanted to implement or explore further. That curiosity and willingness to challenge the status quo really helped me contribute differently, and I think it was noticed by my peers and leadership. It became part of my personal brand.

Does the GEMBA prepare participants for the C-suite?

 Absolutely. One of the most valuable aspects is the network. You build strong, trust-based relationships with peers, many of whom are already in or moving toward C-suite roles.  

It becomes a safe space to share leadership challenges and exchange best practices. I still tap into that network today. I’m also a strong advocate for mentoring, and I really appreciate how INSEAD encourages that through alumni programmes. It’s not just about being mentored, it’s also about giving back.

Would you say the GEMBA is particularly valuable for women aspiring to the C-suite?

Yes, definitely. But preparation goes beyond the professional sphere. As women, we also need to ensure our personal lives are structured in a way that allows us to pursue leadership roles fully.

INSEAD’s Women in Business community was a great source of support, sharing real-life examples, challenges, and solutions. That peer network was incredibly important to me as I planned for the next stage of my career.

Any final words of wisdom?

As leaders shaping the future, we should stay curious. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and build strong networks. INSEAD really changed that for me.

Being surrounded by diverse, talented people from different backgrounds opens your mind, and that’s exactly what leadership needs today: open-mindedness, inclusion, and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and compassion.

Would you do it again?

Yes, absolutely.