In this inaugural episode of Accomplished, host Tamara Seeker Hall interviews Carmen Wee, author of ‘From the Kampung to the Boardroom’ and ‘Board Vibes,’ who currently serves on six boards. Carmen shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a Singapore village (kampung) in the 1970s with no sanitation to becoming a prominent board leader. She discusses her accidental entry into HR, her transition from HR leader to business leader when given a strategic account in China, and her eventual move to board positions. The conversation explores the changing landscape of Singapore and ASEAN amid global economic shifts, the importance of AI adoption for leaders, and advice for young professionals navigating career uncertainty. Carmen emphasizes the value of preparation, taking calculated risks, building relationships, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly digital world. She also candidly discusses her experience as a woman in boardrooms, including why she has declined certain board positions, and provides insights on board readiness and governance.