Sophia Zhao

Experience

Sophia has more than ten years’ experience in researching oganizational behavior, human resource, and leadership. She has published more than 20 academic journal papers, research reports, white papers and media articles.

Current Role

Sophia is a Senior Research Faculty at the Center for Creative Leadership. Based in CCL’s APAC office in Singapore, she serves as a researcher, coach, facilitator and trainer. Through her work, Sophia has supported clients from both public and private sectors, representing diverse industries.

Sophia is a core member of the CCL® Asian Women Initiative and Network (AWIN) team that focuses on supporting women’s and girls’ leadership development.

Other key areas Sophia is working on include the development of global Asian leadership and future-ready leadership.

Areas of Expertise

Coaching & Mentoring, Cross-Cultural & Global Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Women Leadership, Work & Life

Educational Background

Ph.D. from National University of Singapore; B.A. in Economics from Fudan University

Professional Affiliations

Sophia is an associate faculty in Singapore University of Social Science, and a guest lecturer at Beijing Normal University. She teaches Master level courses on leadership.

Sophia is certified in Influence Style Indicator, WorkPlace Big Five, CCL Benchmarks® 360 Assessment Suite and CCL Youth Leadership Toolkit. She is also a certified consultant by Polarity Partnerships.

Sophia is currently going through the journey of Co-Active Coaching Certification.

Select CCL Publications

• The global Asian leader: From local star to global CXO
• Glass doors to the corner office: Women and leadership
• Queen Bee Syndrome: The Real Reason Women Do Not Promote Women
• Managing Paradox: Blending East and West Philosophies to Unlock Its Advantages and Opportunities
• Interpersonal Savvy: Building and Maintaining Solid Working Relationships

Curriculum Vitae

See Sophia’s Curriculum Vitae

Select External Publications

• The Long Arm of Job Insecurity: Its Impact on Career-Specific Parenting Behaviors and Youths’ Career Self-Efficacy

Current Projects

• Women Leadership
• Coaching in Organizations
• Future-ready Leadership