Rizzo Tangan

Executive Creative Director, P&G ASEAN Business

“I thank Covid19 for Lou. She made what could have been the worst year, a year of significance.

Before Covid, Lou was a CEO I did not really know. The first time I experienced her was in a huge hotel ballroom gathering employees from the 9 companies she led --- and she astounded me. “Wow, who is this woman? SHE is the CEO? She is in SHORTS and SNEAKERS?!” And she was talking about a “No-Assholes-Allowed” policy in this company I just joined? I was exhilarated. I instantly felt right. That this was where I belonged. Really, she was so high up there --- over that proverbial glass ceiling. I never would have guessed I would grow so, so close to her.

“Don’t waste the pandemic.” These words of hers summed up her battle cry, which became louder than the fear, dread and the anxiety of this illness.

My own personal mentorship began with her “Virtual Coffee Sessions” which revealed her wealth of empathy.

In these sessions, I watched her make each minute count. Watched her lead forcefully but listen fiercely. She insisted on hearing our voice. She encouraged bravery and vulnerability.

Lou evolved a whole lot of us with her wisdom. Not only did I learn so much from her, I watched people transform themselves with her help. A diverse set of personalities who took different things out of the mentorship that they direly needed. They learned to say no. Learned to love themselves. Learned to be brave. Learned to take back their dreams. She constantly challenged, because she undeniably inspired.

I thought Lou would just be someone to look up to. But she went from role model to boss, to mentor to kindred spirit in a little over a year. She became someone I learned from and grew with.

So thank you from the bottom of my heart, Lou. Forever.”