Name: Lindsay Hua

Title: VP Global Deployment

Organisation: Afiniti

Lindsay Hua is a seasoned global technology leader with over two decades of experience across various industries, including consumer packaged goods, hardware and software services, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence. She currently serves as the Vice President of Global Deployment and Head of Diversity in Technology at Afiniti, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions.

Lindsay is a fervent advocate for women's empowerment, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and championing initiatives that uplift and empower women within the technology sector. Her commitment to diversity is further demonstrated through her efforts in increasing representation in STEM fields, focusing on women and differently-abled individuals. She is multilingual, fluent in English, Chinese, and Filipino. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lindsay is an avid traveler and foodie.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Lindsay's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

As a leader, I build trust through authenticity, consistency, and communication. For employees, I foster an inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued and empowered, emphasizing integrity and collaboration. By supporting initiatives like women's Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and promoting diversity in STEM, I demonstrate commitment to the values I champion, inspiring confidence through action.

With customers and stakeholders, I prioritize transparency and reliability. My extensive experience in global technology deployment has taught me the importance of delivering on commitments and fostering relationships built on mutual respect. By aligning solutions with stakeholder needs and ensuring open dialogue, I create shared value and trust.

Additionally, I believe trust begins with accountability—acknowledging challenges, celebrating successes, and learning from failures. My leadership philosophy, guided by the motto “You are stronger than your excuse,” encourages resilience and continuous growth. Whether trekking to Everest Base Camp or navigating complex AI deployments, I lead with authenticity and empathy, embodying the values I want my teams to uphold.

Ultimately, trust is earned through actions, not words. By leading with a purpose-driven mindset and prioritizing relationships, I aim to create lasting connections and a culture of trust with everyone I work with.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

To me, VISION is a guiding light—an inspiring "why" that defines the impact we want to create in the world. MISSION is the actionable commitment to achieve that vision, turning ideas into measurable outcomes. Together, they drive purpose, alignment, and innovation.

In my work, this means not only providing opportunities for underrepresented communities but also leveraging technology to make a tangible difference. At Afiniti, our vision of transforming industries through AI aligns deeply with my personal mission to create impact. By helping companies optimize human connections using AI, I work to build solutions that improve both business outcomes and individual experiences.

At the same time, I’m passionate about empowering others. Programs like career reboot initiatives and internships for women are my way of extending opportunities to communities often overlooked in tech. These initiatives align my leadership with my core.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

A leader empowers people by building high-performance teams where trust, collaboration, and belonging are the foundation. Empowerment begins with making every team member feel seen, valued, and included—helping them understand that their contributions matter. By fostering open communication, showing appreciation, and truly listening, leaders create an environment where people feel a deep sense of belonging.

In my role at Afiniti, helping companies optimize human connections through AI mirrors my leadership approach: align strengths, nurture relationships, and trust people to rise to their potential. I believe in the "trust and verify" philosophy, where I give team members the autonomy to take ownership while remaining available to provide support and guidance.

Mentoring doesn’t stop within one’s own team. Empowering colleagues across departments builds stronger organizations. By sharing insights and investing time in developing others, leaders extend their influence beyond immediate roles, fostering a collaborative culture.

Lastly, leadership is deeply human. Building personal relationships beyond work—celebrating milestones, supporting challenges, and sharing experiences—strengthens trust and connection. Empowerment isn’t just about what people achieve professionally; it’s about helping them feel they belong, believe in themselves, and know they’re an integral part of something bigger. When people feel empowered, they inspire and empower others in turn.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

Some of the most influential mentors in my life have been the remarkable women in my network, including those I’ve connected with through CHIEF and the incredible women leaders I’ve had the privilege to work alongside. These women have shaped my leadership style not just with their advice but by leading by example and becoming trusted friends.

One meaningful story involves a previous colleague who exemplified grace under pressure. During a high-stakes project, I watched her navigate a deeply challenging situation with poise, transparency, and an unwavering focus on the team. When others might have faltered under the weight of complexity, she inspired us by leaning into challenges, maintaining open communication, and prioritizing her people. Her approach reinforced the power of empathy and resilience in leadership.

Through my women’s network, I’ve been reminded time and again that leadership is a collective journey. These relationships are a constant source of wisdom, encouragement, and perspective, helping me see challenges as opportunities and always strive to empower others. These women have shown me that leadership is about authenticity, lifting others as we rise, and creating environments where everyone can thrive—a philosophy I carry in every step of my leadership journey.

5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Maintaining focus as a leader means staying aligned with the core goals and values that drive the organization. At Afiniti, my role is to help companies leverage AI to optimize human connections, so I concentrate on initiatives that directly contribute to this mission—empowering teams, driving results, and fostering meaningful relationships.

I avoid distractions by saying "no" to tasks that don’t align with these priorities and by delegating responsibilities to those with the expertise to manage them. This allows me to focus on areas where I can have the most impact, such as strategic decisions and fostering collaboration across teams.

I also make time to reflect, reassessing my approach to ensure I’m working on what truly moves the needle. Trusting and empowering my team helps me maintain focus, as I know they are handling the day-to-day execution while I lead on larger goals.

Ultimately, focus comes down to clear priorities, consistent communication, and recognizing that sometimes leadership is about stepping back so the right people can take the lead.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

I believe in planning proactively and staying ahead of the curve. My approach starts with a daily review of my schedule, ensuring that today is planned for tomorrow’s tasks. This helps me stay on track and avoid last-minute scrambling. I also plan a week in advance, looking ahead to ensure all my commitments align with larger goals and that I’m prepared for any high-priority items.

When it comes to monthly planning, I make sure to review upcoming milestones and key deliverables, adjusting my schedule if necessary. This ensures I am always working toward both short-term goals and longer-term initiatives.

Planning for the long term is crucial, so I also take time several months in advance to book vacations and arrange downtime, ensuring a balance between work and personal life. By anticipating personal needs alongside professional commitments, I manage time wisely and prevent burnout.

Ultimately, I view planning as a tool to stay aligned with my vision while maintaining flexibility for unexpected opportunities or challenges. Whether managing complex AI deployments at Afiniti or balancing leadership responsibilities, effective planning ensures I can focus on what matters most while optimizing performance and well-being.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

To a young leader struggling with delegation, my advice is simple: trust your team and empower them to take ownership. Delegation isn’t about relinquishing control but about aligning people’s strengths with the right tasks. Start by identifying your team’s unique skills and matching them with relevant projects. Be clear with expectations, but allow room for creativity and growth.

Delegation also involves giving feedback and offering support without micromanaging. As a leader, you don’t need to do everything—focusing on the big picture and trusting your team will help you build stronger, more effective relationships and outcomes.