Day 3 of the WTA Singapore Finals may have started off with a touch of rain but that didn’t dampen the spirits of Executive Lifestyle’s Expert Contributors Susanna Hasenoehrl and Karen Lee, who were invited to the Racquet Club’s Ladies Day.


The day began with a brilliant panel discussion with Micky Lawler, Women’s Tennis Association President; Martina Navratilova, WTA Legend Ambassador and 19-time WTA Finals Champion; and Jessica Tan, Member of Parliament and Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore.

The dynamic panel was expertly moderated by Fox Sports Asia presenter, Collette Wong.

“The social and economic empowerment of women across the world as one of the most remarkable revolutions of the past 50 years. Looking ahead, what is the key for women to unlock their fullest potential?”

The discussion covered many hot topics that resonate with today’s women leaders and touched on issues that span both European, North American and Asian cultures.

During the Q & A session, Susanna raised her hand and asked two great questions on the topic of our panalists keep fit and healthy despite their busy lifestyles as well as a question about the bigger goals that women should collectively be aiming for.

Gina Romero, Managing Director of The Athena Network Singapore was busy capturing some of the insights shared during the panel and Q&A session.

Here are some of our favourite quotes from the day:

On the ‘Glass Ceiling’ for women in business

“As women, don’t put glass near us – we break glass every day” ~Micky Lawler WTA President

On whether she experienced discrimination

“The only good thing about growing up in a communist country is that women athletes are treated equal to men. When I went to the USA I thought it was the land of opportunities, I was shocked that women were being encouraged to be cheerleaders, not athletes” ~Martina Navratilova

On what motivated her success

Jessica Tan said something her late father told her when she was 16 and didn’t do well in her exams, which had a huge impact on her: ‘Don’t worry, find a good man and you will be taken care of’.

“I suddenly, realised that meant I would have to be dependent on someone. So I studied hard and topped my class the next year.” ~Jessica Tan

On achieving recognition in the workplace

“Assertive and aggressive are not the same thing. If you make a mistake, own it. Take responsibility and learn from it.” ~Martina Navratilova

On being fearless in the face of change

“People asked me, why did you change racquets in the middle of a winning streak? Because it’s a better racquet. Always be willing to make a change. You can always go back to the old way if it doesn’t work.” ~Martina Navratilova

On her biggest pet peeve

Women choosing work or family when they don’t want to have to choose.

“You don’t have to choose; you can do both. If you want to choose, that’s fine. But I see so many women leaving the work place because they are worried that they won’t be a good mother or a good worker. It is possible to have your cake and eat it.” ~Jessica Tan

On the unique qualities and strengths of women

“Empathy and sensitivity – but exercise and physical strength brings discipline and control. I get up at 5 am and do one hour and a half of exercise every day and I don’t compromise on that. Stay strong.” ~Micky Lawler

On the importance of sports for girls

“Women and girls involved in sports have higher self-esteem, are more confident, are less likely to be in abusive relationships, more likely to do well in school, and graduate high school.

Boys are encouraged to do sports, girls have to fight for it.” ~Martina Navratilova

On what we should aspire to in life

“A productive impactful life every day. And love what you do. If you don’t love what you do for 3 days in a row, find something else.” ~ Micky Lawler

To which Martina Navrativlova said in response: “Wow, 3 days? That’s pretty immediate. [laughter] I agree one hundred percent!”

On the difference between women and men

“When I teach men, I tell them they should do something in a certain way. They think they are better than they are and will do everything to prove why their way is better.

With women, they don’t believe they are as good as they are. If they make a mistake, they keep analysing it. Why did I do it like that? What if I did it like this? Learn to put it behind you. Be cautious but not too cautious. ~Martina Navratilova.

After the panel, we enjoyed a few glasses of Moet Chandon and some networking over a delicious brunch before being escorted to the Singapore Indoor Area to watch a riveting session with Timea Babos (HUN) and Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) vs. Raquel Kops-Jones (US) and Abigail Spears (US), two very well matched double teams, followed by the Czech lefties (and best friends) Andrea Hlavackova vs. Lucie Hradecka.

It was a brilliant day which indeed was true to its theme of celebrating extraordinary women in sport, business and life.

^{This post was brought to you in association with The Racquet Club, The Definitive Hospitality Experience.
Images & panel commentary by Gina Romero.}

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