e27 has been nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights. As part of our ‘Contributor Spotlight’ series, we shine a spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.
In this episode, we feature Rachel Lee, a Talent Acquisition Partner with experience across technology startups, including high-growth companies in ride-hailing and bike-sharing. Her work today centres on supporting B2B startups operating in specialised domains such as cybersecurity, space tech, and other deep tech sectors.
Her work is guided by a long-term commitment to strengthening workplace diversity and building teams that benefit from diversity of thought. She focuses on global headhunting for senior technical and finance talent, helping companies establish and scale world-class R&D teams. Based in Singapore, she is always open to conversations on hiring and team building in deep tech.
She also writes regularly on HR, talent, and culture. Her column is published every Thursday on e27.co and is a thoughtful read for anyone responsible for building and managing teams.
In the sections below, she reflects on her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and what keeps her going.
How I found my place
I see myself, and hope people see me, as a connector of talent, be it in my primary expertise (technical recruitment), or making connections between investors, educators, speakers and builders. For many, many years, I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with visionary deep tech and high-growth founders, investors, and companies to find the best minds who will bring their technological dreams to life. It’s a heartfelt process of weaving together strategy, empathy, and a relentless search for the right people to create the engineering and leadership foundations for Asia’s next wave of innovation.
A perspective that evolved over time
I once believed that scaling technology unicorns was the most meaningful work. I am now more drawn to the raw energy of early-stage deep tech. It’s really quite exciting being there from the very beginning, knowing that every person you bring on board will be writing the chapter of the story for the future.
Also Read: The art and science of feedback: A guide for first-time founders and new managers
The problem I’m focused on solving
In a nutshell, I connect brilliant ideas with brilliant people. Founders have these innovative, world-changing visions, but they can’t build them alone. Investors keep working passionately on making Singapore a viable place to safeguard and grow industries. My work is to dive into that vision and passion and then go out to find the amazing engineers, leaders, and creators who can turn those dreams into a reality.
The startup conversation we’re still not having
The startup world is a rollercoaster right now, and it’s not just about hiring fast during the good times. The real opportunity is in creating strong, connected teams from the start that can stick together and innovate through anything. It’s about building a culture where people feel secure and motivated to do their best work, no matter what the market looks like.
Why I write
I’ve been really lucky to have had a front-row seat to some of Asia’s biggest tech growth stories, and I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’m currently embracing my granny-goddess era by sharing those hard-won lessons by writing here, to help other founders succeed on their own journeys.
My advice for aspiring thought leaders
The most articulate people I know are often great listeners as well. Be sincerely curious about what others think. If you communicate from a place of empathy and a desire to connect, your message naturally becomes clearer and more powerful. It’s less about sounding smart and more about being understood.
Also Read: A founder’s field guide to managing performance and giving feedback that lands
Influences that shaped my thinking
I’m on a mission to read everything Bill Bryson has written. I’ve been a fan of his books for a few years now. Past influences include Haruki Murakami, Milan Kundera — when I find an author I love, I often go on a hunt to track down and procure their “hidden gems”. Years ago, someone who was in love with me said that Eva Luna (by Isabel Allende) was his favourite book — it still remains the book that I aim to reread, every single year.
What drives my curiosity
Being a design-led person and a brand owner, I’m fascinated by how great design can spark positive social change. To see a well-designed product create deep conversations, or even a simple well-designed process, make life better and more equitable for people, this really floats my boat. It’s a wonderful reminder about how creativity matters and can even be a powerful force for good in the world.
Take a look at Lee’s articles here for more insights and perspectives on her expertise.
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The post Rachel Lee: The talent connector building Asia’s deep tech dreams appeared first on e27.