On April 3, 2025, during the Cisco Connect Korea 2025 event, a special session titled Women of Impact 2025 brought together inspiring female leaders from Korea’s top tech companies. Held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, this panel discussion welcomed around 60 participants and sparked honest, thoughtful conversations on leadership, diversity, allyship, and thriving in the AI era.
Moderated by Jihee Choi, VP of Cisco Korea, the panel featured Eunyoung Kim, EVP at Samsung SDS; Okhi Im, Customer Success Lead at Microsoft Korea; and Duckjung Kim, Director of Firb AI Research Institute and adjunct professor at Sookmyung Women’s University. Drawing from their personal career journeys and leadership experience, they shared powerful insights on what it means to lead with purpose in a time of rapid change.
A deep and heartfelt conversation on “Growth Through Allyship” at Women of Impact 2025
Real Growth Begins with Real Relationships
The discussion opened with the panelists introducing themselves and reflecting on their careers and what they hoped to bring to the session.
Eunyoung Kim shared her experience working across multiple departments at Samsung SDS and emphasized that her success wasn’t achieved alone. “It was the support of many mentors and colleagues that helped shape who I am today,” she said. She highlighted how meaningful relationships have played a key role in sustaining her career.
Okhi Im spoke about her journey through engineering, marketing, and technical sales—fields where women are still the minority. “Mentoring younger colleagues came naturally,” she said, “and I found that I was the one growing and learning through those conversations.”
Duckjung Kim reflected on his background in HR consulting and AI. “Women’s leadership today goes far beyond organizational roles—it’s deeply tied to building a sustainable society,” he said, adding that he hoped the session would encourage everyone to see things from new perspectives.
Eunyoung Kim, EVP at Samsung SDS, sharing key moments from her career journey
Diversity and Inclusion Are Strengths, Not Checkboxes
The panel then turned to the role of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in business.
Eunyoung Kim emphasized the need for structures that allow diverse voices to be heard. “Minorities often feel pressured to conform or hide their identity. But without a sense of safety, people can’t bring their full potential to work.” She pointed out that D&I must be more than policy—it requires active leadership and ongoing communication.
Okhi Im noted that mentoring is one of the most practical ways to bring D&I to life. “Mentoring is not a one-way relationship; it’s a space where both sides grow together,” she said. She also shared that regular interactions with different groups have helped her learn and reflect on her leadership style.
Duckjung Kim added that organizational and societal solidarity go hand-in-hand. “In today’s Korea, where gender issues are sometimes politicized, it’s more important than ever to choose your own voice and way of showing support, thoughtfully and authentically.”
“Mentoring is a space for mutual growth,” said Okhi Im, Customer Success Lead at Microsoft Korea
Designing Relationships, Building Community
When asked how to build strong communities, the panelists offered personal examples.
Eunyoung Kim shared stories from one-on-one mentoring relationships: “Working through challenges together with mentees often teaches me even more.” She noted that allyship isn’t limited to women—it’s about meaningful human connections across generations and identities.
Okhi Im stressed that allyship starts close to home. “You don’t have to look far. Allyship begins with your teammates, with colleagues in other departments. Understanding people beyond their job titles leads to long-term growth.”
Duckjung Kim highlighted the importance of psychological safety. “Trust is key. Without it, genuine and meaningful connections can’t happen.”
Duckjung Kim, Director at Firb AI Research Institute, sharing real-world D&I insights from his consulting experience
What Does It Take to Lead in the Age of AI?
On the topic of leadership in the AI era, Duckjung Kim cited a report by the Bank of Korea introducing the concepts of “AI exposure” and “AI protection.” He explained that as AI automates repetitive tasks, women have a growing opportunity to pivot into strategic and decision-making roles that require higher-order thinking.
Eunyoung Kim shared, “AI isn’t just about technology—it’s a shift in how we think.” What’s more valuable than knowledge, she explained, is the ability to ask the right questions. “This isn’t an era of answers. It’s an era of great questions.”
Okhi Im provided real examples of how AI is boosting productivity and noted that AI is often even more empowering for experienced professionals. “In the end, what matters most isn’t data—it’s insight. We need people who can connect the dots and uncover meaning.”
Jihee Choi, VP of Cisco Korea, moderating a thoughtful exchange on women’s leadership in the AI era
Hiring, Career Growth, and Finding Balance
During the open Q&A, attendees asked what qualities the panelists look for when hiring new team members.
Okhi Im highlighted the value of a growth mindset: “We look for people who are open to new things and eager to grow beyond their current limits.”
Eunyoung Kim agreed and added, “What stands out is someone who can talk honestly about their experiences, show how they’ve thought through challenges, and ask meaningful questions.”
For those seeking career advice, the panel emphasized resilience and balance.
Jihee Choi remarked, “Whether things are going well or not, what matters is consistency. Even failure is part of growth.”
Okhi Im added, “Excitement and fear light up the same part of the brain. How you interpret that feeling is what makes the difference. A positive outlook is the first step toward new opportunities.”
Participants listening closely as panelists share their insights on thriving as leaders in the AI era
The Women of Impact 2025 panel was more than just a leadership conversation—it was a powerful exchange of real-life stories, honest advice, and meaningful encouragement. The session reminded us that growth doesn’t happen alone. It happens together.
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