Joan Chang on why she sets boundaries as a boss and mum

Redefining success (on her own terms)

Chang is quick to point out that ambition isn’t off the table—it’s simply reframed.

She has passed on opportunities that might have brought regional growth, but only at the cost of time with her children. She’s skipped projects, meetings, and the chase for scale. “You can always earn more money but you can’t buy back time,” she says.

And while those decisions have come with trade-offs, she doesn’t romanticise the sacrifice. “I’ve said no to meetings and projects that I would have loved to attend to grow and learn—because it takes time away from me spending time with my children.”

She wants her children to understand that. “I’d want them to know I made choices considering them in mind,” she says. “And hopefully they will appreciate and see my perspective as a mum.”

Designing with empathy

It’s no surprise that motherhood has quietly shaped both Lloyd’s Inn and Good Addition. The hotel has evolved to better accommodate families and new parents; the clothing line includes cuts that work for postnatal bodies without compromising on design.

“Even small things like storage solutions for pumping or breastfeeding mums matter,” she says. “And for clothes, the cuts can be made mum-tum friendly so they take you through pregnancy and postpartum and still look great.”

What makes Chang’s approach particularly modern is her willingness to acknowledge the emotional labour involved—both at home and in the workplace.

“Acknowledging emotions is an important aspect of empathy and seeing a different perspective,” she says. “Instead of downplaying emotion as a weakness, why not use it as a strength? It helps us remain objective while being in tune with people.”

Read more: Joan Chang launches online store with home accessories