Episode 284: Edalyn Dictaan Hadjula - Breaking Barriers: Asian Women Leading in Male-Dominated Industries
In this deeply honest and courageous episode of The Limitless Podcast Ep. #284, Nick Jonsson is joined by Edalyn Dictaan Hadjula, Director of Human Resources at FrieslandCampina, for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on leadership, bias, courage, and what it truly takes to rise as an Asian woman in male-dominated industries.
From managing highly unionised manufacturing environments to leading HR across Sub-Saharan Africa, Edalyn shares her real journey — one marked by resilience, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. She speaks openly about the unspoken questions women still face in leadership: “Will you get pregnant?” “Will you be absent?” “Are you strong enough?” — and challenges these narratives head-on with clarity and strength.
This episode explores:
The unconscious biases Asian women leaders navigate daily
Why quiet strength is often mistaken for weakness — and why that must change
The powerful question every global organisation must ask: “Are we teaching them English… or learning Chinese?”
How courage, purpose, and authenticity shape lasting leadership
Why equal opportunity — not special treatment — is the real ask
This is not a theoretical discussion. It is lived experience. It is bold truth-telling. And it is a call to leaders everywhere to rethink how talent is seen, supported, and elevated.
Contact Edalyn to connect or collaborate: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-hadjula-legarde-chrme-csphr-94029aa/
🎧 Find more episodes on our website: https://www.nickjonsson.com/podcast