Career Spotlight
Lee Doyle-McLaughlin
Head of HR for EMEA & APAC
> An Unconventional HR Career Journey
Lee Doyle-McLaughlin’s career story is anything but ordinary. From teaching English in China and founding his own businesses to leading global HR strategies, his path is a testament to resilience, adventure, and a passion for making a real difference. Today, Lee brings his wealth of experience to Soben as HR Manager, shaping the people-first culture that sets us apart.
> A Journey Across Continents and Careers
After earning a degree in Maths and Computer Science, Lee swapped the lecture halls for a backpack and set off on a journey across Southeast Asia. His route took him through Helsinki, Moscow, and eventually to Northeast China, where an unexpected opportunity to teach English sparked the first pivot in his career.
What started as a one-year teaching stint led to Lee opening his own language school, which he successfully ran for three years. Not one to shy away from new challenges, he later ventured into the fashion industry, collaborating with local graffiti artists to launch a clothing factory in Chengdu. However, when a devastating earthquake struck in 2008, Lee pivoted once again this time focusing on aid work, fundraising, and community support.
> Finding His Passion in HR
Lee’s formal HR journey began in Beijing with consultancy firm “I Will Not Complain” (IWNC). Here, he honed his skills in team and leadership development, working with multinational corporations and large public enterprises. His expertise expanded further as he delved into organisational development and psychometrics, eventually establishing his own consultancy serving major clients like Alibaba and Didi Chuxing.
“I loved the challenge of supporting companies during periods of rapid growth. With Didi, we scaled the workforce by 2,000 people in just six months and rolled out a performance management system across multiple business units,”
> Memorable Projects That Made an Impact
One project that holds a special place in Lee’s heart is his work with Alibaba during their global expansion phase. Tasked with addressing disengagement among expat employees, Lee spearheaded a DEI initiative that involved cross-cultural workshops, process improvements, and even translating Alibaba’s culture book, Aliway.
“This project was so rewarding because we saw a tangible shift in team dynamics more engagement, better collaboration, and a true sense of inclusion,” says Lee.
> Overcoming Challenges in Hyper-Growth Environments
Implementing a performance management system for a hyper-scaling unicorn like Didi was no small feat. Aligning diverse business units while facing resistance and working grueling hours tested Lee’s resilience. Yet, his perseverance paid off, resulting in a successful rollout that remains a career highlight.
Key moments that defined his path
Looking back, Lee identifies three defining moments in his career:
1. Transitioning into HR in 2008, which set the foundation for his future.
2 Moving from consultancy to in-house HR roles, allowing him to see projects through from strategy to execution.
3 Returning to the UK and starting a family, which inspired him to pivot towards roles that offered greater stability and impact.
A Passion for People and Growth
While Lee’s early aspirations might have involved diving, climbing, or hiking, his passion for HR has taken centre stage since 2008. “It’s all about making a difference and seeing the positive impact of your work on people’s lives,” he shares.
Advice for the Next Generation
What would Lee tell his younger self?
“Slow down. Don’t get so caught up in work that you forget to live. Take time to enjoy the journey.”