Winning Secrets: How PEOPLElogy Group grew from a team of 10 to over 100 while maintaining a people-centric culture

Allen Lee, Founder and Cally Yau, Chief Executive Officer on how the Group continues to drive growth and innovation, empowering employees to "push through limits" — overcoming challenges, fostering inclusivity, and more.

PEOPLElogy Group’s transformational journey aims to be a testament to the power of a people-centric approach.

Starting with a small team of 10 employees — or PEOPLElogists, as they are called — back in the day, the company has grown into a dynamic workforce of over 100 by fostering a culture of empowerment, continuous learning, and inclusivity.

This focus on people as the engine of growth and innovation has shaped PEOPLElogy’s success. Leading the team are Allen Lee, Founder of PEOPLElogy Group and Cally Yau, CEO of PEOPLElogy Group, who both took home awards at the HR Excellence Awards 2024, Malaysia:

• Gold for 'HR Leader of the Year' (Allen Lee), and
• Bronze for 'Most People-Focused CEO (Cally Yau).

In this interview, the leaders share how the team's people-centric philosophy drives growth and innovation, empowering employees to "push through limits" — overcoming challenges, fostering inclusivity, and more.

Q What was the motivation that sparked your passion & business case for pursuing your outstanding people strategy?

Allen: At PEOPLElogy, our journey began with a deep-rooted belief: people are the heart of any successful organisation. I’ve always been driven by the conviction that when employees are equipped with the right skills and mindset, they can propel a company to extraordinary heights. This belief shaped our mission to empower individuals and transform businesses through continuous learning and development.

Moreover, I firmly believe that when my PEOPLElogists (employees) are happy, they are productive. A motivated and engaged workforce is the cornerstone of innovation and growth.

The rapid evolution of industries, especially with the advent of IR 4.0, highlighted an urgent need for organisations to stay agile and future ready. This became our business case—to help companies thrive by building a workforce that’s not only skilled but also adaptable and resilient.

Cally: My passion for developing an exceptional people strategy comes from the core belief that people are the heart of every successful organisation. By nurturing an environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and motivated, we unlock their fullest potential, driving innovation and sustained growth. PEOPLElogist’s mission to "push through limits" has inspired me to break away from traditional methods and invest deeply in people-centric initiatives that foster personal and organisational excellence.

Q Looking back, can you share a challenge that you overcame in your journey of HR excellence? How did you triumph?

One of our biggest challenges was scaling PEOPLElogy from a small team of 10 PEOPLElogists to over 100 today. Rapid growth brings its own set of complexities—maintaining our culture, ensuring consistent communication, and keeping everyone aligned with our mission. We triumphed by fostering a strong sense of community, investing heavily in leadership development, and ensuring every team member felt valued and heard. This growth journey not only strengthened our internal processes but also reinforced our belief in the power of people-centric strategies.

Another challenge was during the initial rollout of our 6D development framework for organisational transformation. Resistance to change was a significant hurdle; many organisations were hesitant to embrace digitalisation, fearing disruptions to their operations. To overcome this, we focused on building trust through pilot projects and success stories.

We showcased measurable outcomes—improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced employee engagement. By adopting a consultative approach and aligning our solutions with our clients’ unique needs, we gradually shifted mindsets and won their confidence.

Q Beyond the recognition, what impact do you hope your feature in the HR Excellence Awards would have on the HR community and manpower landscape? 

Our recognition is gratifying, but what truly excites us is the potential to inspire and influence. We hope our feature in the HR Excellence Awards serves as a beacon for organisations to prioritise people-centric strategies. In a world of rapid change, the HR community must lead the charge in fostering innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. Our story aims to underscore the importance of investing in people as the ultimate differentiator. We want to spark a movement where talent development is seen not as a cost but as a critical driver of growth, shaping a more resilient and future-ready workforce.

By fostering a culture where continuous learning, inclusivity, and empowerment thrive, we can create workplaces that enable individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Together, we can reshape the manpower landscape, drive economic growth through empowered human capital, and cultivate communities of collaboration and resilience that fuel sustainable success for years to come.

Q Could you share some advice you would give to others aspiring to follow in your footsteps?

Allen: One focal moment in my journey was my three study tours to China (Tsinghua University), Germany (Europe School of Management & Technology), and the USA (Silicon Valley Academy). These experiences were eye-openers, exposing me to cutting-edge innovation and transforming my perspective on how to drive business growth. I realised the importance of adopting a global mindset, embracing new technologies, and staying ahead of industry trends. These insights have been instrumental in shaping our strategies at PEOPLElogy, and I encourage others to seek out similar opportunities for inspiration and growth.

Secondly, embrace the power of continuous learning—for yourself and for your teams. The business landscape is ever evolving, and staying relevant requires an unyielding commitment to growth. Furthermore, never underestimate the value of collaboration. Success in HR isn’t achieved in isolation; it’s built on strong partnerships with leaders, employees, and external stakeholders.

Lastly, lead with empathy. Understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of your people will enable you to craft strategies that truly resonate and drive impact.

Cally: For those aspiring to follow this path, my advice is simple: never stop learning and challenging yourself.

Always put people at the center of your strategies and don’t be shy about pushing boundaries. Embrace change, adaptability and a mindset of continuous improvement.

Success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace every opportunity to learn, even when it feels daunting. Surround yourself with mentors who challenge and inspire you. Most importantly, stay true to your purpose—never lose sight of the impact you want to make on others. Leadership is about serving and empowering people, and when you put your heart into that mission, success will naturally follow.

Q Let's talk inspiration! Who has been a driving force behind your success?

Allen: My mentors once said, “You are what you think.” This simple yet profound advice has guided me throughout my journey. They taught me the power of mindset—how positive thinking and a clear vision can shape not only your personal growth but also the success of your organisation.

Beyond my mentors, it’s been a collective force. My team at PEOPLElogy has been my constant source of inspiration. Their passion, creativity, and dedication fuel our mission every day. Lastly, my family has been my anchor, providing unwavering support and grounding me through challenges. The trust and shared belief in the power of PEOPLElogist have driven me to keep pushing boundaries.

Cally: Mr. Allen, the founder and Chief of PEOPLElogist, has been an amazing inspiration. His relentless drive to push through limits and his unwavering belief in the power of people have shaped my journey. Alongside him, countless individuals from colleagues to mentors, which are contributing directly or indirectly (PEOPLElogist) have influenced and motivated me, reminding me that success is a collective effort. Together, we are not just building a company; we are shaping futures and transforming lives.

---

Photos: Provided