Her championing of initiatives in the Asia Pacific region, including Hong Kong, Bangladesh and beyond, highlights her huge commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.

Legal Minds DEI, Psychological Safety and Wellness Programme

As chair of the DEI working group for the Legal Function in HSBC Asia Pacific, Shaulee spearheads the DEI, Psychological Safety and Wellness Programme for in house counsels.  

This programme prioritises psychological safety, mental health within the legal sector, and includes several initiatives aimed at creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

One notable initiative was a session titled ‘Neurodiversity, Psychological Safety and Suicide Risk.’ This session addressed the pressing (and often stigmatised) issue of mental health challenges among legal professionals.

Panel discussion: ‘It’s OK not to be OK’

Shaulee also participated in a panel discussion hosted by HSBC Global Legal, titled ‘It’s OK not to be OK.’

During this session, she role-modelled openness by sharing her personal experiences of navigating her own challenges in life and work, balancing leadership responsibilities and motherhood. 

By sharing her journey, Shaulee aimed to destigmatise mental health struggles and foster a culture of openness and support within the workplace. The session was attended by in-house lawyers from HSBC Europe, Asia, and North America, further extending the impact of her inspiring advocacy.

Transformative workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In December 2023, Shaulee designed and held a workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the WE Global Women Foundation. 

This immersive three-hour workshop, attended by 46 female professionals from various financial institutions, focused on addressing barriers holding women back in the workplace. 

Topics such as imposter syndrome, self-doubt, fixed versus growth mindset, and daring to dream big were explored in depth. The workshop also delved into the cultural context of South Asia and its impact on women's self-esteem and professional aspirations.

Shaulee is one of the founding members of WE Global Women Foundation, which promotes greater participation and inclusion of women in financial institutions in Bangladesh and beyond.

Impact and outcomes

These initiatives show HSBC’s commitment to embedding mental health support into its broader inclusion agenda, and their role in empowering its people to make a difference.

By fostering open dialogue, sharing personal experiences, and providing targeted support, these initiatives have had a profound impact on promoting mental wellbeing and inclusivity within the legal function. The outcomes include increased awareness of mental health challenges, enhanced support systems, and a more empathetic and inclusive workplace culture. 

And these efforts go beyond ticking boxes; they create real change and make a tangible difference in the lives of employees.

Conclusion

Shaulee Kamal Khan’s initiatives in the Asia Pacific region exemplify effective mental health progress and diversity advocacy in the workplace. 

Through targeted programmes and leading by example, she has not only increased awareness of and support for mental health within HSBC, she has also inspired broader change in the industry.

Shaulee Kamal Khan says:

‘This recognition isn't just about me; it's a testament to the collective effort of my colleagues and friends across HSBC Bangladesh, Asia Pacific Legal, HR, and HSBC BALANCE. With gratitude, I also extend my heartfelt thanks to WE Global Women Foundation for their steadfast support in our shared mission to cultivate a mentally resilient and empowered female community in Bangladesh. Together, we've tackled sensitive and stigmatised issues, but there's still much ground to cover in our DEI journey.’

'I'm grateful for this recognition and remain committed to help cultivate a world that celebrates mental health and embraces the richness of diversity.’