Speaking in an interview with US news channel CNBC, Hooi Ling stressed the importance of hiring candidates who fit in with the company’s culture and values.
She said she and Anthony Tan, with whom she founded the e-hailing service, sometimes came across interview candidates who could contribute a lot to Grab.
However, if they were not going to be a good cultural fit, she said, she and Anthony usually turned them down.
This was because she had learned the hard way that people who clash with the company’s culture should be let go sooner rather than later.
“Saying no to them is one of the most painful things. Saying no is actually much more difficult than saying yes,” she was quoted as saying.
It was also important to prioritise the company’s goals, Hooi Ling said, adding that having the right priorities could guide start-ups in their plans for growth.
She gave the example of Grab deciding whether to launch a new service in just one country or in seven countries at the same time, or whether to expand its operations beyond Southeast Asia.
Although it was important to execute something well before moving on to the next thing, she said, it was also important to find a balance.
“If you’re too focused, you’ll stop innovating. But if you’re too innovative, you’ll lose your focus and won’t get anything done,” she told CNBC.
Hooi Ling said it was also important to stay humble and learn from mistakes.
She acknowledged the tendency of entrepreneurs to play it safe, especially when first starting out.
However, she encouraged them to take the risks, saying the “only way to continue succeeding is to continue making mistakes and learning”.
Grab began in Malaysia in 2012, and is now present in six countries across the region.
Considered one of Southeast Asia’s biggest start-ups, its latest valuation stands at US$6 billion, according to CB Insights.