What is your current role, and your connection with WiFA?
I am a partner with Baker McKenzie in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific Head of its Compliance & Investigations Group. Prior to Baker, I was Senior Corporate Lawyer with ANZ Bank in Australia and my interest in and work with Financial Institutions has been a constant feature of my practice for more than 20+ years. Currently I assist Financial Institutions with their senior executive misconduct investigations involving bribery and corruption, fraud, trade sanctions, sexual harassment and other compliance issues. I was very pleased to be invited as a panelist at the WiFA presentation “The art of persuasion: Knowing your worth and how to ask for it”. It was great to contribute my story and insights and I really valued the input of the other panel members and attendees.
Why and how do you support WIFA?
In my experience, the finance industry is still way behind in relation to seeking and valuing the contribution of women at the highest levels of executive management and board positions. My role as a trusted advisor of clients in the industry working to strengthen legal compliance and ethical practices, I am in a unique position to work with WiFA to empower its members to recognize their value and to position themselves for success.
What accomplishment you are most proud of in shifting the gender diversity/ empowering women in achieving their full professional potentials?
Over my many years of practice, I have, and continue to, mentor and sponsor dozens of women who have been elected to partnership of our firm and to senior (and influential) positions within other organizations. Their achievements validate my commitment to gender diversity.
Tell us one thing that is important for #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture
We can achieve both business success and personal joy by being part of a diverse and high functioning team.
What advice would you give to women who want to advance their career?
1. Stand tall and stop doubting yourself or your motives.
2. Hone your skills and be open and transparent about what you want to achieve for yourself and your team
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
4. …. just do it!