Vivian Jiang is Deloitte’s Asia Pacific Clients & Industries Leader, and in her Spotlight Series Interview, she tells us about what drew her to a career in finance, mentors in her career and more.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am a happy wife and a proud mother of two beautiful and outstanding young women, who are 18 and 23.
I have over 25 years of professional experience in APAC and the U.S., advising multinational corporations investing in APAC and Chinese companies operating globally. I am a frequent writer and public speaker on major business topics. I also had the privilege to be voted as the World Leading Tax Advisor, World’s Leading Women in Business Law, and Women in Tax Leaders for many years in a row.
I am dedicated to the profession, inspiring everyone around me with my strong passion. I led my team to teach in universities in terms of professional readiness and career development. I am also generous in giving back to society and helping those in need.
Professionally, I am Deloitte’s Asia Pacific Clients & Industries Leader and a member of the Deloitte Asia-Pacific executive team. I take my passion, energy, sense of partnership and inclusivity to drive change in the marketplace. In this role, I am responsible for market development and supporting our clients’success.
I enjoy my life, and multiple roles I play, such as a wife, a mom, a professional, and a member that contributes to society. I wish to be someone that enjoys work life harmony with a successful career, and happy family.
2. What drew you to a career in finance? What has motivated you to stay?
As I found that one of my passions was languages, I studied British and American literature in University. I felt finance would become the key to opening the door to the business world. I spent 10 years in the US, and started my professional career at Deloitte, working in global operations. I felt a strong sense of pride being the professional to provide values to the business to make them more successful. In 2000, I decided to come back to China to participate in the China reform, leveraging the knowledge and experience I gained in the US.
As a professional serving cross-border business, I am excited to witness this new era. Professional competence carries high value in the business community, and I am excited to be making an impact.
3. Mentors play an important role in the development of many careers. Did you have a mentor? If so, what did you look for in that person?
Mentors do play a critical role and assisted in defining moments for me, especially when I needed to make challenging decisions. I have two mentors that have had a long lasting impact on my career — both are passionate about helping young people, taking the time to listen to my concerns, and prompting me to think instead of giving me answers. They have become lifelong family friends. I was admitted into Deloitte Partnership at the same time as being nominated to lead a regional team. I was the most junior in that team’s executive group, and hesitated to take on the role. I asked my mentor why he chose me. “Time.” My mentor answered. The difference between my mentor and I was “time”. Youth comes with more courage and boldness for thinking and actions, while seniority and age comes with more experience. It means we each come with different attributes to grow to a strong leader. I always remember this “time” story as a way to unleash the potential of our professional strengths.
4. This year has brought tremendous upheaval and disruption to all aspects of our lives. How are you and your company continuing to promote diversity and gender equality despite these massive changes?
We have seen so much acceleration and transformation in business, in the way we support each other, and with the goals of creating a sustainable planet.
2020 was a unique and challenging year in many ways. In a speech delivered by President Xi celebrating the 25th anniversary of Beijing World Woman Conference, he called for global leaders to make real of gender equality, and to make the society truly inclusive and diversified.
Deloitte has built an “All-in” strategy in our core and corporate values. We highly promote diversity and inclusion, as we believe that this will only make us stronger.
I would highly encourage women not to set limits, try everything; be more confident; and share more and support each other. Let us all Lean-in to shine in every role we play at home, at the workplace, and in society.