What and when did you study at INSEAD?
I’m an alumna of the MBA 15D program and spent my entire study year at the INSEAD Singapore campus. Although I initially planned to study in Fontainebleau, life in Singapore, along with caring for my six-month-old son, made it more practical to stay there. Balancing my MBA studies and motherhood was challenging, but it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Now, in keeping with INSEAD’s commitment to lifelong learning, I’m back again, this time as a student in the INSEAD Coaching Certificate program.
Tell us about your career journey to date.
My career path at the moment is a bit unique, but it is all around Change. In my more traditional career path, I’ve spent over 15 years in the banking industry across China, Singapore, and Australia. Throughout this time, I honed my leadership and project management skills and became an expert in Financial Crime and Operations Transformation. I have led cross-cultural Operations team and led transformation programs. At the same time, my interest in coaching and system psychodynamics led me to pursue a parallel path as an executive coach at INSEAD. In this role, I work with MBAs in the PLDP program. Holding a dual career certainly keeps things interesting. It does come with its challenges, though, as it requires switching between two different professional roles. However, this has also allowed me to extend my skill set and juggle both careers more effectively. I am finding opportunities to apply system thinking in my traditional career, and to complete my career transition in longer term.
How did you end up in this part of the world?
I was born in China, where I also started my career. Not long after, I moved to Singapore with Standard Chartered Bank, which was a significant step for me both professionally and personally. Singapore became a pivotal place in my life—it’s where I met my husband, had our son, and graduated from INSEAD. After that, family became one of my top priorities. I moved to Melbourne, Australia with my family, where I joined ANZ’s Generalist Banker program.
How did INSEAD transform your life?
My childhood dream was to be a writer. However, my family guided me toward a more conventional career path, and I carried with me a deep-seated quest for beauty in everything. By the time I applied to INSEAD, I was feeling disillusioned with my banking career. Despite being successful and hardworking, I was searching for new meaning and fulfillment.
INSEAD is not just a traditional business school where you learn Finance, Accounting and Entrepreneurship. My own inner searching started during my MBA journey. Merely hardworking and climbing ladders could not satisfy anymore. I needed the “Force for Good”. My soul searching helped me discover how to be more compassionate and gave me a deeper understanding of myself. This internal transformation was even more significant than the external changes I experienced. And, of course, the broad INSEAD network has been an invaluable asset, connecting me with a diverse and supportive community.
How do you contribute to and engage with the INSEAD community?
In Melbourne, I usually attend the Christmas picnics and try to support in my coaching capacity. This involvement not only helps me feel more settled in Australia but also allows me to actively engage with the INSEAD community. It’s a rewarding way to contribute and connect with fellow alumni, and it’s also been a great opportunity for me to become more social and integrated into the local network.