Dialogue with Women Chief Executives 2023
CUHK Business School successfully held the Dialogue with Women Chief Executives on 18th April 2023. Established in September 2018, the programme features a panel of women chief executives from the financial services industry and highlights a variety of topics from leadership to career development. With this year’s theme of “The Next Generation of Leaders: Turning Adversity into Positivity”, the event took place in Wah Yan College (Kowloon), featuring a panel of five Women Chief Executives (WCE(s)), including Ms. Diana Cesar (Executive Director and Chief Executive at Hang Seng Bank), Ms. Helena Chen (Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) at Mastercard), Ms. Amy Cho (Former CEO, Hong Kong & Deputy Head, Asia Pacific at Schroders), Ms. Angela Liu (MD, China Chief Executive Officer at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank) and Ms. Harshika Patel (Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan). Dr. Fred Ku (Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School) was the moderator of the dialogue. Guests of the event included Ms. Angel Ng (Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth at CITI) and Prof. Andy Wong (Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at The Chinese University of Hong Kong). Over 300 teachers-in-charge, career masters, and students attended the dialogue.
Dr. Fred Ku (Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School) [first from left], Ms. Amy Cho (Former CEO, Hong Kong & Deputy Head, Asia Pacific at Schroders) [second from left], Ms. Helena Chen (Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau) at Mastercard) [third from left], Ms. Harshika Patel (Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan) [fourth from left], Ms. Angel Ng (Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth at CITI) [fourth from right], Ms. Diana Cesar (Executive Director and Chief Executive at Hang Seng Bank) [third from right], Ms. Angela Liu (MD, China Chief Executive Officer at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank) [second from right] and Prof. Andy Wong (Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at The Chinese University of Hong Kong) [first from right]
The WCEs reflected on the personal obstacles they faced during childhood as well as the adversities encountered in their professional careers. A shared sentiment among them was the importance of maintaining a positive mindset while handling crises and hardships. Their different life journeys were encouraging reminders that life presents varying challenges and opportunities for the younger generation. While mistakes may be made along the way, it is more valuable to learn from them while continuously maintaining a positive approach to learning.
A memorable moment was captured: 5 distinguished speakers and Dr. Fred Ku took a group photo on stage.
The event began with a welcoming speech from the Associate Dean of CUHK Business School, Dr. Fred Ku, who expressed gratitude to the outstanding panel of WCEs and their inspirational careers in the financial services industry. “It is precisely during times of adversity that positivity becomes more critical than ever before, especially for our future leaders. With this in mind, we have chosen the theme ‘The Next Generation of Leaders: Turning Adversity into Positivity’ for this year’s dialogue”, said Dr. Ku.
Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, CUHK Business School, welcomed all participants to the Dialogue with Women Chief Executives.
The dialogue is therefore a consequential event to positively influence the youth and future leaders of Hong Kong. Following Dr. Ku’s remarks, Ms. Angel Ng from CITI represented the WCE panelists and encouraged students to learn from them. “Hopefully you are all here for a purpose and that purpose is to take ownership of your path and design where and how you get there. The main objective of the WCEs is to share what we have learned with the next generation”, said Ms. Ng.
Ms. Angel Ng, Head of Asia, Citi Global Wealth at CITI, encouraged students to maintain an open mindset.
The panel discussion began with the WCEs reflecting back on the obstacles and challenges they have overcome in life. Ms. Angela Liu graduated from Columbia University in Applied Mathematics. She established over 17 years of experience in the banking industry. Ms. Liu encouraged students to maintain an open mind and positive mindset when facing adversities in life. “When we encounter adversities or a problem in life, by nature we assume other people as an enemy. Take the step to find kindness instead and don’t be afraid to seek help from other people”, said Ms. Liu. She further encouraged students to learn from the mistakes of the panelists and be inspired to follow the Chief Executives’ footsteps in leadership.
Ms. Angela Liu, MD, China Chief Executive Officer at Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, encouraged students to learn from mistakes.
The theme of positivity and leadership is further discussed in the panel discussion. Ms. Harshika Patel spoke passionately about her journey in managing large international teams along with the challenges faced in creating organizational change within the corporation. “If you believe in something, even if everyone thinks it is wrong, speak up. Don’t look back on your failures as failings, instead look at them as an opportunity for growth”, said Ms. Patel.
Ms. Harshika Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong and Head of Strategy, Asia Pacific, J.P. Morgan shared her experience on creating change in large corporations.
Ms. Diana Cesar provided a unique perspective on the importance of education in enabling women to thrive in the workplace. She encouraged students to take action from a young age and continue to continuously develop their leadership skills as it is an essential quality in an industry leader. “Always strive for excellence and find ways to get better in all your life endeavors. Maintaining integrity, humility, and a can-do attitude in life should not only be values found in leaders but people in general”, said Ms. Cesar.
Ms. Diana Cesar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hang Seng Bank, highlighted the importance of education.
The panelists also reflected on the obstacles they faced during childhood and how positivity would have helped them overcome the challenges they faced in their youth. “Take charge of your life path, but always have an open mindset for change. Even though there are uncertainties in life, find the opportunity in every way you can and remember to enjoy each step you have gone through. Continue to explore your strength, mission and passion, you will find new opportunities you could never have dreamt of.” reflected Ms. Amy Cho.
Ms. Amy Cho, Former Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, and Deputy Head, Asia Pacific, Schroders, advised students to remain resilient in the face of adversity.
The panelists closed the session with advice for the participants on how to stay positive in the face of adversity and be adaptable when coping with unanticipated challenges. “My motto is always to test and learn, don’t panic and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” advised Ms. Helena Chen.
Ms. Helena Chen, Managing Director (Hong Kong and Macau), Mastercard, reflecting on the adversities she faced and how to overcome it.
The students welcomed the panelists enthusiastically, and actively asked the panelists’ career development questions in the Q&A session. Questions from the students brought some insights for the panelists on the perspectives of this generation of youth. The dialogue brought inspiring stories from the panelists and showcased the resilience of youth after a challenging period of the pandemic.
Secondary school students showed keen interest and enthusiasm for learning from WCEs’ experiences during the Q&A session.
The event ended on a high note with inspiring speeches and insightful discussions. CUHK Business School looks forward to continuing the Dialogue with Women Chief Executives in the following years and inspiring future leaders of the next generation.
