1. What attracted you to working in finance originally?
My mother was an accounting professor at our local university, so finance was part of my world from an early age. What drew me to it wasn't just the numbers but the way they tell the story of a business. I loved seeing how decisions, people, and performance all connect through the financials. Over time, I realised I was most energised by turning that insight into strategy and growth.
2. What was your path to becoming a Chief Financial Officer?
My path has been a mix of curiosity and progression through diverse environments. I began my career at Aon in Chicago and later worked across Hong Kong, Singapore, and London, gaining experience in controllership, FP&A, M&A, and business transformation. Each move taught me how finance can both stabilise and reshape a business. I became increasingly drawn to leadership roles where I could make a positive impact, guide strategy, mentor teams, and help companies navigate change, which naturally evolved into becoming a CFO.
3. What are the core skills and experience required for your position?
I believe curiosity is at the heart of being an effective CFO. You need to be deeply analytical, but also genuinely interested in how every part of the business works, from product and sales to customers and culture. Strong financial acumen, commercial judgment, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are essential. Equally important are empathy, adaptability, and the instinct to ask good questions. The best CFOs are both steady hands and forward thinkers who help the business navigate uncertainty while spotting new opportunities for growth.
4. Who are the key players every CFO should have in their team?
Every CFO needs a mix of analytical strength, operational insight, and forward thinking in their team. A great Financial Controller or Head of Finance is essential for accuracy and discipline, while a strong FP&A partner brings commercial insight and agility. I also value people who bridge finance with other functions, those who can translate numbers into narratives and collaborate across teams. The most effective finance teams combine technical excellence with curiosity, communication, and a shared sense of purpose.
5. What qualities do you look for when hiring a finance team?
Curiosity is always the first thing I look for. I don't need someone who has done the exact same thing before. I want people who are eager to learn, ask good questions, and bring fresh ideas to the table. The best finance teams are made up of individuals who care about what they do, take pride in learning, and grow alongside the business.
6. What do you love most about your line of work?
Finance is in a very privileged position because it touches every part of the business, and that also brings a responsibility to connect teams and processes. What I love most is the opportunity to bring clarity, collaboration, and momentum to a company's goals. Helping teams see how their work fits into the bigger picture and supporting them in making better decisions is what makes the role so rewarding.
7. What advice would you give to someone wanting to develop a career in financial leadership?
Stay curious and keep learning. Financial leadership is as much about people as it is about numbers. Take the time to really understand how the business works, and build relationships across every function. Be the person who asks thoughtful questions and listens closely. The best finance leaders grow by staying open, learning from others, and helping those around them succeed.
8. You've held permanent and interim roles. Do you have any advice for people considering moving from permanent to interim contracts?
Interim roles are a great way to learn quickly and work on new, different, and sometimes difficult transactions. You see challenges from many angles and learn to adapt fast. My advice would be to stay curious, ask questions, and take every assignment as an opportunity to stretch your skill set. Each experience builds confidence and perspective that make you an even stronger finance leader.
9. What do you do to relax in your free time?
I love to read, especially history and business topics, and I always have a book or podcast on the go. I also spend a lot of time with my cat, Leopold, who keeps me company while I work or read. I enjoy yoga, tennis, and Pilates, as well as long walks and good coffee. Relaxation for me is about slowing down enough to let new ideas in.
10. Which essential item do you always pack for a business trip?
My iPhone charger always comes with me. It sounds simple, but my phone is my travel hub with everything from my itinerary and notes to music and photos in one place. Keeping it charged means I can stay connected, capture ideas on the go, and navigate whatever the day brings.
