Ca­reer – Un­filtered: I am good enough

What motivates you most in your role as Project Manager?
"What motivates me most is the impact. Even though I’m not always directly engaging with regulators or end users, and I’m often working behind the scenes, I know that what I do contributes to something bigger. At Fii, we’re working toward more inclusive and sustainable financial systems, particularly for LMICs (Low and Middle Income Countries), and that really matters to me. It gives a sense of purpose to the day-to-day coordination and problem solving."

When is your work most challenging?
"Working in a fully remote setup can be challenging, especially when it comes to coordinating across time zones. We rely on tools like Teams, Wrike, and email, but I still find that real conversations make a big difference in building alignment and trust. Scheduling those calls with people on opposite sides of the world is not always easy, but I try to make it work because those moments of connection really strengthen both the work and the team dynamic."

When do you feel most uncertain in your working life?
"I feel it most when there are factors outside of my control that can affect how projects unfold. Things like shifting priorities, travel disruptions for workshops, or broader organisational changes can introduce a level of unpredictability.

While I try to focus on doing my best with what I can control, I’m still training myself to be more adaptable and to think a few steps ahead. Having that flexibility and a bit of a fallback mindset helps me navigate those moments more calmly."

Which decision has had the greatest impact on your career – and why?
"Accepting that it’s okay to take a step back, or even start over in some ways, has probably had the biggest impact on my career. I’ve moved across industries and roles, from FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) to fintech to now working in a not-for-profit, and from market research to brand, product, and now project management.

Each transition came with a learning curve, but embracing that uncertainty made the journey more meaningful. It allowed me to take paths I might not have chosen otherwise, and shaped a more diverse and adaptable way of working."

What do you do differently today compared to before you started at CBS?
"I think I’m much more conscious of the broader impact of my work now. Before, I was very focused on the immediate user or business outcome. Taking the MBA at CBS helped me zoom out and think more in terms of systems, long-term impact, and the different stakeholders involved.

It also gave me a deeper appreciation for working in international environments. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds challenged how I think, communicate, and collaborate, and that’s something I carry with me in my work today."

What would you most like to learn next or become better at?
"I’d like to deepen how I apply sustainability in a more structured and practical way, especially around governance and decision-making. Through my work at Fii, I’m already contributing to social impact, particularly in financial inclusion, but I’m also curious to expand further into areas like climate and environmental sustainability.

For me, it’s about building on what I’m already doing and finding ways to broaden that impact."

What dreams in your working life have you not yet fulfilled?
"I’m actually quite content with where I am right now, but if I think longer term, I’d like to grow into roles where I can help shape direction more, not just deliver on it. I’m still exploring what that looks like, but I know I’m drawn to work where I can have a broader and more sustained impact."

What has your work taught you about yourself? Name one good thing and one bad thing.
"One thing it has taught me is that I am good enough. As long as I stay open to learning and keep showing up with intention, I can navigate different environments and challenges. Work is important, but it’s not the only thing that defines me.

On the other hand, I’ve realised that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to working across different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. It’s something I’m continuously working on."

What do you hope your working life will have given you in 10 years – beyond title and salary?
"I hope it gives me the sense that I’ve made a meaningful difference, even in ways I may not always see directly. That something I worked on helped improve someone’s life, or made a system a little more inclusive or accessible. That would matter more to me than any title."