Editor's note: In today's A Day in the Life, Simon Kong (pictured), VP Consulting, RGP delves into what leadership means to him, how he applies what he has learned from being a Scout Leader, and his work day as a Hong Kong-based business leader who covers the Asia Pacific region.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Simon Kong (SK): My work at RGP is essentially a people business. It's about colleagues, clients, consultants, and the thrill of meeting new faces. Every day is a chance to connect, learn, and grow.
Before I dive into the human symphony of my workday, I need a little "me" time.
This is how I ground myself before the day's whirlwind begins: A jog in the morning air, a cup of unsweetened Hong Kong-style milk tea, and a 20-minute walk to the office, all fueled by radio news and soothing music.
Next comes a flux of meetings—in-person, virtual, internal, external. I love the energy of conversations, the exchange of ideas, and stories that unfold. From economic insights to personal aspirations, I'm always listening, sharing, and learning. Building a staunch professional network is a source of pride, a testament to the power of human connection.
Evenings aren't always a break. Dinner is often followed by virtual calls with colleagues across the globe. It depicts the #NowofWork, where boundaries blur and connections extend beyond physical space. But I have a rule: no calls after midnight. My understanding colleagues in other time zones respect that, and we find a rhythm that works.
It's a rather busy life, but it’s one filled with people, purpose, and the constant hum of human connection. And that's what makes it all worthwhile.
Leadership, in all its forms, is about serving others, empowering growth, and making a positive contribution. And that's a message that resonates across both my professional and personal life.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with CFOs and finance functions?
SK: My work world revolves around CFOs—the heartbeats of businesses big and small. From multinational heavyweights to family offices, I get to work with a diverse group of finance leaders.
What excites me when working with CFOs is that, despite my computer engineering background, we always identify common topics [to address] beyond the technicalities of accounting. It’s all about strategy, execution, and solving real-world problems. We tackle business risks, brainstorm solutions, and co-curate the "how" to achieve ambitious goals.
Against the backdrop of the ever-changing economic landscape, CFOs are tasked with offering both financial insight and business foresight. They are navigating growth, identifying new opportunities, and leading internal transformations while keeping the lights on.
I love the challenge of exchanging ideas with CFOs, helping them rethink and recalibrate the evolving role of finance in their organisations. Every CFO story is unique, and that's where the real fun begins.
My job is to be their trusted partner, validating strategies, devising solutions to business problems, and co-creating implementation approaches that fit their specific needs. It takes two-way communication, listening, sharing, and working together to achieve success.
I'm constantly learning along the way. Digital transformation, AI adoption, business process optimisation, and change management are the practical experiences that fuel my passion.
Yet the best part is in relationships. Many CFO clients have become good friends of mine. That human connection is what keeps me ignited every day. It's a privilege to be part of their journeys, to witness their successes, and to learn from their wisdom.
Simon Sinek's “Start with Why”movement resonates deeply with me. In consulting, we often focus on "what" and "how," but understanding the "why" behind a solution is what inspires actions and creates lasting impacts.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
SK: A few pivotal experiences and learnings have shaped my professional journey.
In the early days of my IT management career, I decided to pursue an MBA at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
To me, an MBA degree is not just about acquiring business knowledge—it is about expanding my horizons. Accompanied by classmates from marketing, accounting, engineering, and even entrepreneurship, I was thrust from a purely technical, IT world into a business universe of multi-disciplinary thinking.
I learned to see things from different perspectives, to find win-win solutions, and to embrace the collaborative spirit that drives desirable outcomes.
In addition, the principles in Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People became my guiding stars as I transitioned from IT to business consulting.
Seeking first to understand, beginning with the end in mind, and constantly sharpening my saw became my mantras throughout my business consulting journey.
And more recently, Simon Sinek's “Start with Why”movement resonated deeply with me. In consulting, we often focus on "what" and "how," but understanding the "why" behind a solution is what inspires actions and creates lasting impacts.
These experiences have taught me to think creatively, to connect with people on a deeper level, and to always strive for continuous improvements. They have shaped my approach to consulting, making it a career I truly enjoy and value today.
FutureCFO: Is there anything outside work—such as a travel experience, a book, participation in a sport event or any volunteering experience—that serves as an important inspiration to your work or life? Can you tell us more about it?
SK: My volunteer work as a Scout Leader in the local community has been an impactful experience. It revives my belief that true leadership isn't about power, but about service.
While traditional leadership often focuses on exercising power at the "top of the pyramid”, servant leadership is about sharing power, putting others first, and helping people reach their full potential. It is a philosophy that inspires me both in scouting and in consulting.
As a Scout Leader, I guide and support my scouts, helping them grow and learn. As a consulting servant leader, I am driven by a sense of purpose, focusing on serving the best interests of my clients and stakeholders. It is about aligning actions with their goals, delivering tangible results, and creating positive, lasting impact.
Beyond my professional life, I’m passionate about giving back to the society via mentoring young talent. Scouting provides a unique platform to teach them valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and accountability. It is a blessing to work with talented young people, shaping them into responsible leaders who will make a difference in the world.
Leadership, in all its forms, is about serving others, empowering growth, and making a positive contribution. And that's a message that resonates across both my professional and personal life.
