Navigating the twists and turns of one’s career path was never an easy task. For Kary Kung, Head of Sales & Partnerships at Ebury (Hong Kong), carving out a unique position–especially for a woman–encompasses honoring superiors and maintaining good relationships with colleagues.
The way Kung sustained a long-term career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life required intentionality and balance. Prioritisation, according to her, is essential.
“I regularly evaluate my commitments to focus on what matters most, ensuring my work responsibilities don’t overshadow my personal relationships,” Kung recounts.
For her, effective time management has also played a crucial role, as she utilises tools to optimise her schedule, creating defined work hours and leveraging productivity techniques that allow for quality time with family.
“Open communication with my employer and loved ones about my needs fosters understanding and support, making balance easier to achieve,” she notes.
For this, Kung advises the next generation to embrace flexibility, as she explains that the concept of work-life balance is evolving, and being adaptable is vital.
“Explore different work arrangements that align with your values,” Kung suggests.
Additionally, Kung recommends cultivating a strong support network of mentors and friends who understand dual commitments.
“Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritise self-care and invest in activities that bring joy outside of work. By fostering a fulfilling personal life alongside your professional aspirations, you can thrive in both areas, leading to a richer and more meaningful life.”
Moments of doubt
In carving out one’s unique position, it is only human that one will go through moments of doubt.
Kung says treading along this path has been an integral part of her journey as a senior woman leader. “To build resilience in these challenging times, I engaged in self-reflection, taking the time to remind myself of my accomplishments and the unique value I bring to my organisation.”
She notes that cultivating a strong network of mentors and allies was crucial, as their guidance and encouragement helped her regain confidence, reinforcing that she was not alone in her experiences.
“I also committed myself to continuous learning, pursuing new skills and knowledge that not only kept me relevant but also strengthened my self-assurance.”
Moreover, when she felt overlooked, she took a proactive approach by seeking out new challenges and projects where she could make a meaningful impact.
“This effort allowed me to reclaim my narrative and demonstrate my leadership capabilities.”
Through these experiences, Kung reframed setbacks as opportunities for growth, viewing challenges not as failures but as stepping stones to becoming a stronger leader. This mindset undoubtedly has been pivotal in her journey, as it enabled her to persist toward leadership with renewed determination.
Critical move
Kung recounts on her experience establishing her own fintech startup back in 2016, saying this has been a game-changer for her.
“In just three years, I accelerated my growth journey significantly, gaining invaluable experience that would typically take a decade to achieve.”
She recounts that she immersed herself not only in the details of internal management but also in the art of negotiation—with investors, business partners, and clients alike. This period has been nothing short of exponential growth for her as it provided her with insights and experiences that she considers are truly priceless.
“I keenly identified market pain points and recognized the gaps left by existing service providers. This awareness empowered me to act swiftly and seize emerging opportunities in the market, positioning my startup for success.”
Women: keep learning
Women must keep learning.
This is how Kung thinks women can ensure that she will not be stuck in the career ladder, based on her experience.
“Keep learning! Keep learning! Keep learning! In a world that’s ever-evolving, maintaining a hunger for knowledge is essential.”
She emphasises that embracing an open-minded approach to life and work, for it is this flexibility that will set one apart. Cultivating a mindset geared toward continual self-improvement is not just an asset, but a necessity.
“Strive to elevate yourself to new heights, pushing beyond the limits of your past experiences.”
She believes that in this age driven by rapid technological advancements, one should not let previous setbacks hinder one’s progress. Instead, one should see them as stepping stones to greater success. Each lesson learned can inform them future decisions and strategies.
“With curiously and open mindset, you’ll continue to grow and adapt to changing circumstances. This adaptability is what will keep you relevant in an ever-shifting business landscape.”
Evolution in finance leadership
Kung envisions that the future finance leader will possess a profound understanding of how cutting-edge technologies can propel business growth and spark game-changing innovations—not merely relying on technical skills.
“As we move into an era dominated by AI, traditional knowledge and experience will take on a different significance. What truly matters will be the ability to harness these AI tools effectively, turning them into powerful assets that enhance your leadership presence.”
She believes the heart of future leadership will center around soft skills and business acumen—skills that will set them apart in an increasingly automated landscape.
Moreover, Kung points out that qualities like personal charisma, effective communication, and inspirational leadership are uniquely human attributes that AI simply cannot replicate.
“These skills are essential for building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving teams toward success. Embracing this holistic approach to leadership will not only make you irreplaceable but will also empower you to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s business environment with confidence and creativity.”
Piece of advice
When asked about one thing she wishes she had known in her journey, Kung says, “one fundamental piece of advice for successfully navigating your journey in Asia is to find your unique proposition in the marketplace, one that makes you difficult to replace.”
In such a competitive and diverse region, Kung believes it is essential to differentiate one’s self from others.
“Consider the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives you bring to the table. Always ask yourself: Why you and not others? What specific value can you contribute to your company?”
She notes that reflecting on these questions can help one identify their strengths and the unique solutions they can offer. Whether it is a fresh perspective on a problem, specialised knowledge in a particular area, or innovative ideas that can drive growth, pinpointing what sets one apart will enhance their professional brand and make them a valuable asset.
Moreover, Kung highlights that one should not forget to honor their boss and maintain good relationships with their colleagues.
“In many Asian cultures, building trust and rapport is crucial to professional success. Acknowledging the contributions of your superiors and showing respect can establish a solid foundation for your career. Similarly, fostering positive relationships with your colleagues creates a supportive work environment where collaboration thrives.”
By focusing on your unique value, building strong professional relationships, and adapting to the complexities of the Asian market, Kung believes that this will not only enhance one’s standing but also create opportunities for growth and advancement.
“Ultimately, this holistic approach will equip you to navigate challenges effectively and position yourself for long-term success in this dynamic landscape.”
