Editor’s note: Be kind to yourself, even as you push forward, says Pei Lu Lee, finance director - Malaysia and Singapore at Warner Music Group.
In today’s Female Leadership in Finance interview, Lee shares her advice for aspiring female finance professionals, the defining moment of her career, and why one of her favourite ways to unwind is yoga.
FutureCFO: What does a typical day look like for you?
Pei Lu Lee (PLL): My day begins around 6am with a 30-45 minute workout.
I like to keep it varied—running, strength training, yoga, or a quick hike, to stay balanced and enjoyable. It’s my way of centering myself before the day unfolds.
As a mother of two young children, mornings are also about family. I prepare breakfast and enjoy some light-hearted conversation with them before school drop-off. Tight hugs and cheerful goodbyes aren’t just for them, they set a positive tone for me as I step into work mode.
The first half of my workday is usually focused on strategy and planning. As a finance business partner, I’m actively involved in cross-functional discussions—evaluating potential catalogue or label acquisitions, modelling artist deal structures, setting ticket prices and stress-testing for music festivals, reviewing the impact of marketing campaigns to improve investment returns.
This is the part I thrive on—translating numbers into compelling business stories and balancing creative ambition with commercial success.
Afternoons are dedicated to stewardship and operations. I work with the finance team to drive process transformation and improvements, navigate through latest regulatory or tax developments, review key reports and contracts, and more. This is where we make sure that the financial backbone of the business remains strong and future-ready.
Evenings are family time again. We often sit down to share what we each experienced and learnt during the day, ending with one happy moment we’re grateful for. It’s a simple ritual that brings reflection, connection, and joy to close the day.
FutureCFO: Can you briefly describe your career journey and one or two highlights along that journey?
PLL: A significant part of my career has been centred around creating sustainable value for businesses–initially as an external consultant and later as an internal strategist and business partner.
Finance, having visibility across the entire organisation, is in a privileged position to drive initiatives that align with company’s goals, from assessing viability of new ideas, guiding budgets and resources allocation, through to conducting post-implementation reviews for future decisions.
Pei Lu Lee, finance director - Malaysia and Singapore at Warner Music Group
One particularly meaningful chapter in my journey was during my time in the pharmaceutical industry. I partnered closely with the medical and product teams to bring in new treatments to Malaysia.
We built robust business cases considering patient progression data and market needs, designed pricing schemes that balanced patient accessibility and commercial sustainability and ensured financial and operational readiness ahead of product launches.
It wasn’t just about numbers and forecasts, but opening up the next line of treatment for patients who had progressed or developed resistance to existing medications. I woke up every day motivated by the chance to make a meaningful difference—to give patients renewed hope and more time with their loved ones.
That sense of purpose has stayed with me and continues to inspire how I work and lead today.
FutureCFO: What excites you the most when you work with the finance function?
PLL: What excites me most is the potential of what finance can unlock.
With a strong understanding of the business and a sharp analytical mindset, we’re able to connect the dots between people, processes, and performance— translating insights into smarter, faster, and more sustainable decisions. We help shape outcomes, not just report on them.
What I truly enjoy is that there’s never just one way to seize a market opportunity or navigate risk. Every conversation with a finance colleague, regardless of their role or experience, brings fresh perspectives.
I often walk away with a new insight that makes me pause and think, “Wow, I hadn’t seen it that way.” It’s that constant learning, collaboration, and shared problem-solving that keeps me energised and inspired.
FutureCFO: Can you share an experience which was key to your professional growth?
PLL: A defining moment in my career came when our Managing Director transitioned to new opportunities, and I had the chance to step into an interim leadership role.
It was honestly a little daunting, but also incredibly transformative.
During that time, I collaborated closely with teams across the organisation. From aligning priorities and navigating trade-offs to supporting our people, my focus was on fostering clarity and confidence.
What stood out most was the power of honest dialogue and collective problem-solving. By creating space for open conversations and keeping everyone connected to our shared goals, we strengthened both our focus and sense of cohesion as a team.
Looking back, I didn’t approach it with pre-determined answers—but with a genuine intention to show up for the team and help us move forward together. We not only stayed on course, we met our key business and financial targets.
Personally, I walked away with a deeper sense of calm and resilience—learning to embrace challenges and still find moments of joy in the process.
FutureCFO: Tell us something about yourself: What are your hobbies? How do some of these help you relax outside work? Do some of them inspire your work?
PLL: One of my favourite ways to unwind is through yoga.
It’s a space I carve out just for myself—quiet, intentional and grounding. I enjoy the rhythm of the practice, syncing breath with movement, and being fully present in the moment.
What I love most is the philosophy behind yoga. It’s not about perfecting every pose or comparing flexibility with others. It’s about tuning in—listening to your body, being curious, experimenting and gently getting better with each practice.
I still remember the first time I tried a headstand—it felt intimidating. But there’s something powerful in gathering your courage and pushing through that moment of fear. Sometimes you fall, and that’s okay.
What matters is pausing to reflect, understanding what needs strengthening, and trying again with more awareness. That lesson stays with me beyond the mat—it’s a reminder that growth often comes from willingness to try, to stumble and to keep building from there.
FutureCFO: What’s your advice to female finance & accounting professionals of today?
PLL: Be kind to yourself, even as you push forward.
Many of us wear multiple hats and we’re often too critical of ourselves—focusing on what we could have done better instead of recognising how much we’re already doing well.
Over the years, I’ve learnt that it’s not just about managing numbers and results—it’s also about managing energy, values and presence.
Let go of the need for things to be perfect. Instead, focus on what gives you meaning and energy. Taking care of ourselves isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.
Pei Lu Lee, finance director - Malaysia and Singapore at Warner Music Group
Whether it’s an hour of yoga or just a few quiet minutes to breathe, regularly checking in with yourself makes a difference.
One small habit that’s helped me is being a friend to myself. As simple as it sounds, it’s been surprisingly powerful. I ask myself small questions throughout the day—How am I feeling? Do I need a break? Am I reacting to something unnecessarily? That inner dialogue keeps me grounded, especially on the hard days.
So take a moment to recognise how far you’ve come. You’re doing more than you think. And on some days, just showing up—with heart and honesty—already counts for a lot.
