Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Culture Shapes a Bright Future for Young Women

Every year on 8 March, International Women's Day shines a well-deserved spotlight on women who have broken barriers and forged ahead in various fields. Across business, science, and the arts, more and more women are achieving success, showcasing their talent and wisdom. Among Hong Kong's most remarkable female business leaders stands Mary Huen, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia at Standard Chartered. In this exclusive interview, she shares her extraordinary journey as a female leader, her insights into gender equality, and her vision for a more inclusive corporate world.

Breaking Barriers: The Journey from Trainee to CEO

Mary’s career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hong Kong before stepping into the banking world as a trainee. She later joined Standard Chartered, where she flourished, taking on leadership roles in personal banking and wealth management, and leaving an incredible mark on the industry. She became the Head of Personal Banking in Hong Kong in 2009. In 2017, she took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Hong Kong. In 2024, she was appointed the Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia, a testament to her ability to shatter gender barriers and lead with unshakable determination.

Reflecting on her journey, Mary noticed the evolution of women in Hong Kong’s corporate landscape. Once, leadership roles in professional fields such as banking, healthcare and law were largely held by men, while women were steered towards professions more traditionally linked to the female gender role such as teaching, nursing, and secretarial work. Today, with evolving societal attitudes and growing awareness of gender equality, more women have risen to management positions, particularly in finance. Over 50 women now hold or recently held Chief Executive Officer or Chairperson positions in Hong Kong’s financial institutions and regulatory bodies, an encouraging sign of progress.

Female leaders in Hong Kong’s financial sector actively exchange ideas, leveraging their collective strength to uplift women and position the city as a hub for international finance and diverse talent.

Mary’s Leadership Philosophy: People-Centric, Future-Focused

"Leadership is not for oneself, but for others," says Mary. She firmly believes in a people-centric approach driven by empathy. Externally, this means understanding client needs and delivering services that help them succeed; internally, it means empowering team members to break through their own limitations and fostering growth. She emphasises that leadership is not just about driving business targets but also cultivating an environment where employees thrive. In addition, she believes that a great leader must always anticipate the future and embrace change. One of her core principles is "Be future-focused and encourage innovation," stating that a great leader must look beyond present performance to prepare for future market opportunities. Her other golden rule? Lifelong learning and humility; even holding a senior management position should not make one complacent and stop learning. Especially in the world of accelerated technological developments, staying ahead means continuously expanding knowledge, seeking fresh perspectives, and engaging with experts in your team.

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges in Mary’s career. It was more than just an economic crisis – it placed immense challenges to banking operations. “As the CEO, I wasn’t just responsible for keeping the bank’s operations afloat. I had to prioritise the well-being and safety of our employees,” she recalls. In response, she swiftly implemented work-from-home arrangements, provided protective supplies, and rolled out psychological counselling services to safeguard employee well-being during uncertain times. Her key to crisis management? “Set clear goals, stay agile, and adapt rapidly.”

Standard Chartered continues to champion gender equality. For International Women’s Day 2024, the Bank invited Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Investment Corporation, to share her personal journey as a female leader, inspiring women to chase their dreams and advocating for all facets of our community to foster inclusivity in our society and at the workplace.

The Future of Gender Equality: A New Era for Hong Kong’s Corporate Culture

Mary believes Hong Kong is on the right track when it comes to gender equality and inclusivity. “Over the past 30 years, women’s social status has improved incredibly, with more opportunities for them to showcase their talents.” She attributed this progress to government support and corporate culture shifts.

At Standard Chartered, for example, policies such as extended paid maternity and paternity leave, as well as flexible working arrangements, have been introduced to better accommodate modern families. As gender equality gains momentum, she envisions a future where businesses prioritise inclusivity in recruitment and promotion, helping women to realise their full potential.

Standard Chartered’s annual "Bring Your Kids to Work Day" fosters inclusivity and diversity in family roles, making it one of the bank’s most beloved employee events.

Advice for Young Women

“Dare to challenge, dare to perform” is Mary’s advice to young women. The workplace is no longer an exclusive club for men. There are increasing opportunities for women to pursue career development, and women are making their mark like never before. She acknowledges that some young women hold themselves back due to self-doubt and encourages them to take the leap of faith, embrace challenges, believe in themselves, and seize opportunities. At the same time, she stresses the importance of "building networks and cultivating relationships," especially in industries like banking, where collaboration is crucial and success is built by strong relationships and teamwork.

Conclusion

Mary’s career is more than a story of professional achievements – it is a beacon of possibility for women. Her journey proves that with tenacity, perseverance and continuous learning, every woman can shine on her own stage. In the future, with further advancements in gender equality and workplace inclusivity, Hong Kong will become a more diverse and competitive stage, further solidifying its status as an international financial hub.