“She Inspires”: Leadership Wisdom from One of the World’s Most Influential Figures

Throughout our life journeys, we are often guided by individuals who serve as beacons of light, offering words of encouragement and positive actions that inspire us to move forward with courage. In line with this philosophy, the Government has introduced the "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme. This initiative brings together accomplished women from various professional and business backgrounds to mentor and empower young women by sharing their experiences and guiding them as they navigate their paths to success.

In this issue, we are honoured to feature one of the Programme’s mentors — Ms Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), who shares with us her personal growth journey and her perspectives on leadership.

"There Are Always More Solutions than Difficulties"

When asked about her greatest inspiration growing up, Bonnie immediately credited her father. "Though my father was physically challenged due to polio, he never viewed it as a limitation. Instead, he approached life with optimism. He often said,  'There are always more solutions than difficulties.' These words have had a lasting impact on me and have become my guiding motto in tough times," she recalls.

Growing up in a supportive family environment, Bonnie and her siblings learned gratitude, resilience and positivity. Their parents' teachings went beyond just knowledge — they instilled values of perseverance and optimism through their own actions. "With good health and financial stability, there is no reason for me to be pessimistic," she shares.

Life Attitude: "Why Not?"

From practicing law to investment banking and now leading HKEX, Bonnie's career shifts have been driven by pure curiosity. "I often ask myself 'Why not?' instead of 'Why?'," she shares with a smile. Her adventurous spirit enables her to embrace change, boldly venture into the unknown and take on new challenges. Over the years, her wide-ranging experiences across legal, investment and exchange operations have enriched her perspectives and honed her leadership. "Having been in different roles, I can better understand others' viewpoints and build consensus even in difficult situations," she notes. "To me, challenges and opportunities go hand in hand, and leadership is about staying composed and adaptable in times of change."

How does she manage to stay sharp amidst the demands of her role? Her answer: self-discipline. “I have been waking up early and exercising regularly for years. This routine boosts my willpower and focus, enabling me to work with greater efficiency and resilience,” she explains. This spirit of discipline and leadership is also evident in her team. She enthusiastically shares that the HKEX team recently took part in an international dragon boat race for the second consecutive year. “After months of training, we won three awards, surpassing last year’s performance. It was a true testament to team spirit. I hope this athletic perseverance and camaraderie will continue to shape our corporate culture.”

From Women Leader in Hong Kong to Global "Titan": Breaking Barriers Beyond Gender

As HKEX's first female Chief Executive Officer, Bonnie has shattered gender barriers while advancing corporate governance and board diversity. "Diversity isn't symbolic — it's the foundation for innovation, sustainability and risk management," she states. Under her leadership, HKEX became the world's first global exchange to mandate the end of single-gender boards among listed companies.

Over the past two years, more than 800 female directorship roles have been added, and over 40% of the 2,600+ listed companies in Hong Kong now have more than one female board member. She emphasised that true leadership should not be defined by gender, but by authenticity. "Be true to yourself — your leadership style will naturally follow," she remarks.

In 2025, she was named a “Titan” in Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World — the only honouree from Hong Kong that year. Lauded as a leader of profound institutional, cultural and global market impact, Bonnie was also ranked 53rd in Fortune magazine’s list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Business People in 2025 — the highest ranking among Hong Kong’s business leaders. These international accolades not only recognise her personal achievements, but also underscore HKEX’s leading position on the global financial stage.

A Leader Who Walks Beside You

On her motivation for joining the "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme, Bonnie explains, "I believe in growing with my team. Beyond that, I want to make a broader positive impact on society." She highlights the meaningful experience of organising the celebratory "Gong Tour" as part of HKEX's 25th anniversary programme, which brought her into direct engagement with the community. “I loved connecting with the public, and showcase the vibrancy and value of Hong Kong’s financial market. It was more than a celebration — it was a mission fulfilled.”

Bonnie believes a true leader is one who shares, walks alongside others, and passes on knowledge and experience. This belief aligns with the very essence of the "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme — one generation guiding the next, helping young women envision their potential and chart their own path forward.

A Message to Young Women

"No one feels truly ready at the start — what matters most is taking the first step." This is Bonnie's message to young women still finding their path.

She believes that staying open-minded, being courageous to try new things, and actively engaging with experienced individuals are key to building confidence and competence. "Taking actions is always better than waiting. Even if you feel unprepared, once you take that first step, you'll realise you can go much further than you imagined." Through the "She Inspires" Mentorship Programme, Bonnie hopes to encourage young women to learn with humility, grow through dialogues, and prepare themselves for a future full of possibilities.