Q&A

Unlocking the leadership potential of Amy Li, VFMC

amy li

Amy Li‘s career is on the rise. An Assistant Portfolio Manager at Victoria Funds Management Corporation (VFMC), Amy was identified as having clear leadership potential and invited to participate in our 2022/23 cross-industry LIFT Sponsorship and Advocacy Program. The program pairs aspiring and senior leaders and takes them on a parallel learning experience over nine-months to explore, refine and elevate their leadership impact. Amy was paired with sponsor Nick Tribe, VFMC Head of Fixed Income.

As the program wraps up, Amy reflects on her journey, what she took away from the program and the tools she continues to apply in her daily life.

Exploring strengths and shadows of self and the wider team

Going into the program, Amy was hoping to learn tools and techniques to help her deal with whatever career challenges came her way. She was particularly interested in team dynamics and how to best navigate stakeholder issues, as well as better understand her own actions and motivations. 

Through the Clarity 4D personality profiling tool, Amy gained greater self-awareness and deep insights into her own work style and preferences. Importantly, she also gained an appreciation for the different styles and preferences across the organisation, significantly enhancing her relationships and interactions.

Amy was hoping to expand her network with peers and senior leaders through the program. Over the nine-month period, she built a solid and ongoing relationship with her sponsor Nick and increased her career confidence and clarity through his mentoring and advice. She also developed strong relationships with her fellow sponsees, who provided the support and collective wisdom to face challenges as they arose.

“There was a high level of trust and support within our peer group so we could talk openly and candidly about issues without judgement or concern which was immensely helpful.”  Amy Li

Enhanced problem-solving mindset to reframe and move on

Through the many theories and tools offered by the program, such as above and below the line thinking, Amy learned practical and immediate practices for reframing issues and finding solutions from a different or higher perspective. Amy credits developing this evolved problem-solving mindset as the most valuable aspect of the program for her.

"I now have the confidence that any problem can be solved and there are frameworks to fall back on, as well as an ongoing supportive network that speaks the same language." Amy Li

Key outcomes 

  • Enhanced problem-solving mindset, confidence and tools to face all challenges.
  • Gained a deeper understanding of self, work style, preferences, aspirations and impact.
  • Improved stakeholder management, conflict resolution and relationship building skills.
  • Increased visibility with senior leadership and built a strong and ongoing relationship with sponsor.
  • Expanded network of trusted colleagues and cross-industry peers that continues to provide support.

Read more about VFMC’s involvement with Future IM/Pact and the benefits they have seen through the LIFT Sponsorship and Advocacy Program.

Share:

"Amy threw herself wholly into the program from the very beginning and has gained so much from it. She has a naturally curious mind, which is why she is such a great investor and will make an exceptional leader." Yolanda Beattie

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