Mimi Le: Leadership Tips for Risk Management
We interviewed Mimi Le, a seasoned financial expert with a wealth of experience in banking, foreign exchange, and funds management. She’s currently the Chief Risk Officer for BNY in Australia and heads up their Corporate Trust and Investment Management Compliance in the APAC region.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Sydney, a postgraduate qualification in Applied Finance & Investments, and an undergraduate degree in law. Mimi is also an admitted solicitor to the Supreme Court of NSW, Australia and has completed her Notarial Practice qualification. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she has held non-executive directorships in the not-for-profit social housing sector.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities: A Conversation with Mimi Le
With a passion for curiosity and resilience, Mimi has navigated complex challenges and achieved significant milestones in the financial services industry. Join us as Mimi shares her valuable advice for aspiring leaders, the most challenging situations she's faced, and the life-changing lessons she's learned along the way.
What factors do you think have been critical to the success you have achieved in your career?
Curiosity and resilience have been critical to my career success. Staying curious helps me connect the dots and support the businesses and clients we serve in a holistic way. By fully understanding the end-to-end process and knowing the products and services we provide to clients, I’m better equipped to advise and add value to the process. A strong knowledge base enables a pragmatic and commercial approach, which I believe leads to better results than a perspective that’s purely academic or policy-driven.
In our dynamic sector, where the workday doesn’t follow a linear path, it’s essential to constantly pivot, adapt, and remain resilient, especially when managing the stress of multiple demands and changes. It’s crucial to have strategies in place to address these challenges.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you have received in your career and how did it help you?
“If you are the smartest person in the room - you're in the wrong room”. To me, this means making sure you’re surrounded by people who are smarter than you, so you can learn from them and be challenged to think differently. It’s about seeking out diverse perspectives that push you beyond a singular way of thinking. After all, there’s little value or opportunity for growth in an echo chamber.
What's the most challenging situation you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging situations I’ve faced in my career is balancing personal and professional challenges and priorities. When it comes to family or health, combined with the demands of a role that spans multiple time zones, it can get overwhelming. For me, it’s fundamental to set boundaries, and I’ve found that having a supportive network and a full life outside of work helps me find that balance. I see my job as just a part of my life, and engaging in a variety of hobbies and interests allows me to keep my work and personal life separate.
What advice would I give to other women aspiring to move into leadership roles?
To be a leader and influence people, you don't necessarily have to be in a leadership role. Start developing leadership traits that you admire, get involved in projects that will challenge you and be genuine when you build a strong network. This is where sponsorship germinates. Be present and generous with your knowledge, give and ask for constructive feedback and ensure all voices are heard in any setting.
