Leading the Way with Jennifer Feng

 

Leading from Work

 

How did your career develop?

I started my career at Goldman Sachs as a summer Associate in Private Wealth Management and I was fortunate to receive an offer to return as a full-time associate. From day one, I focused on getting to know our clients and building a book of business. My partnerships with clients grew over the years and I now lead a team that covers ultra-high-net-worth clients and families in the Greater China region.

What’s the most important career advice you’ve received? 

Our clients’ interests always come first. Our experience shows that if we serve our clients well, our own success will follow. It’s important that we always do the right thing for clients.

What is your role at Goldman Sachs and how do you support clients?

As a Private Wealth Advisor, I develop deep and personal relationships with clients to understand their needs and develop customized solutions to protect and grow their wealth. It is one thing to say this, but it’s another to consistently deliver it.

How do you lead by example?

“If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together.” Private Wealth Management is a people’s business. It takes a team, not an individual, to build long-term relationships with clients. My teammates are an integral part of this process. It is paramount to set a good working example for others to model and follow. When you are in the trenches with your team, they are inspired to go that extra mile.

It is also important to take a genuine interest in the career paths of younger team members and mentor them. Empowering my team so they have a sense of ownership and feel rewarded, has helped get us to where we are today.

What are some interesting themes and/or trends that you see in your area of expertise?

Information is traveling much faster and becoming increasingly transparent these days. As a result, clients are more sophisticated, and the need for diversification has become more important than ever. Clients come to us for holistic solutions ranging from tailored asset allocation advice, unique investment ideas, charitable giving, and unparalleled access to private deals and co-investment opportunities.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Private Wealth Management is a very entrepreneurial business. It’s exciting to build a sustainable business, it is also rewarding to build lifelong relationships with clients and to help them achieve their personal and financial goals. It’s a privilege to be a trusted advisor to our clients and their families for many generations.

 

Leading from Home

 

What advice would you give to your younger self?

There are three pieces of advice. First, develop a strong curiosity for learning. Second, always look for opportunities to take initiative. Third, be patient. Wealth management is a long-term business, there are no short-cuts to success.

How do you find motivation and inspiration?

I find motivation through colleagues who share new ideas with me every day, and I am always learning new things! I find inspiration through my clients who are some of the most interesting people in the world and constantly bring new perspectives to the table. This keeps me on my toes and never satisfied with the status quo.

What is one thing you make time for every week?

Tennis has been a part of my life since a young age. I’ve been playing competitively for a local club for the last three years. I always try to clear my schedule on Thursday evenings for either team training or matches. It’s an opportunity to socialize with other professionals in a competitive environment and support one another on the court.

What is your favorite weekend activity?

Dinner with my family. During the week, my kids, husband and I are all busy with work, school and activities. It’s important that we have dinner and spend the evenings together on the weekends.

How do you stay healthy – mentally, physically or both?

I am a long-distance runner. I love running. Running helps me clear my mind in the mornings, allows me to reflect and prepare for the new day ahead.

What is your favorite book, movie, podcast or artwork?

In the last two years, podcasts have become an important part of my daily routine, especially when I go running. “GS Now” is my favorite. It perfectly aggregates all top of mind information into one app. The media content on the app is the quickest and easiest way for me to stay up-to-date on the latest market trends and the views of Goldman Sachs Research.

What is one app on your phone that you can’t live without and why?

There are two apps that I can’t live without – WeChat and Google Maps.

WeChat allows me to stay connected with the latest news in China and even make payments when I’m traveling in China.

Google Maps is the most useful app when it comes to avoiding traffic and navigating new cities.

 

Leading for the Future

 

How do we provide more leadership opportunities to women in the workforce?

While it’s important to empower women with leadership opportunities beyond their daily roles and responsibilities, it’s more important to inspire. Women leaders and role models can bring new perspectives on leadership, confidence and success. 

What are some of your professional and personal goals?

My professional goals is to be more involved in cross-divisional initiatives and continue to be a Managing Director sponsor in firm’s women’s career initiatives to inspire a new generation of female leaders.

My personal goal is to run a full-marathon in 2022. I have been training with my Wharton friends in the region virtually for the past 18 months. I hope we can actually do the run in person one day.

What suggestions would you give to women who are starting their careers?

Be patient. Continue to learn and consistently deliver high quality work. Career advancements don’t happen overnight.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

I see myself continuing to work as a Private Wealth Advisor in Hong Kong, growing my business and deepening relationship with clients and their families. I also see myself taking on more management responsibilities and serving as a role model for the younger generations in Private Wealth Management.