Location: Guangzhou, China
At Grant Thornton: Audit partner in Grant Thornton China, International business centre director for the Greater China region
Outside the office: Speaks three languages – Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese and English
Share a fun personal fact with us
I am a hiking enthusiast and try to plan hiking trips around my business travels as much as possible. One of my most unforgettable hiking experiences was a hike along the ruinous unrestored parts of the Great Wall on a wintry day. The destination now top on my list is Machu Picchu and I have been waiting for the right business trip to turn up.
What were your first impressions of Grant Thornton?
I was immediately impressed by how genuine and nice the people were. I did not apply to Grant Thornton through the normal process, but was able to seize the power of the Grant Thornton network while in school and build connections to secure employment upon graduation.
Before I started, an audit partner I had never met spent more than half an hour on the phone with me, giving me career advice and tips on my CV.
Having an audit partner take time away from his busy schedule to mentor someone he had never met was very striking to me. After joining Grant Thornton, I have seen similar mentoring at every level of the firm every day. We share a genuine interest in the personal growth of our people.
I am convinced this dedication is really part of what makes Grant Thornton such a unique and rewarding place to work.
“It’s amazing how the firm tries to listen to each of us individually and helps us tailor a career path that moves us forward.”
How has Grant Thornton supported your personal commitments and ambitions?
In the summer of 2007, I took part in a secondment back to China, which turned out to be a life-changing event for me.
During a coaching lunch, I briefly mentioned my interest in the secondment programme with my career coach. Within two weeks, I was interviewing with a senior secondee partner in Hong Kong over the phone.
I started the secondment the following year. It’s amazing how the firm tries to listen to each of us individually and helps us tailor a career path that moves us forward.
How would you describe the culture at Grant Thornton in 10 words or fewer?
Great people, great culture, an overall growth mentality.
What advice would you give a prospective candidate looking to join Grant Thornton?
Grant Thornton is a great place to be. When applying, be motivated, be genuine and be yourself. When there is a great fit, you will know it and we will know it.
If you weren’t working at Grant Thornton, what would be your dream job?
I would like to work in career coaching or possibly have more involvement in not-for-profit work.
