Challenging the Status Quo Vital Post-Pandemic

When I joined Fitch in 2005, I had no idea how long I would stay with the company. I have now worked at Fitch for 16 years, and continue to feel motivated and inspired.?There is something remarkable about the Fitch culture that is hard to find elsewhere.

My experience since the pandemic has reinforced this view. Before it I used to have frequent business trips, both in APAC and to other regions. However, I have not travelled for nearly two years and have now started to forget how to pack. Remote working and online meetings have become the new normal with employees not often seeing each other face-to-face. Nevertheless, there is something nice and different about Fitch - we may be physically miles apart, but our minds remain connected.

What defines Fitch’s culture is a strong emphasis on people. The company’s people-oriented approach leads to a collaborative spirit and collegiate atmosphere, rewarding staff with fulfilment and confidence. That’s why so many people including me see Fitch as a long-term employer.

Let me share my learning journey at Fitch with you. In 2005, a headhunter called me and asked if I wanted to join a company that challenged the status quo. I loved challenges because they could make you stronger, tougher and wiser. So I joined Fitch’s products and services sales team, before moving to business development at Fitch Ratings.?

The non-hierarchical and flat management structure of Fitch encourages open communication and cultivates trust among employees. I was able to interact and learn from colleagues at different levels across the firm, with ample opportunities to develop essential skills in business development and marketing. This would not have been possible without Fitch’s vision to see people as its crucial asset.

Support from senior management was also important for my career development. I joined Fitch when my sons were five and one year old. Juggling between work commitments and raising young children was never easy, particularly when my work included lots of business travels. I was fortunate to have colleagues and managers who provided me with strong support along the way. I couldn’t have made it without them.

That team ethic, in my view, is a key factor to Fitch’s continued success globally as well as in Asia-Pacific.

Another key ingredient for Fitch’s achievements is its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, cultivating a positive working environment that embraces different perspectives and ideas.

In APAC, staff of different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities interact with each other in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. This inclusive environment helps to retain, develop and advance diverse talent. We believe the ability to harness the experience and talents of a diverse workforce is crucial for business success, especially during challenging times.

The pandemic is far from over and global markets continue to see uncertainty and volatility. What is certain is that at Fitch we go through rough times together as a cohesive team, and we have emerged stronger from the health crisis.

Events in the past two years have turned our world upside down and there might not be smooth sailing in 2022. But we are confident that we can rise to the challenge and navigate through rough seas together.?