Making a difference with an entrepreneurial mindset

Embracing diversity and entrepreneurial spirit at EY Hong Kong

The EY organization is proud to welcome hundreds of thousands of employees from diverse countries and cultures. Each EY organization’s employee brings a unique story and professional journey, which we embrace and celebrate. Kelsey Wu is a Manager in Business Consulting at Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited, based in the Hong Kong office. She is a passionate traveler, and her philosophy of exploring new and exciting places has significantly influenced her professional journey at the EY organization. She has also been nominated as an ‘Inspiring Counselor’ as part of the EY ‘FY25 Asia-Pacific FSO Recognition Award’.

The importance of entrepreneurial mindset

Growing up in Hong Kong, a global financial hub, I was immersed in the allure of a career in finance. However, I knew that I wanted to take a different path. I set my sights on joining a professional services firm, with a particular focus in consulting. I was influenced by my father who is a business owner. Watching him manage his business while navigating challenges like a fluctuating economy left a lasting impression on me. In consulting, there’s no rigid job description, singular focus area or set reporting lines. Here, our work is intricately tied to client needs and industry shifts, fostering a sense of autonomy that has cultivated in me an entrepreneurial mindset. This freedom allows me to approach my career with a business owner’s perspective, steering my own development, expanding my network, and charting my growth trajectory.

Embracing different perspectives

I also took an unconventional approach to my education. I majored in Economics and Finance, but I also pursued a minor in something completely different—History and Cultural Studies. This blend of disciplines has helped me develop two different thinking processes that I’ll carry with me for life.

While my major gave me a logical mindset, learning history taught me to look beyond the surface and consider multiple perspectives, both of which are invaluable in serving clients. ?

Bringing it all together at EY

I have been with the EY organization for more than three and half years. I was lucky to join a multi-region and multi-phase project that brought together different teams from different offices. This not only deepened my domain knowledge but allowed me to bond with colleagues and clients from different regions. I realized that EY as an organization has a collaborative environment not just within our own team but also across regions and service lines, which allows us to deliver solutions that far exceed what we could accomplish alone. I’ve also learned that physical distance has little bearing on the ability to form strong work relationships and friendships, and meet a wonderful mentor.

Giving back as a counselor

Since my promotion just over a year ago, I have been officially mentoring counselees, a responsibility that I deeply appreciate. In addition, I was pleasantly surprised by my nomination as an ‘Inspiring Counselor’ for the EY ‘FY25 Asia-Pacific FSO Recognition Award’.

While I continue to navigate my own learning path, my role as a mentor involves encouraging my counselees to carve out time in our fast-paced environment for thoughtful contemplation rather than knee-jerk reactions. Emphasizing the importance of reflection and making deliberate choices that align with our objectives is crucial, steering us away from merely reacting to circumstances as they arise.

Remaining on top of developments in my field requires a genuine curiosity and a holistic understanding of our clients’ operations, priorities, and challenges. EY organization's flexible culture provides me, as a mentor, with the freedom to tailor my approach, fostering trust and adapting to the individual traits of my mentees.

Striking a balance

My approach to balancing professional and personal life is rooted in the Confucian principles of equilibrium. I employ strategies that include planning for both work and leisure and setting emotional boundaries. This balance is crucial for maintaining mental health and resilience.

Wisdom for the future

To my fellow women and young professionals: We are too often told to be strategic, but let's not forget to enjoy the journey, and to remain genuine and authentic. By approaching people with good intentions and focusing on doing your best, rewards will naturally follow. I once thought that I wouldn’t excel at networking as an introvert, and I have gradually realized that the strongest relationships often form quietly over time.

Deep Dive: embracing life's rhythms

Kelsey's hobbies hold a special place in her heart, shaping her into the person she is today. Dancing and traveling are more than just pastimes for her – they are integral parts of her identity. Through dance, Kelsey has learned invaluable life lessons, understanding the beauty in imperfection and the power of authentic self-expression. Her passion for travel, kindled during her university years, serves as a constant wellspring of mindfulness and self-discovery. Whether she's exploring the tranquil landscapes of Bhutan or the rich history of the South Caucasus, each new destination adds a new layer to Kelsey's understanding of the world, enriching her life with diverse experiences.

At the EY organization, we believe in celebrating the unique stories, strength and spirit of our colleagues. With "Humans of FSO," we aim to share these remarkable narratives from across Asia-Pacific Financial Services.

Are you considering EY Asia-Pacific Financial Services for your next career move? Please get in touch with Kelsey MY Wu or visit https://www.ey.com/en_gl/careers/financial-services to learn how you can build a career with EY Financial Services with purpose that’s unique to you.

The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.