Cover Sally Wan, CEO of AXA Greater China
Sally Wan, CEO of AXA Greater China
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For our Thriving at the Top series, female leaders from Asia share how to sustain success as a CEO. Here, Sally Wan discusses being present, how she recharges her energy and the key traits for sustainable leadership
In 2023, the highest number of CEOs at US companies left their post according to research by Challenger, Gray & Christmas since it began tracking 22 years ago. With the rate of new CEOs who are women rising year on year, the percentage of women leaving the top spot was 24 percent in 2023, up from 19.5 percent in 2022.
In our new series, Thriving at the Top, women CEOs share their insights on avoiding burnout and setting boundaries, balancing life and work, managing stress and investing in personal growth, as well as their advice for how other CEOs can lead with resilience and longevity. Here, Sally Wan, CEO, AXA Greater China, weighs in.
How long have you been in the role of CEO?
I have been the CEO of AXA Greater China for nearly five years, leading the businesses of AXA Hong Kong & Macau, AXA Tianping and AXA Tianping Sales company. I also oversee the operations of ICBC-AXA, a key joint venture in China, and AXA Asian Markets Services, specialising in IT services across Asia.
CEO burnout is common. Can you share any personal experiences or challenges you have faced in managing your workload and avoiding burnout as CEO? Any tips to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset?
To effectively manage my daily workload, it's crucial for me to have a clear understanding of the day's schedule and priorities. When facing challenges, it’s best to collaborate with my team to identify solutions and support each other with a positive mindset. Each day, even if it's late in the evening, I ensure I "switch off" and engage in activities that help me relax, such as spending quality time with my family and friends. During the weekends, I recharge my energy through sport, regularly playing tennis or hiking to sustain a strong and focused mindset.
Is work-life balance achievable for CEOs and other top level leaders? How do you set boundaries? What routines or habits do you do that help you disconnect from work?
Yes absolutely. I personally believe in integrating work and personal life. However, during weekends or holidays, I recharge my energy by playing tennis, hiking, and cooking at home for family and friends. Also, my family and I are passionate about skiing, and we make it an annual tradition to ski overseas.
While I don’t set strict boundaries between work and personal life, I make a conscious effort to focus on the present moment. When I am with my family, I strive to fully engage without allowing work to interrupt our time together.
While I don’t set strict boundaries between work and personal life, I make a conscious effort to focus on the present moment
What other aspects are important for sustainable leadership?
“Be the best at your role and exceed expectations.” This principle is ingrained in my leadership approach. I believe in surpassing the responsibility of being a CEO and continually pushing myself to do more and better. Additionally, attention to detail is crucial, with a commitment to excellence evident even in seemingly mundane tasks.
A sustainable leader should have a long-term vision for how the company can sustain its competitiveness across various macro-economic environments and contribute to sustainable growth in societies. Additionally, I believe a sustainable leader should possess the ability to cultivate a positive company culture that nurtures talents and guides them towards success. A leader needs to be very clear in setting objectives, dare to challenge the status quo and genuinely care for their team members. Placing the right individual in the right positions is crucial to me, ensuring alignment with AXA’s commitment to “One AXA”, in which collaboration is an important skill in areas such as promotion, recruitment and remuneration.
Continuous learning and personal growth are vital for sustainable leadership. What are some ways you invest in your own development amidst your busy schedule?
AXA offers excellent executive development programmes, and I’ve had the privilege of participating in several of them. I also take on external responsibilities, such as serving in the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Hong Kong, and the Financial Services Development Council, engaging with industry leaders and stakeholders to learn from their experiences and perspectives. Additionally, I participate in industry conferences, gaining insights from diverse backgrounds at panel discussions and networking events to foster my personal and professional growth.
Furthermore, I am fully committed to promoting corporate happiness and employee well-being. I support various mind-health activities and participate in events aimed at increasing awareness in society. These engagements allow me to stay open to new ideas, adapt to new technologies and enhance my leadership capabilities.
A leader needs to be very clear in setting objectives, dare to challenge the status quo and genuinely care for their team members
Are there any resources that have been helpful to you in your role as a CEO, e.g. books, podcasts, etc, that you would recommend?
I don’t believe there are specific books that are particularly helpful to my role as CEO. Instead, I read based on my personal interests. I regularly read newspapers to stay informed. As for books, a few I have enjoyed include Who Moved My Cheese, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The Da Vinci Code series, The Remains of the Day, the Bridget Jones’s Diary series, Life of Pi, as well as various works by Wei Si Li (衞斯理) and Jin Yong (金庸).
Are there any bad habits with regard to your work that you have identified and would like to or are in the process of trying to change?
I recognise I need to be more patient. While my natural inclination is to work at a swift pace, I am mindful of the potential pressure this may place on my team members. I am dedicated to consistently reminding myself to approach situations with greater patience and adaptability. This commitment extends to my ongoing personal development.
About
Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
