Cover Stephanie Leung on Hong Kong's trails
Stephanie Leung on Hong Kong's trails
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Stephanie Leung, CIO of Stashaway talks about her sporting pursuits and their impact personally and professionally
Sport can lead to success on the global stage, but this is not limited to the pitch, field, court or track—having a sporting background has the potential to lead to business success too.
Studies have shown that the vast majority—more than 90 per cent, according to a study by consultants EY and women’s sports platform espnW—of women in C-suite positions played sport. Taking up sport later in life can also have a positive impact professionally.
To tie in with Paris 2024, our limited series Top of Her Game sees women currently or formerly in C-suite positions in a range of industries discuss their sporting journeys, the role of sport in their lives, and why they would encourage other women and girls to pursue sport. Here, Stephanie Leung, CIO of smart investment management platform Stashaway, opens up.
Above Leung takes to the water
Leung takes to the water
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Have you always been interested in sport or did it come later? What's your sporting journey?
I had always been active, but my serious pursuit of sports really started after I turned 30. My health was failing—I’d actually fainted twice for unknown reasons—and that was a much-needed wake-up call. I realised that I needed to start exercising more. One of my friends, who had been competing in ultra-marathons, asked me to tag along for a 5km run to another friend’s house for dinner. Back then, I thought it was impossible—and so I had actually trained a bit for that, starting with a 10-minute run and building up to 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and so on…
Completing the 5km run made me realise that I could actually do it—and that’s how it all started. I started training seriously for long-distance running and trail running, and over the years I have kept racing, with the most memorable ones being the Hong Kong 100 (HK100) and the UTMB CCC [both 100km races], and the Ultra-Trail Mt. Fuji (UTMF) [a 100-mile race].
Apart from running, I picked up sailing during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a very different type of sport as it’s much more about teamwork, and I absolutely love it. Being at the helm of a big boat with 10 or more people requires a lot of leadership and strategic thinking. The races are super competitive as well!
I have also been snowboarding (whenever I get the chance) for the past 15 years or so, and seven years ago, I co-founded a snow-sports school in Niseko, Japan with an ex-colleague from McKinsey. Today, we are one of the largest schools targeting Chinese-speaking clients. I am a certified snowboarding coach, though I don’t feel I’ve been able to spend enough time teaching.
Above Leung is a certified snowboarding instructor
Leung is a certified snowboarding instructor
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What are your current sports of choice?
About two years ago, I picked up Thai-boxing and tennis. Running is still the main sport that I consistently train for, but I would say that these two activities offer a good counterpoint to running as they are much more about thinking on the spot and delivery of finessed power. Plus, since there is always an opponent in these sports, it adds another dimension of mental awareness.
Do you prefer individual or team sports and why?
I enjoy both. For me, individual sports, such as marathons, are a form of meditation/ self-discovery—you’re always trying to compete against your inner self, which tells you that it’s impossible, but when you push a bit harder every time, you prove yourself wrong and realise that it is possible. Team sports are much more about achieving a common goal—trusting each team member to deliver and working seamlessly together is also really thrilling.
Above Leung (at the helm) took up sailing during the Covid-19 pandemic
Leung (at the helm) took up sailing during the Covid-19 pandemic
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When/how often and where do you do your sports?
I train every day, and to steal time to do sports, I’ve found it helpful to turn my commute into a workout, so I run or bike to work. It gives me extra time for training, I don’t get stuck in traffic, and it’s very environmentally friendly.
How has/does sport help you personally and professionally?
I exercise in the morning and that’s how I stay energised throughout the day. Also, since training is hard (and yes, it still is)—I get the most difficult thing out of the way early in the day, and that’s a great feeling.
Do you have a proudest sporting moment or achievement?
Completing UTMF, a 100-mile ultra-marathon race in Japan, was one of my proudest moments.
Above Leung regularly runs ultra-marathons
Leung regularly runs ultra-marathons
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Why do you think people who play sport are more likely to achieve in the workplace?
I think sport really helps to build resilience. Also, it’s important to know that many limits are just in your mind—it’s a self-defence mechanism built into our minds that you can push past and overcome.
Why would you encourage girls and women to take up sport?
I think different types of sports can offer you many different life lessons. At the very least, being more active is beneficial to your health.
What are you most excited about for Paris 2024?
Just the fun of it!
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.
