Cover Christina Chan, chief financial officer for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, has often been “the only woman in the room” (Image: courtesy of Marriott International)
Christina Chan, chief financial officer for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, has often been “the only woman in the room” (Image: courtesy of Marriott International)
1 / 1
Christina Chan reveals why preparation, empathy and relationships are the skills leaders need most in an AI-driven future
From chemical engineering to navigating high-stakes real estate disputes in Asia, Christina Chan, chief financial officer for Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, has spent over two decades proving that finance is about much more than managing a ledger.
While her career began with a focus on technical precision, she quickly realised that the true power of finance lies in influencing business outcomes and building human connections. Today, she oversees a massive portfolio for one of the world’s most recognised hospitality brands, balancing the rigours of global finance with a personal "formula" for life that includes long hikes, K-dramas and a commitment to being fully present.
In her words below, Christina Chan shares how she found her voice in the boardroom, the unexpected advantages of being a woman in negotiations, and why staying curious is the ultimate career insurance.
From chemical engineering to the "core" of the business
My undergraduate degree was actually in chemical engineering. As an immigrant to the US, the first thing on my mind was: "I have to get a career where I know for sure I can get a job". I liked the topic, but by my second or third year, I knew I wanted to do an MBA. I wanted to see how decisions were made.
Interestingly, when I did my business degree, I thought I wanted to do marketing because it seemed fun. But as I went through the courses, I realised: "I am no marketer at all." Then I got into a corporate finance class and I was really drawn to it. I realised that finance is the core of everything. It isn't just managing numbers; it’s about influencing the outcome of a business decision.
Above Christina Chan on stage at the Front & Female Awards Singapore 2025, which took place at The St. Regis Singapore (Image: Adrian Lee)
Christina Chan on stage at the Front & Female Awards Singapore 2025, which took place at The St. Regis Singapore (Image: Adrian Lee)
1 / 1
Why I never think about being the "only woman in the room"
I don't walk into a meeting thinking, "Oh, I am the only woman in the room." It’s never in my head. But I do notice that men tend to talk more. I make a conscious effort to ensure my voice is heard. I tell myself: "I cannot hold back on what I believe".
I always go into meetings very well prepared. I have a few specific things I definitely want to share, and even if the conversation goes in a different direction, I remind myself to voice my opinion and not let the men dictate the whole meeting.
The unexpected advantage of "gentleness" in negotiations
When I first came to Asia, I worked in asset management for Marriott, which involves working with our partners, such as the hotel owners, usually real estate developers. We usually only go in when there is a problem—sometimes a major contractual dispute.
I found that being a woman actually helped in those rooms. In the real estate world in Greater China, the owners were almost exclusively men. They would give me a certain level of respect; they weren't as "brutal" in their face-to-face communication as they might be with other men. I used that to build trust, which would help me to resolve most of the issues that we had to deal with. Women tend to see more perspectives—perhaps because we are often caretakers in our personal lives—and that empathy helps in conflict resolution. We always aim for a win-win.
Overcoming the perfectionism trap
I learned early on that I can never be perfect. Perfection is a word in the dictionary, but it’s not reality. To handle that pressure, I over-prepare. If others spend one hour preparing, I spend two.
My bosses have often commented that when I walk into a meeting, I know every tiny detail. That preparation builds trust with leaders, and once you have their trust, your own confidence follows. I also keep a small circle of trusted peers who help ground me when I’m doubting myself. Over time, I’ve learned it’s okay to acknowledge your own accomplishments. And, as long as I know I tried my best, I don't need to worry.
Above Chan, who is co-chair of the Women’s Associate Resource Group at Marriott, spoke about the importance of creating platforms for women to be recognised at the Front & Female Awards Singapore 2025 (Image: Max Chan)
Chan, who is co-chair of the Women’s Associate Resource Group at Marriott, spoke about the importance of creating platforms for women to be recognised at the Front & Female Awards Singapore 2025 (Image: Max Chan)
1 / 1
Why a "selfless team" is my proudest achievement
It might sound like a cliché, but I am most proud of building my team. They are a group of leaders who are truly selfless. They do the work not to make themselves shine, but for the broader organisation and the business. Seeing that level of collaboration and people going above and beyond for the team is what I find most rewarding.
Finding your own "formula" for balance
Everyone defines balance differently. Throughout my career, people have worried about my work-life balance, but I have my own formula. Family is the most important part of my life. When my kids were growing up, I would mark every important school event on my calendar at the beginning of the year and prioritise everything else around them.
The key is being fully present. If I’m at home, my family needs to feel I’m there for them. If I’m at work, my team needs to feel I’m just there for them. Now that my kids are older, I’ve learned to block off "me time"—usually a long hike, a massage or a facial. And if I need to be totally mindless and wind down? I watch K-dramas on Netflix.
Advice for the next generation: invest in relationships
Regardless of the generation, working hard is fundamental—people see that effort. But as we move into a world shaped by AI, two other things are vital: staying curious and investing in relationships.
Your life is about learning how to be a better person and gaining new skills. But more than ever, you need to invest in people. Those relationships build your reputation and give you the soft skills that technology can’t replace. My guiding principle comes from an old book I read in my first leadership class and still recommend to everyone, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood". Listen first, hear them out, and then make your judgement.
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.
