A Day in the Life of Kelly Wee, Future CFO at Hays

Kelly Wee, the Business Director overseeing areas such as Accountancy & Finance, Human Resources, Legal & Office Professionals at Hays shares her daily routine and experiences within the industry. She highlights the impact of an embarrassing but key professional growth moment and celebrates the increasing presence of women in C-level leadership positions.

Starting her day at 6 am with a mix of exercise and meditation, Wee finds solace in these personal moments before diving into a packed schedule of client meetings and team discussions. She emphasizes the fulfillment derived from collaborating with clients on talent strategies and connecting with professionals across various industries to exchange best practices.

Wee’s role goes beyond just placing candidates; she invests time in advising finance professionals on their career growth and progression. Witnessing their development over the years, both professionally and personally, brings her immense fulfillment. She values the little moments, such as helping individuals secure roles after long periods of unemployment or boosting their confidence through advice from senior finance leaders.

Recalling a pivotal experience in her career journey, Wee shared a nerve-wracking public speaking engagement before 700 finance professionals, which ended up being a transformative learning experience. This event taught her to embrace challenges and trust in her ability to rise to the occasion, even if the task seemed daunting initially.

Wee’s professional trajectory began with part-time jobs in hospitality, later transitioning into launching her events business during her studies. This entrepreneurial venture exposed her to the world of recruitment and eventually led her to pursue a full-time career in the industry. Reflecting on navigating her team through the challenges of COVID-19, she highlights the importance of resilience, teamwork, and leadership in overcoming adversity.

Outside of work, Wee finds relaxation in travel and the simple act of doing nothing in a fast-paced world. Looking ahead, she aims to continue her path in recruitment while exploring pursuits like becoming a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation. She acknowledges the challenge of balancing work and studies but sees it as a valuable journey of self-discovery.

In offering advice to female finance and accounting professionals, Wee encourages them to embrace opportunities for growth, push beyond their comfort zones, and build strong support networks to navigate challenges and achieve success in their careers. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, showcasing the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and a positive mindset in achieving one’s goals.