Australians abroad: part two
A few weeks ago, Industry Moves caught up with some former Australian-based movers who have settled into new lives abroad and enjoyed hearing their tales of adventure. This week, we bring you part two of our 'Australians Abroad' series, highlighting the stories of three senior execs who have settled in Hong Kong and the UK. We ask them to share some local issues that are influencing their work, what they enjoy most about their new homes and the advice they'd offer those who might be thinking about taking the plunge!
Peter Walsh
What are the biggest cultural differences when comparing the Australian workforce with your current role in the UK?
Not surprisingly there are many cultural similarities, but the most obvious difference is that Australians are a lot more direct in our communication. This works both ways, in terms of being careful to adjust your communications, but also to listen more attentively to the hidden messages in the communication that you received. The obvious one is the term "that's a really interesting idea". It's a very different message in the UK compared to Australia. Overall the professional culture is just as dynamic but I'm always aware that London is very much the centre of the universe when it comes to our industry and that is humbling and energising at the same time.
What are some of the local issues that are influencing your work at the moment?
A number of key themes dominate the UK Pension arena which would be very familiar to Australians. Consolidation of pension schemes, the move from DB to DC and the integration of sustainability in investment frameworks. Fortunately the UK Pension market is aware of Australia's long experience in all of these areas, which makes our views particularly relevant.
Originally, you moved from Australia to the Netherlands. What was that transition like?
It was much easier than expected. It was always intended that I would start in Head Office before moving to the UK, but we never expected that we'd love it there so much. The Dutch are incredibly nice people and it made us delay the actual move to London as long as possible. The Dutch market is also very sophisticated, so it was professionally rewarding to be based there for a few years.
What advice would you offer to someone who was about to relocate overseas for a new job?
Just do it. It has been an amazing experience and you quickly appreciate that although Australia is the 4th biggest pension market, it is still quite isolated. Over here, things happen faster and you have so many incredibly smart people driving innovation that there are always exciting new ideas to consider. On the personal side, it's important to understand that you are starting everything from scratch, so you need a partner that's also ready to embrace an adventure and children young enough to be adaptable. Also be prepared for the embarrassment of your children correcting your Aussie twang with proper English pronunciation.
You can view Peter's profile here.
"London is very much the centre of the universe when it comes to our industry and that is humbling and energising at the same time." - Peter Walsh
Ric Shadforth
Ric Shadforth was formerly based in Sydney as State Street's VP, global marketing and in February this year he moved to Hong Kong, with his wife and kids, to take on the role of head of marketing & corporate communications, Asia Pacific, with State Street.
What are the biggest cultural differences when comparing the Australian workforce with your current role?
Working for a global company I had to learn about cultural differences early on. Australians are generally very forthright. We're happy to express our opinions and challenge a decision we don't agree with. In contrast my Asian colleagues are more reserved. It's important to respect diversity while at the same time encouraging a speak-up culture. After all, the benefit of a diverse workforce is hearing different perspectives and ideas. As a manager in Asia it's incumbent on me to create opportunities for my team to contribute their opinions in a way that's comfortable for them. Forcing them to conform to my way of doing things doesn't work.
What are some local issues that are influencing your work at the moment?
Our clients are hungry for thought leadership and industry best practice insights, especially around ESG and emerging technology. As one of the world's largest financial services companies they naturally expect us to be able to provide this. But it's not a one-size-fits-all story. In Asia clients want information on global trends but presented in a way that is relevant for their local market, is specific to their industry sector and addresses their unique challenges. So we have to leverage our global scale while delivering locally relevant insights.
"Australians are generally very forthright. We're happy to express our opinions and challenge a decision we don't agree with. In contrast my Asian colleagues are more reserved."- Ric Shadforth
What do you enjoy the most about living in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a thriving, vibrant, international city. As a father of two young children one of the things that excited us the most, and was a key driver of our decision to move, was the experience it would give our kids. Australia is a great place to raise children and the outdoor lifestyle is second-to-none. But at times it can feel quite isolated from the rest of the world. In Hong Kong my children are learning Mandarin every day and being exposed to things they could never have imagined. We also have great access, not only to Asia but also the rest of the world. You can get to Hong Kong from almost anywhere in the world on a single flight. That means international friends and family are more able to come and visit us in Hong Kong than they were when we lived in Sydney.
What advice would you offer to someone who was about to relocate to a different country for a new job?
You just can't predict how things will work out and what opportunities an international move will present. Say yes to everything and seize all opportunities. My wife was very reticent to move and found the relocation quite tough to start with. But it forced on her a change of career and a change of lifestyle, both of which she's now loving. It wasn't at all what we'd expected but she's now having the most fun of all of us!
Tristan Baldwin
Tristan Baldwin first joined Liquidnet in 2013 as a sales and relationship manager, based in Sydney. The next year, he was appointed as head of Liquidnet Australia. In May this year he left Australian shores to take on the role of head of sales, APAC, based in Hong Kong.
What are the biggest cultural differences when comparing the Australian workforce with your current role?
I'm conscious that I've been in Hong Kong a short period of time, so not easy to say just yet. That said, my initial impressions would be that people here aren't adverse to working long hours, often take the full hour lunch break they are entitled to, and are open to working with people from different backgrounds.
What was the most challenging aspect of immersing yourself into a new culture?
There is an adjustment in your daily life - where you live, how you commute, what to eat - though the Western influence in Hong Kong has certainly made that easier.
What do you enjoy the most about your new city?
Hong Kong positions itself as Asia's 'world city' with many international cultures living alongside the local Hong Kongers, which makes the city vibrant with plenty always happening - particularly the endless restaurants and bars. Hong Kong is a very convenient place with great public transport. Being able to enjoy a new experience like this with my family, and hopefully the ability to visit other Asian destinations, has made the past few months very enjoyable.
What advice would you offer to someone who was about to relocate to a different country for a new job?
Speak to someone who has lived in the country you plan on relocating to if you can - ask them questions and find out what their experience was like. For me, this is a great opportunity and one I'm glad I've pursued.
