AAAIM High ELI · The Association of Asian American Investment Managers (AAAIM)

Fiona Lui, COO, Financial Solutions, Bloomberg LP - "My secret to achieving long term career success - the art of Curling"

·46 min·4 clips
Johnny Wu reveals how AIM High ELI tackles the bamboo ceiling for Asian Americans in investment management.
Fiona Lui, COO of Financial Solutions at Bloomberg LP, is the guest on this episode of the AAAIM High ELI podcast, hosted by Johnny Wu. The podcast focuses on elevating emerging Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders in investment management to break the "bamboo ceiling." Fiona discusses her 22-plus year career navigating corporate ladders at major investment banks and at Bloomberg. She shares her personal journey, including her family's immigration story from Hong Kong to the United States. The conversation covers her experiences in capital markets and structured derivatives roles early in her career. Fiona details her transition from banking to her current operational leadership role at Bloomberg. She emphasizes the importance of sponsorship and advocacy for career advancement, beyond just mentorship. The episode explores the specific challenges AAPI professionals face in reaching senior leadership positions. Fiona provides tactical advice on building professional networks and seeking out visibility. A key insight is her perspective on the difference between working at a large bank versus a financial technology firm like Bloomberg. She recounts how she proactively sought opportunities and managed her career transitions. Fiona stresses that technical competence alone is insufficient for breaking into executive roles. She advocates for AAPI professionals to be more vocal about their ambitions and achievements. The discussion highlights the need for organizations to create more inclusive pathways to leadership. An interesting moment is her reflection on the cultural expectations she had to navigate in her career. The tone is conversational and educational, blending personal narrative with professional guidance. The style is interview-based, with the host prompting discussions on career strategy and industry diversity. This episode would appeal to AAPI finance professionals seeking actionable career development advice. Listeners interested in the operational side of fintech or corporate leadership may also find it valuable.
Listen to the show on