Nurturing Young Talent for Leadership

"FAMS allowed me to soak up the responsibilities of each role, helping me gain empathy and knowledge not just in my role in sales," he explains. 

He adds, "It also let me understand the collaborative efforts of Sales, Product Management, Client Management and Client Servicing. I learned that every endeavour, no matter the department, should be designed to put our clients' needs first."

With deeper appreciation of the complexities and challenges his team faces on a daily basis, Benjamin is enabled to lead with clarity, empathy and confidence. He says, "I have a macro view due to my past experiences in each team I rotated in. This empowers me to help troubleshoot with them and provide support wherever and whenever I can."

A Customer-centric Approach

Among the myriad of skills acquired during his apprenticeship, Benjamin places one above the others - customer-centricity.

"There's a common misconception that this only applies to frontliners. This actually applies to the entire organisation," he emphasises. 

Benjamin has internalised customer-centricity as a guiding principle, one he learned and honed when he embarked on FAMS.

"From development to implementation, our drive is go above and beyond our clients' satisfaction. In product development, we have to ensure the product is something our clients actually need. In sales, we sell with the intention of genuinely benefitting the client's treasure and finance teams. For example, in implementation, we strive to make the integration process smooth, timely and responsive to their needs," he explains. 

^{(Photo credit: Benjamin Teo)}

Multiple Roles and Responsibilities

Beyond his core responsibilities at HSBC, Benjamin also serves as the co-chair of the Sustainability Employee Resource Group, a voluntary network that brings together colleagues with shared characteristics and common interests.

Juggling multiple responsibilities with this additional role, he attributes his adaptability, multi-tasking and leadership to his FAMS experience.

"For the group, we organise sustainability awareness events with external organisations. I mange a team of committee members, such as events, communications, membership and treasury leads," he speaks of his leadership role in the group.

"FAMS has helped me become a more effective leader. I've learned to prioritise things, to lead by example, and to be comfortable delegating tasks to others," he says. 

^{(Photo credit: Benjamin Teo)}

Learning Doesn't Stop

"Leadership," Benjamin asserts, "is a continuous learning process."

To stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, he leverages internal and external resources, from learning portals like HSBC University to micro- reading apps and LinkedIn.

But for Benjamin, leadership isn't just about what you know. It is also about embodying empathy,\practicality, and servant leadership, qualities he strives to exemplify in his daily interactions with his team.

^{(Photo credit: Benjamin Teo)}

Mentoring Colleagues

Looking ahead, Benjamin envisions himself as a mentor to future interns and Management Associates, guiding them through the financial industry.