MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Wan

Managing Director Treasury Product Sales Executive

Bank of America

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?

I’ve always been inspired by leaders who combine high performance, curiosity, and intellectual rigour with genuine care for their people. The mutual trust they build creates an environment where people are willing to challenge themselves, take risks, and do their best work. I’ve been fortunate to work with several leaders at Bank of America who have profoundly influenced my career and leadership style. They taught me that sustainable success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it and the people you bring with you along the way.

Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?

For me, success is a combination of hard work, working smart, and a handful of luck. Hard work and thoughtful execution provide the foundation, while working smart helps create the conditions for luck to play a role.

I try to challenge the status quo, raise the bar, and think ahead – anticipating where client needs, markets, or our business might evolve. That mindset has often helped position me, and the organisation, to capitalise on change which is when opportunities usually arise. However, opportunities only turn into meaningful outcomes through preparation, persistence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

When opportunities have come, they have rarely been purely accidental. They have come to fruition as I have demonstrated willingness to take on challenges, been curious and forward thinking as well as disciplined around adding value. This has helped the luck find me rather than vice versa!

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

I thrive on making an impact—whether that’s identifying new opportunities, solving client challenges, growing a business, or developing talent.

What energises me most is building high-performing teams and helping people realise their potential. I believe that leadership is about creating capability, not dependency. The ultimate reward is seeing someone you’ve invested in grow to the point where they no longer need your guidance and go on to achieve things beyond what they thought possible. My career has been driven as much by the success of others as by my own achievements, and that’s what continues to motivate me today.

If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?

Early in my career, I believed that exceptional execution would speak for itself. I focused on delivering results and trusted that performance would create opportunities. While that largely proved true, I was fortunate.

Looking back, I would have left less to luck and invested earlier in building a broader network and visibility across the organisation. As you progress and pivot in your career, your ability to influence outcomes becomes increasingly dependent on relationships, credibility, and your capacity to bring others with you. Today, I spend much more time communicating the ‘why’, building alignment across diverse stakeholder groups, and developing advocates who can help drive change. I’ve learned that the most meaningful outcomes are rarely achieved alone—they come from creating followership, fostering trust, and building coalitions around a common objective.

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

My favourite role has been one where I had the opportunity to lead talented people while also staying close to clients and business strategy. It combined problem solving, relationship management, and team development.
Seeing individuals grow in their careers while achieving commercial success as a team is particularly rewarding.

Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?

“Create opportunities, bring people with you, and leave things better than you found them.”

That philosophy captures much of what I’ve learned throughout my career. Hard work and preparation help create opportunities, but the most meaningful outcomes come from bringing others along the journey. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or future leaders, I’ve found the greatest satisfaction comes from creating lasting impact that extends beyond your own individual contribution.”