While Covid-19 did bring about one of the biggest challenges, it also brought an opportunity for innovation.

Zhi Hao, Relationship Manager - Consumer, Private and Business Banking (CPBB)

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Are there any quotes you live and work by?

“Never settle”. This is one of our valued behaviours here at Standard Chartered. It resonates with me, as I live it everyday.  It gives me a sense of sense of purpose and motivation.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

When in doubt, always look back on why you started on your journey.

What has been your career path, to get where you are now?

I joined the bank as a fresh graduate through the banks graduate program. I experienced role rotations in my first year as a Graduate Associate, the experience kickstarted my Relationship Management career in Branch Sales and Service Manager (BSSM), in our Clementi Branch.

I’ve always been excited about sharing financial products and the advisory side of the role. I wanted to take ownership and manage a pool of clients, so I became a Branch Relationship Manager, where there was a heightened sense of responsibility. I now spend my time understanding my client needs and making myself available as their financial one-stop solution.

I’m hungry for personal development and explored what else the bank had to offer. I reflected on why I’d chosen to work here and remembered that I was amazed by the extent of our global footprint.  This prompted me to explore how I could tap into our global network, and that’s when I joined International Banking. Taking on this role was a game changer.  I now have more stakeholders to manage, and different realities across different countries to be familiar with. I’m humbled and honoured to be able to experience working with different departments and interact with clients from different regions and walks of life. Looking back, I can see how my experiences on the graduate programme helped me to become the Relationship Manager I am today.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?

Like many people, I faced a huge disconnect in my daily work routine when Covid-19 first struck. With business travel no longer being possible, it became challenging to connect with our clients. Fortunately, our bank was quick to respond, and a series of online processes started to quickly roll-out. I started to have a better day-to-day workflow with all the new online processes that were introduced. I thought, if the operational part of our role could be taken online, perhaps the relationship building portion can be done so too. Online catchups, meetings and seminars, started to roll-out too. While Covid-19 did bring about one of the biggest challenges, it also brought an opportunity for innovation.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Work hours can be stressful. You have a series of calls and emails to follow up every day, alongside hitting your KPIs. Having a workout session outside of work has been a very effective stress-reliever for me.

Are there any new skills you’re trying to learn?

I’m getting back my fitness through learning basketball and tennis. Hit me up!

What’s the best part of your daily routine?

Looking back at the reason why I chose to be a Relationship Manager, it was to speak and connect with different clients, from all walks of life. To date, it’s still the favourite part of my job.

Do you have any hobbies/secret talents or passions outside of work?

I’m a sneakerhead, est 2003

What career advice would you give to your younger self?

Buckle up and acquire more skills young man, you’re in for a long and exciting ride.