Coffee Catch-Up Meet Sandra Ang
Read excerpts from our Q&A below:
Hi Sandra!
It’s fantastic to have you here with us in the office. Ever since you joined, your confidence and grace have brought a new buzz to the workplace.
As you’re relatively new, having started just a month ago, can you start by sharing what your current role is within IAM Capital Markets?
I recently joined as a Director on the Capital Markets team. I look forward to working with private clients as well as financial advisers to take advantage of the many opportunities in the bonds and private debt space.
Exciting stuff! Prior to this role, you were based at Citi, starting off in Singapore. What is business like in Asia compared to Australia, and how did you find the transition? Did it give your insight into the different strategies investors employ across two different cultures?
Business in Asia and Australia is similar in that both are dynamic environments, so the transition was seamless. Investors in Asia are more open to taking risks and exploring various investments, whereas investors in Australia tend to be more conservative and risk averse. This contrast creates opportunities to introduce fixed income to Australian investors, as I believe it has a place in every investment portfolio, regardless of age.
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Let’s dive deeper into your expertise and how you operate within the ever-changing financial markets:
Coming from a large institution to a smaller company, how did you find this transition? Were there any passion projects you were involved in?
It has been very interesting! On my first day at IAM, I even went shopping for my own keyboard and headphones. Being in a smaller company allows me to make a bigger difference, and I feel more vested in the interests of the company.
It’s always interesting to hear about the behind-the-scenes aspects of your field. What are some misconceptions you’ve come across, and how do you set the record straight?
One misconception I heard from an advisor is that bonds are too risky for his clients. This highlights the need for educating investors on the basics of bonds and how they work.
Love that! When it comes to investing, do you have any personal mantras or principles that guide your approach?
My personal mantra when it comes to investing is to invest in something I understand. I have been burned before by investing in things that are new and exciting but unfamiliar. This experience underscores the importance of educating my clients, especially when they are venturing into something new.
Shifting gears a bit, we’d like to get to know you on a more personal level.
Beyond your role at IAM Capital Markets, you’re an avid karaoke performer. We also heard you attended a choral festival in Hobart recently. Can you share some insights into the life of a singer and how this passion influences your professional life?
I started singing in a semi-professional choir from a young age, and it has taught me valuable lessons that I apply in my professional life. Working in a team is crucial, as my choir has at least eight different parts, and blending these sections into one harmonious voice is important. Intensive rehearsals before competitions and performances have also honed my time-management skills. Additionally, performing has made me comfortable in the spotlight, which has benefited my career as a sales professional.
Balancing work and personal interests are crucial for overall well-being. How do you manage to strike that balance and ensure you feel fulfilled both professionally and personally?
To de-stress and find some quiet time during a busy work week, I enjoy lunchtime Reformer Pilates sessions. It’s one of my favourite workouts because you can achieve a lot in just 40 minutes. I also catch up on reading every night before bed, and I prefer hardcopy books over e-books. Currently, I’m reading “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dr. Dan Siegel, which is based on the latest neuroscience research. It’s taking me a while to finish, but I’ll get there eventually!
