Amid the ever-changing global landscape, the crucial role of strategic financial leadership comes to the forefront. As markets transform, financial leaders are tasked with maneuvering through intricacies, fostering innovation, and embracing change. Their responsibilities go beyond fiscal management, including strategic foresight and the capacity to inspire transformative endeavours. Much like the exemplary leadership demonstrated by Eunice Kim, strategic financial leadership serves as a cornerstone for organizational resilience, promoting adaptability and positioning businesses for success in uncertain times. Eunice Kim stands as a dynamic and accomplished Finance Director at Travelex, bringing a wealth of expertise and a proven track record in steering financial strategies to new heights. With an illustrious career spanning numerous years, Eunice has emerged as a respected leader in the finance domain, known for her keen insights, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Below is an excerpt of Eunice Kim’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader.

Take us through the formative years of your life. What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

The formative years of my life were profoundly shaped by the indomitable spirit of my late mother. Losing her at 20, during my third year at university, was a pivotal moment. She epitomized resilience, juggling a demanding career while being an unwavering pillar for our family - my brother, sister, and myself. Her dedication to work and family life was commendable. A woman of intellect and grace, she found solace in classical music and literature. Her influence moulded me into a driven individual, determined to fulfill promises to myself. I pledged to lead a responsible life, commit to perpetual learning, and enhance my skills to make my existence more meaningful. In my memory, she stived to be a role model for us. Though 23 years have elapsed since her passing, her presence lingers, serving as a constant source of inspiration. I believe she guides me from above, urging me to sculpt a better life for myself. My mother, a brilliant and hardworking woman, remains an enduring beacon of strength, influencing my every pursuit and encouraging me to shape a more fulfilling future.

What led you to foray into the field of finance?

Finance has been a lifelong passion for me, stemming from childhood curiosity about the titans behind Korea's leading conglomerates. Their unique success stories, overcoming geopolitical challenges, and learning from mistakes fascinated me. This intrigue naturally led me to major in economics and minor in Business Administration, kickstarting a 12-year journey in finance. However, a growing sense of unexplored potential prompted me to pursue an MBA in Dubai. Bayes Business School's renowned banking and finance curriculum, coupled with diverse classmates, enriched my logical thinking and presentation skills. Post-MBA, I sought to diversify into financing institutions, earning certification as a Management Accountant. The dynamic evolution of finance, from traditional accounting to strategic planning, further fuels my enthusiasm for this ever-evolving field.

"Self-motivation, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning propel me to embrace new challenges as an industry leader"

Introduce us to Travelex. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the firm’s Finance Director.

At Travelex Middle East and Turkey, I play a pivotal role in the dynamic realm of finance. As a global leader in currency exchange, we operate across 20 countries with 1100 stores and 900 ATMs. Travelex Middle East and Turkey, regulated by the Central Bank of UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Turkey, boasts a resilient retail presence in 77 stores across 10 major airports. Despite the pandemic challenges, we've exceeded pre-pandemic records, reflecting our robust business model. I lead a finance team, focusing on maximizing shareholder profits, ensuring compliance, and championing operational excellence. Travelex's inclusive culture, equal opportunities, and commitment to employee wellbeing make it a truly remarkable organization.

A business leader’s journey is replete with challenges. Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter in your current role. How do you overcome the said roadblocks?

Navigating challenges in my leadership journey at Travelex has been both dynamic and rewarding. A gender equality is widely promoted access the business encouraging me to actively engage in the company’s strategic decisions. However, the most substantial trial emerged during the pandemic, affecting our airportcentric operations severely. The sluggish recovery in 2022 led to demotivated employees facing uncertainty and heightened operational errors. To counter this, I initiated transparent communication, sharing the challenges and articulating a clear vision for the future. I emphasized teamwork, fostering trust, and defining roles, leading to a motivated, high-performing team poised for success. Overcoming obstacles required not just leadership, but a collective effort, illustrating that a cohesive and motivated team can overcome any challenge.

As an industry leader, what is your success mantra?

My success mantra centres on self-motivation and embracing challenges. I constantly push beyond my comfort zone, fostering adaptability in the face of market changes. Continuous learning isn't just about acquiring new knowledge; it's also about reevaluating past learning. Self-motivation, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning propel me to embrace new challenges as an industry leader.

Eunice Kim, Finance Director, Travelex

Eunice Kim, Finance Director at Travelex, boasts a diverse career having contributed her financial expertise to esteemed companies including Daimler AG, Coca-Cola, Bausch + Lomb, Lafarge Emirates Cement, and Samsung Electronics. With a rich professional journey, she continues to shape financial strategies and drive excellence in her current role at Travelex.