“The best advice is to do it anyway. Take up the challenge. Make mistakes. When people see potential in you, say yes first, even if you don't see it yourself yet.”

On March 4th, 2026, I had the privilege of hosting Ambition’s International Women’s Day webinar,“Voices, Journeys & Real Stories,” organised by the ABI (Allyship, Belonging, Inclusivity) Asia Committee alongside two amazing Ambition leaders, Nickyand Kim-Yie. During the session, listening to them share their stories reminded me that my experience is part of a much bigger narrative, which is why spaces like this matter as every one of us carries a story of uncertainty, resilience, and courage that deserves to be heard, especially being a woman in corporate.

Throughout the discussion, one theme became clear: behind every career milestone are moments of uncertainty, resilience, and the courage to move forward despite self-doubt.

Reflecting on her own journey, Nicky shared how stepping into leadership during the SARS outbreak in 2008 came with significant personal and professional pressures. At a time when she was also raising a young family, the experience reinforced how leadership opportunities are often accompanied by challenges and moments of doubt. Yet it also highlighted the importance of community, particularly the value of navigating these experiences alongside other women who understand the unique realities of balancing career and family.

Years later, Kim-Yie found herself facing a similar test of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. As work responsibilities intensified while young children required just as much attention at home, the boundaries between professional and personal life quickly blurred. Many working mothers experienced the same overwhelming pressure during this period, and Kim-Yie spoke candidly about that sense of being stretched in every direction at once. What helped her navigate that season was recognising the importance of seeking support, leaning on friends, family, and caregivers, and being honest about when help was needed.

As for me, what many don't know is that when I was offered the role I'm in today, I was pregnant with my first child. I remember the exact cocktail of emotions I felt - excitement, gratitude, fear, and a quiet voice whispering, "Can I really do this?" I was already navigating the changes of becoming a mother, and suddenly I was also faced with a major career opportunity. Nothing felt certain. I didn't feel fully prepared. But I said yes anyway.

Motherhood didn’t hold me back; it expanded me.

It taught me patience, empathy, and the ability to make decisions under pressure - skills that I rely on every single day as a leader. The early years were messy and demanding, late‑night feedings blending into early-morning meetings and an endless balancing act between wanting to be present for my children and showing up fully in my professional role. I didn’t always get it right. I asked for help often. But every step taught me resilience and perspective.

We also explored the importance of finding calm amidst the chaos through reading, self‑help classes, quiet reflection, or simply moments carved out just for ourselves. These small acts of care build the resilience we need to thrive, both professionally and personally.

What made this session so powerful for me was the reminder that none of us are navigating these journeys alone. By sharing openly about our doubts, our fears, our wins, we create a culture where women are empowered to show up authentically.

Our stories, mine, Nicky’s, and Kim‑Yie’s, show that ambition and motherhood are not opposing forces. They can grow together. They can strengthen each other. And with the right support systems, women can thrive at every stage of their lives and careers.

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Happy International Women’s Day!

Here’s to bold choices, brave stories, and saying yes - even when we’re not sure we’re ready.

About Fiona

Fiona Mak is the Senior Managing Director of Ambition Hong Kong and brings nearly 20 years of recruitment experience across Asia. She leads the business with a strong reputation for specialist expertise and trusted partnerships, including long-standing support for AustCham through the Women in Business Network and broader community initiatives. Her team is also an early recruitment partner of Hong Kong Talent Engage and works closely with major universities to support new talent entering the workforce.

Fiona is a commercially minded senior leader specialising in executive search and technology talent solutions. She built AmbTech from the ground up, developing it into a high-performing division supporting digital, data, and enterprise transformation through Managed Services and Staff Augmentation. She is committed to creating value for clients, enabling meaningful career progression for candidates, and developing future recruitment talent within a high-performing and supportive environment.

About Ambition

Since 1999, we believe that work is at its best when it is powered by people, which is why human connection sits at the heart of everything we do. From matching exceptional talent to the right opportunities to building partnerships that help careers and companies thrive, our goal is simple: to create success stories for businesses and bold moves for people. Our purpose of Building Better Futures guides every client, candidate, and employee experience.

Ambition was founded in Australia in 1999 by Nick Waterworth and Paul Lyons, who set out to create a recruitment firm defined by quality, market expertise and long-lasting relationships. Today, Ambition recruits across Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia, the UK, and the US. We remain one of the few global recruitment firms with genuine local expertise and a personal, relationship-led approach.

Ambition Hong Kong was established in 2001 and has supported both multinational corporations and local organisations for more than two decades. We recruit talented professionals across banking and financial services, business support, finance and accounting, sales and marketing, supply chain and procurement, and technology.

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