9NOVEMBER 2023to commercial leaders, merchandisers, and even global teams and procurement departments, providing a clearer picture of the financial implications of various strategies. For example, there is a recent expansion of our retail business. Previously, the focus was largely on B2B channels for brands like Salomon, Arc'teryx, and Wilson and it was found the gross margin for these products were not as high as the retail business even though retail business did more investment into the store. In spite of this, the financial analysis shows that we could get a faster payback period on the investment and CapEx due to our greater cash flow. In next couple of weeks, we collaborated with global teams and worked closely with local commercial leaders and did my due diligence to evaluate proposals and ensure they align with our financial planning objectives. As a result, we have received positive feedback and green lights for developing our retail business over the next three to five years. Gradually transitioning from B2B to B2C, we are actively pursuing opportunities in e-commerce and retail, working towards improving profitability for each brand. What is your piece of advice to your fellow peers?First, set a clear and firm career target. Like at the beginning of my career, I underwent a period of exploration and self-discovery to identify the right path for me. Later on, discovering, I decided to pursue a leadership path, aspiring to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). To achieve this goal, I have actively engaged in the Future CFO Program training and have plans to pursue an MBA, recognizing the importance of continuous learning and development. Second, be bold and daring to challenge yourself. I swiftly moved from roles such as graduate accountant and financial accountant to finance manager, financial controller, and finance director within a relatively short span of 10 to 12 years. I am very proactive and aggressive in finding the opportunities by myself. This transition was made possible by my proactive approach in seeking opportunities to enhance my abilities in areas like business partnering, strategic management, and risk management. I constantly interacted with top management, inquiring about prospects to broaden my horizons and contribute more effectively to the organization. Third, prepare yourselves to be ready for success or for any challenges. While we dream big and set ambitious goals, we should take necessary measured steps towards achieving them. Each role I undertook allowed me to accumulate knowledge and experience, paving the way for subsequent challenges and growth. It would have been unrealistic to leap from a junior accountant straight to a finance director position, but my progressive journey has provided me with the necessary skills and readiness to take on higher responsibilities. Certainly, there have been moments of challenge and stress when tackling new roles, but these experiences have been transformative, making me mentally and technically stronger. The most crucial aspect of financial planning and business planning is determining the right direction and go-to-market strategy
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