Beatrice Lan, General Manager, Private Office, at Intercontinental Trust Ltd (ITL), tells us what makes the organisation a great place to work.
Having been part of ITL’s growth story for almost two decades, Beatrice feels that there is no distinction between men and women. Indeed, many women in senior management roles have blazed a trail for others to follow. Edited excerpts from an exclusive interview with Beatrice, who shares her insights on ITL’s evolution, opportunities for staff, and the family-like culture:
Can you tell us about your journey at ITL? How has your role evolved in the private office division within ITL?
I joined ITL fresh from university and have been here for 19 years. I started in the corporate administration function, which is ITL’s main activity. After a year, I was promoted to team leader of a corporate team – looking after a specific big-name client – which I still manage.
As ITL and the group grew, we created a dedicated team called the Private Office, which looks after the entire ITL and Imperium group of companies (the ‘Group’). My team and I support both the administrative and compliance aspects of the Group. While I still have a small corporate services team, my key focus is to ensure the statutory obligations of the Group. Apart from the above I have been and still involved in ITL projects and committees.
As a woman in a senior role, could you share your views on women in leadership roles at ITL and how you have been supported in your career journey?
There are many women working within ITL’s corporate services team. Throughout my career at ITL, I have never felt a distinction between men and women, as many women have taken active roles. Our management team is very supportive, with an open-door policy. I have been fortunate to have Tommy as my reporting director since I started, providing valuable mentorship and guidance.
What training opportunities and avenues are available to women seeking to build a robust career at ITL?
There is no distinction between men and women in terms of training. All staff receive regular training depending on each one’s needs. At a more senior level we receive more training on leadership which is a key part of career progression at ITL.
Having worked at ITL for over a decade, what changes have you seen in the organisation over time?
I have witnessed significant change since joining in 2005. ITL has grown from a small organisation of less than 50 people to a much larger entity. The Group now counts more than 200 employees. ITL has also created sister companies, providing staff with opportunities to move to different business lines and take on leadership roles.
Are there any key challenges you’ve faced in your role during your time at ITL?
As a team manager, a key challenge has been the constant change in team members. Managers must continually train new staff and motivate them to give their best. The work itself evolves a lot – we have to adapt to new processes and stay abreast of developments.
As ITL celebrates its 25th anniversary, what is your vision for the organisation?
My vision for ITL is continued growth and staying abreast of new technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), while staying true to its values.
Finally, what makes ITL great?
The true strength of ITL is its family-like culture, where staff feel a close bond with each other and the directors. Additionally at ITL, senior leadership encourages innovation and growth. They take on and positively encourage ideas from staff. Every year, we have a management seminar where ideas are shared for the company’s growth. Being part of this process is truly great.
