Calvin So

Manager, Hong Kong

"I think it's really important to have people genuinely be on board with what we are doing, and feel passionate and strongly about their work."

That's what Calvin So believes in, a Manager in Third Bridge's Hong Kong office. As a leader, Calvin is focused on helping his team align with the company's vision and find joy in their work. His journey to this role has been one of curiosity and continuous learning, marked by a progressive, solution-oriented mindset.

The journey to Manager

Originally from New Zealand, Calvin moved to Hong Kong in search of a more fast-paced environment. Although he knew nothing about the expert network industry at the time, when a recruiter reached out to him about an opportunity at Third Bridge, the company's culture and the opportunity to relocate to Hong Kong piqued his interest.

The start of his career was a whirlwind, “in fact, during my first two years here, I was basically moved every quarter, rotating through teams according to the business needs,” he recalls. This rapid change gave him broad exposure to the company, “it forced me to get in touch with everything, not just across asset classes, but the nuances of various departments like Account Management, Library, Product, IT, and Compliance/Legal.” This experience provided him with a deep understanding of how the business is run and would stand him in good stead for future challenges, having developed a strong foundation in how to break down complex problems.

Keeping pace with a new challenge

Arriving in Hong Kong, what struck Calvin most was the difference in pace compared to New Zealand. “People are very impatient here,” he says jokingly as he reflects on everything from the speed people walk along the street to the level of service his clients expect. “You can see how that impatience manifests on many different levels. There are very high standards, and people expect a lot from you.” Over time, Calvin has adjusted to the new environment, reminding himself that he was now living the fast-paced corporate life he’d set his heart on.

One of the things that initially appealed to Calvin most about Third Bridge was the global footprint and the secondment program that had been advertised during his interview process. “I didn’t really intend to stay in Hong Kong this long,” he adds casually, as he had his eye on London. However, everything changed as he settled in Hong Kong and found himself engrossed in the city’s grit and grime alike.

A day in the life of a Manager

Calvin’s daily responsibilities are varied, from directing project and account strategy execution to drive performance, to resolving process and operational matters, all while working closely with other departments to drive financial growth. In the short-term, "problem solving is definitely a big one” and “knowing how to break down an issue to find the best solution” is his knee-jerk response to progress a task forward. In the long-term, sifting through the cacophony of matters every day to make sure every task aligns with the vertical's overall strategy and gets closer to Third Bridge’s vision is also very important to him.

Calvin credits his success to two key skills: a lasting focus on practical solutions and the ability to foster strong interpersonal relationships. He believes that while knowing what to do is important, true leadership lies in ensuring that everyone feels engaged and aligned with a shared goal, allowing them to find their own paths to the achievement.

Learning through curiosity

Calvin's curiosity is a driving force behind his professional growth. “It's a double-edged sword sometimes, but I'm naturally very nosy and I try to get involved in everything with everyone,” he adds with a grin. By constantly asking questions and getting involved in different aspects of the business, Calvin has gained a deep and broad understanding of how Third Bridge operates. Outside of the experiences he gained rotating through teams, he has leaned into his curiosity and seized the opportunity to learn, build relationships, and see how his work fits into the larger company picture.

“I like to talk to other people and if there's something I encounter, even if it's a small Slack message I see that interests me, I will message them about that, or raise it in my next 1:1.” Through proactivity, he’s gained strong awareness of bigger picture issues that may not directly impact him, but help him find a sense of purpose in his work.

From being led to leading

During his six-year tenure, Calvin has had the opportunity to learn from ten different managers. While some might view this frequent change as disruptive, Calvin sees it as a crucial factor in his success. This diverse exposure to various teams and leadership styles has enabled him to take the good and leave the bad, ultimately shaping the leader he aspires to be. “Reflecting on it now, that experience was invaluable in helping me define my leadership style,” he shares.

When asked what kind of leader he wants to be, the answer is easy: “I want to be an inspiring and compassionate one,” he states motivationally. “I never want it to just be about hitting targets, for the sake of hitting targets.” Calvin is driven to inspire his team to be passionate about their work and connect it to a deeper sense of purpose. He thinks that doing better for the sake of yourself and beating your personal best each time is the greatest fuel. “I think when we achieve our goals and my Associates get the same sense of accomplishment, that's what makes me most proud."

Life outside of Third Bridge

Calvin’s dedication to learning extends beyond his professional life. He is a passionate yoga practitioner and teacher, and recently earned his yoga teacher certification. “I teach every weekend now,” he adds proudly, “in the new office, hopefully we'll get some time to use the yoga room and do some Third Bridge classes as well.”

Advice for graduates

Calvin's advice for new Associates joining Third Bridge is simple: be curious and ask questions.

“Money comes and goes in waves but no one can take what you learn away from you.” His own inquisitive nature and willingness to learn anything and everything has helped him build strong relationships, grasp the inner workings of the business, and gain a broader perspective to effectively achieve objectives and make meaningful impact.

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