In the world of global finance, few careers exemplify the intersection of cultural immersion, leadership, and innovation as profoundly as that of Louise Vogler, a 2010 alumna of the CEIBS Global EMBA programme. Having worked for over 25 years at Standard Chartered Bank and with professional experience spanning four continents, Louise's journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for bridging global perspectives.
Louise Vogler
Managing Director, Head of Coverage Operations Center of Excellence, Standard Chartered Bank
CEIBS Global EMBA 2010
01
A Passion for Banking, and for China
Louise's path to banking began during university, where her studies in Chinese language, history, culture, economics, and international business laid the foundation for a unique career. Reminiscing on her early days as a junior banker, Louise fondly recalls "I loved being an Account Manager and Credit Analyst - it was such a privilege to visit our clients, understand their business, analyse their financials and most importantly find the right product and solutions to their banking needs," she says.
Her passion for banking merged seamlessly with her love for China. A Canadian native, Louise first landed in China in 1990 under an exchange programme to East China Normal University in Shanghai, which profoundly shaped her life. "That year changed everything," she recalls. "I fell further in love with the Chinese language and culture and made friends from all over the world, including my future husband."
Determined to return to China, Louise joined the Canadian Consulate in Guangzhou as a trade officer upon graduating from university in 1995. "At the end of my exchange programme, I promised myself: 'One day, you will come back to live and work in this amazing country'. And sure enough, I made my dream a reality four years later when I arrived in Guangzhou with the Canadian Consulate," she says.
Louise's real passion, however, still lay in financial analysis and banking. After completing a work placement experience in the Taipei Branch of a leading Canadian Bank prior to her graduation, she already knew that her role at the Consulate would be a transitional one.
In 1999, she joined Standard Chartered Bank in Shanghai as a Senior Credit Analyst. Since then, her roles at the leading international organisation have spanned Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and now UK/Europe, where she currently oversees a global team of credit risk management process design and operations professionals from the bank's headquarters in London.
02
Joining the CEIBS Global EMBA Programme
During the early to mid-2000s, Louise experienced significant career growth and development at Standard Chartered Bank. With China's entry into the WTO, the economy was booming and the banking sector - particularly for foreign banks - was undergoing rapid expansion. However, by 2009, feeling that her growth had reached a plateau, she decided to pursue an EMBA programme to take her career to the next level.
"I looked around at EMBA programmes in the Greater China region, and the one that really stood out was CEIBS' Global EMBA. I could remain in Shanghai and avail myself of a world-class, rigorous EMBA education," she says.
Convinced that studying at CEIBS would be the transformative opportunity of a lifetime, Louise found her experience at the school to be even beyond expectations.
"The confidence I gained from completing the programme was invaluable. It gave me an immense boost of courage to lead from the front, embrace new challenges, and persevere through adversity. These insights have helped me tremendously as I've moved roles and geographies and into more senior roles over the years," she says, adding that CEIBS' expansive global alumni network also serves as an excellent source for networking and making new contacts when moving to new regions.
03
A Global Leadership Perspective
Louise's career has taken her across continents, including Asia, Africa, and most recently, UK/Europe with a role in London. Each move required adaptability and an openness to new cultures. She credits her global success to her curiosity and efforts to immerse herself in local languages, literature, and history, which have helped her connect deeply with different communities and lead effectively.
"To thrive in a global community, you need to be flexible, open-minded, tolerant, patient and curious," she advises. Learning local languages also helps. "All of these traits are crucial for understanding the markets you're working in and building bridges with the people around you."
04
Reflections on CEIBS' 30th Anniversary
Louise (third from left) is named a Distinguished Alumni of CEIBS' 30th Anniversary
Named as a Distinguished Alumni of CEIBS' 30th Anniversary, Louise Vogler's story is a shining example of how business education and global experiences can transform not only a career, but also the ability to influence industries and communities worldwide.
As CEIBS celebrates its 30th anniversary, Louise takes pride in being part of a community that empowers leaders to bridge cultural and business differences. "In an ever-changing world, CEIBS plays a critical role in creating a cross-cultural community of like-minded business professionals, academics, and government leaders who embrace mutual challenges for a better global business world of tomorrow."
Looking ahead, Louise remains committed to CEIBS' mission. "It is my sincere hope that CEIBS will continue to act as a crucial bridge between East and West, a bridge between China and the rest of the world, and that CEIBS will continue to reflect its most important strength: 'China Depth, Global Breadth'."
Recommended Reading
CEIBS "Building Bridges" looks towards Europe for second series |
Prof. Xu Bin: Assessing China's economy in the Trump 2.0 era |
Airbags to steering wheels to CTO – Interview with Fabien Dumont |
Click Read More to know more about CEIBS Global EMBA ranked #1 in the world!
No comments:
Post a Comment