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What excites you most about your role at Diageo? How did your career lead you here?
As Financial Controller, I’m responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compliance of our financial statements. What I love most is the collaborative nature of the work—financial reporting doesn’t happen in isolation. I often feel like a conductor, coordinating with teams across functions and countries to ensure everything runs smoothly.
My journey into finance started in Australia, where I studied business at university. Ironically, accounting was my least favorite subject! But through a series of unexpected opportunities, I landed an accounting assistant role—and that led me to where I am today. Diageo has given me space to grow, learn, and find purpose in my work.
How does flexible working support your day-to-day life as a working mother?
Flexibility has been a game-changer. It gives me the freedom to manage my schedule around both work peaks and personal needs. During busy periods, I focus and push through. But when things are quieter, I can recharge—whether that’s taking a longer lunch, getting in a workout, or simply finishing early to spend more time with my kids.
A typical work-from-home day starts with school prep and breakfast with my two sons. I use my mornings for focused work, then shift into collaboration mode in the afternoon when I meet with my finance colleagues in Manila, Bangalore, and Budapest. Even during peak Zoom times, I’m still present at home—able to greet my kids and support them between meetings.
Recently, when my son had the flu, I was able to take him to the hospital and still manage a full day of work with important deadlines. I didn’t have to choose between being a good mom and doing my job well—and that’s the power of true flexibility.
What makes Diageo’s culture of inclusion stand out for you?
At Diageo, inclusion is more than a value—it’s something we live every day. I feel safe to speak up, share my ideas, and be myself. We celebrate diverse perspectives and collaborate across cultures and time zones with mutual trust and respect.
What I really appreciate is how we’re evaluated—based on results and impact, not on how many hours we sit at a desk. That’s a refreshing difference from many traditional corporate cultures in Japan, and it allows me to do meaningful work without sacrificing personal time or energy.
I trust my team to manage their time and deliver, and they trust me to do the same. We work remotely across locations, and that shared trust fuels both performance and wellbeing.
How do you help others find balance too?
I’m proud to be part of Diageo’s Spirited Women Network Japan Chapter, an employee resource group dedicated to helping people enjoy both work and life—regardless of gender or life stage. I’ve gone through several transitions myself and have, at times, considered stepping away from my career. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting others to find their own balance and live a fulfilling life—at home and at work.
