As director of human resources for Deutsche Bank in Asia, Anne O'Keefe constantly travels around the region and Europe. Over the years she has developed a love-hate relationship with her laptop and mobile phone - tools that help her manage the job even on the road. O'Keefe began her career in the IT industry in the 1980s after graduating with a degree in psychology in her native Australia. It didn't take her long to realize the IT industry had peaked and that the up-and-coming industry was banking. Having engineered her entry into the industry in 1987, she later moved to Singapore and has never looked back since. She spoke to Worldroom.com correspondent Nichola Suzanne Bedos about her career and travel experiences.
How did you come to choose human resources as a career?
I had always wanted to work in HR. Studying psychology was the most logical way to get there. Working in human resources has been a challenge - a roller-coaster ride in fact. The banking industry has gone through many cycles and the downturns have been particularly demanding emotionally when you have tough decisions to make that affect people's lives.
What were the reasons for making Singapore your home?
I had always wanted to live and work in Asia. In the 1980s, Australian businesses were all reaching out to Asia for expansion. I had traveled in Asia and I had a lot of interest in the various cultures. I first worked in Hong Kong, which I found too impersonal. I traveled to Singapore regularly on business and it was a natural decision to move here.
Banking is a tough industry. How do you manage the pressures of the job?
The biggest challenge is to get enough time away from work. There are no defined hours and we cover all time zones. With new technology we could easily work 24 hours a day. For me, some things are sacrosanct like a good night's sleep and at least some of my vacations away from the telephone. Technology does help - with email I can guarantee a same-day response without an intrusive phone.
Traveling is a big feature of the job. Does it add to or detract from your enjoyment of your career?
It adds interest to my job up to a point. When you do too much you feel you could be anywhere - all airports, hotels and offices begin to look the same. I make a point of contacting friends for a meal and a chat so I don't feel alone.
Do you feel vulnerable traveling because you're a woman?
I can, especially if I'm going somewhere I've never been before. It may be a strange airport at 3 a.m. and you're not functioning 100%. If I have any doubts I contact a colleague first. Information is essential - it can save you time, money and hassle.
Business travel must really upset normal routine. How do you manage the job on the road?
I'm certainly expected to still be on top of my job and to be contactable. I have a love/hate relationship with my laptop, I always carry a mobile phone and I have a great secretary who knows the issues and is a good source of ideas. A good filter really helps. I also have to delegate. I have excellent staff and I make it known that I'm open to being contacted if there's a problem. My staff knows that contact is kept to 'must know' and not 'nice to know.'
Do you have to look after your health on the road?
Definitely! Airports, planes and hotels aren't the most hygienic of places. I take Echinacea all the time to prevent respiratory infections and I drink lots of water. I avoid burnout by going for sleep rather than socializing too much.
What's your favorite city to visit on business?
It has to be somewhere where airport to hotel and office transfers are quick. If I didn't live here I'd say Singapore. The language is no problem and there aren't crowds of people.
Interview Archive
