This March, we are celebrating our leading ladies. Discover more about the women of Wristcheck in part two of our series here
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Wristcheck's female-led team brings additional reliability and integrity to the table, setting us apart from the rest in the business. Through their tireless work and unwavering dedication, the women of Wristcheck have not only ensured an impressive growth for the company over the last three years but also paved the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the watch industry.
From sales to customer service, product development to design, and media enterprises, these women seamlessly navigate diverse verticals to maintain excellence at Wristcheck. Join us as we spotlight the remarkable contributions of the women of Wristcheck and their impressive accomplishments.
Fiona Li, Director, Product
From navigating challenging terrains in remote corners of the world to launching her own venture, Fiona Li’s diverse life experiences have shaped her unique approach to product innovation at Wristcheck. She leads a remarkable team (predominantly comprising women), who is revolutionizing the world of watches through technical solutions that make buying, selling, and learning about timepieces more accessible and exciting than ever. “My background is in chemical engineering, so my first real job was actually as a business consultant to energy companies in implementing smart meters. This led to me taking on more consulting roles for banking and FMCG clients, specifically in digital transformation — which is where I made my first foray into tech,” she says.
Fiona takes immense pride in the leap of faith she took when she decided to join her family business and start her own spin-off in the adult diaper manufacturing industry. From transitioning their business from OEM to retail to launching a spin-off tech venture, Fiona's entrepreneurial spirit led her to success, fostering connections with hospitals, nursing groups, and even selling her software to a company in the US.
“My mother is my biggest inspiration. Her childhood wasn't particularly privileged, so she worked incredibly hard to pursue her education, juggling multiple jobs and sacrificing sleep to make ends meet. For four decades and counting, she's been the epitome of hard work, starting her own businesses and tirelessly supporting our education,” says Fiona.
Fiona's global adventures took her to Rwanda and Uganda as a volunteer consultant a few years ago. Teaming up with local African startups, she played a vital role in crafting compelling pitches for investors and securing funds for a solar power startup. “We created toolkits for kids to build their own solar power lamps. It was something truly impactful for the community,” she says. “During my charity work in Nepal, I discovered that most women there don't have access to sanitary napkins. They have to be taught how to use cloth pads in classes. There's a strong stigma surrounding menstruation and women lack the means to manage their periods and go about their daily lives. I’d like to see these women have better access to education and economic independence in the years to come,” she says.
Fiona emphasizes the unique physical and genetic differences between women and men, acknowledging that each gender excels in distinct areas. “It's important for us to be smart in utilizing our strengths and choosing roles that bring us happiness. It’s also crucial for women to support and uplift one another emotionally, as we can offer a unique level of understanding and empathy,” she says. Given an opportunity to trade roles at Wristcheck, Fiona would love to be in our founder, Austen Chu’s shoes for a day. “I’d love to meet all our cool partners and celebrities in person!”
Rapid Fire
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
Stay true to yourself. Learn about "adulting" earlier in life so you are better prepared for the challenges ahead.
If you had USD 100K, which watch would you buy and why?
Lange 1, it’s a really nice dress watch.
Describe Wristcheck as a workplace in one word.
Dope
Neha S. Bajpai, Director, Media
Well, hello there! It’s me, your friendly neighborhood watch writer who's been scribbling away for a good 14 years. Yes, I've been at it since way before hashtags and blue ticks were even a thing. Back in the day, when Instagram wasn’t even a twinkle in Zuckerberg's eye, I was pounding away at my keyboard, churning out stories about timepieces for luxury magazines (watches hadn’t made it big in the world of online yet). My journey into the world of watches wasn't exactly planned though. It all started when my former boss at The Week decided to toss me into the deep end of horology. But I couldn't have lucked out more because I ended up being mentored by none other than the legendary Joe Thompson, the former Executive Editor of Hodinkee and a veteran of WatchTime.
Ah, the wild world of watches! I've been wading through the testosterone-fueled trenches of this industry for over a decade now but I won't claim I had to don a hardhat and bust through glass ceilings. Let's just say I've had my fair share of eye rolls and raised eyebrows as a "woman writing on watches." I've never been one to shy away from a challenge, so here I’m to prove that us girls can make sense of all those gears and springs just as well as the guys can.
I bumped into Wristcheck’s founder, Austen Chu, at the fag end of 2021. I was interviewing him for a well-known watch magazine and was blown away by his vision for a revolutionary marketplace. Few months down the line, Austen asked me to join the fledgling team at Wristcheck and the rest, as they say, is history. I'll be honest, I leapt into this venture with no expectations, itching to break free from the humdrum of journalism and dive into something entirely new. The idea of Wristcheck just clicked.
Convincing brands that we meant business as both watch enthusiasts and a marketplace was no walk in the park, but we've come a long way from being dismissed as ‘just another watch retailer’. Today, I couldn't be prouder to say that we've carved out a niche for ourselves as one of the most trusted names in watch media, dishing out a smorgasbord of news and lifestyle features that keep our readers hooked. And let's not forget all the PR and media collaborations we have secured over the last two years for our epic projects and special editions — talk about a labor of love!
In my previous stint, I got into a lot of "sink or swim" situations, which helped me grow confident in speaking up and sharing my perspective, allowing me to bring a much-needed balance and an empathetic style of leadership to the table. It's great that we're starting to acknowledge gender bias against women, but tackling cultural bias is still a challenge at some places. I consider myself immensely fortunate to be a part of Wristcheck, where diversity is valued, but not every workplace is like that. It's nice to see stories celebrating "diversity" in business leadership, but it's kind of weird when they forget to include women of color. In the future, I hope we all get better at understanding and appreciating different cultures along with encouraging gender diversity. I’d love more women to explore the perceived “male-dominated” industries to speed up the change in the coming years.
Rapid Fire
The last book I read…
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
Style signifier…
An armful of vintage silver bangles.
Proudest achievement..
Running the show for WatchTime India seamlessly all through my pregnancy and maternity leave. I signed off the magazine’s fifth anniversary issue minutes before delivering my baby boy!
Candy Tam, Associate, Accounting
Our resident "number queen" with a passion for fashion, Candy Tam describes her role at Wristcheck as that of a ‘defence officer’. “I’m supposed to prevent the company from running into any kind of losses,” she says. With her sharp eye for detail and love for all things chic, Candy adds a touch of flair to the world of numbers, proving that style and smarts can indeed go hand in hand.
An accounting associate with over two decades of experience, Candy feels lucky to be in a city like Hong Kong where gender inequality isn’t one of the pressing issues. “I have been most inspired by three women in my life. My mother, who has always been selfless, kind, strong and resilient. She teaches me by example and encourages me to be a strong woman. The second person whom I’ve always admired is my former supervisor at my first job. She instilled in me the importance of defining clear life goals and staying committed to them for success. Respect your work, infuse it with interest, and embrace challenges with a proactive mindset. The third person who inspires me is my friend, a dedicated social worker, radiating with positive energy. With her infectious enthusiasm, she motivates me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace my emotions, and aim higher in every chapter of life,” she says.
On a regular day, you will find Candy strutting around in the office with a board grin and a heavy stack of files. Despite the mountain of paperwork, her infectious laughter fills the room, making even the toughest tasks feel like a breeze. Even though Candy ended up in finance, her heart has always been set on fashion. “I've dreamt of a career in fashion, but my parents nudged me towards a more stable path, leading me to pursue accounting instead. I adore stylish clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, and home decorations. However, I'm not much of a watch expert; the only one I own is the one that stole my heart at first glance,” she says.
Candy strongly believes in the significance of women supporting each other emotionally. “Seeking emotional comfort and acknowledgment is natural; we all yearn to be recognized, valued, and taken seriously. Understanding and empathy are really important in fulfilling this desire. By actively listening, withholding judgment, and responding promptly, we create a supportive environment where everyone feels understood and valued,” she says.
If given the chance, Candy would love to join the sales team at Wristcheck for a day. With four years of experience as a retail salesperson during college, she's confident in her sales skills and excited to try them out in a new environment. With her expertise in finance, we have no doubts Candy would shine as the ultimate sales superstar!
Rapid Fire
If you had USD100K, which watch would you buy and why?
Chanel Mademoiselle J12 La Pausa, no special reason, just love it!
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Over the next five years, I want to work with corporate teams on large-scale projects and bring change to the company.
Last thing you googled?
Rabanne
Renee Chung, Lead, Sales & Operations
A vibrant go-getter, Renee Chung is no stranger to the world of luxury watches. With an impressive 18 years of experience, she has honed her skills in branding and boutique management with esteemed brands like Jäeger-LeCoultre, Richard Mille and Rolex. Keen to move beyond traditional luxury retail, Renee discovered her ideal fit with Wristcheck — a cutting-edge platform designed to cater the needs of the next generation of watch enthusiasts.
One of the most dependable members of our sales team, Renee thrives on fostering strong relationships with our clients. “To know that my interactions with clients are valued and that they keep coming back for more because of our excellent service is a real source of pride for me,” she says. “I love tackling tough situations. Whether it's turning a complaint into a compliment or transforming a frown into a smile, showcasing my exceptional customer service and problem-solving skills is where I truly shine as a sales professional. After all, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of turning a tricky situation around and leaving our clients feeling happy and satisfied!”
Inspired by the dynamic Michelle Obama, Renee feels deeply about inclusivity and the importance of embracing diversity. Be it ‘Let Girls Learn’ or the ‘Reach Higher' program, Michelle's commitment to education and empowerment fuels Renee's own passion for uplifting others. “It's incredibly important for women to lift each other up emotionally. In a world where women often face unique challenges and societal pressures, creating a supportive environment is essential for one’s personal growth, collective progress, and overall well-being. It means being genuinely happy for each other's achievements, lending an ear during difficult times, and offering words of encouragement,” she says.
Given the opportunity to trade roles, Renee would eagerly jump into the world of digital marketing, swapping her current responsibilities to explore the intricacies of online engagement, content creation, and data analysis.
Look out, social media team— Renee's bringing her A-game!
Rapid Fire
If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?
Take up new hobbies, keep learning and discover more about yourself —body, mind, and spirit.
Which is the last book you read?
Adam Grant’s ‘Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know’ (Chinese version)
What's your style signifier?
Chic handbag and a vintage watch to match
Emi Nakagawa, Lead, Sales
It’s hard not to be charmed by Emi Nakagawa, our sales lead extraordinaire. With a background in hospitality and fashion, Emi exudes the finesse of a seasoned professional and the warmth of a dear friend. With roots in both Japanese and Korean heritage, her journey so far has taken her from the picturesque landscapes in Switzerland, where she studied at a prestigious boarding school since the age of 15, to the glitzy corridors of luxury hotels like Park Hyatt Vendôme and Ritz Carlton in Kyoto. “I was looking for a new challenge and was attracted to Wristcheck's vibe. It felt like home from day one,” says Emi, who was working with Net-a-Porter as a Senior Personal Shopper before joining Wristcheck.
Highly proficient and sometimes polite to a fault, Emi’s got a knack for connecting with high-flyers from across the globe. “I’d like to count people management as one of my key strengths and I absolutely enjoy connecting with high-net-worth individuals from diverse international backgrounds,” she says.
Inspired by actor Emma Watson's unwavering commitment to gender equality and women's rights, Emi hopes for a time when there will be no gender pay gaps. “I love Emma Watson’s work beyond her acting career. She served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and launched the "HeForShe" campaign, which promotes men's involvement in the fight for gender equality. She has used her platform to create positive change for women in all aspects,” she says.
Given a chance, Emi would love to trade roles with our Product Director, Fiona Li. “For someone like me, who works in the sales team, it would be great to gain insights into product development from a front-office perspective,” she says. Over the next five years, Emi envisions herself jet setting to watch events across the globe. If given the opportunity to indulge in a luxury watch with a budget of $100,000, she would go with the exquisite Van Cleef Daisy high jewelry timepiece - adding a touch of timeless elegance to her style.
Rapid Fire
Your proudest achievement?
Taking a year off to travel and launch my own jewelry business called EMI (@emi.finejewelry).
Last thing you googled?
Scuba diving in Okinawa
Describe Wristcheck as a workplace in one word.
Warm
Explore some of our favourite watches here.
