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With over 45 years in global recruitment, Michael Page has helped shape the careers of countless professionals – including many of our own. In our new interview series ‘Her Path, Your Opportunity’, we speak with women in leadership across our global offices about the experiences, values, and pivotal moments that have shaped their journeys.
In this inaugural episode, Andy Bentote, Regional Managing Director of Michael Page Asia Pacific, sits down with Olga Yung, one of the managing directors of Michael Page Hong Kong.
Olga’s path to leadership is as inspiring as it is unconventional. With a background in law and over 16 years of recruitment experience, she has led teams across multiple specialist disciplines, including Finance, Financial Services, HR, Legal, and Property. Today, she is recognised for her performance and the trust and impact she builds as a leader.
From lessons in perception to managing through change, Olga shares the mindset shifts that helped her grow from consultant to leader – and the importance of staying grounded in both work and life.
Olga: Well, it's coincidental that the most powerful lesson I learnt is from you, Andy. When you were running Greater China, you were deeply focused on personal growth. One lesson that has stuck with me over the years is how someone else’s perception can become their reality – even if we don’t agree with it.
Initially, I wasn’t completely comfortable with the idea; less so about the concept, more so about other people’s perception, which was not my reality, but I took your advice anyway.
My biggest takeaway as a leader – it is not always about you. It does matter how other people see you, and it does not matter how good you are as an individual. Real leadership is where our leaders recognise that they serve the people they lead and through that, it also inspires others to be their best.
Olga: As a young girl raised in Asia, I encountered the expectation that some females might rely on males, particularly in marriage or family settings.
However, my parents taught me to be self-reliant and fearless in doing more, not less. They taught me that everything you learn, do and put effort in will ultimately be yours – whether it’s a new experience, a new skill set you’ve gained, a new relationship or just learning in general.
That really sets the tone for me at work - I never try to get by with the bare minimum. I believe that the more we invest in ourselves, the greater our growth and achievements will be. That mindset has been a key driver in my journey.
Related: Why recognising women in leadership and their achievements matter
Olga: When I gave up my legal career to go into recruitment, I was initially driven by a desire to prove to my family that I could be successful without pursuing law. At the time, taking on a leadership role seemed like the fastest way to progress within the organisation.
Leadership in recruitment isn’t easy. In those days, most leaders were top billers first - that’s what laid the foundation for promotion.
But once you step into leadership, you become accountable for other consultants’ performance. Work doesn’t just double; it multiplies. You give up time to coach your team, and sometimes even your own jobs, to ensure they have enough to work on.
There were certainly moments when I questioned it. As a new billing leader, I wondered why I was doing more but billing less; and seeing that reflected in my bonuses.
Olga: There’s a saying that “leaders are born, not made” – but I disagree. Every good leader I know has made mistakes along the way. They learn, adapt, and improve.
Organisations can create more supportive environments by providing guidance and coaching, especially for new leaders. Whether it’s a structured session or an informal catch-up over drinks, giving leaders a forum to share experiences and lean on each other can be incredibly valuable.
Olga: I try not to bring work home. When I’m with my family, I focus on them, which means pausing the emails and messages.
To do that, I must be fully present at the office – spending enough time with my team, whether coaching, listening, or simply checking in.
If you’re intentional with your time during the day, it becomes easier to draw boundaries and truly enjoy your time at home.
Olga: If you’re not in a good place yourself, you can’t be an effective coach to others. The two go hand in hand.
For example, if you devote all your time to your team, you’ll be stretched in your own delivery and performance. That can affect your mental wellbeing, which in turn affects how you lead.
On the other hand, if you’re solely focused on yourself and neglect your team, it doesn’t matter how strong your performance is – the team will suffer, and one person’s revenue can’t make up for an underperforming team.
I try to split my days in halves – one half for my team, the other half for myself. That helps me stay balanced and work more efficiently.
Related: 11 traits you need to be a highly effective leader
Olga: Top performers aim high. They don’t settle for easy targets. They embrace learning – even failure – as part of the process.
After all, recruitment is a people business. If you don’t grow and evolve with your clients, candidates, and colleagues, you’ll struggle to stay ahead.
Andy: Thank you for sharing your story, Olga. It serves as a reminder that great leadership is a journey of both mindset and meaning.
Looking to hire your next leader? Partner with us for tailored recruitment solutions that connect you with top leadership talent. Contact us, and we’ll match you with the right consultant for your market and hiring needs.
Read more: How to nurture meaningful workplace relationships Why should someone be led by you? Kartini Day: Foster a culture of continuous learning
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