Q&A with Folkestone Maxim's new Portfolio Manager
Amy Pham has been appointed portfolio manager for the Folkestone Maxim A-REIT securities business. Find out what led her to this role, what she is most looking forward to in working with the new team and how a word from her mother changed her intended career path many years ago.
Amy Pham has been appointed portfolio manager for the Folkestone Maxim A-REIT securities business. Find out what led her to this role, what she is most looking forward to in working with the new team and how a word from her mother changed her intended career path many years ago.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
This is a wonderful opportunity to roll up my sleeves and make the most of a dynamic company at an exciting time.
We are focused on making sure we have a compelling and unique offer for investors looking to invest in ASX listed A-REIT (property) securities. I am really looking forward to letting people know how we can help them generate wealth from investing in this asset class.
I am also looking forward to working with Winston Sammut who has so much experience and knowledge, and I think I can learn a lot from him.
How have your previous roles prepared you for this role?
I worked with Greg Paramor (Folkestone' Managing Director) and Adrian Harrington (Folkestone's Head of Funds Management) some years ago at Paladin, when the business was being established, and it went on to great success. It also launched my time in property securities and I continued this momentum, working at IAG as the Head of Property Securities.
Folkestone Maxim has a similar kind of energy and growth opportunity as Paladin did in the early days. However, this time I have a lot more experience to bring to the table - so I am very excited to see where this leads.
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
I think you have to care about your investors and invest in a way that you would invest with your own money. For any working mother, it is all about being organized and achieving that work life balance.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
I started out thinking I was an introvert, but my friends and family probably disagree with me!
I would say that with my experience to date, introvert or not, I have the confidence and experience to clearly express myself, and seek the right investment opportunities for the fund.
What was your very first job?
My parents used to own a Vietnamese restaurant and my sister and I used to work there after school and weekends from a very young age, I was about 10 when I started. I think it helped instil in me a strong work ethic.
Meanwhile, my son has just turned 10, and I don't think it is in our plans to get him out working yet.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I've always wanted to be a fashion designer growing up but my Mum wanted me to go to uni and get a degree, so I did. Now and then, I make clothes for my daughter, so maybe one day I can still pursue my dream of being fashion designer. Better late than never!
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I am a big supporter of UNHCR and the amazing work that they do to help refugees all around the world. My mother and I fled Vietnam by boat and one thing I remember very clearly were the UNHCR volunteers. They were so helpful and supportive. My sister is actually an ambassador for UNHCR and has written an award-winning book on the Vietnamese Boat People. It's a great cause, and one I am passionate about supporting.
For more details view: UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency
