2023
Vice President, Multifamily Investments and Portfolio Management
ASIAN INTERNATIONAL
Build yourself a board of mentors and then make sure to be a mentor for others
Education: MBA in Finance & MIS, Case Western Reserve University; BA in Economics, University of International Business & Economics, Beijing Company Name: Freddie Mac Industry: Financial Services Company CEO: Michael De Vito Company Headquarters Location: McLean, VA Number of Employees: 7,200 Words you live by: Always be curious, not judgmental. Who is your personal hero? My father, who gave up a secure government job in the early days of China’s free market What book are you reading? When Women Lead by Julia Boorstin What was your first job? Information Systems Consulting Favorite charity: Wikipedia, Environmental Virginia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Guiding Eyes for the Blind Interests/Hobbies: Dancing, gardening, traveling, golf Family: Husband, 15-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl
28
2023 Second Quarter
I came to the United States from China 26 years ago with only $500 dollars and two trunks of luggage. I was excited, nervous, and full of hope to embrace this land of opportunities. I worked part-time just to make ends meet when I first arrived in America while earning my MBA. Despite my academic success, it was incredibly challenging to find my first real job and start my career, partly because I missed many networking events during those two years when I was studying and working. The guidance and leadership of mentors plays an essential role in everyone’s career. That’s one of the most important career lessons that I almost learned the hard way. In 2006, after working for Freddie Mac for four years, I decided to move to a private equity company. After the 2008 financial crisis, I returned to Freddie Mac through the help of my former coworkers and mentors. I rose through the ranks and now serve as the vice president of investments and portfolio management for our multifamily division at Freddie Mac. In this role, I lead our market risk and capital strategy, and I advise on our business strategy for senior management and the board of directors. I didn’t realize the value of actively seeking out mentorship until I faced a ceiling in my career years later. Whether a “glass ceiling” or “bamboo ceiling,” it’s more challenging for minority and women professionals to advance in corporate ranks, especially in the fixed-income capital market world, which is traditionally a white male-dominated landscape. I began consciously reaching out to senior leaders both inside Freddie Mac and outside the company to seek advice, network, and exchange ideas. It was challenging initially as I was very self-conscious about other people’s time, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I bring value to the table based on my background and experience. Being open-minded and curious are two essential factors to making mentoring relationships productive for both the mentor and mentee. I was grateful to have my own “Board of Advisors” through mostly informal mentoring relationships I have formed over the years. I have also been involved in many mentoring circles to pay it forward, and I always want to help when young professionals ask for advice or mentoring. I encourage others to build their “Board of Advisors” and support network no matter what stage they are in their career. And when possible, pay it forward by serving as a mentor for others.
www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Ling Xu