Fractional Expert Singapore

Jeffrey - Fractional CFO 

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We host an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

Jeffery is a board member, CFO and executive coach who helps leaders cut through complexity, turn chaos into clarity and lead with confidence. With more than 40 years as a global CFO and senior leader across financial services and technology, he brings rare boardroom credibility paired with a warm, authentic coaching style. Jeffery’s superpower lies in seeing the big picture while deeply understanding the human dynamics underneath: challenging and championing leaders as they navigate transformation, growth, and innovation. Blending strategic rigour with empathy, foresight and real-world experience, he partners with executives to align high-performing teams, make confident decisions and create lasting impact that’s both commercially strong and true to who they are.

1.  Tell us about a career highlight to date...

One defining highlight was supporting AIA’s successful IPO in 2010 during a period of global financial uncertainty. It wasn’t just about numbers or valuation. It was about restoring confidence, aligning teams, and leading through crisis. Seeing the organisation emerge stronger reinforced my belief that leadership matters most when the stakes are highest.

I was instrumental and played a major role in helping Heidelberg in its successful M&A transaction, acquiring EAC graphics distribution businesses in Asia Pacific (covering 11 countries) in 1997.

One of my other significant accomplishments as CFO”s and Senior Management roles in my past employments in manufacturing & distribution, financial services and technology companies (e.g. Heidelberg Asia, INCOME Insurance, AIA Insurance, Capital International, CrimsonLogic) was successfully led the organizational and finance transformation initiatives.

2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way...

Transitioning from a traditional CFO role into management consulting, executive coaching and business mentoring & advisory work was an unconventional move. Many expected me to stay firmly in boardrooms and spreadsheets. But I realised my greatest impact came from developing leaders, not just balance sheets. That shift allowed me to combine experience with purpose and it’s been deeply fulfilling.

3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a doctor or a teacher. Looking back, that desire never really left me. Today, whether I’m coaching executives or mentoring or doing management/business consulting works for leaders and/or businesses, I’m still teaching and doing consultation works just that they are in a different domain and fields.

4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?

I value meditation and self-reflection (time of silence and solitude), reading, and meaningful conversations. I do pro- bono volunteering for Board Roles in Non-Profit Organisations. I mentor young adults and men who are in the mid-life journey. I also enjoy travel, which broadens perspective and fuels curiosity. I make time by being intentional- protecting space in my calendar and treating personal renewal as essential, not optional.

5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

I’d love to master playing a musical instrument, especially playing a piano or a classical guitar. Music, like leadership, requires discipline, emotional awareness, and presence. It’s a powerful reminder that harmony comes from listening, not forcing.

6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?

Authenticity, humility and a growth mindset. I believe leadership starts with knowing who you are. When leaders act with integrity and self-awareness, trust follows and with trust couple with a growth mindset in seeing every challenge as an opportunity to learn and be transformed, anything becomes possible.

7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?

Navigating major life transitions taught me resilience and humility. They reminded me that control is often an illusion and that growth comes from having a positive intelligence mindset, acceptance of realities, reflection, and choosing how I should respond rather than react in times of adversities and/or challenges.

8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years time?

Less about giving answers and more about asking powerful questions. As AI and automation advance, human leadership - empathy, judgment, wisdom will matter even more. My role will continue to evolve into that of a trusted thinking partner. In ten years’ time, I envisage my role will likely be even more focused on being a trusted sounding board to leaders dealing with volatility, complexity and rapid change. The emphasis will shift further from technical expertise to wisdom, perspective and presence. Partnering leaders and businesses to stay focused, be grounded, build resilience, be values-led and human in an increasingly demanding and ever-changing business world.

9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?

Travel for me would be to a quiet, beautiful place in nature – perhaps a coastal or mountain retreat (e.g. Lake Como, Italy, The Dolomites, Italy, Kyoto Countrysides, Japan or Bhutan). To pause, reflect and reconnect with what matters most at this stage of life. Time there would be spent reading, journalling, trekking, hiking and thinking about how best to use the new season to better serve leaders/businesses and communities.

10. What does success look like to you?

Success is helping others grow - professionally and personally while living a life aligned with my values. It’s not just achievement, but impact. Not just results, but legacy.