Mahnaz Lee is the founder of Women Helping Women Hong Kong, a charity set up to help abused women and children in Hong Kong. She is married to David Lee, Chairman of the Lee Kum Kee group.
Click here to see Mahnaz Lee on video
How do you make a difference in Hong Kong?
In 2010 I established a non-profit, organisation – Women Helping Women Hong Kong. This was specifically to help women and children who are the victims of domestic violence. We run programmes, therapy sessions and workshops, all aimed at helping these people overcome their problems and crises. I started this organisation with a group of like-minded friends, mostly philanthropists, as a way to contribute and give back to the community. It is an issue that we all still feel really passionately about. Our main drive comes from seeing the positive difference we make in these unfortunate peoples’ lives.
Before we launched the charity we conducted a lot of research. This showed a startling upsurge in the levels of violence, and we had to ask ourselves what was the cause. Above all, we wanted to reunite these families. We strongly believe that children are our future and we want to ensure that they grow up into healthy, positive adults, rather than scared and permanently scarred individuals.
We are very careful to use our own resources, wherever possible, to run the organisation. We are very proud of the fact that 97 percent of the money that we raise goes directly to the charity. We cover the overheads from other sources. I pay special attention to all areas of the charity in order to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness. I have found from personal experience that, when the model is good, more people buy into your idea and they contribute more readily and generously.
We use various fund raising vehicles, with the largest being our annual gala. As the economy changes, so too do brands’ strategies and that affects the availability of funds. This means we have to become ever more creative in our approach. I spend about 50 percent of my time on fund raising, while the other 50 percent goes on management and governance issues. Overall, I feel I help to make a difference in many peoples’ lives through what we are doing and, of course, that makes me feel good.
What is your favourite aroma?
I love scented candles and have them all over my house. I also love perfumes and have a tray full of them in my walk-in closet. I especially like clean floral scents. I feel incomplete if I leave home and I am not wearing perfume. I have quite a sensitive nose, so if I go somewhere and it doesn’t smell quite right, I will burn a candle or spray on some scent. One of my favourite perfumes of all is Chanel’s Chance.
What was the event that you’d say really changed your life?
I can think of two. One would be the day I got married to my husband, David. It was the happiest moment of my life. We have now been married for 35 years. We first met when I was 16 and we were at high school together in California. I got married when I was just 19 and I have had an amazing life so far. I travelled widely and worked with David’s family business for 10 years. I was in advertising and marketing in the US, heading a number of marketing campaigns, before moving into management. I have very fond memories of all that work and the wonderful travel.
The next major events were the birth of my two sons. I think, marriage, working, having my kids – they have all bought me to where I am today. They have made me what I am, and shaped my philanthropic work. It’s been a privileged life, but I work hard at it and I’ve had a number of problems to solve as well. When it comes to philanthropy, you have to have a particular mind-set. It’s all about giving and supporting. It’s not like business, where you expect something back for what you’re giving. What you do get, though, is the satisfaction of seeing your money making a really positive difference to people’s lives.
If you had your own TV show, what would it be about?
All too often, everything that’s on TV seems depressing and negative. We need to have more programmes portraying the positive things in life, those things that truly inspire. It should feature touching stories of how we can contribute more to our society and how we can bring about better outcomes. That would be a great basis for a show. We should help celebrate the heroes in our community – the social workers, the therapists and the nurses. These are the people that truly change lives. This would bring about greater awareness of the good that people can do. I even have a name for it – Local Heroes.
Is there anywhere that you have never been, but would love to visit?
It would have to be India. Its culture is so rich and vibrant. Its rituals and celebrations are also so colourful and often run on for days. Its clothes, costumes, jewellery and make-up are just so vivid and bright. It is a very exotic place and I think visiting would be an eye-opening experience for me. My father was a diplomat so, when I was young, we travelled a lot experiencing many different and diverse cultures. It made me a little colour-blind. I see people very much as people, rather than judging them by the colour of their skin. It also taught me to respect all cultures and religions.
What is your astrological sign?
I am Scorpio – late October. I don’t really follow astrology, but they do say that Scorpios are very passionate. I definitely fit that mould.
What is the greatest compliment you have ever received?
Most people can’t tell my age. When I tell them I have two sons, they always ask how old they are. I tell them one is 30 and got married three years ago, while the younger one is 25 and engaged to get married this summer. While I have not done anything special, except eat healthily and exercise, I am generally a happy person and have regular sessions of yoga and Pilates. I have a loving husband, which is also a great bonus. He’s been my rock. Nobody believes me when I tell them I am 54 and I take that as a real compliment.
What would you look for in an ideal partner?
He would have to be a very charismatic person and have a good sense of humour, while also being loving and supportive. He must be like a life coach to me – someone I can learn from and who I can bounce ideas off. He must be like a mirror to me and tell me the truth, even when I might not like it. At the same time, he wouldn’t have to give me all the answers and shouldn’t expect me to do everything his way. He will give me his perspective and help me make decisions. Those are things that I really treasure when it comes to partnership. He would give me the required guidance at those times when I may lose perspective. My husband and I do our own five and 10-year plans, so we know where we are headed and that we are on the same course. It makes sure that our aspirations are in tune.
What was your first job?
Immediately after leaving college, I went into advertising. I am a design major with minors in marketing and advertising and I was lucky enough to get a job in the family business. So, I actually jumped into some quite big shoes. I quickly gained the trust of my co-workers and became very committed.
Are you a good listener or a better talker?
I think that I am a better listener. My personality is more introverted than extroverted. I have become more talkative recently, though, largely because of the charity work I do. I have to sell the idea of what we are doing, take part in interviews and a lot of presentations. I used to be very quiet and quite reserved. In truth, I really like to listen and learn.
Who do you consider was the greatest person to have ever lived?
There have been so many that I find it difficult to pick one above all the rest. There are so many people who have done wonderful things on so many different levels and it is difficult to compare them. As people, we all play our individual roles, so we are all pretty special. There are just so many unsung heroes.
What would you like to be remembered for?
As a woman with a caring heart who wanted to contribute to her society. Often, it’s the simple things in life that you’d like people to remember you for. It’s not really about how much money you make. It’s your loving side and simply being a mother, these are the things that really touch your heart and they are so important. I want to be known for the difference that I’ve made to peoples’ lives. That takes you to another level and takes you beyond yourself.
What’s your preference – English or Cantonese?
I only speak a little Cantonese. While I’m from Iran and my husband is from Hong Kong, everything nowadays is so multi-cultural that English is probably my main form of communication. I always believe that the simplest way of communicating is the best. I respect people by attempting to speak Cantonese if they are not familiar with English.
When was the last time you told a white lie?
I generally never tell lies. If I do, it shows. I am not good at hiding things – and it is written all over my face. My husband knows this only too well. Even if I am trying not to hurt someone or to complicate issues, I still won’t tell a lie. I might, however, not tell the whole truth until later.
Is crying a sign of strength or weakness?
I would say a strength. When you are strong enough to show your vulnerable side, people respect you more. If crying helps you release your emotions, though, then there is nothing wrong with that.
Thank you.