Jennifer Zhu Scott is the founder of Radian Partners, an advisory company providing high-net-worth individuals with investment advice that is both commercial and ethical…
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Can you tell us a bit more about your particular line of work? What exactly does it entail?
We help our clients to invest with a commercial return in mind, but to also do so in a socially responsible manner, one that ensures a positive ecological impact. We also place great emphasis on the sort of world the next generation will inherit. We look at how businesses can address ecological and social issues and promote the concept of “doing well by doing good.” We also look to help our clients deal with disruptive technologies. Technology is continually re-organising our lives and changing the way we do things. We focus mainly on the areas of virtual and augmented reality – that is to say the media related areas of modern business.
What difference do you feel you have made in Hong Kong?
Well, I was raised in extreme poverty in Sichuan, where the only way out was through a good education, something I was lucky enough to obtain. Most people don’t know that one in five children in Hong Kong lives below the poverty line. In order to try and alleviate this, I help run a charity here called Music for the Growing Mind – a marvellous organisation that began in Venezuela in the early 1980s.
It began as a programme designed to keep kids away from crime, prostitution and drugs through music. To date, it has transformed the lives of more than one million children. We bought the idea to Hong Kong in 2009 and it has been heartening to see the impact it has had amongst underprivileged kids here. We provide them with musical instruments and weekly music lessons. The way these children then develop and blossom is truly awe-inspiring. I feel that, through this programme, I have helped make quite a significant difference to some children’s lives.
What do you find the most attractive feature in a person?
I would say one of two things – either love or generosity. Generosity, though, is the more important and that isn’t just in terms of materialism. It also relates to kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. Today, the world is awash with selfies, self-centeredness, and self-promotion. The ability to focus on others rather than just on yourself is a hugely important quality. Sure, I understand that you need to focus on your family first, but there’s always an opportunity to help others too.
Can you sing?
I used to sing a lot. I was well-known for my singing prowess at university but, over the years, I seem to have destroyed my voice and haven’t had much time to practice. I do, however, love music so I have moved to being more of a listener.
Do you listen to the radio or an MP3 player?
Neither. When were these questions written? In the 1990s? I listen to streaming music on Spotify. It has most of my favourite music. I also use Audible for downloadable audio books. At any one time, I have three books on the go – one real book, one Kindle book on my iPad and also an Audible audio book. So, despite being very busy, when I have a bit of down time, I can read or listen.
What thing did you learn at school that has proved the least useful?
Being good. I was a bit of a rebel and never wanted to follow everyone else. I wanted to be my own person. I wasn’t really well understood by my peers. So I broke out of my box and now I am grateful that I did. I think it has led me on a far more interesting journey in my life. I think if I’d been a good girl, as was expected, my life would have been a lot more boring.
Do you normally use English or Cantonese?
I use both really, but I suppose I use English a little more. I do love Cantonese. It is so vivid, dynamic and interesting and also so descriptive. It also lends itself well to humour and expressing a depth of culture. Language is always a reflection of culture and that is especially true of Cantonese and the Hong Kong people.
Who was the greatest person who ever lived?
Obviously my parents would take first place, having bought me into this world under difficult circumstances and made me the free spirit that I am today. Last year, though, I read a book by David Brooks, called The Road to Character. It focuses on many of the people I would include here – Martin Luther King, Gandhi… It talks about the importance of leaving a legacy and how you can help change the world rather than just your own destiny.
What keeps you awake at night?
Well I am a rather poor sleeper anyway. I only need about three or four hours of sleep. My mind never really turns off. I am also a news junkie so, if I can’t sleep, I get up and follow Twitter. I think, in many ways, sleep is really quite highly overrated.
Crying – a sign of weakness or of strength?
It can be a bit of both. Of course being a “cry baby” shows weakness. When it is showing your vulnerabilities, though, it can be an indication of strength. It’s usually quite difficult to show your more human side. Authenticity is one of the greatest assets that you can possess and I think that by revealing your vulnerabilities you can stand to gain enormous respect from your peers.
What would be your legacy?
I’d like to be remembered as a person who lived life to the fullest and tried her best to change those things that she really cared about. I’d also like to be remembered as a good mother.
If you didn’t live in Hong Kong, where else would you to live?
That’s easy. It would have to be next to a ski slope. I love skiing – in fact the whole family does. I have skied in Whistler (Canada), Aspen and in Japan. Although they are all very different, I’ve enjoyed them all. It is such a privilege to be out there in nature, shooting down a hill at high speed. There’re really no bad places to ski. So, anywhere beside a good ski slope would be just fine for me.
What is your most cherished memory?
That would have to be a special mother-daughter trip I went on with my youngest, Isabel. She was about four-years-old and we went to Singapore. Since then I have taken both my daughters on separate one-on-one getaways, times where we do everything together – cook, do the laundry, play and craft – just the two of us. Those times are ones that I’ll cherish forever.
What language do you wish you could speak?
I am trying to learn Japanese as I go to Japan a lot for skiing. I’d also love to be able to speak French. It is a beautiful language and I have many French friends. Japanese is probably easier for Chinese people, though, because we can read some of the Kanji characters which gives us an advantage.
What word do you use too often?
Well, I don’t swear very much, but I suppose my most over-used word would be “awesome.” It’s embarrassing really. I think it relates to my attitude to life. I find many things awesome and it is such an easy word to use to describe them.
What’s your favourite food?
Sichuan food. I am from that part of China and love the cuisine. I love cooking and consider myself pretty good. So, I love to make a 12 to 14-course Sichuan banquet and share good food and good wine with my friends. I have one particular friend who, whenever she attends one of my dinners, brings Tupperware so she can take home the leftovers. I take that as a compliment.
What is your favourite movie?
Hands down, it’s a film called To Live, based on the book of the same name. It describes why China is what it is today. I must have watched it about 10 times and cried each time. My husband is Australian, so only really knows about mainland China through me and my family. Even for him, it was quite emotional to discover what the Chinese have been through.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun?
Skiing I guess. I learned to ski as an adult and so I had to overcome my fears, especially my fear of speed. In the beginning, it was very scary for me but, as I got more proficient, I started to conquer that fear. Once I’d mastered it, I began to find skiing really quite exhilarating.
Are you a sports fan?
Every four years or so I am. I like football and follow it avidly when the World Cup is on. I am not a fanatic, but I do enjoy it. I also follow the Olympics closely.
When was the last time you got lost?
A couple of years ago I lost myself. Not in a physical or direction-wise sort of way. I went through a lot of pain and to places I was not familiar with. I did learn some interesting things about myself during that period, though. Things that I didn’t know before. I also discovered that once you find your way back, you come out a much stronger person.
What is your favourite accent to listen to?
Italian. Especially Italian men. They have such a larger-than-life passion for everything and they are so expressive. That accent is the perfect reflection of their over-sized culture.
Thank you.