Careers & Conversations

Meet Dr. Mary Wang - National Leader, Supply Chain and Procurement

Mary grew up in mainland China and migrated to Australia in her late 20s, where she discovered her passion for academia and Engineering!

With a degree in Professional Accounting & Law and a PhD in Control Theory and Engineering, Mary has developed extensive expertise in Aerospace Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing.

Mary's journey has been marked by personal and professional challenges that she has overcome with unwavering determination. She openly shares about her experiences and how they have shaped her into the leader she is today. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and honing her skills is evident in her approach to her work as our National Leader in Supply Chain and Procurement. 

Mary’s story is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Her remarkable achievements and leadership serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the field.             

Professional Life 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE IN YOUR OFFICE/DIVISION?

The culture in my office is very inclusive and supportive. Whenever I come across difficulties in my work, I can always seek advice from the senior management teams. And my colleagues are always dedicated to their work and we support each other.

WHAT ARE THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping my clients solve their problems and meet compliance standards. Many of my clients have Asian backgrounds with head offices located overseas, and for them, Australia presents a completely new business environment with different auditing, tax, and consulting requirements. I take pride in helping them navigate these challenges, from setting up their business in Australia to meeting compliance requirements, and ultimately helping them reduce operational costs once their business is up and running. 

WHAT DID YOU DO PREVIOUSLY? WHAT LED YOU DOWN THIS PARTICULAR CAREER PATH?

I previously worked as a research assistant at RMIT and as a research fellow at ANU. Later, I moved to Perth and started my career as a contract administrator with a Fortune 500 firm, leveraging my strong background in engineering and academia. Due to my expertise, I quickly progressed to sales and senior management roles. 

After spending 9 years with this firm, I joined RSM with the initial intention of promoting its Asia business. 

“RSM is a firm where the longer you stay, the more you enjoy it.” 

During my engagements with various businesses, I identified emerging demands in supply chain and procurement management, particularly in the area of operational consulting. This led me to establish the Supply Chain and Procurement service within RSM.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

The best piece of professional advice I’ve ever received is to be patient.

The current world is moving at a very fast pace and seems full of choices. I initially felt restless when I joined RSM amidst the outbreak of Covid-19. However, my coach advised me to be patient and optimistic. Taking this advice to heart, I decided to utilize my spare time by pursuing a master's course in Professional Accounting and Law to enhance my knowledge and skills for the benefit of my clients and my career progression.

I have come to realize that patience is a key factor in career growth. When you are in a supportive environment, it allows you to focus on your work. By being patient and persevering in your career, you will eventually reap the rewards of your efforts.

Personal Life

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT?

 I am deeply passionate about creativity and innovation. In my work, I constantly challenge myself with questions like what will be the most challenging aspect of a project and how we can effectively solve problems. For me, creativity and innovation do not necessarily mean completely deviating from the current way of doing business. It means thoroughly understanding the operations, becoming an expert in my field, and identifying areas where improvement and value can be added.  

WHERE ARE YOU NEXT LOOKING AT GOING ON A HOLIDAY?

I am definitely looking forward to visiting Argentina! I have been practicing Argentine tango for over 10 years and I am a huge fan of tango dancing.

The beauty of tango dancing is that it teaches you when to take the lead and when to be a follower. This valuable lesson has also translated into my professional life, helping me navigate negotiations with challenging clients and knowing when to assert leadership, as well as when to listen, learn, and follow. 

WHAT'S ONE THING YOU'RE CURRENTLY TRYING TO MAKE A HABIT? 

I am currently striving to make it a habit to wake up every morning at 4:30 am and read history books. Whether it's Chinese history, European history, or world history, I find that delving into the past helps me better understand the present. With the increasingly complex geopolitical issues and their impact on global economies, reading history books provides me with a sense of calmness and allows me to gain insights into my clients' perspectives, given their diverse backgrounds and unique concerns about today's society.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT PERSONAL ADVERSITY YOU HAVE FACED, AND HOW YOU'VE OVERCOME IT TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? 

One major adversity I faced was immigrating to Australia from mainland China in my late 20s with limited proficiency in English, particularly in spoken English (although my written English and test scores were qualified). To overcome this, I took on a job as a waitress in an ice cream shop during a summer break to practice my oral English skills. Selling thousands of ice creams helped me improve my communication and customer service abilities, and I realized I had a talent for sales.

As my oral English improved, I encountered another challenge in public speaking. I believe a good leader should be an effective public speaker who can connect with audiences. To enhance my public speaking skills, I started listening to speeches by celebrities and learning from their techniques. While I am not claiming to be a perfect public speaker, I continue to improve through experience. I take pride in my continuous efforts to be better and strive for self-improvement, which has helped me overcome personal adversity and achieve success in my career.