From Manila to London, Kristine Chua’s career at the Financial Times has been shaped by embracing new opportunities, taking on unexpected challenges and continuing to grow.

Since joining the FT in 2018, Kristine has worked across regions and roles within the People team and now leads the People Coordinator team from London. We caught up with Kristine to hear more about her career journey, the experiences that have shaped her development and what she has learned along the way.

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey with the FT?

I joined the FT in 2018 as a HR Advisor in Manila within the People team. Although my role was still evolving at the time, I was excited by the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of activities. My responsibilities included recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, payroll, clinic management, project management and employee engagement, giving me the opportunity to build strong relationships across the business while developing a well-rounded understanding of the People function.

In 2021, I took on an informal secondment supporting the US People team remotely from Manila while continuing in my local role. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across different regions, broaden my understanding of the business, and gain exposure to different employment practices. After the secondment, I took on additional responsibility for managing our Benefits Coordinator while continuing to oversee our onsite clinic operations, including working closely with our onsite doctor and nurse.

In 2023, I joined the EMEA People team on assignment as a People Coordinator. I was keen to broaden my experience and gain a deeper understanding of how the FT operates across the region. Supporting our London headquarters and other EMEA offices gave me valuable insight into the wider business, while also demonstrating the potential for establishing a Manila-based People Coordinator hub to provide remote support to the EMEA team.

In 2025, I was promoted to People Coordinator Team Lead and relocated from Manila to London. I currently lead the Manila-based coordinator team remotely, focusing on streamlining processes, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the employee experience through the effective use of AI and other digital tools. It's been especially rewarding to help shape how our team works while continuing to support colleagues across multiple regions.

Alongside my day-to-day role, I've enjoyed getting involved in initiatives beyond my core responsibilities. I was part of the first cohort of FT Learning Champions, delivering learning sessions in partnership with the Learning team across the region. I've also been actively involved in employee-led networks, including Manila Wellbeing (formerly the Mental Health Network) and FT Access, and I'm a trained Mental Health First Aider.

Looking back, my career at the FT has been shaped by being open to new opportunities and embracing challenges outside my comfort zone. Each role has built on the last, allowing me to expand my skills, work with colleagues across different regions, and contribute to initiatives that have had a broader impact on the business. I'm grateful that the FT has supported my growth, from starting as a HR Advisor in Manila to leading a global team from London.

Thinking back to when you first joined the FT in Manila, what attracted you to the company and the People team?

What particularly attracted me to the FT, beyond its trusted reputation in the industry, was its strong commitment to employee wellbeing and engagement, areas I have always been passionate about. Having worked six days a week in a previous company, I was especially drawn to the FT’s genuine commitment to work-life balance and creating a positive employee experience.

What have been some of the key moments or turning points that shaped your career growth at the FT?

The key turning points in my career at the FT have come from saying yes to projects and assignments that challenged me, even when I felt nervous or wasn't completely confident. Those experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me discover what I was capable of, and gave me greater clarity about the kind of work I enjoy and the direction I wanted my career to take.

Moving internationally is a big step both personally and professionally. How did the move from Manila to the UK come about, and what was that experience like for you?

Moving to the UK felt like something I was always meant to do. Professionally, it was an exciting opportunity to continue growing my career with the FT, and personally, it meant starting a new chapter. Although the exit migration process in the Philippines was rigorous, the transition itself was made much easier by my incredibly supportive and welcoming team. I was also fortunate that my fiancé had already been living in the UK, so I had a great support system while settling in.

Of course, there were a few cultural adjustments along the way. I quickly learned that "You alright?" is a greeting, not a question, and that definitely made everyday conversations a lot easier!

How has working across different regions and cultures shaped your leadership style and perspective?

Working across different regions and cultures has made me more curious, adaptable and open-minded. It's reinforced that while consistent processes are important, every situation is unique and cultural differences need to be considered alongside local legal requirements and best practice. As a manager, I try to listen first, understand different perspectives, and find solutions that balance global consistency with local needs.

What advice would you give to colleagues or young professionals who are looking to grow and develop their careers?

My advice would be to never limit yourself to what you see as a conventional career path. Instead, focus on your interests, your strengths, and where you want to grow in the long term. Be curious, ask questions, seek feedback, and don't be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities that might feel outside your comfort zone. Growth is rarely linear, and some of the most rewarding experiences come from taking on challenges you didn't initially expect. Most importantly, stay adaptable. The world of work is constantly evolving, and a willingness to learn, unlearn, and embrace change will help you continue growing throughout your career.

After eight years with the FT, what still inspires and motivates you in your role today?

There's always something new to learn. We're in a period of significant change, particularly with the rapid development of AI, which is both exciting and challenging. It pushes me to think differently, question existing ways of working, and continuously look for better ways to support our colleagues and improve the employee experience. Being part of that evolution and helping shape how we adapt is what motivates me every day.

If you could give your “first day at FT” self one piece of advice, what would it be? 

I'd tell my first-day-at-the-FT self to enjoy the journey. You don't need to have every step of your career mapped out or strive for perfection. Stay curious, embrace opportunities that challenge you, and trust that every experience, whether planned or unexpected, will help you grow and prepare you for what's next.

Ready to embrace a culture that supports your professional growth and wellbeing?