Beyond the bamboo ceiling: Asian leadership in Aotearoa with Franky Wang

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The Third Space with Naisi Chen

Naisi Chen

7 episodes

1 week ago

The 3rd Space is a podcast created by Kiwi Asians, for anyone navigating life between cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores what it means to build a “third culture” and how that shapes our personal lives, careers, and sense of belonging. Through honest conversations with leaders, creatives, and community voices, the podcast shares real experiences of work, identity, visibility, and growth. The 3rd Space is a place to reflect, connect, and feel seen while shaping your path in the world. Host: Naisi Chen Producer & Editor: Xian Zhang Music: Kaishandao – Kristen Ng Advisory: Sam Collins

Society & Culture

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Society & Culture

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Beyond the bamboo ceiling: Asian leadership in Aotearoa with Franky Wang

The Third Space with Naisi Chen

40 minutes 23 seconds

1 month ago

Beyond the bamboo ceiling: Asian leadership in Aotearoa with Franky Wang

In this episode, we sit down with Franky Wang — Head of Asia Business Activation at Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), a China-born New Zealand business leader shaping Asian growth strategy across the motu. Franky leads a nationwide team supporting Asian clients and steers work spanning deal origination, policy review, and stakeholder engagement.

He shares how cultural intelligence, Asian leadership, and international business strategy inform his approach to connecting Aotearoa and Asia. Frankie reflects on overcoming cultural barriers, navigating the bamboo ceiling, and the mindset shifts that carried him from a Shanghai-born migrant to a strategic leader in New Zealand’s banking sector.

We also explore his contributions in governance, community mentorship, cultural festival promotion, and his vision for empowering future Asian leaders. This kōrero is rich with insight on cross-cultural leadership, identity, and building resilient pathways between business and community. If you want to know him more, please connect with him on his LinkedIn page: Franky Wang.

Episode Credits

Host: Naisi Chen

Producer / Editing: Xian Zhang

Music: Kaishandao