Markets Media spoke with Violette Gu, Senior Investment Officer, Millenium, who won Excellence in Talent Management at the 2025 Women in Finance Asia Awards.

What does this award mean to you, and what does it reflect about your approach to talent in the investment world?

This award means more to me than a trophy on a shelf. It reminds me of the remarkable individuals who believed in me, the quiet victories we shared and the bold leaps of faith we took together. My approach to talent blends an analytical foundation, provided by my academic background in mathematics and economics, with trust, transparency and empowerment. I believe in providing the support, tools and autonomy for people to innovate and build their own legacies.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced when it comes to attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier investment talent?

Attracting talent demands sharing a compelling vision—one where people have true autonomy to pursue their ambitions. For me, developing and retaining talent means acting as a true co-investor in each individual’s growth, helping them refine their edge, strengthen their teams and evolve.

What qualities or patterns do you consistently see in the most successful portfolio managers and teams you’ve worked with?

Innovation: They constantly seek new ways to uncover alpha opportunities, rather than relying on legacy frameworks.

Quiet confidence: Data guides them, and they are always learning and improving.

Adaptive discipline: They evolve with the market while maintaining a solid process.

Emotional agility: They own their mistakes, learn quickly, and harness pressure to refine their strategies.

Talent-multiplying leadership: They build teams with a shared purpose—celebrating wins together and learning from challenges. They’re not just individual performers, but ‘culture builders’ who invest in relationships and the next generation.

Diversity and inclusion are becoming central to talent strategy across finance. How do you incorporate those values into your talent approach, and what impact have you seen?

Having lived across three continents and in over ten cities, I have grown up and worked with people from various backgrounds. My experiences have shown me firsthand how diverse inputs enhance innovation, and they drive my commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Are there personal habits, interests, or philosophies that help you maintain clarity and energy in such a demanding role?

Weight training and yoga are regular rituals that remind me that I am more than my inbox. I am also a keen traveler and language learner, speaking five languages and having visited over 50 countries. Whenever I visit somewhere where I have friends, I always take the opportunity to reconnect with them. These experiences broaden my perspective and fuel creativity. I love extreme sports, such as diving, skiing, and snowboarding, and am a PADI-certified Advanced, Deep, and Self-Reliant Diver. Above all, time with my family is sacred—their laughter and support consistently remind me of what truly matters.

What advice would you offer to those aspiring to lead in talent strategy or investment team leadership within hedge funds?

1. Listen with intent: Understand aspirations, fears and motivations before prescribing solutions.

2. Build genuine relationships: Invest in relationships not only in times of need, but regularly nurture them with care.

3. Stay curious and open-minded: Always look for innovative ways to solve problems and improve processes.

4. Embrace vulnerability: Sharing your own challenges and missteps can empower others to take smart risks.

5. Lead with humility and integrity: Trust is the most valuable currency in this industry. It is earned through consistent actions and a genuine commitment to the success of others.