How hospital cured my addiction to work: Christie’s Asia president Rebecca Wei
Medical complaint taught her the value of time out – now she juggles a jetset lifestyle and hefty workload with spas, books and quality time with her daughter
Christie’s Asia President Rebecca Wei never used to care about securing private time off work – until she became so overworked that she ended up in hospital for two weeks during her early thirties.
It was back when Wei had just started her decade-long career at McKinsey & Company, where she would go on to become the first female partner elected at their Greater China Office. Having worked for six months without weekends or vacations, she developed a pain during a Christmas party and went to see a doctor for what she thought would be a quick visit. Instead, she ended up in a hospital bed.
The incident completely altered her attitude towards the work-life balance.
“That’s the moment I learned that you had to listen to your physical needs. I became more disciplined,” Wei says. “Your health is like a bank, and you have to deposit. Wellness is super important throughout your life.”
Fast forward about 16 years, and Wei has become one of the leading figures in Hong Kong’s art auction scene. She’s responsible for overseeing Christie’s auctions, private sales and e-commerce across the region, as well as developing the company’s education programmes and international real estate in Asia.
