After 14 years of working at AVANTGARDE Vanessa Li has reached great accomplishment. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the uncertainties faced early in her career. And now encourages future professionals to “stay curious, remain open minded, and trust the path you're on.” By taking bold steps and continuously learning, Vanessa believes every effort contributed to the accomplished professional she is today.     


Vanessas journey at AVANTGARDE has been marked by both personal growth and significant professional development. 

After graduation in 2011, the journey at AVANTGARDE began with a role as an administrative assistant. The position offered an entry into the professional world, though it didn’t provide an immediate sense of long-term career direction. Over time, an interest in finance and accounting grew, leading to the decision to pursue a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate while continuing in an administrative role. This commitment to personal development set the stage for a significant career transition. 


When an opportunity in the finance department became available, she accepted it, despite having limited experience in the field. AVANTGARDE’s open internal transfer policy made it possible to shift from administration to finance, an encouraging aspect of the company’s culture that supported professional mobility. This transition was a turning point offering new challenges and opportunities for growth.  


The first months in the finance team were challenging, as there were knowledge gaps to overcome. However, rather than being discouraged, steps were taken to quickly address these gaps. Free time was dedicated to studying accounting principles, finance regulations and company policies. This proactive approach led to the identification of tax-saving opportunities that had been overlooked. By engaging with tax authorities, over half a million yuan in savings were generated for the company by the end of the year. This success, coupled with continuous learning, played a key role in the promotion to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a position held for several years. 

Vanessa’s long journey at AVANTGARDE is proved by the company’s strong culture and her personal growth. When she first joined the company as an Administrative Assistant, she found a workplace that was different from what she had expected. AVANTGARDE offered a comfortable and inspiring workplace, where employees were trusted with flexibility instead of rigid clock-in systems. The emphasis on autonomy and accountability resonated deeply with Vanessa’s values which allowed Vanessa to feel empowered in her role, knowing that the company valued her as an individual and trusted her to manage her work effectively. Beyond flexibility, the company’s flat organizational structure played a significant role in her decision to stay. This structure fostered open communication and provided opportunities for employees at all levels to contribute to decision making. Creating an inclusive atmosphere that gives employees a sense of ownership in the company’s direction. She also values the company’s recognition and reward mechanisms, which acknowledged her efforts and encouraged her to keep pushing forward. 


 Above all, AVANTGARDE’s support for personal and professional development kept her engaged and motivated. By embracing challenges, providing opportunities for internal mobility, and fostering a culture of learning, the company enabled her to transition from an administrative assistant to a finance director. AVANTGARDE is not just a workplace – it is a place where she has grown, thrived and built a career she is proud of.