Create, collaborate, transform: Pauline Javani on MSI’s next chapter
Pauline, stepping into the role of Interim CEO was an exciting opportunity for you. How are you finding it?
It was certainly unexpected, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn and try my hand at something new. I spent some time testing how I felt about the challenge, but ultimately it felt like the right thing to do.
My immediate priority has been bringing the MSI Secretariat team together. With a number of new people joining, there is a real opportunity to combine different strengths and experiences, while keeping one clear focus: delivering value for our members.
Membership organisations have been a big part of your career. How does that fit with MSI?
It fits very naturally. I spent 17 years with ACCA, working across different areas, but memberships were always at the heart of what I did. I've always enjoyed exploring how people can work together to build something bigger than themselves. That's something I see every day at MSI.
Our members are all different, but there is so much we can learn from each other and so many opportunities to connect people with the right partners, markets and ideas.
You've also spent a lot of time working across Asia-Pacific. What makes this region so exciting?
It's a region of opportunity. There are hugely different markets, cultures and priorities, but there is also a strong spirit of collaboration.
Technology is driving a lot of growth, and businesses across the region have shown a real ability to adapt and evolve quickly. For me, that makes it an exciting place to be and a great environment for MSI to continue developing.
What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?
I'm excited about what we can achieve as a team. I don't think everything needs to change overnight. We have a lot that works well already, so it's about building on that, making small improvements and finding new ways to create value for members.
Our upcoming International Conference in Singapore is a great example. Its theme, Create, Collaborate and Transform, is about bringing people together, sharing experience and being open to new ideas. Hopefully everyone leaves with a slightly different perspective and something they can take back to their own firm.
What's next for MSI?
We need to stay true to our values while remaining open to change. The world is moving quickly, and we need to keep learning, adapting and looking for opportunities to do things better. For me, that's the exciting part of MSI's next chapter. There's a real sense of possibility, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes us.