Five Questions With: Xay Khamsyvoravong

"Mentally, I find my work on the boards of Girls on the Run, the Center for Southeast Asians, and Providence Water to be incredibly energizing."

Xay Khamsyvoravong is vice president of government and institutional banking for Webster Bank and chairman of Providence Water. He was recently named to the board of Girls on the Run Rhode Island – a nonprofit prevention program for girls in the third through eighth grades that combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions.
Prior to joining Webster, Khamsyvoravong executed more than $1 billion in infrastructure financings having worked for Morgan Stanley’s public finance investment banking group in Manhattan, N.Y. Before entering the private sector, Khamsyvoravong served as a senior advisor to the State Treasurer throughout the 2008 market meltdown where he handled the office’s policy and intergovernmental affairs, and has advised and managed numerous local, statewide and federal campaigns across the country. A Brown University graduate, Khamsyvoravong received a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a master’s degree in Public Affairs.
Here Xay discusses his role with GOTRRI and how he balances staying fit with banking.

PBN: What made you want to join Girls on the Run Rhode Island and what do you think of it as an organization?
KHAMSYVORAVONG:
Adolescence is tough and it’s an especially challenging time for girls. Today’s societal pressures haven’t made their lives any easier, and I wanted to push back in a way that helps give girls the chance to develop the confidence to stand proudly on their own. I was attracted to the wonderful team and curriculum Girls on the Run offers that’s focused on giving girls the skills they need to make healthy decisions and to be independent thinkers. In my short time working alongside an incredibly talented board and staff I have been inspired by the impact Girls on the Run RI is making.

PBN: As a board member with a banking background, what will you bring to the table and how will you help the organization succeed?
KHAMSYVORAVONG:
In addition to serving on the development and finance committees for Girls on the Run, I’m co-chairing its annual fundraiser – Brewing Boldness – at Foolproof Brewery from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 6 (tickets available here). Organization, cost control, and of course, a supportive network of friends, family, colleagues and clients are essential to the fundraiser’s success, just as they have been in my banking career.

PBN: Banking can be a stressful and even – at times – unhealthy profession, how do you stay in good physical and mental shape?
KHAMSYVORAVONG:
Mentally, I find my work on the boards of Girls on the Run, the Center for Southeast Asians, and Providence Water to be incredibly energizing. I’m constantly inspired by the people we serve, and those who I work alongside. When I worked in Manhattan I chose to live a twenty-five minute walk from work because I knew my daily commute on foot would be my only regular opportunity for exercise in my 80-100 hour investment banking weeks. Moving back to Providence, I kept that mentality and chose to live downtown, walking rather than driving as much as possible. I also take a pass on business luncheons a couple times a week and instead jump on the squash court.

- Advertisement -

PBN: What are some tips you would share with young people trying to get healthy and for those trying to stay healthy?
KHAMSYVORAVONG:
Try different things. Finding an activity you enjoy is a great way to stay active and social, and you’ll make great friends who can help keep you motivated. If you’re struggling to find your ‘thing’ don’t be afraid to try a new sport or join a new organization, like Girls on the Run. Some of our best participants are girls who never thought they’d join a team or hit the track. I’ve competed at the national and international level in sailing, figure skating and ballroom dancing, but before I found success I played a number of sports for which I wasn’t a great fit (just ask my mother about my lacrosse years). Throughout all these experiences I’ve made great friends and developed a terrific level of confidence and humility that’s kept me trying new sports and meeting new people to this very day.

PBN: Why is it important for girls to learn how to become independent-thinking problem solvers at a young age?
KHAMSYVORAVONG:
I believe that if we want more women leading our communities we need to start early in their lives by helping them develop the confidence and skills they deserve and need to tackle problems. Well before taking on the boardroom is an equally daunting challenge – middle school, which is an important time in a person’s development. It is at that point that we must instill the confidence that girls can and should take chances and solve problems if they’re going to be ready to lead us to conquering the big issues in the future.

No posts to display