3児の母でM&AコンサルタントのElvynaに聞く両立インタビュ――An interview with a mother of three and M&A consultant on balancing work and family life

2022年に日本M&Aセンター マレーシア現地法人（Nihon M&A Center Malaysia）へ入社したElvyna Cheongさん。現在はシニアコンサルタントとして活躍する一方で、3人の子どもを育てながら会社から片道2時間の距離を通勤するワーキングマザーという一面も持ちます。Elvynaさんがどのようにキャリアと家庭を両立させているのか、その背景にある価値観や想いを聞きました。
※English follows Japanese

子育てとM&Aは身につくマルチタスク力や視野の広さが似ている

―なぜM&A業界を選んだのですか。母になったことで、仕事への向き合い方に変化はありましたか。

私は昔から、問題を解決し、企業の大きな転換点を支える仕事に惹かれてきました。M&Aの仕事には、数字や分析だけではなく“人の想いを受け止める”側面があります。企業ごとに歴史やストーリーがあり、オーナーの夢や人生そのものが詰まっています。M&Aは単なる売買ではなく、オーナーが時間をかけて育ててきた「もう一つの家族」を託す仕事です。だからこそ、責任・共感・誠実さが欠かせないと感じています。母になってからは、「未来を託す」という意味をより深く理解するようになりました。子どもを預ける時に感じる「信頼」を、オーナーの皆様も私たちに対して抱いているのだと思うと、より丁寧に、意図を持って向き合うようになったと感じます。

―母としての経験は、仕事の判断やタフさにどのように影響していますか。

母になることで、「規律」「忍耐力」「想定外への対応力」が強く鍛えられました。子育てで身につくマルチタスク力や視野の広さは、M&Aで求められるスキルと驚くほど重なります。複数の利害関係者の間で最適な判断をする場面は多く、時には状況が急に変わることもあります。そんな時に冷静でいられるのは、母として日々鍛えられているからこそだと思います。仕事で成果を出すことも大切ですが、子どもたちに「意義のある仕事に誇りを持つ姿」を見せたい。それも私のモチベーションです。

―仕事と家庭の両立について、どのようにバランスを取っていますか。

その瞬間に最も必要とされる役割に全力投球することを大切にしています。子どもの生活リズムや学習、必要なサポートを事前にしっかり整えておくことで、仕事に集中すべき時には心配なく向き合えます。また、両親のサポートにもとても助けられています。とはいえ、M&Aは予測不能な業務が多く、子どもが急に体調を崩すこともあります。柔軟に予定を調整しなければならない時は正直大変ですが、「丁寧なコミュニケーション」と「時間の使い方への意識」で乗り越えています。日本M&Aセンター マレーシア現地法人の7歳になるまで、1年あたり合計6日間まで休暇を取得することができる「子育て休暇制度」も、家庭を支える大きな助けになっています。

“バランス”とは毎日を均等にすることではなく、必要な時にスムーズに役割を切り替えられる柔軟さ

―働く母として、どんな葛藤や犠牲がありましたか。どんな瞬間に力をもらえますか。

一番の犠牲は“時間”と“そばにいてあげる機会”です。朝の時間や寝かしつけ、出張中の丸一日。どれもなくしたくない瞬間であり、胸が痛むこともあります。長期出張が続いた時、「この働き方を続けて大丈夫だろうか」と自分に問い続けたこともありました。それでも前に進めたのは、母として身についた強さと成長、支えてくれる家族、同僚、上司の存在があったからです。
そして帰宅した瞬間、子どもたちが「ママ！」と抱きついてくるあの時間。それだけで、何もかも報われます。10分の会話や、スマホに届く子どもの写真や動画が、どれほど心を救うか計り知れません。

―忙しいM&Aの中で、どのように心を整え、子どもに向き合っていますか。

自分の中で“仕事から家庭へのスイッチ”を作るようにしています。帰り道に好きな音楽を聴いたり、コーヒーやピアノ、映画などの静かな時間を楽しむことで、心がリセットできます。そして何よりも大切なのは、子どもと過ごす時間に100%集中すること。週末は特にスマホを手放し、子どもとの時間を守るようにしています。“バランス”とは、毎日を均等にすることではなく、必要な時にスムーズに役割を切り替えられる柔軟さだと思っています。

―母として、そしてコンサルタントとして、どんなことに誇りを感じますか。

私の働く姿を見て、子どもたちが「問い、挑戦し、考える力」を身につけていると感じる瞬間はとても誇らしいです。また、身体的にそばにいられない時でも、“安心して何でも話せる存在”であり続けることも大切にしています。その信頼関係は、意識して育ててきた大切な宝物です。

母であることは、キャリアの障害ではなく、強さそのものを育ててくれる

―日本M&Aセンターのサポートで助かったこと、今後期待することは？

とても理解ある職場で、緊急時や子ども関係の予定にも柔軟に対応してくれます。同僚も気にかけてくれ、必要に応じて助け合える文化があります。今後は、リモートワークの機会、フレックス制度、育児関連の補助制度などがさらに強化されれば、働く親にとってより心強い環境になると思います。

―これからキャリアと母親業を両立しようとする若い女性へ。

うまくいかない日があっても、それは“普通”です。母になることはキャリアの妨げではなく、あなたをより強く、思いやりのある存在にしてくれます。サポートを求めていい。柔軟性を大切にしていい。母親として得たスキルを誇りにしていい。キャリアも家庭も、あなたらしい形で同時に育てていくことができます。

プロフィール
Nihon M&A Center Malaysia
Elvyna Cheong
2022年にNihon M&A Center Malaysiaへ入社し、現在はシニアコンサルタントとして活躍。投資銀行、事業戦略、オペレーション改善、さらに東南アジア地域におけるコンプライアンスや金融犯罪リスク管理といった幅広い経験を持ち、的確なリスク視点を強みにクライアントに寄り添う3児の母。

Building Career, Building Families: How A Mother of Three Continue to Thrive in the M&A Industry・Elvyna Cheong

Elvyna joined Nihon M&A Center Malaysia in 2022 and is currently a Senior Consultant, advising business owners and stakeholders across the full M&A lifecycle with a strong focus on strategic alignment and long-term value creation. Prior to joining Nihon M&A Center, Elvyna built her career across multinational corporations and entrepreneurial environments, with experience in investment banking, business strategy, operational improvement, and involvement in regional compliance and financial crime risk management initiatives across Southeast Asia, bringing a strong risk-management perspective to her advisory work.

Beyond her professional career, Elvyna is also mother of three who lives two hours away from the office, yet she continues to excel in one of the most demanding industries. Her story highlights the balance, discipline, and resilience required to grow a career in M&A while raising a family. This interview explores how Elvyna navigates both worlds with intention, and how she continues to thrive professionally without compromising her role as a mother.

―What inspired you to pursue a career in M&A, and how has motherhood shaped your perspective?

Pursuing a career in M&A felt natural to me because I have always been drawn to problem-solving and to supporting business owners during some of the most significant transitions of their lives. What I love about this profession is the blend of analytical work with meaningful human connection, every deal carries a story, a legacy, and the dreams of the people behind the business. 

One thing that I believe makes M&A truly unique is that we are not simply selling a company, we are being entrusted with something deeply personal. For many owners, their business is their “baby,” built from scratch, nurtured through countless challenges, and grown with pride. Over the years, I have met founders from all walks of life, listened to how they built their businesses from the ground up, and worked closely with them to ensure their life’s work transitions into the right successor. Each engagement always reminded me of three key things: responsibility, empathy, and integrity.

Becoming a mother added a profound layer to how I see my work. Motherhood sharpened my appreciation for long-term planning, legacy, and the emotional weight of letting go - all of which lie at the heart of M&A. Just as I entrust my own children to caregivers and schools, business owners place immense trust in us to safeguard what they have built. That perspective has made me more thoughtful, compassionate, and intentional in every recommendation I give. 

The Strength Motherhood Brings to Professional Life

―How has motherhood influenced your decision-making and resilience at work?

Motherhood has strengthened many skills that are crucial in M&A: discipline, resilience, and ability to stay calm when unexpected turns happen. Like many other parents, multitasking becomes second nature - you learn to view situations from multiple perspectives, anticipate needs, and respond quickly when plans change. These mindset and qualities translate directly into my role as a consultant, where every decision involves balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders and navigating complex, sometimes unpredictable situations. At the end of the day, success for me is not just measured by closed deals or professional achievements, but by the example I set for my children to pursue meaningful work, stay grounded, and lead with empathy.

―When work and family both need you at the same time, how do you balance it all, and what challenges come with it?

For me, balance is about being fully present in whichever role needs me most at that moment. I always plan ahead by organizing my children’s routines, schoolwork, and daily needs so that when work needs my attention, I can stay focused without constant worry. I am also blessed with strong support from my parents, who step in to help with taking care of my children, especially during more intense periods. This has allowed me to show up as both a committed professional and a devoted mother.

However, balancing an often unpredictable M&A workload with family responsibilities has never been easy. Weekdays can be especially demanding, and when unexpected situations come up, such as when my children fall sick, I sometimes have to rearrange my schedules and commitments at short notice, which can be stressful.

To overcome this, I always practice clear communication and being intentional with my time. Whenever work allows, I make it a point to spend quality time with my family, especially on weekends. I am also grateful for the childcare leave benefits provided by Nihon M&A Center Malaysia, which have been incredibly helpful in easing the burden and giving me the flexibility to be there for my children when they need me most.

Sacrifices, Doubts, and Move On with Strength and Confidence

―What sacrifices have you made as a working mother, and which moments give you the strength to keep going?

As a working mother, the biggest sacrifices I have had to make are time and presence. Missing their mornings, their bedtimes routines, and sometimes entire days when I am away for work. It is never easy, and there is always a little guilt that comes with those moments. To be honest, there were also times, particularly during extended work trips, when I always questioned myself whether I could truly balance professional demands while remaining fully present for my family.

But what has helped me push through those moments was a combination of personal growth and strong external support. I learned to apply the same skills motherhood taught me – multitasking, prioritisation, adaptability and staying calm under pressure - to my professional life, while setting realistic expectations and boundaries. Just as importantly, having a supportive team and understanding leadership made a meaningful difference. Knowing that I was not navigating those challenges alone gave me the confidence to keep going.

What ultimately makes it all worthwhile are the moments in between. For example, I always come home to be greeted with excitement like I have been gone for ages, even if it was just a day, listening to my children share their stories, and hearing their laughter. These remind me that even if I cannot be present at every moment, the moments we share are deeply cherished. On demanding days, it is often the smallest thing, like a short 10-minute chat, or a photo or video of my children that pop up on my phone, that instantly lift my mood and spirits. Their voices, their smiles, and their innocence always have a way of grounding me, reminding me to pause, breathe, and reaffirm why the journey is worth it.

―How do you manage stress and stay present for your children in a demanding M&A role?

I have learned the importance of creating small transition routines to help me reset mentally and stay present for my children. Simple habits like listening to music during my commute home help me mentally switch from work mode to family time. When I have moments to myself, I would recharge through quiet activities like enjoying a good cup of coffee, playing the piano, or watching a movie. These pockets of ‘me time’ help me decompress and maintain balance during high pressure periods.

At the same time, spending time with my children is one of the most effective ways for me to manage stress. I make a conscious effort to protect family moments, especially on weekends, by putting my phone away and focusing fully on them. Those moments help me reset, stay present, and remind me why the work I do is meaningful.

I do not view balance as splitting time equally every day, but about having the flexibility to shift roles smoothly, ensuring my family feels supported while I continue to meet my professional goals.

―What accomplishments make you feel proud as both a mother and a consultant? 

One of my proudest accomplishments is showing my children what strength and balance look like. In my work as a consultant, I solve complex problems, adapt quickly, and continue learning - and I see those same traits growing in them. They have become curious, independent thinkers who are not afraid to ask questions, try new things, and bounce back from challenges. Knowing they are learning these qualities by watching me is incredibly meaningful. I am also proud of being emotionally present, even when I cannot always be physically present. My children know they can come to me with their worries, questions, and dreams. That trust and connection did not happen by accident. It is something I am genuinely proud of nurturing alongside my career.  

 “Motherhood is not a barrier to career growth – it shapes you in ways that make you stronger and more resilient”

―How has the team at Nihon M&A Center Malaysia supported you as a working mother, and what more do you hope to see going forward?

The team and leadership at Nihon M&A Center Malaysia have been very supportive, and I have always felt respected as both a professional and a parent. My leaders show understanding when parenting challenges arise, whether it is an emergency, a school commitment, or an unexpected situation, and during more demanding periods. My colleagues have also been very supportive, stepping in when needed and consistently checking in on my well-being. That sense of understanding and teamwork has made it much easier to navigate both work and motherhood.

Looking ahead, I hope the company continues to strengthen flexible work arrangements, such as occasional remote work, flexible hours, or adjusted schedules, to further support working parents. Continuing to foster an understanding culture is equally important, and introducing initiatives like childcare allowances or parenting subsidies would go a long way in easing the pressures of raising a family and reinforcing the company’s commitment to working parents.

―What message would you share with young women navigating career growth and motherhood?

It is not always easy, and that is totally okay. Motherhood is not a barrier to career growth; it deepens your resilience, purpose, and strength. Make space for what brings you fulfilment, because a happy, grounded self really does create a healthier family. Ask for support when you need it, embrace flexibility, and recognize the skills motherhood builds. Your journey is valid, and you are doing great. You do not need to choose, your career and family can grow together, shaped intentionally in your own way.