Through Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI)’s Community Connections Program, Aidan Bonel, Head of Platform Strategy for Digital Channels at UBS, was connected with FSI’s Community Business Support team to enhance its digital presence through advisory support and the curation of comprehensive guides, which are shared broadly with the under-resourced entrepreneurs and social impact leaders we work with.
Read our interview with Aidan to find out why he volunteered his skills and expertise for FSI, and the five reasons why he would recommend other skilled professionals to volunteer with us!
Tell us a bit about yourself, Aidan.
As Head of Platform Strategy for Digital Channels at UBS, I bring over 24 years of experience in digital product development and marketing. My career spans working in London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, where I’ve built and led digital transformation teams. My core expertise includes digital platform strategy, global team leadership, and enterprise-scale digital transformation.
When and why did you volunteer for FSI’s Community Business Support team?
I joined FSI in mid-2023 after participating in their Board Director Training Program. The organization’s mission to strengthen Hong Kong’s community businesses aligned perfectly with my goal of making meaningful local impact. I was particularly drawn to FSI’s approach of leveraging professional expertise to create sustainable social change.
What is your role as a volunteer for the Community Business Support team? What did you help the team achieve?
As an advisor with FSI’s Community Business Support team, I’ve focused on digital marketing and strategy to empower nonprofits and strengthen community connections. My advisory work has covered essential digital areas including SEO, website architecture, content management, web analytics, and paid search campaigns.
Throughout my engagement, I helped develop comprehensive guides and resources that enable small businesses to establish and expand their digital presence, ultimately supporting their growth and sustainability in the digital marketplace.
How would you describe this volunteer experience with FSI?
This volunteering experience has been rewarding, enabling me to apply my corporate expertise within Hong Kong’s social enterprise ecosystem. Working with FSI has provided valuable insights into the real challenges and needs of small businesses. While technology and media landscapes constantly evolve, I’ve learned that effective support often comes down to timeless principles of guidance and mentorship. This experience has transformed my perspective on professional volunteering and demonstrated how specialized skills can create lasting community impact.
Were there any memorable moments from this experience?
One particularly memorable experience was working closely with the team to develop practical digital marketing guides for small business owners. It was rewarding to translate my professional expertise into accessible resources that make a tangible difference. We created guides covering website and SEO strategies as well as digital marketing fundamentals – tailored to address the unique challenges local businesses face in establishing their online presence. This volunteer work offered me a fresh perspective on business at the grassroots level, reminding me that success isn’t limited to large-scale operations, but rather lies in empowering individuals to achieve their entrepreneurial goals.
Would you recommend FSI’s skills-based volunteering program to others? Why or why not?
I would recommend FSI’s skills-based volunteering program to other professionals along with the Board Director Training. The programs offers a unique opportunity to:
- Make a tangible impact in Hong Kong’s social enterprise sector
- Apply professional skills in a meaningful way
- Gain new perspectives on community development
- Network with like-minded professionals
- Develop new skills and experience while giving back to the community
Are you interested in volunteering your skills and expertise to support Hong Kong’s under-resourced entrepreneurs and social impact leaders? Get in touch with us at communityconnections@shared-impact.com!
