Darkhantsetseg Erdenetsogt
Future 50 Honoree of 2024
For taking risks that continually pay off
Finance Director at PMI Mongolia Chapter | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Darkhantsetseg Erdenetsogt says the best piece of advice she ever received was from her first supervisor, who told her: If someone asks for help, offer it as soon as possible because all work is teamwork. When their work progresses, so does yours. “I vividly remember those words and think about them often. This advice shaped how I approach collaboration—it taught me the value of being responsive and proactive in supporting my team.”
She continues to live up to those words in everything she does. Since 2019, Darkhantsetseg has been a pivotal force within the PMI Mongolia Chapter, where her volunteer contributions have shaped the organization’s direction and outreach. She dedicated herself to volunteer work without expecting anything in return. "I knew I had a responsibility to perform my job well, not just for myself, but for the team and the broader PMI community that trusted me.”
In 2022, she was appointed as the director of finance—and if there is one thing that characterizes her leadership, it’s her commitment to professional development and community impact. Darkhantsetseg was honored to become a member of the board of directors and says her love for the work hasn’t changed, it’s only grown. “I deeply believe in PMI's mission to elevate project management as a profession and drive meaningful social impact. This unwavering commitment is at the core of everything I do, and it’s what I believe makes me an effective leader at PMI.”
In her role there, Darkhantsetseg has not only shared her extensive expertise with the finance team but also has exemplified a spirit of mentorship and empowerment. Her colleagues often praise her for her dedication to fostering growth in others, reflecting a core belief that effective leadership involves uplifting those around you.
This ethos resonates throughout her career, as she consistently seeks opportunities to enhance her skills while contributing to the broader community. “This process of mentorship goes beyond simply providing instruction—it’s about inspiring others to see their potential, build their own expertise, and become reliable, independent contributors to the team. The fulfillment I feel from watching others grow and succeed, whether in their careers or in personal development, is a testament to the impact that shared knowledge and empowerment can have.”
I deeply believe in PMI's mission to elevate project management as a profession and drive meaningful social impact.
I deeply believe in PMI's mission to elevate project management as a profession and drive meaningful social impact.
Sharing knowledge is an underlying theme in Darkhantsetseg’s career. She previously served as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), leading a groundbreaking research initiative focused on personal income taxation in Mongolia. In her country, personal income tax is calculated solely on income. This study aimed to look at the impact of creating a more gender-sensitive tax bracket, taking other factors influencing this into account. The project shed light on the “potential benefits of a more nuanced approach to taxation, ensuring that policies are more inclusive and equitable, especially for those in rural or disadvantaged situations. The research provided valuable insights for developing a fairer tax system that reflects the diverse realities of Mongolian citizens,” she says. This project underscores her dedication to applying analytical rigor to drive social change.
Darkhantsetseg’s early career included a tenure at TDB Securities, where she played a crucial role as an investment analyst. Her efforts facilitated bond financing that amounted to approximately 17 billion MNT (about $5 million dollars), marking a significant achievement in her professional journey. This experience not only honed her financial expertise but also deepened her understanding of the complexities within Mongolia’s economic landscape. “It was a fast-paced and dynamic role, but it quickly became the biggest foundation for applying what I had learned in school to real-world situations. This experience deepened my passion for the stock market, as I developed a strong understanding of financial instruments and market behaviors. It shaped my career, reinforcing my decision to further pursue finance.”
Her academic excellence is equally impressive. An honor student at the National University of Mongolia, she earned the prestigious Best Student of Mongolia award, highlighting her dedication to her studies. Darkhantsetseg’s commitment to social responsibility emerged at this time when she spearheaded a project that enhanced the Badam Lianghua Children’s Orphanage with a library, enriching the lives of children by establishing a collection of over 5,000 books. “To expand our efforts, I proposed inviting successful professionals to share their insights at events where students could buy tickets in exchange for books they no longer needed. Ultimately, we collected over 3,000 books for children (and approximately 2000 course books). This project ignited my passion for volunteering and highlighted the impact we can make in our communities when we work together.”
Today, she continues to push the boundaries of her professional development as she pursues multiple prestigious certifications, including a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 2, a CMT (Chartered Market Technician) Level 2, and the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. Darkhantsetseg embodies a relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement in finance, education, and community service, and uplifting those she works with.