Naomi Chua, a 10-year MDRT member from Singapore, took a leap of faith when she made the transition from her full-time job as a cabin crew member to be a financial advisor. Her journey serves as a testament to her determination, resilience and unwavering commitment to personal growth. She offers a closer look into her pivotal moments and valuable lessons she learned along the way. 

A passion for service that led to unexpected opportunities 

Fresh out of university, Chua found herself facing financial constraints that hindered her plans for pursuing a Master's Degree in Psychology. Seeking a way to earn a substantial income and save for her future academic endeavors, she joined the airline industry as a cabin crew member. Her decision reinforced her passion for service and served as a platform for her to interact with diverse individuals from all walks of life. "What I enjoyed most were the interactions with the passengers," she explains, "I got to live vicariously through their experiences, and it was a refreshing departure from the confines of a desk-bound office job." 

Navigating challenges and building resilience 

Transitioning into the commercial aviation industry presented its fair share of challenges for her. She quickly realized how cut-throat the environment could be, which posed a culture shock for a recent graduate. However, Chua adopted a strategic mindset focused on what she could control. "I understood that changing the culture was beyond my reach," she states, "so I decided to excel in my work and become a valuable asset to my team. By doing so, I earned the respect and recognition that helped me navigate the challenging dynamics of the industry." 

Furthermore, having to constantly work across different time zones, often led to fatigue and vulnerability to illnesses. To counteract these adverse effects, she developed a disciplined routine centered around regular exercise, proper nutrition and ample rest.  

A shift in ambition and the pursuit of financial advisory 

After three years as a cabin crew member, Chua’s aspirations outgrew the limitations of her role. She yearned to work harder, grow faster and provide more for herself and her family. Inspired by her personal experiences, she made the bold decision to switch careers and pursue a path in financial services. “After exploring various option, a career in financial services came naturally to me as I already had conviction in it. After all, it was the lack of financial planning that plagued my family with numerous challenges in my younger years. Hence, I felt that it would be a meaningful switch to pursue a profession in this field instead,” she shares.  

Throughout her journey, Chua gleaned invaluable lessons that continue to shape her professional approach. Firstly, she learned the importance of not taking things personally, even in the face of adversity. By choosing to respond to challenging situations with a smile, she discovered the transformative power of maintaining a positive outlook. 

Furthermore, understanding that her contributions played an integral role in the success of her colleagues and clients, Chua took pride in consistently delivering her best, particularly during high-pressure situations. To uphold her commitment to maintaining high standards, she also discovered that working alone is not viable, as nobody is perfect, and everyone can make mistakes or experience moments of weakness. She came to realise the importance of delegating work to a team as well. By establishing well-defined processes, streamlined workflows and clear communication channels within her business, she ensures that tasks are executed seamlessly and collaboratively. She also recommends being accountable to a community, such as through the MDRT mentorship program. This serves as a source of her motivation now, as she strives to give her best no longer just for herself but also to those who have entrusted their trust and belief in her. 

Lastly, her experience of working on weekends and public holidays as a cabin crew member proved helpful in adapting to the demands of her new career in financial services. Her ability to adjust quickly to unconventional schedules and remain dedicated to serving clients during these times helped position her as a reliable and trusted advisor.  

Empowering others and making a difference 

Chua's passion for helping others achieve financial stability and independence became the cornerstone of her career as a financial advisor. She has honed her personal brand through an earnest, no-nonsense approach, promising her clients the truth, even when it may be challenging to hear. This commitment has helped her resonate more strongly with her clients. For instance, some of her middle-income to lower-middle-income clients have expressed how they value her authenticity and share similar ambitious aspirations. On the other hand, clients who come from a more well-to-do upbringing have found inspiration in her story and respect her “self-made” background. 

Moreover, her dedication to making a difference is exemplified through the impact she makes on her clients. “I was referred to this particular client of mine when she was just an undergraduate. Her uninsured mom had cancer and their family finances was stretched. As she had an allowance from her scholarship, we made plans to have her start investing and insuring herself even while she was still studying. Fast forward now, she is financially independent, has a promising teaching career and is planning for marriage. Even though she faced numerous life challenges along the way, I always advised (and she agreed) that after processing the emotions felt during these situations, we must re-focus on what we can control; to bring ourselves out of undesirable situations by putting financial plans in place to safeguard our future. Money is not everything, but it can help to solve a lot of problems,” she shares. 

Chua’s journey from cabin crew member to financial advisor is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience, and adaptability. Her unwavering commitment to personal growth and her ability to navigate challenges have allowed her to carve out a meaningful career that positively impacts the lives of others. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with determination and the right mindset, one can overcome obstacles, embrace change and achieve remarkable success. 

 

Contact: MDRTeditorial@teamlewis.com