The transition from one career to another is not always just about learning new skills—it can also be about adapting to an entirely different emotional landscape. For one former neurotechnologist, Angelica Sim, this career pivot brought unexpected challenges and valuable lessons in emotional resilience. Learning to separate personal emotions from professional responsibilities helped this two-year MDRT member from Singapore better manage and thrive in her role as a financial advisor.  

"When I made the transition from a biomedical science background to the financial services profession over four years ago, it was a big shift not only in terms of work but also in the kinds of emotional challenges I faced," she shares. "As a neurotechnologist [back then], I interacted with patients who, for the most part, were grateful and respectful. I was accustomed to working in a more structured, clinical environment where I knew exactly what to expect, and the interactions were often empathetic. However, I wanted a role that would continuously challenge me and give me full control over my own progress and development." 

The insurance sector presented a contrast to the clinical setting she was familiar with, and one of the biggest hurdles she faced was dealing with rejection. "In the beginning, every 'no' felt personal. I would question if people were rejecting me because I was an insurance agent [as commonly referred to in Singapore], or worse, because they didn't like me. It was especially tough because, as someone new to the industry, I felt like I didn't have much credibility yet," she shares. 

This emotional struggle affected her early interactions with clients. "I became overly cautious, sometimes second-guessing myself, or trying too hard to avoid rejection," she admits. This hesitation could have made her appear less confident, which was not the best first impression she could make in her clients’ eyes.  

Nevertheless, she was deeply appreciative when clients did give her a chance, despite her inexperience when she first started out. “Every interaction felt more meaningful, and I learned to cherish even the small victories," she adds. 

 

The turning point 

A particularly challenging client encounter proved to be an important lesson for Sim’s career. “Early on, I had a rough client appointment. The client was extremely harsh and even raised his voice at me. As someone who was still trying to find her footing in the industry, I felt completely helpless," she recalls. "After the meeting, I broke down and ended up crying on the phone to my director for an hour.“However, more importantly, this experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons I've learned in this industry: the importance of perspective. I realized that the client's reaction had much more to do with their own fears, insecurities, or frustrations than with me as a person or a professional," she explains. This mindset shift has helped her build a substantial practice serving around 250 clients, primarily focusing on women aged 25 to 30 who are just starting their careers and managing student loans. Her approach of ensuring essential coverage for clients who typically opt for monthly payments rather than lump sum annual premiums, combined with strong referrals from satisfied clients, has contributed to her qualifying for MDRT. 

Today, she approaches client meetings with a new strategy for maintaining emotional equilibrium. Instead of internalizing the rejection or negativity, Sim started to adopt the mindset of 'control the controllables'. She reminds herself that how people react is out of her control, but she can control her preparation, attitude and response to adversity.  

More importantly, she also learned how to better compartmentalize her emotions. "Every time I faced a difficult client or situation, I would remind myself that I didn't need to carry those emotions into my next appointment. My next client deserved my best — not the emotional baggage from the previous meeting," she explains. This mental reminder helps her be more mindful to not let one bad interaction bleed into the next. 

 

Bringing your best self to each client meeting 

Sim also implements various techniques for ensuring she presents her best self during each client meeting. "I always make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early before any appointment. That buffer gives me a moment to gather myself, visualize the meeting and get mentally prepared," she says. "During this time, I don't just think about the client's profile or what I'm going to say; I also visualize where my client will sit, how the conversation will flow, and even the small details like what drink to order for them. This helps me focus on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for them.” 

For example, one simple strategy she uses is to deliberately choose a setting that matches the mood of the appointment. For instance, if it is a lunchtime meeting, she will opt for a coffee shop to switch things up and make it feel more relaxed. If it is a coffee appointment, she will suggest a place where they could grab a light meal. It may seem small, but these little details help me create a positive atmosphere, which in turn helps her reset mentally. 

Another simple yet effective technique is personalization. She makes a point to remember her client’s preferences, from their favorite drink to how they like their meetings to go. “By doing this, I’m showing my client that I’ve taken the time to understand their needs and preferences. This not only makes them feel valued but also helps me focus on being fully present, ensuring that they receive my undivided attention,” she shares. 

Her journey from healthcare to financial services demonstrates that success in the profession is not just about mastering products and policies. It also requires developing emotional resilience and learning to maintain professional composure in the face of challenges. Through careful attention to detail, mindful preparation and a commitment to personal growth, Sim transformed early setbacks into valuable lessons that continue to shape her client service approach.  

 

Contact: MDRTeditorial@teamlewis.com