For Erim Lim Geok Leng, a 13-year MDRT member from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, being a financial advisor is more than navigating market cycles or meeting sales targets, it’s about finding purpose and resilience in the face of challenges. Like many advisors, Lim faced burnout early in her career. “Rejection after rejection left me emotionally drained,” she recalls. “There were days I’d sit in my car, questioning if I could keep going.”

Her turning point came through her support system — her husband. “He’d listen patiently and suggest simple resets, like enjoying an ice cream or a quick shopping break,” Lim says. These moments weren’t just about emotional relief; they gave her space to reflect and strategize. “After those calls, I’d analyze what went wrong and how to improve.” By tracking client objections and refining her approach, Lim transformed setbacks into opportunities. Within five months, she achieved her first MDRT qualification a testament to her ability to turn burnout into breakthroughs through action and support.

Impact over numbers

As Lim’s confidence grew, so did her vision. “I realized my purpose wasn’t just about hitting sales goals, it was about empowering communities,” she says. Passionate about financial literacy, Lim launched outreach programs and workshops tailored to local Malaysian families. She also collaborated with financial institutions to promote financial awareness.

In a bold move, Lim and her brother co-founded a fintech platform and digital financial academy to drive digital financial inclusion. “Our goal was to make financial education accessible and relatable,” she explains. Through these initiatives, Lim built lasting client relationships, guiding families toward financial security while fostering trust and connection. Her work shifted from transactional to transformative, redefining success as the impact she creates rather than just policies sold.

Setting goals that inspire growth

For Lim, growth is a cycle of setting and surpassing meaningful goals. “Once I achieve a target, I aim higher, not just in numbers, but in impact,” she says. In 2023, after hitting a sales milestone, Lim challenged herself to help 100 families improve their financial literacy within a year. By year’s end, 120 families had attended her workshops, with many reporting newfound confidence in managing their finances.

This focus on impact fuels Lim’s motivation. “Seeing families take control of their financial future is what keeps me going,” she says. Each goal pushes her to innovate, adapt, and find deeper meaning in her work, making her advisory career both fulfilling and sustainable.

The power of community

The MDRT community has been a cornerstone of Lim’s resilience. “Connecting with fellow members recharges me,” she says. The Whole Person approach has shaped how she builds relationships with clients. For example, when a single mother shared her struggles with work-life balance, Lim didn’t just offer financial advice — she connected her with a local support group. This holistic approach helped the client manage stress while staying on track with her financial goals. “It’s about making a real difference, not just selling policies,” Lim emphasizes.

Lim’s journey offers a powerful lesson: resilience comes from blending support, purpose, and growth. Her advice to fellow MDRT members is clear: “Build a support system that lifts you up. Stay connected to your mission. And always seek ways to grow for yourself and those you serve. Success isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the lives you touch.”

Contact: MDRTeditorial@teamlewis.com

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How a support system and community keep financial advisors resilient