Imagine stepping into the sumptuous World Ballroom, perched high on the 23rd floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld, where the air buzzes with the kind of electricity that signals something monumental. This was the scene on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 12:30 to 15:45 hrs, as attendees gathered for an event that promised to delve deep into the fabric of female empowerment and leadership. The Bangkok Post Forum 2024, aptly titled “The Women’s Vision: Empowering Change for a Better Future,” was graced by the presence of Ms. Narumon Chivangkur, a titan in the world of banking and the Citi Country Officer and Head for Citi Thailand. Captured in the lens of Varuth Hirunyatheb, the forum was more than just an assembly; it was a beacon of inspiration.
During a panel brimming with insights and rich experiences, Ms. Narumon unfurled a narrative that was both personal and universal. Speaking to a rapt audience, she confronted the nebulous, yet pervasive, barriers that so many professionals encounter on their ascent up the career ladder. “The invisible ceiling,” as she adeptly termed it, isn’t forged from societal norms about gender roles as much as from our internal dialogues that whisper of inadequacy. “You don’t have to be 100% ready to get on the road,” she reminded the audience, her words slicing through self-doubt like a beacon of hope.
With nearly three decades of seasoned experience under her belt, Ms. Narumon’s journey with Citi Group reads like an odyssey of resilience, learning, and leadership. Her message was clear and potent: Both men and women are fully capable of sculpting their destinies, chiseling out pathways to success on the bedrock of hard-earned wisdom and the relentless quest for growth. “During a journey, we can enjoy learning at every moment,” she mused, echoing the timeless truth that the pursuit of knowledge itself is a destination cherished.
In a world often bracketed as a “man’s game,” especially in the high-stakes arenas of banking and finance, Ms. Narumon stands as a testament to the fact that women can not only survive but thrive at the zenith of executive leadership. The real adversary, she posits, is an invisible cage of our own making – a cage that can only be dismantled with the courage to embrace imperfection and the resolve to step beyond the familiar thresholds of comfort.
Her discourse was anything but a sermon on ambition; it was a clarion call to action. “A perfectionist view will make life less fun,” she contended, advocating for a harmonious blend of common sense and audacity in navigating one’s career. Ms. Narumon, once a singer in the enchanting kaleidoscope of the 90s music scene, transitioned into the corporate amphitheater of Citi Group in 1996. Her trajectory from a management associate to the global market head and now, the revered country head, is a narrative punctuated with milestones of embracing challenges and seizing opportunities.
Raising her hands to new responsibilities wasn’t just a choice for Ms. Narumon; it was her mantra. In her words and through her journey, she saw not the specter of challenges but the allure of an open door, an invitation to “come and dance.” It’s a perspective that turns professional landscapes into stages, where each challenge is a step, every setback a beat, and success, a dance worth every moment.
The Bangkok Post Forum 2024 may have been a single event in the grand tapestry of professional forums, but with voices like that of Ms. Narumon Chivangkur echoing in its halls, it transformed into a cradle of empowerment, threading visions of a future where ceilings exist only to be shattered, and the stage is wide open for those daring enough to dance. So, as the curtains fell on this illuminating assembly, one thing was crystal clear: The path to success, threaded with challenges and learning, is not just a journey but a spectacular dance, if only we have the courage to step onto the stage.
Ms. Narumon is undeniably inspiring, but I think it’s important to note that not everyone has the opportunities or support that she had. It’s not just about breaking ceilings; it’s about addressing the systemic barriers that still exist.
While systemic barriers are real, stories like Ms. Narumon’s show that they can be overcome. It’s about perseverance and hard work.
Perseverance and hard work are important, but we can’t just ignore the fact that for some people, the barriers are significantly higher. It’s not just an individual’s battle.
Agree with @EconGirl88. We need to focus on dismantling these systemic barriers. It’s not just about individual success stories.
This whole ’empowerment’ thing feels so 2010. Aren’t we past talking and more about doing? Companies need to start implementing real policies for gender equality, not just talk about it at forums.
Talk is the starting point for action. Forums like these are essential for setting the agenda and inspiring change in corporate culture.
I get where you’re coming from, @TommyTech, but change starts with awareness. These events are critical for awareness.
People are missing the point. Ms. Narumon’s journey isn’t just about gender; it’s about overcoming any personal barriers. We all have our ‘invisible cages’.
While personal barriers exist for everyone, women face unique challenges in the professional world because of their gender. It’s not the same battle.
I’m not saying it’s the same, but focusing solely on gender might make us overlook other important aspects of personal and professional growth.
There’s room to talk about both personal and gender-specific barriers. Why does it have to be one or the other?
It’s refreshing to see a leader openly discuss the fears and doubts that plague professionals. Ms. Narumon’s humility and openness is truly inspiring.
Is it really humility, or is it just a well-crafted public image? Everyone’s got an agenda.
Cynical much? Sometimes it’s worth taking people at their word, especially when their actions back it up.
Perfectionism has been my biggest enemy. Hearing a leader talk about embracing imperfection gives me so much hope.