Navigating Career Success: Insights from Suthapit Thawatchainun and Wattasri Pattamasing Na Ayudthaya

Stepping into the professional realm is no small feat, especially for those fresh on the job scene, eager to carve their niche while evolving personally. In episode five of Mind the Gap, this delicate dance of self-discovery and career navigation was unpacked in a fascinating dialogue between Suthapit Thawatchainun, known as Prea, a budding Customer Relationship Management specialist at a renowned French cosmetics company, and Wattasri Pattamasing Na Ayudthaya, affectionately called Ouu, the Managing Director of a prestigious global luxury brand operating in Thailand and Vietnam. Their exchange seamlessly wove together fresh insights from an enthusiastic newcomer with the seasoned wisdom of a veteran leader.

Aligning Business Vision with Team Management

Prea broached a concern many share: how do leaders harmonize business ambitions with nurturing their teams? Ouu presented a nuanced perspective, comparing this balance to the classic “chicken and egg” conundrum — business vision and people management are intertwining threads. A strategic vision is fundamental, yet without the right team to breathe life into this vision, it remains just a dream.

Leadership, as Ouu articulated, is about guiding the team to understand the “why” behind their roles. Clarity is key; without it, even the keenest of team members might drift away. Leaders should communicate not only what needs doing but why it matters — this fosters alignment, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Equally, the “how” of achieving goals is paramount. Team members may be willing but unsure of how to proceed effectively. This is where open dialogue and continuous support play their roles, ensuring everyone feels integral and empowered. “When they truly own their tasks and feel part of the success,” Ouu said, “they’re inspired to contribute even more.”

Tackling the Fear of Mistakes

The leap from academia to the workplace can be intimidating, with mistakes seemingly holding weightier consequences. Prea confessed her worry that blunders at work appear far more significant.

Ouu, drawing from her rich experience, provided sage advice: meticulous planning is vital. While mistakes are part and parcel of any journey, a well-conceived approach dampens the fear. Inevitably, errors will occur — nobody is infallible.

The mantra, Ouu suggests, is to extend oneself a measure of grace. “Be gentle with yourself. Don’t overburden yourself — as long as it isn’t a matter of integrity like dishonesty, there’s room to learn from it.”

Finding Joy in the Workplace

Prea also voiced a common challenge: maintaining happiness while striving for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Recognizing the universal nature of this strain, Ouu proposed a shift in perspective: “True happiness should stem from within.” She linked this to the significance of self-awareness, suggesting that satisfaction starts with introspective questioning: What are your strengths? What brings you joy? Who do you aspire to be?

“Seeking validation from colleagues is a frustrating endeavor, as they’re on a similar quest,” she remarked. “The journey begins with yourself.”

As a practical practice, Ouu revealed her habit of ending each day reflecting on positive outcomes and learning from missteps, aiming to replicate the former and sidestep the latter. “Life is a series of peaks and valleys. Embrace the journey and savor the experiences.”

Bridging the Generational Divide

As the conversation drew to a close, Ouu questioned Prea about the reality of the generational gap at work. Prea confirmed its presence, noting it has been evident in every position. Navigating older work cultures often involves careful observation, engaging communication, and seeking common ground.

Ouu underscored the necessity of authenticity, while Prea confessed that younger staff members don’t always feel emboldened to chart their course or seek assistance. Both recognized the crux of the issue: a shortage of open discourse.

“It’s often a monologue from one generation,” Ouu observed. “There’s a lack of reciprocal dialogue.”

The divide permeates expectations around work-life balance as well. Prea noted the tendency of older colleagues to request after-hours responses. Ouu recommended young professionals assert healthy boundaries tactfully: if non-urgent, it can wait.

Ultimately, the bridge across generational divides is built on the very foundation they were establishing: engagement through conversation and listening.