Author: Janice
Company: Global Asset Trustee Berhad
Profession: Family Wealth & Legacy Planning Advisor
Position: Trust Advisor
《Gentle Self-Healing, Growing Toward The Sun》
I grew up in an ordinary and peaceful middle-class family. From a young age, I was quiet and introverted. I lacked confidence, was afraid to express myself, worried about making mistakes, and cared deeply about how others perceived me. Whenever I faced unfamiliar people or environments, my instinct was to retreat. Even my smile was something I once felt insecure about.
At that time, I believed the greatest foundation in life was financial freedom. I thought that as long as I had the ability to earn money, I would be able to take control of my own life. Later, through a friend’s introduction, I entered the insurance industry. For someone introverted and uncomfortable with主动 communication, this was not an easy path. From being afraid to speak, to having to face clients; from fearing rejection, to learning to accept every outcome, I was pushed beyond my comfort zone again and again. And that journey lasted ten years.
Those ten years changed more than just my career. They transformed the way I viewed life. I gradually realised that true growth does not mean suddenly becoming fearless one day. It means being willing to keep moving forward even when fear is still present. As I came into contact with more families, I also began to rethink what “wealth” truly means.
I discovered that many people spend their entire lives working hard to earn money and create wealth, yet very few seriously ask themselves: if something unexpected happens one day, will everything we have worked so hard to build truly remain with the people we most want to protect? This realisation led me into the field of wills and trusts. I did not leave insurance behind; instead, I began integrating insurance protection, asset protection, and wealth succession. I finally understood that knowing how to earn money is an ability, knowing how to preserve wealth is wisdom, and allowing wealth and love to be passed on according to our wishes is a responsibility.
This became another layer of awakening in my life. In the past, I always wanted to prove myself. I cared too much about results and constantly worried that I was not good enough. Today, I have learned to slow down and no longer rush to prove anything to others. I care more about my own growth, the companionship of my family, my physical health, and whether my heart is truly at peace.
I have also come to understand that there is never an absolute balance between family and career. True balance is knowing how to make the right choices at different stages of life, learning to communicate with your partner, and allowing both people to understand and support each other. When I am tired, I allow myself to rest. When the pressure becomes overwhelming, I learn to let go, heal, and begin again.
Along the way, I have become increasingly convinced that everything that happens has meaning in shaping who I am today. If I could say something to the timid and insecure version of myself from the past, I would tell her: “You don’t have to be afraid. Take your time. One day, you will become the person you have always wanted to be.”
I also want to share these words with every woman: do not lose yourself because of any identity you carry. A woman’s true strength is not only financial independence, but the courage to still have choices after everything she has experienced—the courage to grow, to begin again, and to live as her authentic self.
Awakening is not about becoming someone else. It is finally seeing yourself, believing in yourself, and having the courage to live as who you truly are.
— Janice