Ask The MFA A-Listers: Monalisa - COT
We were excited for this chance to get up close and personal with Monalisa, Court of the Table member of Million Dollar Round Table. She shares more about what inspired her to join this industry and what aspects of her life matter to her most.
How would people describe you in three words?
Authentic, personable and trustworthy.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
King Solomon. I am inspired by the wisdom of leadership he has. All the land and the people under his reign was prosperous. Good leadership is shown in the quality of life of the people you lead.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
It does not matter where I go; more importantly it’s the people whom I travel with. I enjoy travelling with my husband most!
What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?
Cooking delicious food. To have my loved ones enjoy and appreciate the works of my hands is a blessing. That being said, I can’t cook!
What do you do on your days off?
Usually days off are filled with playdates for my daughters, catching up with good friends and having dinner with parents.
When did you realise that you wanted to be a financial services consultant? What has changed since you first started?
I first joined the financial industry because I believe in the power of financial planning and I like the structure whereby I am remunerated for the amount of hard work I put in.
The difference today is that I have realised that I am making impact in the lives of people I touch, and they too have left an indelible mark in my life.
What was the first assignment that has left the biggest mark on you?
My first assignment came to me even before I joined the industry; when my mother was diagnosed with critical illness and eventually I had to process her death claim and handle the probate process. The experience became the foundation of my conviction today!
From your own experience, define what is it like to be a financial services consultant?
A financial services consultant is a trusted person. My clients come to me for everything that happens in their lives - relationships, education matters, medical treatments, career advice etc.
What makes you different from your peers?
Tenacity in getting things right, and continuous pursuit of learning and improvement for the longevity of my business to serve the people who believe in me.
How do you define success?
I define success as “betterment in whole person” concept. As long as I grow to be a better person each day, I am successful.
What’s your philosophy in life?
Live not for my own glory, but for His glory.
What is the best thing about being a Court of the Table member?
For me it is not so much of having a title, it is in knowing that in this industry you can achieve anything that you set your mind to do. There is no ceiling to your capabilities and possibilities. And that in itself is tremendously exciting!
Of course being in Manulife Financial Advisers, the open architecture platform has helped me to achieve my set goal. I am looking forward to more exciting growth with the company!
Stay tuned for more inspiring insights and exclusive Q&A segments with our MFA A-listers!