Ask The MFA A-Listers: Samuel Seah - COT
Next up in our special feature of the MFA A-listers is Samuel Seah. Heartiest congratulations on becoming a Court of the Table member of Million Dollar Round Table!
Get to know what keeps Samuel motivated to stay on top of his game, and be inspired by his endless enthusiasm and passion for this exciting career!
How would people describe you in three words?
Positive, driven and goal-oriented.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My coach from Singapore National Wushu Team in 2009. He changed my perception on how to view all situations in life when I hit rock bottom back then. Ever since, I view all challenges in life as opportunities to excel, and pretty much nothing gets me down now!
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
A Lion. The Lion symbolises strength, courage, leadership and nobility; often imprinted on family crests and national flags in many civilisations. Its roar stops you; it is a terror that shakes you up and draws you into something majestic at the same time. I aspire to be that leader to my team in many years to come.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
Mount Everest in Nepal. The journey up the summit would be a test of one’s mental and physical tenacity which will greatly benefit any individual who accomplishes that.
What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?
To unlock the creative aspect within me. The world needs new ideas to improve.
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day who would it be and why?
Bill Gates. To know what it is like to have created a legacy that has added value to the whole world and what he really values at his current status. I would also want to know what he believes would help humanity next.
What do you do on your days off?
Personal development, sports and spending time with my family and friends.
When did you realise that you wanted to be a financial services consultant? What has changed since you first started?
? I didn’t. I just took a leap of faith by starting financial advisory in the bank in January 2012, followed by joining Manulife Financial Advisory in December 2016. I have developed a passion for the role ever since.
What was the first assignment that has left the biggest mark on you?
I achieved my Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) in two weeks in December 2016 upon joining Manulife Financial Advisers. It was challenging as it was the yuletide season and most clients were overseas. It left the biggest mark on me because I believed it could be achieved and I did it. I wanted to be a testament to others that they can achieve great things if they believed in themselves.
From your own experience, define what is it like to be a financial services consultant?
Financial advisory is understanding an individual, his background, financial situation, priorities and providing solutions of protection and investments tailored to them to achieve financial freedom.
Define what being an A-Lister means:
Individuals who have succeeded despite the odds.
What makes you different from your peers?
The ability to take hard hits, move on very quickly and focus on the end goal.
How do you define success?
Success to me is the continuous process of constantly seeking improvement and developing the intangible qualities which enables one to excel in every aspect of his or her life.
What’s your philosophy in life?
Success is a decision away.
What is the best thing about being a Court of the Table member?
To be able to lead my team by example and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Stay tuned for more inspiring insights and exclusive Q&A segments with our MFA A-listers!