Do you have a birth story?
I was born at Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital, near the Royal Thai Naval Base, in Thailand. My mom said my nails and hair were so long until all the nurses were surprised!
What was your life like growing up? What dreams and goals did you have for your life when you left High School?
I grew up as a real bookworm- always a straight A’s student loved by all the teachers.
My grandparents and my mother raised me with conservative and traditional values of Thai culture. I was supposed to be a medical doctor in order to look after my grandparents as they grew older. But I chose to go into business because I wanted to be rich with less guilt.
Name at least one outstanding experience you have had in your life. How did this or these events affect you?
I received my Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance major, from the hands of the late King Bhumibhol the Great (King Rama IX). And I received a 1st prize award in the Buddhism Quiz Contest when I was in 6th grade from the hands of then Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, who is currently King Rama X of Thailand. I was also the youngest fund manager in the history of Thai’s banking and financial industry when I was 27 years old.
These events made me grateful for the unique opportunities I received, and made me proud of my extraordinary dedication and devotion to my studies and my career.
When in your life, so far, have you felt most confident and why?
When I do what I love and I do it very well. Because I love what I choose to do and I have my purpose in doing so,
Was there a time in your life where you felt ‘stuck’, unable to find the energy or strength to move forward or to make a big change? If so, can you share what it was &/or what helped you get past this road block?
There were several situations in my life and my career when I seemed to be unable to find the immediate or a quick way out. But I knew in my heart and in my head that there were always solutions and opportunities for me. I just needed to be more patient. While waiting, however, I also needed to still handle the situations the very best I could in all aspects, rather than just waiting for them to resolve by themselves. The right timing and the right factors will help put things in places with my attempt and perseverance.
What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Do NOT try to just win the battle but lose the war. Aim high and go for what matters the most. Pass up on the small victory. It’s perfectly fine to let others win in a small circumstance.
How have your dreams and goals changed now that you are 40+
My dreams and goals have become more of a long-term plan which is more sustainable and lasting, as opposed to those when younger which I focused on short-term growth and quick and dramatic success, with significant financial rewards and status symbols.
Have your core values changed over time? What do you value now?
I believe the fundamental values are still the same. Always do the right thing, fulfill my duty and help everyone (humans and animals) whenever I can. But the other temporary values probably have changed/modified over the years according to my life stage and circumstances, e.g. the strong ambition to succeed financially and to be highly recognized in the corresponding industries and social circle, etc.
Share an indulgence:
I am proud of who I am and what I have achieved. I am happy that I have been blessed every single day in my life, being with my fur babies who have given me irreplaceable love and faithfulness.
How do other people describe you or see you?
My friends say I have kindness and love everywhere I go, and that I am a very caring and giving person. People find me intuitive, authentic, confident and personable. They also feel that I am thoughtful and empathetic.
What is your superpower?
My ability to make everyone around me feel comfortable, happy, inspired and encouraged.
Can you share what your favourite part of your body is? Why?
I am extremely grateful for my brain. For the visible body part, however, I love my legs.
Do you like being 40+?
I can’t stop my age. LOL. So, I have to accept it as life gives me. But I look at the advantages of being over 40 as I have become wiser (most of the time), have learned and encountered a lot of situations and people, both good and bad, and thus I have transformed those experiences in life into valuable lessons that I did not possess in my 20s or 30s.
Has your relationship with yourself changed as you have gotten older? How?
Yes, I think so. I always reflect on my behavior both towards others and myself. Being older makes me become more self-aware of who I am, what I feel, what I say or do that affect others and myself, including the potential differences of the outcome of a situation I am involved in or come across.
What are you passionate about now? Ie: career, volunteer work, hobbies, how you spend your time. Please describe and include any links that you would like to share. Alternatively, If you are challenged in some way and unable to do what you love/wish to do, please share.
I have passion in photography, animal wellbeing, animal rescue, real estates and designs, golf, mother nature, singing and music.
I have been doing animal healing (Reiki) and animal behavioral consultation, besides rescuing and rehoming animals who were abused and neglected.
I also provide home-staging services for homeowners and real estate professionals, to help them sell or rent their homes at top dollars.
My real estate website has useful information and tips on the housing market and trend, property listings, etc.
(All links for Fern’s work are listed at the end of the interview)
What goals/ambitions/dreams would you like to be working on that you haven’t had the opportunity to start on yet?
I would like to be able to participate in the winemaking industry as it always intrigues me and the more I learn, the less I feel I know.
What advice would you give your future self?
I always picture myself on my deathbed, perhaps 30-40 years from now, and I will ask myself, if I do a certain thing today, will I regret it then? If the answer is yes, I will not do it.
How do you think women of your generation are perceived?
We are perceived as being more capable, more equal to men, being educated and more independent than the women in my mother and grandmother’s generations.
Are there any myths you would like to bust about the over 40s? If so, can you tell us about them?
Myths that we are too old to feel or still look attractive and sexually desirable, that we should consider staying at home and looking after our children or grandchildren, that we should stop chasing our dreams, and that we should not seek to be in another relationship.
What advice do you have to offer to those who are approaching mid life or those that are in mid life and perhaps struggling with it.
Enjoy your midlife crisis to the max, as I have enjoyed mine!
Do the crazy things you wish you could have done (please also consider the pros and cons before you do it). I bought another fast car, moved to the new city, dated young, handsome and successful gentlemen, just a few examples. LOL.
Do you have a favourite book to recommend?
Bill Bryson’s “At Home: A Short History of Private Life.”
Bill is my most favorite author. He is a critical thinker who is very intelligent, extremely hilarious, highly relatable, and importantly, he respects the women in his life.
Do you have a favourite quote to share?
If in doubt, DON’T. - - Always listen to and trust your inner voice, i.e. your intuition.
It never goes wrong.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don’t let men defy us about what we should do, how we should look or behave. At the end of the day, we are the ones who live our lives and live with the consequences of our choices and actions. Not them.
Thank you so much Fern! You are a true inspiration!
Below are links that Fern referenced:
Animal healing (Reiki) and animal behavioral consultation, besides rescuing and rehoming animals who were abused and neglected. www.AnimalConnex.com -website in progress
Home-staging services for homeowners and real estate professionals, to help them sell or rent their homes at top dollars. www.PleaseStage.com.
My real estate website www.Ferntastichomes.com will have (Website is in progress) useful information and tips on the housing market and trend, property listings, etc.
