Investing in you.

By Grace Clarke

Growing up, I remember hearing the term “money talks” tossed around like a mantra. Back then, all I understood was that money was something you saved, something that slipped through your fingers just as fast as it landed in
your hands. My concept of wealth was hazy at best. Money was either something you didn’t talk about or something you spent before you even had a chance to question what it was for. As I entered adulthood, those confusing terms – mutual funds, compound interest, retirement schemes – felt like a foreign language. Sure, I knew that saving was important, but no one really explained why or how.

When I used to think of financial planning, I pictured men in suits, hunched over glass-topped desks, their spreadsheets an intimidating blur of numbers. The world of finance felt like a club for those who could calculate compound interest in their sleep. Masala turned to Napaporn “Seema” Palsingh, a woman reshaping the narrative. As a Unit Manager at Krungthai Axa and an independent agent for non-life and international insurance, Seema’s journey from full-time mum to financial expert highlights the power of financial literacy. In our conversation, she shared how understanding money, not just saving it, changed her life, and how she’s now helping women confidently navigate this often-intimidating world.

Tell us about your upbringing.

Born and raised in Bangkok, I completed my high school education at the prestigious Wynberg-Allen School in Mussoorie. From there, I advanced my studies, ultimately earning a degree in International Business Management.

What led you down your current career path?

I’d worn many hats: garment production, digital accounts and hotel purchasing, but none truly fulfilled me, so I embraced life as a full-time mum. After my pregnancy, postpartum depression pushed me toward a spiritual path, where I learned to prioritise my happiness over society’s norms. One day, I stumbled upon a post by my now-manager about juggling motherhood, travel, and financial literacy while still earning. Her words sparked something in me. I craved that independence, the chance to give back, and the freedom to rebuild my life on my terms.

What areas do you specialise in currently?

As a licensed Insurance and Investment Consultant, I help clients navigate their financial goals, even if they’re not sure what those goals are yet. We talk about what they have, what they need and how much risk they’re comfortable with. From life and health insurance to retirement, education, and even tax planning, I use insurance as a tool to protect what matters most while building strategies for the future of clients. My area isn’t just about coverage but creating plans that work for their lives.

Reflecting on your evolution from agent to manager, what pivotal moments or challenges have most shaped your growth in the financial services industry?

I never saw myself as a manager, I was too scared of failing. But my mentor, Khun Rungpetch, who has been my rock, said something that changed everything: “Failing is not trying at all.” That pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the challenge of leadership. With her guidance, along with training and experience, I’ve grown into a leader who not only inspires others but also seeks out people with the same drive to make a difference or those I see bursting with potential, just waiting to shine.

In your role as a manager, you now lead a diverse team. What strategies do you employ to foster motivation and ensure professional growth among your team members?

I’ve always believed in empowering women through financial literacy, which is why my team is mostly composed of incredible housewives and working women. My mantra with them has always been, “We grow together.” I stay available and constantly encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. Nothing is easy the first time, but when your intentions are honest, there’s nothing to fear. For us, it’s about spreading awareness of how vital financial planning is, especially in an aging society like Thailand. When we focus on giving back, the pressure eases, and the effort naturally turns into results. I’m so grateful for my amazing team; each one of them has made a difference, starting with their own financial goals.

How do you keep up with the ever-evolving landscape of insurance and financial products to provide tailored solutions to your clients?

At my company, training is constant. I attend as many sessions as I can, and for the ones I miss, I always catch the recordings. Beyond that, I keep pursuing certifications to deepen my knowledge on every topic. My philosophy is simple: if you learn something new every day, you can teach something new every day. Curiosity drives me – I learn just as much from clients and coworkers as I do from textbooks. Experience, not just theory, is the ultimate teacher.

You emphasise long-term relationships with clients and support their financial goals. What principles or core values guide your approach to client relationships and trust-building?

To me, every client is like family. I care for them deeply and hope we can grow old together on this journey. That’s why every piece of advice I give comes with honesty and transparency, even if the outcome isn’t always ideal for either of us. This year, I had the honour of receiving the Top of the Year Persistency Award, 3rd place, from Krungthai Axa Thailand for 2023 – an award for customer retention. It was at that moment I realised my approach truly works, and I’m beyond grateful to my clients for trusting me along the way.

What does a typical week look like for you?

My days are a delicate balance between work and motherhood. My husband and I take turns with drop-offs for my daughter, and during the day, I’m either working from a café, at home, visiting clients or attending a training session. No matter where I am, I make sure to leave by 2.30 pm to pick her up. Evenings are usually spent at home with my daughter, though sometimes I squeeze in client meetings, training or dinners with friends. My husband does his best to come home early enough to put her to bed – she waits for him! Saturdays are packed with training, and Sundays are our sacred family day. I used to be a workaholic, but now I’m learning the art of balance.

Juggling multiple roles as a mother, wife and manager must come with its unique set of challenges. How do you stay motivated and grounded despite the demands of your multifaceted life?

I love what I’m doing. It took exploring many fields to finally find my calling. I remind myself constantly why I’m here: the joy of breaking things down, making the complicated simple, and helping someone see what they were missing gives me a satisfaction no other job ever did. Sure, money matters, but the real drive comes from knowing I’m making a difference. Also, I want to be a role model for my daughter – a woman who’s financially independent, passionate about her work and always evolving with the times.

With more mothers balancing both professional roles and parenting duties, there’s a growing narrative around redefining success and fulfilment. From your perspective, how has the perception of working mothers evolved, and what advice or insights would you share with other women striving to juggle their careers and family responsibilities effectively?

I’ve realised success isn’t about nailing the perfect balance, but embracing the chaos with a little flexibility and a lot of self-compassion. It’s learning to juggle career and family without guilt, setting boundaries, and being okay with asking for help – or even putting yourself first once in a while. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about what works for you. And if today feels like a mess, remember tomorrow’s another chance to make it work. So, cut yourself some slack, and know this: you’re already amazing just for showing up.

What initiatives or contributions do you feel are most needed within the Thai-Indian community to enhance financial literacy and long-term planning?

Money shouldn’t be a taboo topic at home. It’s not just about saving but understanding why and how to spend as well as managing what you have. Start early. Teach basic accounting and mindful spending with questions like, “Do I need this, or do I just want it?” Financial planning works best when you’re young because time is your greatest asset. Yet so many avoid conversations about goals, risks, or retirement. We need to empower younger generations to ask the hard questions, understand the risks, and start planning for their future now. After all, the business world is evolving, and preparing for tomorrow begins with smart decisions today.

As someone who has been on this professional journey for six years and counting, what advice would you give to new agents who aspire to create a meaningful and sustainable career?

It’s all about building relationships, not just ticking off transactions. Truly understanding someone’s needs and offering a solution that genuinely fits. Consistency is key, but so is the willingness to keep learning and adapting. Life’s always changing, and the best relationships (whether personal or professional) are the ones that grow with it.