In order to succeed in their careers, people have to adopt a “never say no” attitude when faced with challenges at their workplace, says Pawarapa Dupassakoon, marketing and PR director for Porsche Thailand by AAS Group.
This doesn’t mean employees must say yes to every task that comes their way — it is about how being too cautious and risk-averse in the workplace could actually have an adverse impact on one’s career prospects, she said.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Bangkok Post Women Vision Forum 2024 on Thursday, she said she brought this attitude with her when she started out at Porsche Thailand 14 years ago.
The marketing industry at the time was a “man’s world”, she said, noting that Porsche, as a sports car brand, and the business as a whole, appealed more to males than females.
“I started working with Porsche at a young age. Everything was new to me, but I gradually learned and understood what Porsche and super cars are all about,” she said.
Like Narumon Chivangkur, country officer and banking head at Citi Thailand, who took to the stage before her, Ms Pawarapa said she embraced every opportunity that came to her at work.
She was promoted as a supervisor and manager, before she took on new responsibilities which landed her her current position.
Ms Pawarapa said her journey with Porsche has changed her perception of the brand and the industry as a whole.
“Porsche isn’t just a car for men. A Porsche can be for everyone,” she said. “It can be a sports car … it can be linked with good moments for couples and families.”
“I eventually understood that we are in the business of selling happiness and moments, not just a car.”
Besides a keenness to take on new responsibilities, Ms Pawarapa also learned how to manage her emotions in different contexts.
“Good things and good people are memories. Bad things and bad people are lessons,” she said.