Olivia Chua: Your life experience can enhance your career

Many of the factors for whether a person is hired by a company aren't typically included in their CV. Beyond just work experience and training, intangible personal virtues such as constant learning, courage, adaptability, and a desire for excellence are also key to becoming a successful professional.

Olivia Chua, CHRO at Jebsen & Jessen Group, is a great example of someone who lives without fear and focuses on their goals both personally and professionally. Her inspiring journey, which has taken her from Malaysia to various parts of the world, was recently featured on People Matters Unplugged.

Olivia's professional journey began when she started working at a young age in a variety of industries. She did this to gain experience and develop skills. Today, she credits these early experiences for providing her the poise and basic tools necessary to succeed in her subsequent roles.

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When Olivia entered the world of human resources, it was somewhat serendipitous but not surprising. She applied to various positions in companies that aligned with her career goals and values and was ultimately offered a recruiter role. Her background in analytics provided her with a more accurate perspective on the talent field and helped her to be analytical when sourcing talent and comparing CVs to job descriptions.

Olivia's willingness to see the world and experience different cultures has been key to her personal and professional growth. She spent time in the UK, France, Scotland, and the Middle East, developing her adaptability, resilience, and ability to empathise with people from all walks of life.

As she reflects on her journey, she encourages others to embrace a non-linear career path and expose themselves to a multitude of experiences that can help them develop the emotional intelligence necessary to succeed in the HR field.

By constantly learning, being courageous, and embracing new experiences, as seen in Olivia's example, anyone can achieve their goals and make a difference in whatever field they choose to pursue.

Catch the full episode of People Matters Unplugged here: