Exclusive Interview: Singapore Financial Service Consultant Willis Lau's greatest trait to be charismatic is to have confidence

1. What was your occupation before you become a Financial Service Consultant? What makes you step into the financial industry?

I joined the financial advisory profession when I was 21. Back then, I just started my first year of university education at NTU. Before that, I was in army. I actually had a lot of doubts before stepping into this industry even though my dad raised us up through his work as an agent. However, I went ahead with the mindset of “nothing to lose anyway” and that’s how I began this journey.

2. What is the difference between your previous job and your current job? Which is better?

So far, this is my first full time profession. The closest I can relate to is probably the 6 months internship in my tertiary education. I think the biggest difference for me was to have autonomy over the decisions I can make. In the financial services industry, it’s very practical. The one who works the hardest and smartest win more. In a corporate setting, that may not be the case as there could be many more other factors.

3. Is it difficult to start off as an Financial Service Consultant? Any tips for the newbie, especially in this industry?

Of course, it’s difficult, even more for me as I didn’t believe I have the character and traits to succeed in this industry. It took me real long before I can force myself to start cultivating the ideal traits and right mindset. If this was easy, everyone would be rushing in to be a Financial Service Consultant. I think for new agents/advisors, you’ve to be prepared to work double, triply harder than anyone. At the same time, also start to identify what makes you unique and different. In today’s context, it’s not just becoming better at what you do but also to become different in what you do. That’s when you gain attention and attract your crowd in wanting to work with you.

4. How did you manage your lifestyle and work? Do you work out very often to maintain your body physique?

I used to practise Muay Thai as a way to keep fit, both physically and mentally. I will work out during my off peak hours (late afternoon) and go for my meetings in evenings and weekends. Currently, I do not work out as often as before because there are more important items in my lines of responsibility.

5. Do you think you have the charisma to attract ladies and womens wherever you go? Why?

I’m not too sure about this but I guess it depends on their character. There’re some ladies which I can connect with pretty well even though when we just met. Personally, I feel that the greatest trait to be charismatic is to have confidence. While looks can bring you somewhere at the start, confidence is the one that will really get you there.

6. When did you get married and how many kids do you plan to have?

I got married in 2018. Currently no plans for kids. Probably max of 2.

7. Is buying insurance for your loved ones important? Is insurance compensation for the living or dead and it a MUST to buy insurance in Singapore?

There’s a saying that goes like this: “You buy insurance not because someone has to die, but because someone has to live.” At the end of the day, the whole idea of insurance is leverage, it is to help you create money that doesn’t exist in the first place. There are many lines of insurance in Singapore and if you’ll to ask what’s the must buy insurance in SG, it definitely would be hospitalisation insurance. Singapore is one of the countries that has escalating medical costs and it would certainly be wise to transfer this risk out to an insurer.

8. Do you intend to start your own business if you are given a chance to? What business and trade will you be considering?

At this juncture, I do not have concrete plans yet. I’m focused in building my agency and advisory practice. Given a chance, I probably will start a business that revolves around digital marketing, education which can help people succeed in life.

9. What do you want to say to your supporters and public members who are keen to find out more about Insurance?

Insurance is not a singular product that you can understand clearly at 1 glance. Insurance is just 1 of the instruments we use in financial planning. See this as a process rather than a transaction. Once you see this as a process, you would realise how meaningful this can be for yourself & family. I’ll love to have that conversation with you to help you get closer to where you want to be.