Today's Human of Omise is Ivy Lee, Omise Malaysia's country manager. An experienced sales consultant with a passion for the finance business (and coffee), Ivy is currently leading Omise's upcoming launch in Malaysia.

Get to know Ivy Lee

If 'Ivy Lee' were in a dictionary, what would be the definition?

"A person with a sense of humor." A little humor can improve your work life. It can be an amazing tool for delivering an honest message in a good-natured way, and I have seen humor help getting results at work so many times.

If you aren't working, how do you like to spend your time?

During weekends, I will be enjoying my time with family at home and coffee time with friends.

Life at Omise — Ivy's narrative

What does your typical workday look like?

My typical workday begins with going through my usual "to-do lists" and starting my work around 8 a.m. I prioritize important tasks first. Then, I check emails, make calls, attend meetings, and of course, enjoy daily chats with my team with a cup of good coffee. A little checkmark on my to-do lists gives a sense of accomplishment before I end my work around 6 p.m. and spend the rest of my quality time with my family.

When and how did you learn about Omise?

In 2017, when Omise acquired Paysbuy.

What made you decide to join Omise?

Omise stands out in both operation and work culture. The experiences and culture at Omise are overwhelmingly positive. Thus, I joined the team.

What do you like the most about Omise's corporate culture?

Communication anywhere without barriers is what I like most about Omise culture. It is one of the positive corporate cultures we have, and that makes us different from others.

Leading the progress

With the forthcoming launch of Omise Malaysia, Ivy and the team are putting in their best efforts. Let us take a sneak peek into this momentous process.

Malaysia is the most recent country Omise is expanding to. As the country manager, why do you think now is the perfect time to step in?

More than 85% of Malaysians have access to the internet. Close to 90% are smartphone users. Consumers are being influenced to shop online during the pandemic, and this potentially is the perfect time to expand our business here in Malaysia.

What are the objectives of entering the Malaysian market?

To help thousands or more entrepreneurs and companies to grow and scale their online business locally and regionally with Omise's digital payment solutions.

Any shoutout to the team?

Stay tuned for the launch soon.

Ivy's Career Story

As you have your degree in hotel management, we can't not mention the career path change to sales and finance. Could you share with us more about your career journey?

My first job was as a piano teacher as a hobby in Singapore at the age of 20. My career turning point came after three years when I started to set long-term career goals. I decided to work as a sales consultant in a financial business which I am passionate about. The decision led me to a great journey in the business experience that integrates in-depth learning and valuable knowledge for my career.

What motivate(s) you to choose to pursue a career in sales?

In my early career in sales, it felt good to be recognized in a sales job when I achieved my targets and incentive. When I'm able to influence my team positively and convince the clients I come across at work, that makes it all worth it.

What is your suggested course of handling challenges at work?

I realize that we are all human beings, and we need to work as a team in order to be successful in our careers. Asking for help when you need it demonstrates confidence and builds trust, not the other way around.

From your perspective, how would you define success, and what is the key to it?

Success is a very personal thing. To me, it is as simple as liking myself, liking what I do, and going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.

Final questions

Any advice or words of encouragement for people who are facing a career change decision?

Choose a job that you are passionate about and really want. Technology is changing the emphasis on strict office hours since so much work can be conducted online or remotely.

Work with a company that can provide you sufficient flexibility, good support, and innovation. A shift to focusing more on results would benefit individuals and make companies more efficient and competitive.

Lastly, be focused and be accountable for the goals you have set. The best way to make room for both life and career is to make choices deliberately, set limits, and stick to them.

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it and why?

IVY. It's about me.