Entering the working world comes with its challenges - especially for first jobbers trying to find a footing while also discovering themselves.
In episode five of Mind the Gap, these challenges were explored through an insightful conversation between Suthapit Thawatchainun (Prea), a young Customer Relationship Management specialist at a French cosmetics brand, and Wattasri Pattamasing Na Ayudthaya (Ouu), proficient Managing Director of a global luxury brand (Thailand and Vietnam). Their exchange bridged fresh perspectives from a newcomer with decades of leadership wisdom from an industry veteran.
Aligning business vision with team management
Prea raised a common concern: how can leaders balance business priorities with the needs of their team?
For Ouu, the answer is nuanced. She likened it to a “chicken and egg” scenario - business vision and team management are interdependent. A clear direction is essential, but it is meaningless without the right people to bring it to life.
Leadership, she emphasized, begins with helping the team understand the why behind their work. Without that clarity, even the most motivated individuals can feel disconnected. Leaders must explain not just what needs to be done, but why it matters - fostering alignment, purpose, and ownership.
Equally vital is guiding the how. Team members may want to contribute but feel unsure how to do so effectively. That is where ongoing communication and support matter - ensuring everyone feels involved and empowered.
“If they are really in charge of what they're doing and they feel that they are part of the success,” Ouu explained, “I think they will want to do more that way.”
Dealing with the fear of making mistakes
Joining the workforce can be daunting, especially when mistakes seem to carry higher stakes than in school. Prea shared her fear that errors at work feel heavier and more consequential.
Ouu offered a seasoned perspective: thoughtful planning is key. If your approach is well considered, you do not need to be overly anxious. And even then, mistakes are inevitable. No one gets everything right all the time.
She urged young professionals to show themselves some leeway:
“You have to be easy with yourself. Don’t push too much—as long as it’s not an integrity issue like stealing, you have room to learn from it.”
Finding happiness at work
Prea also brought up another relatable issue: how to stay happy at work while striving to meet KPIs.
Ouu acknowledged that this pressure affects everyone, regardless of age. But instead of chasing happiness in the workplace, she suggested a mindset shift:
“Happiness should come from within.”
She tied this to the importance of self-awareness. Fulfillment begins with honest introspection: What are you good at? What do you love? Who do you want to become?
“If you go on seeking from your colleagues it's not doable, because they're also seeking,” she added. “Start with yourself.”
As a practical habit, Ouu shared that she ends each day by reflecting on what went well—and what didn’t—so she can repeat the good and avoid repeating the bad.
“Life is full of ups and downs. So I think you just enjoy the ride and experience your life.”
Bridging the generational gap
To wrap up, Ouu asked Prea whether the generational gap in the workplace felt real. Prea answered yes - it is something she has encountered in every job. Adapting to older work cultures often means observing, communicating, and finding a middle ground.
Ouu stressed the importance of being authentic. Yet Prea admitted that younger employees do not always feel empowered to work their way or ask for support.
Both agreed that the core issue is a lack of dialogue.
“It’s always like a monologue from one generation,” Ouu noted. “And then you don’t talk back.”
The gap shows up in work-life expectations too. Prea mentioned older colleagues sometimes expect replies after hours. Ouu encouraged young professionals to set boundaries respectfully: if it is not urgent, it can wait.
Ultimately, bridging the generational gap starts with exactly what they were doing - talking and listening.