T H E I N T E RV I E W same and is so customer-orientated. She joined her fathers company shortly after her internships. While Song previously envisaged becoming a business consultant and travelling the world, she says her career in moving has nevertheless allowed her to see many locations, particularly at industry events such as the FIDI Conference. FIDI Academy support Meanwhile, FIDIs Academy is a guiding light that Song says supports the business with knowledge but has also helped her personally through tough times. She completed the EiM in 2005 and the LiM in 2019. There was a time not too long ago where, after giving birth to my second child, I found myself under a lot of pressure and showing signs of depression. I had lost confidence in finding the right balance between work, life and being a mother, she says. Attending the LiM in 2019 was probably the best decision I made that year. I saw old friends and was able to confide in them, and they shared their past experiences with me and gave me an action plan to go forward with. The LiM was a turning point, providing a focus on how to think and behave as a leader and how to set plans in motion to overcome difficulties both personally and professionally. A defining moment Attending the LiM in 2019 was probably the best decision I made that year Song says that process of becoming a mother and remaining a professional has proven to be the defining moment so far of her career. It cant be understated how far your whole world gets turned upside down when one has to juggle work responsibilities, give birth and then be the best mother possible to your children, she says. You cant lose your passion for one or choose to temporarily ignore one of them. Either you dedicate yourself to both, or you give your all to one. It took me a long time to accept my new surroundings but I am now dedicated to both. Against the backdrop of the male-driven culture of Korea and working in a family business, Song says the SAENAH SONG ON KOREAS MOVING MARKET biggest challenge in her career has been proving myself to myself. She says Asian Tigers Korea has offered an equitable backdrop for her achievements, with a fair workplace environment where ability and drive is recognised above a persons background, education or position. Being part of the family business, it is easy to be labelled as someone who can cut corners or get away with certain things, says Song. So, I tried harder than anyone to achieve more than anyone to prove my abilities and be recognised only for my work ethic. I have always stayed positive and enjoyed the challenge, says Song, and, of course, it was my personal choice to take it on. Song says Asian Tigers Korea recognises staffs ability and drive above a persons background, education or position Koreas corporate market has undergone drastic changes during the past five decades, according to Song. The international relocation market was once severely restricted consisting of military household goods and diplomatic moves but it has opened up, gradually. This was the foundation of industrialisation with investment by multinationals. Song says: Fast-forward to current times, where we now see the same international firms being localised, while Korean conglomerates have flourished with global appeal and become international players in their own right, expanding beyond the countrys borders and sending employees to all corners of the world. Today, our clientele consists mainly of Korean corporates and servicing such accounts in a very competitive local market that demands high-level service. Song adds that language is still a barrier in the Korean market where assignees may not find themselves comfortable speaking in an international language. She adds that in some situations this will also hamper businesses access to networking opportunities. 40 FF305 Mar_May 22 pp38-41 Interview Saenah Song.indd 40 WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 08/03/2022 08:10