Dannon Har
Financial Consultant
Hi I’m Dannon. I am a proud boy dad and loving husband. I have been a journalist throughout most of my career since I graduated from the Singapore University of Social Sciences with a Bachelors in Sociology and Communications.
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Becoming a Financial Consultant is a big change from the corporate world I used to be in, where I was a writer, presenter, and editor at publications ranging from our national broadsheet to various lifestyle magazines, and even at one of the biggest financial broadcasters in the world. I also dabble in mixology and bartending, where I conduct cocktail-making workshops and alcohol appreciation classes for corporates and private customers.
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Throughout my career, I had always been interested in personal finance, and had sought to both protect and accumulate my wealth through prudent investment decisions. I found out early on that income from a job alone is not enough to secure the lifestyle I envision for my family and I. I looked to investments as a way to multiply my wealth and make my money work harder for me. Self-learning the intricacies of personal finance was arduous, but fulfilling, as I saw them bear fruit over time.
Becoming a qualified full-time Financial Consultant feels like I have come full circle in that personal journey, where I am now not only fully equipped to manage the finances of my own family, but for others as well. I believe that a holistic financial portfolio is key to building a secure future in all aspects of life, and I hope to be able to share my experiences and expertise with those who also believe in building a meaningful life for themselves.
What was it like to make a mid-career switch?
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Having zero experience in being a Financial Consultant, or in any sales position for that matter, has raised plenty of self-doubt when considering this role. But it occurred to me that my past work experiences, though not immediately relevant, still gives me a wealth of knowledge to draw from.
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My communication and presentation skills allow me to relate well with people and present complex concepts clearly. My interviewing skills as a journalist also helps, allowing me to draw out relevant information from the people I meet, so that I am able to provide the most suitable solutions that meet their needs.
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The further I embarked on this journey, the more I realised that I have the right skillset and attitude to succeed. I can choose to be a Financial Consultant that defines success in my own way. This gave me the confidence to finally make the leap.
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What motivated you to join this industry?
The ability to manage my own time is a big factor for me. As a relatively new dad, spending time with my child is important, and I want to be able to be there for him whenever I can. Even though the time commitment of a Financial Consultant is by no means low, I can at least choose when I wish to work. This means I am able to send my son to school early in the morning and be able to pick him up in the late afternoon, while getting work done in-between and in the evenings. If I was in a regular job, I wouldn’t have had this flexibility.
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Personal interest in financial planning also drew me to the industry. As I studied for and completed the various examinations and tests required to become a licensed Financial Consultant, I realised how much I enjoyed understanding the concepts and mechanics behind the policies, and how they are derived from bigger, overarching concerns. This only solidified my interests and gives me greater motivation to pursue a lifelong career here.
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What would people be surprised to learn about you?
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That even though I don’t express it often enough, I am actually a highly empathetic person. I resonate with people’s life stories deeply and naturally offer a listening ear. I enjoy meeting new people and finding out more about them, as long as they are willing to share.
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That is a quality I like about my previous role in journalism and my current role as a Financial Consultant. I get to meet people from all walks of life and live vicariously through their stories. It broadens my perspective and challenges me to consider views different from my own. As a result, I feel that I am always growing personally.
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