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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
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.
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.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
One of Dannon's Client?
Be the first to write a testimonial for Dannon and help him expand his insurance business!