Our “Humans of Lazada” series takes a look at the professional and personal lives of more than 9,000 people who work at Lazada. As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we are also profiling employees who have been with us for over the last decade in a new subseries called “Lazadian Legend.”
“Ten years ago, I made two major decisions that changed my life entirely and made me who I am today: getting married to the love of my life and joining Lazada, an unknown start-up at the time. Both required immense trust and a leap of faith – it was a lifelong commitment to another individual and a risky decision to enter the still-new industry of eCommerce.
Since then, so much has happened both in my personal life and my journey with Lazada, but one thing for sure is that they were both the best decisions I have ever made. I started out as a customer service associate at a Lazada warehouse and was part of a humble team working at South Gate Commercial Center. My colleagues and I worked day and night to set up a new warehouse, sometimes even over the weekends to keep up with inventory checks and customer orders. I still remember vividly the slogan we had in the warehouse team: “Hidup Mati Lazada (Life and Death with Lazada).” This spirit of teamwork motivated us to keep going. Even when tiredness kicked in, we still forged ahead together. I’m honored to have started my career with such amazing and dedicated team members, many of whom I’m proud to call my friends even until today.
Through the ups and downs of it all, my family has been my biggest pillar of strength. Admittedly, the first few years were tough as I had to work overtime and did not have much free time to spend with my family. But the early stage of a start-up – just like a new marriage – is a continuous learning process. My wife has always been my main source of support. Now I also have five beautiful children – four princesses and one superman – and they are my biggest motivation. They are what pushed me as I progressed to my current role as the warehouse outbound manager.
I’m also thankful to the management team at Lazada, who listened and enabled me to balance my work and personal life, especially when I entered parenthood. As Lazada grew, the company also prioritized employee welfare. The company has hosted several events where my family members were invited. This gave them a chance to see and understand what I do at work. My children are very proud of me and my job, and they all have fond memories of Lazada from when they visited me at the warehouses.
When people find out I joined Lazada when it was just a small start-up, many are curious to learn more about my decade-long journey with the company. Even my kids’ teachers and the nurses who helped my wife give birth asked me questions! Those are the moments that make me proud to be recognized as a true Lazadian!
Looking back on the last 10 years with Lazada, I feel lucky to be surrounded by supportive colleagues and nurturing managers like my current warehouse fulfillment vice president, who has put his trust in me and empowered me to always do my best, especially when I stepped up to take over his role when he was away due to COVID-19. Even though it was a challenge, stepping into his role helped me better understand his complex scope of work and the level of knowledge required to make decisions that can shape the operation. It was truly an eye-opening experience for me. I’m glad that I didn’t fail him. The experience was also a reminder to myself to keep pushing myself further to deliver outstanding results and performance.
Throughout my journey, I held on to the trust I had in the company, and this trust has kept me moving forward. I have seen how big Lazada grew and I truly believe that we won’t stop growing and learning. Quoting a piece of advice given to me by one of the executives, ‘it is important to know when to seek help and know when to render help.’ This mindset can help us build a stronger team at Lazada.”
Lazada warehouse staff in 2012.
Compiled and prepared by Chiah Siow Yen from the Lazada communications team in Malaysia.
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Highlights from this week’s roundup include a partnership with a local model network, an e-waste disposal management campaign and a series that champions women’s voices.
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