From Maid to Office Admin Supervisor

If you ask Sudarat Thongmee about her secret to success, she will not say it is talent or luck. She will tell you it is her entrepreneurial—or, as she calls it, mackerel—spirit: seizing opportunities through initiative and continuous improvement. It is a mindset reflected in our corporate values. It means showing up every day, learning, improving, and never giving up. 

Sudarat’s journey with Jebsen & Jessen Ingredients Thailand. (formerly Jebsen & Jessen NutriLife) began in January 2011—not as a supervisor, not even as an assistant, but as an office maid. Her days were filled with cleaning, serving drinks, and keeping the office tidy. Yet she saw opportunity in every task, however small.

An early riser, she completed her daily duties efficiently and asked, “What else can I do?” That one question changed everything. She began assisting with document sorting, receiving checks and bills, filing, answering calls, and even helping the laboratory team pack samples. She could have done only what was required, but she wanted more—to grow, to learn, to contribute.

A growth mindset in action

Sudarat was naturally curious. If she did not understand something, she asked. If she did not know an English word, she looked it up. If a task seemed difficult, she found a way to master it. This is a growth mindset—the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort.

Her determination did not go unnoticed. In 2013, she was promoted to Office Assistant. It was a big step, but she knew she had more to learn. She spent weekends studying English and basic computer skills—not because she was told to, but because she knew that knowledge was the key to her future.

Her efforts paid off. In 2017, she became a Senior Office Assistant, taking on more responsibilities and gaining confidence. But she did not stop there. She started planning her education budget, balancing work with personal development. She enrolled in courses on email writing, communication, and even an associate diploma in computer science which she will officially graduate from in May 2024.

And she is still looking ahead. A bachelor’s degree is next on her list.
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A New Chapter

In October 2024, after years of consistent performance, Sudarat was promoted to Office Admin Supervisor. In this role, she will oversee office maids, messengers, and the company driver, ensuring smooth operations while continuing to develop her leadership skills.

Commitment and purpose

For Sudarat, success is not about one big breakthrough—it is about consistent effortover time. Her motto?

“Make today the best day.”

She sees work as more than just a job. It is a place where she belongs, learns, grows, and helps others. Whether she is organising meetings, keeping operations smooth or contributing to the Health & Wellness committee, she brings passion and purpose to everything she does.

Her next challenge? Learning sales strategies to understand customer needs and business insights—because she knows that growth never stops.

Advice for anyone starting out

“If you love what you do, if you find meaning in your work, you will always be motivated to improve,” she says. Talent might give you a head start, but grit and ommitment are what get you to the finish line.

And Sudarat is living proof of that.