Meet the Lingers: Fern

Today, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Fern, Ling’s HR & Finance Coordinator, who keeps everything running smoothly.

Fern is a dynamic force behind Ling’s operations. In this interview, she shares her career highlights, her love for Chiang Mai, and some valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals. Let's get started!

Hi Fern! This interview has been a long time coming. We're really excited we were able to grab a slot from your busy schedule.

To break the ice, can you tell us a little bit about where you're from?

I'm so happy to get to chat with you!

I’m originally from Lamphun, but I’m currently based in Chiang Mai, where I’ve been living and studying for over a decade.

What do you like most about living in Chiang Mai?

Definitely the "PEOPLE" and the "VIBE." If you travel around different parts of Thailand—whether it's the North, Northeast, Central, or South—you can really notice the differences in how people are. Living here has taught me to be calm, friendly, and to smile with a great attitude.

Personally, I think there are distinct cultures across the country, even though we all live in the same nation. Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand after Bangkok, and I prefer it here. It's easy to get around if you have your own transportation, and there are so many coffee shops to explore!

Ten years is a long time! How long have you been with Ling during this time?

I joined Ling as the HR & Finance Coordinator 2 years and 5 months ago.

I randomly came across a job posting from our co-founder in my university’s Facebook group when I was in my second year. It was perfect timing since I was looking for a second part-time job.

The hiring process was a bit different from the usual one we have now.

I sent my resume to the co-founder, got an offer the next day, and started working the day after. I started at Ling part-time and eventually transitioned to full-time.

Wow, yeah, I bet the company has changed and grown a lot in two and a half year.

As the HR & Finance Coordinator, can you walk us through what a normal day at Ling look like for you?

I start my day by checking messages and emails to get organized, then jot down my tasks and plans. I’m lucky to have a supportive team that always has my back, even when things don’t go as planned.

Lunch is a favorite part of my day! With so many great restaurants and cafes nearby, I enjoy exploring new spots with my coworkers.

My work involves supporting the team at Ling with onboarding, recruitment, benefits, and activities. I also handle employee visas and manage accounting and financial operations.

The team is so lucky to have you. You've been with us for so long, I'm sure you have a lot of things you love, but what's your favorite thing about working at Ling?

"Flexibility" and "Diversity" are my favorite things about working at Ling.

My job gives me the chance to travel and explore new places while staying productive. our team is made up of people from all over the world, which keeps things interesting. I’ve learned so much from different cultures and have even tweaked my working style to match theirs.

Oh, and I love swapping languages with my coworkers—I’ve taught them some fun Thai slang too! If I ever need help with another language, especially when I’m traveling, there’s always someone at Ling I can reach out to. I’ve picked up phrases in French, German, Chinese, Korean, and more. It’s such a cool way to connect and learn from each other.

What's been a highlight for you, career wise, while working at Ling?

I’ve had the chance to explore different aspects of my role, like helping with recruitment, onboarding, and employee support, and it’s been both challenging and rewarding.

Another highlight has been seeing the positive impact of my work—whether it’s improving processes or supporting my coworkers, it’s incredibly satisfying to know I’m making a difference.

Since we are, at heart, a tech company, we love apps and tech products here! Do you have an app you've been loving recently? Other than Ling, of course.

I’ve been using the Structured App, a day planner, for nearly a year, and I really love it. I always recommend it to my friends—it makes my life easier and more effective by helping me plan my daily routine and track my personal goals.

Are you learning any languages right now?

I’ve been picking up Chinese here and there.

Of course, I use Ling to make my learning journey more fun and enjoyable.

A big part of it is connecting and practicing with native speakers. Chinese people are kind and always help me improve my pronunciation and teaching me new words and slang that are actually used in everyday conversations. The best part is when I speak in Chinese, and they understand me and ask how I learned a certain word—it’s such a cool feeling!

Since you are a native Thai speaker, can you please teach me a word you like in your own language?

????????? (Mai-bpen-rai): I use this word a lot, and I think it sounds really generous in Thai. It means "It's okay" or "No problem," and it’s a nice way to make someone feel better or brush off a small issue

If you could give one piece of advice to your fresh-out-of-college self, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth comes when you challenge yourself and embrace the unknown. Mistakes aren’t setbacks they’re lessons that bring you closer to success. Keep learning, stay curious, and be patient with yourself. Progress takes time, so don’t compare yourself to others :)

Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to work in HR?

I’d recommend gaining experience from small businesses; you’ll learn a lot from it. The most important thing is to try working in different fields to find what you truly enjoy.

My second piece of advice is to work with passion. Before choosing a career path, make sure it’s something you truly love and are willing to commit to. When you’re passionate about your work, overcoming challenges and staying motivated, even during tough times, becomes much easier.

Passion is the driving force behind your success and helps you stay focused on your long-term goals.

We're almost at the end of the interview!

Before we let you go, we just wanted to acknowledge all that you do for the company. You really are an indispensable member of the team.

It must not be easy holding it all together all the time. Can you leave with us something, any line or quote or proverb, that inspires you to keep going despite all of life's challenges?

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door and let it in!

Thank you, Fern, for sharing your story, advice, and a bit of your world with us. It’s clear how much passion and dedication you bring to Ling.

Fern’s energy and wisdom are contagious! If you’re looking for a reason to chase your dreams or start learning a new language, this is your sign.