Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to a very talented woman – Entropico’s money woman, accountant Julalak Thaisathian
Julalak Thaisathian is the Accountant Lead at the leading US & Australia-headquartered creative studio Entropico. With a Master’s Degree in Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, she brings half a decade of expertise in financial strategy and management to the fast-paced world of creative production.
Julalak plays a key role in ensuring financial efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability within Entropico’s dynamic environment across the advertising and entertainment industries, allowing the studio’s bold ideas to flourish. By combining analytical precision with strategic planning, she helps drive Entropico’s creative ambitions for continued success.
Let’s meet Julalak!
What’s your origin story?
My life has been a journey of self-reliance and overcoming challenges. Being the eldest in my Asian family, and being raised by my grandmother, shaped my sense of independence. My decision to move away from home to study and work was a significant step, but moving to Australia with limited English was an even bigger one.
I had to learn everything from scratch, including taking on jobs that were way below what I was qualified for. This journey has taught me the power of self-learning, the importance of hard work, and the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
How did you break into your industry?
I met Maca, one of Entropico’s directors, today. He introduced me to Entropico. My career there began as a trainee.
Who were your mentors, and how did they influence your journey?
One of my most influential mentors was my former account leader. She had a profound impact on how I approach my work. She was incredibly organized and instilled in me the importance of structured processes. She also had this amazing ‘can-do’ attitude and was willing to jump in on almost any task, no matter how big or small. That taught me a lot about teamwork and taking initiative.
What fuels your creativity?
Two things really fuel my creativity. First, it’s the problems that arise during my work. Encountering obstacles forces me to think critically and come up with solutions. Working from home independently pushes me to be resourceful, to research, and ensure that any solution I find is compliant with all the relevant regulations. Then, I have to figure out how to adapt it to our company’s specific needs.
The second thing is limited time and resources. Especially after having my child, juggling work, childcare, and household responsibilities has forced me to become incredibly efficient and creative in how I manage my time. It can be tiring, and there’s definitely stress involved, but I also find it strangely invigorating.
What’s the biggest myth about women in your field?
“Women are better at ‘keeping the books’ than strategic financial planning.” In my opinion, excellent strategic financial planning requires a deep understanding of accounting principles.
Name a creative risk you took that paid off.
A significant creative risk I took was returning to work after my six-month maternity leave and negotiating a part-time, work-from-home arrangement with a reduced salary, all while interest rates on our mortgage were steadily increasing. It was a calculated risk, a choice to prioritize my family’s needs during a period of financial uncertainty.
The creative part was in how I restructured my work life. I recognized that a traditional full-time role wouldn’t allow me to provide the care my child needed. Instead of leaving the workforce entirely, I proposed a part-time role that allowed me to maintain my professional skills and contribute to the company, while also managing my family responsibilities. I presented a clear plan outlining my availability, deliverables, and how I would maintain communication and productivity.
This risk paid off in several crucial ways. Firstly, it allowed me to be present for my child during a critical developmental period, which was my top priority. Secondly, it provided a level of financial stability, even with reduced pay, during a time of increased financial pressure from rising mortgage rates.
And thirdly, it demonstrated to my company that flexible work arrangements, even with adjustments in pay and hours, can be a valuable option for employees and the company. It was a non-traditional approach, but it ultimately allowed me to achieve a sustainable work-life balance while navigating a complex financial and family situation.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the development of AI. From my own experience using AI tools, I can see how it will streamline our daily lives and boost productivity. We’ll be able to work more effectively and achieve higher output. However, I also believe that AI’s accessibility will become a critical factor. In the future, we may see a stratification of society based on AI literacy.
What’s a piece of advice from another woman you carry with you?
“Be like wind-swept bamboo.” To appear gentle and flexible, bending with the wind, but in reality, you are strong and durable, and not easily broken.
Are you rebooting Soul Train, American Bandstand or MTV Spring Break?
American Bandstand.
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
Life experience has taught me that self-care is paramount. I’ve seen how external ambitions and material desires can shift and lose meaning. However, the value of my well-being and my relationships with family has consistently increased over time. Therefore, I prioritize self-care because I know these are the things that truly matter in the long run.
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
From Bamboo to Branch: Strength, Flexibility, and Motherhood
In 10 years, what do you hope to look back and say you changed?
In 10 years, I hope to look back and say that I’ve cultivated a life of both purpose and balance, where I’ve positively impacted my family, my company, and society as a whole. I aspire to have mastered a life with a sense of order and lightness, cutting through the clutter to focus on what truly matters.
I want to have become highly proficient in using technology, especially AI, not just for personal and professional efficiency, but to create meaningful contributions to the world around me. I envision a future where I’ve built stronger connections with those around me, fostering cultural fluency and adaptability in all interactions.
I aim to have maintained excellent physical health and developed valuable skills, all in service of living a life where I can provide a lasting, positive influence on my family, my work, and the greater community.
To see who else is a Reel Woman, click here.
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