When you think of an engineer, you might picture someone surrounded by complex systems, precision tools, and meticulous plans.
For Sean Ooi, that was life for years: a steady 9-to-6 routine in a major corporation.
But beneath the calm surface of stability, something was brewing: a desire for more freedom, more growth, and more meaning.
How Sean Ooi Build Freedom Through Change:
Breaking Free from the Routine
“I was stuck in an endless loop of 9-to-6,” shared Sean. “Even going to the toilet, I had to register online for my boss’ monitoring.”
That might sound exaggerated, but for Sean, it was a reality that reflected a deeper truth. He wasn’t living the life he wanted. The real turning point came during a simple conversation with his boss.
“I asked him about his salary — RM10,000 a month at age 35. It hit me then. That wasn’t what I wanted for my future. So that was it — I knew I had to make a change.”
Leaving a secure engineering job wasn’t easy, but Sean knew the price of comfort was often the cost of growth. And so began his leap into the world of real estate.
A New World, A New Mindset
Stepping into real estate meant stepping into the unknown, a space filled with people, persuasion, and personal drive.
For someone with no sales background, it was a complete shift.
“It was not easy at all,” he said. “But I learned to think of it like starting a business. I had to move my mindset as an entrepreneur. This is my business, so I have to be responsible for it: the good and the bad.”
That ownership mindset became the foundation of his journey, one that would test his patience, resilience, and creativity.
The Rollercoaster Ride of the Early Years
Unlike many career transitions that smooth out after a year, Sean’s early journey in real estate was a long climb.
“To be honest, it wasn’t just the first year, it was the first three to four years,” he shared.
“Sometimes you’re up in the clouds after closing deals, but when you go one or two weeks, or even months, with no sales, you’re down.”
Those highs and lows taught Sean a crucial life skill: financial management.
“You have to be smart. Save 10% by default, invest 20%. The good times don’t last forever, but neither do the bad ones.”
From Engineer to Strategist
Sean’s background in engineering didn’t just fade away when he entered real estate. It became his secret weapon.
“My engineering background taught me to think in a more organised way,” he explained. “I plan and strategise how to hit my goals. It’s all about structured thinking and it helps a lot in this business.”
That logical, systems-based approach helped him not just close deals, but build a career rooted in consistency and growth.
Leading the Next Generation
Today, Sean is more than just a successful real estate negotiator, he’s a team leader at IQI, guiding others to find their own success.
“Recruitment starts the day you start doing sales,” he shared. “It’s all through social media. There’s no clear SOP, but you just have to do it.”
His leadership style is grounded in action and authenticity. Leading by example and showing others that success in real estate isn’t about luck; it’s about persistence, learning, and evolution.
In an industry where trends shift faster than ever, Sean’s key to success has been continuous learning.
“To build trust and credibility, you have to keep learning from the best. Keep reviewing, keep reinventing. The trend changes too fast these days.”
For him, adaptability isn’t just a skill, it’s survival.
“Just Do It” — The Courage to Change
When asked what advice he’d give to someone afraid to leave a stable job, Sean doesn’t hesitate.
“The only thing constant is change. So, change is a must. You’ve got nothing to lose, just do it!”
It’s a mindset that has carried him from a structured engineering life to the unpredictable but rewarding world of real estate and it continues to drive him forward.
Looking to the future, Sean’s mission is clear: to inspire and help more people succeed.
“I want to help more people in the industry especially new ones, to succeed. If I can do it, they can too.”
From clocking in and out of an engineering office to leading a dynamic team of real estate warriors, Sean Ooi’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, adaptability, and belief in one’s potential.
Because sometimes, all it takes to change your life is to take that first leap.
Feeling inspired by Sean Ooi’s journey? Take your first step with IQI today and discover where your determination can take you.
Continue Reading:
