Thomas Edison, the famous scientist and businessman, once said that genius is one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration. The success story of In Meatra follows this formula.

For In Meatra, the CEO of Cambodia Life Insurance Company, having clear goals is the key to success. “In order to perform your best, you have to know what you are good at, set the clear goals with time management and find opportunities along the way,” he says.

Still under 40 years old, he is already a member of the Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Board Advisor to Cambodia Investment Club (CIC).

He has had a talent for maths since he was young. Knowing what he is good at, he has always focused on strengthening and enhancing his skills.

At school he spent lots of time doing maths exercises with a groups of friends who shared his ability and interest in the subject. They would try and make study entertaining by using role-plays, or take it turns to study at each other’s houses. “In fact, when I was young I was one of the low students, it was the others who were outstanding,” he recalls.

He failed the scholarship exam for the Royal University of Economics and Law and had to retake it again a year later, when he finally passed. He said that back in the 1990s, if you could not get the scholarship to study at university there was no private school to accept you even you could pay the school fees.

“Obstacles are also an opportunity, nothing is impossible if you want to do it. In fact, those who can’t find the opportunity in obstacles are unlikely to find success” he said. After support from the family and friends in 1992 he finally passed the scholarship exam and got to study for his Bachelor’s degree.

“Back then I told myself if I fail again I will go join the military,” he said, laughing.

Coming from a single parent home he had to get a part time job while studying to cover his expenses.

After he had graduated from university in 1998, he worked in the Ministry of Economy and Finance and got promoted several times before landing his current position.

In 2004, Meatra gained a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Cambodia. In 2012, he completed another Master’s degree in general management from Charles Stuart University of Australia.

Always interested in learning about positive mindsets and personal development, he emphasises the value of failure, which can lead us to the success in the end.

He has been faced with several life challenges before being able to rise to a high-profile position within the business community.

Opening one of his favourite leadership books from famous leaders all around the world, he says: “My mentors are books on the teachings of other leaders – as a leader we need to learn from people who stay ahead of us.”

Meatra’s advice to youth is to choose the right focus and don’t make bad friends who might destroy your future, adding “this century is the world of the open market; opportunities are everywhere waiting for people who can grab them.”