Find out more about the award recipient
Award Recipient:
Business Ally Hero
Miranda Poolpakdee
Thailand
I was born and raised in southern Thailand and began my journey as a dance student at Chulalongkorn University. After starting my professional dancing career in Bangkok at the age of 18, I later transitioned to the corporate sector, beginning in an entry-level position in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the age of 24. Following 7 years with Accenture, I relocated back to Bangkok to continue advancing my career.
I have been employed at Accenture for nearly 10 years, beginning at the entry level and advancing to a leadership position. I am currently an Operations Manager of Accenture Intelligence Operation Center Thailand, overseeing more than 1,000 staff members supporting 15 languages and nationalities across Asia. Additionally, I am also the Accenture Thailand’s Pride Lead.
What one achievement you’ve accomplished that you’re most proud of? Why?
If I had to pick one achievement, I’m truly proud of, it’s that I’ve managed to stay unapologetically myself through all the ups, downs, and twisty detours life has thrown my way. I’ve learned to adapt to new situations (sometimes with more grace than others), but I never felt the need to dim my spark or pretend to be someone else. Somehow, this stubborn authenticity has helped me connect, inspire, and influence those around me, proof that being yourself really can pay off, even if your dance moves are questionable at times.
What do you like most about your workplace and why?
Accenture empowers me to be my authentic self. Among our core values, CORBIS stands out, with “Respect for Individuals” and “Best People” being especially meaningful to me. I believe that achieving excellence begins with embracing one’s true self, free from stigma or judgment. This environment enables individuals to realize their full potential, and we consistently encourage and promote these principles throughout the organization.
What do you find most challenging about your work? Why?
To learn, unlearn, and listen are essential practices in my work, particularly as I collaborate with individuals from varied backgrounds, genders, and ethnicities. Maintaining an open mind is fundamental, even when it challenges my personal belief system. However, the nature of the business compels me to continuously learn, adapt, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
What do you do to recharge your battery?
Honestly, nothing recharges me like a good night’s sleep and getting my body moving. I always look forward to my Sunday ritual – a 5KM run, rain or shine, no excuses. It’s my time to clear my head, push myself, and just enjoy being in the moment. Those 30 minutes always leave me feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next.
What is your vulnerability and how do you overcome it?
Knowing that I can’t control everything in life and that nothing is truly perfect, not even perfection itself is my vulnerability. How do I overcome it? Honestly, I just accept this truth and move on. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, but over time, you get used to it. Eventually, it becomes a source of strength through self-reflection and acceptance.
You have been nominated for the Business Ally category. What was your reaction and please, tell us why?
When I first saw the nomination, I honestly thought it was a glitch, I checked 3 times just to make sure it wasn’t just another event invite. I even roped in my colleagues for a reality check, and once we confirmed it, I may have let out a celebratory scream (followed by a little “I deserve this!” moment, not gonna lie). Why? Because this is bigger than me. I’m just out here trying to be unapologetically myself in a world that feels allergic to authenticity. My goal has always been to nudge those walls and see how far I can move the needle, so others feel free to do the same. Recognition? Never saw it coming, but hey, I’ll take it!
With changes that we are currently experiencing politically affecting our movement, and sustainability, what is a warm/hopeful message that you would like to share with the communities in the Asia Pacific?
In the face of change, don’t just survive, thrive. Bend with the winds of transformation, claim their momentum, and let them launch you forward. Stay true to yourself, adapt like a pro, and turn every shift into your advantage.
Anything else you would like to share?
Be unapologetically yourself. Dance, whatever the music is.
