Orachat Ratchapagdee runs not for trophies or a ranked finish, but for personal satisfaction. When she travels, she does so to learn about others. And when she learns, she seeks to teach others.
Orachat, who is FTM’s plant launch area manager, says she is more “driven by a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment,” rather than any material reward that may come from her goals.
Since joining Ford Thailand with AAT in 2002, Orachat has experienced how rapidly the auto manufacturing industry can change. She has observed that universities aren’t necessarily preparing their students for these changes. So she decided to lend her expertise.
“On the job, I began to see a gap in the skills of fresh graduates,” she says. “No industry-supported program existed when I was studying my bachelors, but some of my friends that I studied with are now professors. With their help, I provide free online training to regional technical college students and provide industry input to the Curriculum Committee of Manufacturing Engineering.”
Away from the factory, Orachat loves spending her time in the great outdoors, “camping, road running, diving, swimming and travelling,” where again, she focuses on the sheer enjoyment of the activity vs. any kind of formal reward.
“I began as a non-runner with zero kilometres experience, but after many years of practice, I’ve been able to complete many races across Thailand,” says Orachat.
“Without ever receiving a trophy from a race, I run for the sense of achievement at the finish line. My biggest accomplishment is finishing a half marathon within my target time.”
To learn about other cultures and people, Orachat has visited countries all over the world. Two places, however, left a lasting impression, she says.
“Hiroshima, Japan is one of my favourite places,” she says. “It’s a little city compared to Tokyo and Osaka but it’s calm, full of gorgeous areas and has a rich history.
“Lofoten, an island in Norway, is full of amazing views. It has such a distinct geology and is dotted with beautiful fishing villages,” Orachat says. “I love travelling to learn about the humanities and experience other cultures.”
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