A Journey of Growth and Renewal: My Professional Odyssey

Every towering tree once began as a humble seed, persevering through harsh weather and challenging soil to reach for the sky. Much like the magnificent tree in the image above, my professional journey has been one of growth, setbacks, resilience, and transformation.

My professional journey began in Malaysia as with Boustead Shipping as a Marketing Officer right after I graduated in 2007. But my first exposure into corporate sales was when I joined Fuji Xerox in 2010. This role laid the foundation for my career, immersing me in the intricacies of sales and account management, coupled with the disciplined and structured environment of a Japanese company. The lessons I learned there were invaluable, teaching me the importance of value-selling, dedication, and building strong client relationships.

Seeking greater challenges, I transitioned to Toshiba as a Sales Manager at the age of 28. That role pushed me to develop my leadership skills and strategic thinking, all while navigating the corporate culture that emphasized respect, meticulous planning, and teamwork. These experiences honed my ability to lead a team and drive significant business growth with a young, but highly driven team.

In pursuit of further growth and new horizons, I moved to Singapore and joined Canon. This was a pivotal moment in my career, purely driven by a desire to challenge and prove myself in a more competitive market. The transition was daunting at first despite seemingly comfortable being in an industry I am familiar with, but it provided a fertile ground for my personal and professional development. Singapore’s dynamic environment required continuous adaptation and learning, fostering resilience and innovation in my approach to work and life.

In 2017, I embarked on a new chapter by joining LinkedIn. This marked a significant cultural shift to the more open and dynamic culture at LinkedIn. The learning curve was steep and there were moments where “imposer syndrome” crept in during the first few weeks, but I was in the company of really kind and inspiring colleagues, and that allowed me to settle down and further hone my skills.

It’s true when they said your learning curve tilts upwards exponentially when you joined a great company and I was lucky to experience it in the company of some of the smartest and most talented people I’ve known.

After 2 years there, I was fortunate to be able to merge my passion for public sector and politics with my professional role, particularly focusing on Malaysia’s public sector. The experience was enriching, offering new perspectives and expanding my professional toolkit. One of the most memorable moments was when we were involved in sharing our insights and recommendations to the relevant Ministries as part of the PENJANA economic recovery plan discussions at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. It felt good to be able to contribute to my birth country in a way.

There were highs and sure enough, there were lows. Despite the rewarding journey, I encountered periods of burnout and disillusionment. The fast-paced nature of my roles, coupled with the pressures of maintaining high performance, took a toll on my health. The birth of my son in 2021 and a few episodes of health scare prompted deep reflections on my career and life priorities.

By November 2023, I decided to take a career break to recharge and realign my goals. This decision was not made lightly but was necessary for my well-being and to ensure I could continue to provide value in my professional life. Throughout this journey, I have met incredible people who have supported and inspired me, and each experience has contributed to my growth. Some of these people I hope to feature them in my next write-ups.

In the past few years, I’ve seen the power of resilience and the impact of positive influence. Whether you are just starting your career or seeking to advance in your field, remember that every setback is an opportunity for growth. The important thing is to rise again - no matter how many times you fall, like the tree that reaches towards the sky, and create a future filled with endless possibilities.

(Photo of the towering tree was taken at Botanic Gardens, Singapore - June 2024)