20 Years Ago

Last week, I celebrated a remarkable milestone—two decades since I first stepped onto the professional world. While my career had early beginnings with part-time roles, it's these two decades that have sculpted my path. As I look back, I realise that life's richest lessons often hide in plain sight. Allow me to offer you three insights, ones I truly wish I had embraced earlier in my journey.

Genuine at every step - A compass always points north, just as our values guide us. Through twists and turns, I've learned that authenticity isn't just a trait; it's a lifeline. In a world of rapid change and shifting truths, staying true to your core beliefs may seem daunting. But remember, evolving doesn't mean erasing who we are. It's like fortifying the foundations of a grand building—each layer of growth complements the original structure. In those moments of dissonance, when the world seems foggy, take a pause. Listen to that quiet voice inside; it's your essence seeking to guide you. Looking back, I wish I'd heeded that voice sooner, allowing it to shape my path more decisively.

The smile that shapes success - I recall my days working at the coffee shop, struggling through a master's degree. A stern request from the owner to smile baffled me, given the circumstances. Yet, time has taught me the wisdom behind those words. A genuine smile holds an uncanny power—it transforms not just our demeanour, but the very essence of our work. While hardships are inevitable, a smile becomes our armour. It's a beacon of approachability, a key to unlocking relationships that underpin a thriving career. I wish I had understood this lesson earlier, allowing the warmth of a smile to light up even the toughest of days and conversations.

Balancing value and labour - Hard work has always been my guiding principle. Yet, I've come to realise that the sheer intensity of toil isn't the key; it's the value we infuse into our efforts that truly matters. Early on, I often stretched myself thin, embracing work with unrelenting fervour. In hindsight, I see the beauty of finding the equilibrium between value and labour. It's not about clocking long hours, but rather about channelling our energy where it counts the most. Every project, every task, has an inherent value waiting to be harnessed. I wish I'd recognized this sooner and engaged with my leaders to focus my contributions more strategically.

As I stand at this juncture, gazing both backwards and forwards, I'm reminded that these stories are far from completion. The next chapter beckons—a continuation of growth, learning, and transformation. The tapestry of the future is woven with threads of uncertainty, anticipation, and boundless opportunity.