A new chapter

After spending over 25 years in advertising, it wasn't easy to stop to reimagine a new future for myself. But I did it anyway. 12 months ago, I enrolled in a year-long program to become a coach and embarked on learning about facilitation, organizational development and future thinking.

This post isn't about what I learnt in the course, but instead, five things this transformative process taught me.

Before we start, know that you will need help, support, love and opportunities along the way. Sometimes, they come to you without needing to ask. Other times, you will have to be bold, even thick-skinned, to ask for them. Here goes:

1. Find a Believer: Identify someone who believes in and loves your journey even more than you do. This person will help you remember - especially on the not-so-good and bad days - why you are doing this. Love you so much Stephanie Awyong
2. Seek Mentorship: There is always someone around you who has undertaken a similar journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for mentorship. Have deep conversations, seek advice and share your vision. When you can't see what lies ahead, others who have travelled that road can help you trust the process. You are awesome Sam Gobran
3. Share Your Journey: Just as someone has shared their path before you, there are others at this moment on the same road, feeling and experiencing similar things. Find them, talk to them, and if you are lucky, find a regular companion to share the ups and downs every week. Meaningful conversations can calm all your fears. Thank you for every single chat my dear Antoni Gil Pujol, PhD
4. Get Professional Support: Whatever works for you, get it. I was fortunate to have a coach with me throughout this process, to hold space for me so many times, and to ask the right questions when I needed them most. Meaningful shifts happen if you want them to, so push yourself and do the necessary internal work. You rock Tini Fadzillah, MCC
5. Recognise Opportunities: Opportunities are all around you. Learn to find them and ask for them, even if it seems unlikely that someone will say yes. There are different types of conversations, and building relationships is essential. Give people time to see your value and be vulnerable—there is nothing wrong with that. You just need one person to say okay for a completely new journey to start. Thank you for being that person Khai Seng Hong

While this journey has been profoundly rewarding, I will not deny how challenging it was as well. But I’d do it again, wholeheartedly. More than the new skills I've acquired, the personal growth I've experienced is invaluable.

An old friend asked me: "Are you out of advertising?" My answer to that is that while I am not working in an agency, I’d never be done with what I love to do: create.

For the many incredible synchronies I’ve experienced, to everyone who has been part of this journey - both old and new friends - and notably, to Studio Dojo , for being my new place to find purpose, work, growth, and give back to communities, thank you.

Here's to celebrating new beginnings and the beautiful, unpredictable journey ahead.