TRIBUTE #6 - How I met the Picards

The Picards are the only ones to occupy the category of "family friend" in my life.

I have always felt like a nomad even when I was building out my career in tech. This is because I was always prepared to pack and go. One of my ex-bosses once told me the reason why he hired me was because he felt I was someone who is loyal to the brand and not about guarding my own turf in a conglomerate. This meant I was always working, as if I was repaying the company for paying me and grooming me. This also meant I did not spend time building networks when I was working in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Paris, Milan. I later learnt this retiring in New York - better late than never I guess.

So if I say that the Picards are my ONLY "family" friend, this is precious.

I met Franck Picard by some stroke of serendipity. The Picards had just moved to HK in 2001 where I was based. A french boutique agency whom I engaged during my days in Acer based out of Paris back in 1991-2, ten years later, reached out to me to connect me to Franck. Franck and Regine Picard were not new to Asia as they were here in their youthful days.

Not only have they welcomed me in their homes ever so often and almost an unlimited invitation, I have seen their children grow up since one was a baby and another a toddler. And dog named Speed. For someone who does not have children (by choice), this is a rare occurrence of being this welcomed in a family. The welcome is always greeted with my fave ham and cheese and wine / champagne of course. And they are the biggest fan of my curry! - now for close to 2 decades.

Because I was frequently uprooting myself in addition to enjoying solitude (which many in my community today find ironical), networks and bonds are hard to deepen, or rather they were not a priority. Despite, the Picards have stayed in my radar and I theirs.

Friendship for me is when you don't feel awkward asking of another party for help and vice versa.

Subsequently I grew to bond further with Regine Picard, woman to woman. Kudos goes to Regine who really is the 1st champion who believed in the concept of she1K which at that time was a concept without a name. I was procrastinating because I did not know enough. I was not prepared. Regine and Franck were frequently exploring new ventures. They shared with me about personal lending portals when I knew nothing of them.

I was in New York when Regine literally "pushed" me to pitch to her executive female friends there when she and family moved to New York. Lina Ly was among the first to jump at the idea. It was in a very raw form. I did not know any of what I know today. Even though it took me another year - with lots of excuses in between - before I put real meat into action, I very much doubt I would be doing what I am doing today had it not been that strong nudge from Regine. The Picards joined she1K naturally and joined our syndicated investment in the first startup Performance Rotors.

The "entrepreneurial" journey is often a lonely one so surrounding yourself with champions is a sustaining force.

I feel a sense of belonging to have had a family as true friends for close to 20 years. To trust and be trusted implicitly grounds you.

View my past tributes, a series I created to thank 10 individuals who have shone significant light to my journey to get me to where I am today - totally compelled and empowering others to drive exciting innovation and #entrepreneurship.

Tribute #5

Tribute #4

Tribute #3

Tribute #2

Tribute #1