What Makes You Unstoppable in the Storm?

Imagine being on a boat going to an island adventure of your life and you didn’t know you had motion sickness.

That was my story. 

A few years ago, I went on a trip to an island in Malaysia to get my PADI diving license. To get to the island, we had to take a boat for four hours. The crew showed us to the cabins where we could take some rest. I laid down, ready to catch up on some sleep after a long travel day. Suddenly, the boat was moving up and down in the strong waves.

Uh oh. A heavy storm hit. I felt unwell. 

My dive buddy was sound asleep. I went out to the deck to get some fresh air. I sat on the bench, winds were howling. my heart was in my mouth. Fearful, that was me. The boat was rocky. It was barely an hour of the 4 hour journey. I instantly regretted signing up for this dive trip. The boat was in the middle of the sea, no one is going to come for me. It was JUST too late to pull out. 

“Are you alright?” 

I recognised it was one of the dive instructors. 

“This sounds really embarrassing, it seems I’ve motion sickness. I’m feeling scared, I feel like vomiting too. Will you sit with me, and let me hold your hand for awhile?” 

I held my instructor’s hand. 

Instructor said, “Don’t be afraid. Do you see the horizon? Fix your eyes on a specific point, it will keep you steady. You’ll feel better.”

For the remaining three hours which felt like forever, I did just that. 

I had signed up for a lesser known island that was further away because I wanted to try a less traveled route, in hope of experiencing the amazing underwater corals and sea life. But along the way, the boat ride got hit by a heavy storm. 

The Covid-19 pandemic caught us by a sudden storm just like the diving trip I was on. In our sign-up responses, close to 80% of startups indicated that they’ve been affected adversely by the Covid-19. The news reports about the situation, scenarios of what the ‘new norm’ would look like, the founders’ worries about fundraising and launch runway, and the big question, “where are we going?”

Entrepreneurs start ventures because they see a new way to solve problems for a new market. Entrepreneurs disrupt the way things are done conventionally. The moment you decided to start up, you’re on off-the-beaten track. This may be the biggest storm you’ve faced thus far but don’t be distracted by howling winds and strong waves. 

Do you feel the tossing and turning in the ocean today?

Do you feel uncertain where you’re heading in the coming year?

Or do you feel may your the boat could capsized any moment?

There is hope today. You’re not alone.

Mentors are here to hold your hand. 

For some of you, you may be able to help others who are in dire needs through a min. $50 donation.

This storm may have wrecked disruptions to your original game plan. It also presents a precious opportunity for you to refresh on your why of starting up, to stay focus on your vision, and fix your eyes on the longer term wins as well. 

Beyond your shareholders, engage with your stakeholders. Care for your people (and you, most importantly). Connect with your customers on your purpose-driven brand. Evaluate your risks and the new opportunities in the new norm, what can your solution can offer to a whole new array of needs in the future of work and travel, digital acceleration, the needs for better nutrition, better living and the urgent need to tackle our climate emergency. 

In our ever changing world, this won’t be the only storm that you will encounter. 

“Your hope and faith makes you unstoppable.”

Once you get through this storm safely, you will have greater confidence to ride through the next storm. And even enjoy it. 

I’m proud to say I’ve obtained my PADI dive license. I enjoyed the rest of my dive trip and made great memories to share for life. So, when I’m on the boat next, I might still have someone’s hand when the storm hits, but I know, and I am very sure I’ll make it through ride and enjoy the trip. 

Thank you everyone for your warm support for Gratitude Mentor For Hope Initiative. We are a group of volunteer professionals in the investments, startups and sustainability space. A spark lit by Elise Tan. An unexpected reconnection from the NUS Overseas College Alumni. For me, it feels like going back a full circle to entrepreneurship. This time, innovation and impact are ready to intersect at the frontiers of providing new solutions to the most urgent sustainability challenges in environmental, social and ethics (i.e. ESG).

Mentor for Hope is an unprecedented month-long fundraising campaign where mentors donate their time to help provide mentoring to founders affected by the Covid-19 crisis and concurrently, raise $50,000 from all our mentoring proceeds to aid Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen and TechSG Beyond Social Services Covid19 Family Assistance Fund in delivering urgent help to persons and families affected by this pandemic.

I would like to give a special appreciation to the organising team. Not in any order (but you would agree, ladies first)

Elise Tan, Sharon Yeo, Aparna Saxena, Gwen Sim,

and the league of gentlemen

Chia Jeng Yang, Minh Vu Hong, Clinton Swan, Ajith Issac and Roy Ong.

The dream team!!

Despite not ever having to meet each other before, we came together, on zoom, whatsapp and Facebook. Within 2 weeks, we turned an idea into reality today. There is strength in unity, there is joy in difficulties, and above all, I am honoured to be part of this team to make history together. 

Thank you and I wish you a rewarding time and new friendship with Mentor For Hope. 

Post launch reflections:

During the Q&A session, several meaningful questions were discussed around the most impactful mentoring session and how to find a suitable mentor.

Reflecting on my professional and personal growth journey, I thought about a group of very dear and special people who have generously given me their time, wisdom, encouragement and offer to help anytime.

Over the years, as I navigate this big millennial thing called ‘adulting’, I came to realise just how busy people get and appreciate even more, the extra time they set aside to help me grow and stand in faith with me. In the moments of my greatest storm, they were there (they are still there). A message. An email. A call. A meet up. I felt completely undeserving of that kindness because I knew just how busy they were. I also felt that I should try to fix things first. It may have felt like I’ve dropped off the radar.

My mentors have a depth of patience and confidence that I will come out of it when I am ready. A key learning for me is understanding how to weather a storm. There are times to go fast for the unicorn moonshot, there are times to pace like the camel in the desert. It is okay to feel shocked but the best fighters know how to pick themselves up and fight the good fight.

What would I advise anyone who is considering trying out a mentoring session?

Mentor for Hope is a good starting point if you’re a startup (commercial or social enterprise).

How often can you get access to top leaders and do good for our community at the same time?

There are 250 highly successful professionals and leaders from venture capital, impact investments, marketing and brand, sustainability and the list of specialisations goes on.

I draw wisdom and inspiration from a Chinese idiom in the Three Character Classic, as known the Sanzi Jing.

玉不琢, 不成器，人不学,  不知义

A person's journey to success is like carving jade. Jade is no different from stone before being polished and carved. It is the same with people. Only through faithful work can one become an impactful person.

Humility, a big appetite for learning and a grateful heart sets one with the right attitude to be mentored. Acknowledge you don’t know it all, prepare your homework before meeting your mentor. Treasure their time and appreciate them always.

Do you have a mentor that has made a difference in your professional success and personal growth? How did your mentor help you? What did you learn? Share your story with me (in the comments below).

Reference:

*Opening address Mentor For Hope Official Launch on 18 May, FB Live.

*For startups, sign up here: https://gratitude.vc/mentor-for-hope-for-founders/

*To make a donation, our fundraising page is: https://give.asia/campaign/gratitude-covid19-mentor-for-hope#/