You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough

Welcome to life where we all explore the intricate dance of balancing work, family, health, friends, and integrity. With over 20 years of corporate experience and a passion for fitness, travel, and personal growth, I like to share my journey, inspire others, and celebrate the diverse experiences that life offers. This blog post reflects on the lessons I’ve learned about leadership, both in the boardroom and beyond, through a life of discovery and self-improvement.

The Corporate Junkie Awakening

For two decades, I navigated the corporate world, climbing the ladder and absorbing invaluable lessons from leading and being led by great teams. Yet, at times, I felt like a “corporate junkie,” consumed by the drive to succeed at work. It took years of reflection to realize that life encompasses far more than just career advancement. We are multi-faceted beings, capable of balancing various aspects of life if we learn to appreciate our broader potential.

Imagine life as a juggling act with five balls: work, family, health, friends, and integrity.

While work, a rubber ball, can bounce back if dropped, the others are fragile glass. Dropping one of these can lead to irrevocable damage. This analogy became a guiding principle for me, helping me prioritize and balance my life more holistically.

Embracing Fitness and Wellness

Fitness has become an essential part of my routine, and I share my workouts to help others improve mobility and strengthen muscles. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just starting, my workouts range from low to high-intensity cardio exercises, strength and conditioning training, core strengthening, and stamina building. Prioritizing health has not only made me physically stronger but has also enhanced my mental resilience, a key attribute for effective leadership.

The Transformative Power of Travel

Traveling has always been a cherished passion, igniting a sense of wonder and exploration. My first international trip to Singapore and Thailand at age 12 sparked a lifelong love for discovering new places. Through work, I’ve traveled extensively, and each journey has made me more independent, fearless, and open-minded. These experiences broadened my perspective, allowing me to return to work with renewed confidence and a deeper understanding of different cultures and viewpoints. This openness to new experiences has been a boon to my corporate career, enriching my leadership style with a global perspective.

The Importance of Family Time

Amidst the hustle of corporate life and personal pursuits, I learned the invaluable lesson of prioritizing family time. Family is one of the glass balls in the juggling act of life, and neglecting it can lead to irreparable consequences. Over the years, I’ve found that dedicating quality time to family not only strengthens our bonds but also provides a vital source of support and joy. Spending time with loved ones offers a much-needed respite from the demands of work and personal ambitions. It can be as simple as sharing a meal, going for a walk, or engaging in a family hobby. The love and support from family provide a foundation of stability, making it easier to tackle challenges in other areas of life.

Three Key Lessons for Reinventing Yourself

If you’re feeling the urge to reinvent yourself and your career, here are three key lessons I have learned along the way:

1. Trust Your Path
   It’s essential to trust your instincts. Over the years, I’ve learned to manage various aspects of my work and business, gaining confidence in the decisions I’ve made. Following your gut can lead to unexpected but rewarding paths.

2. Enlist Support
   Never hesitate to seek help. You don’t have to know everything or do it alone. The connections you make can offer invaluable assistance and support when you least expect it. Building a network of support is crucial for personal and professional growth.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
   In our pursuit of big dreams, we often overlook small successes. Take time to celebrate these moments. Recognizing small victories prevents burnout and keeps you motivated for the bigger challenges ahead.

Conclusion

Following your passion requires courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself in new ways or simply follow your heart, success is a personal journey. It’s about finding what makes you happy and fulfilled. As I continue to explore and share my passions, I hope to inspire you to live your own version of the good life.

Thank you for being part of this journey.