Career Success Stories

Sunday Reflections 7: The fastest route is not necessarily the shortest How many times have you set a destination in Google Maps and realised that the route is much longer in distance than you expected? The reason is that the algorithm seeks the fastest route; the shortest one might have a lower speed limit or heavy traffic congestion. The exact same logic applies to careers. Sometimes, you need to take detours and make lateral moves before you can move ahead again in your career. I always advocate setting a clear vision of where you want to go as early as possible in your career. While you can adjust, or even radically shift that target over time, having a destination in mind helps you make better decisions. However, you will often encounter roadblocks or congested routes in your career. To keep progressing, you might need to step sideways -or even take a step back- before you can advance forward again. This has happened to me several times in my corporate career and was the catalyst for changing roles within the same company, sometimes internationally, or moving to another company altogether. For example, moving from Vodafone Egypt in 2004, where I was the CMO with over 70 people in my team, to the UK with a team of fewer than ten was, at best, a lateral move. But it set me up for my next move: becoming the CEO in Malta. Going back to head Partner Markets was another lateral step, yet it gave me the exact tools that prepared me to be the CEO of Vodafone Egypt through some of its most challenging times. I have seen this with many friends and colleagues over the years. Those who were flexible enough to move laterally almost always reached their target before those who kept trying to push through a blocked route. While digital maps make navigating physical routes manageable, in the corporate world, these paths are a lot more obscure, especially early in your career. Guidance from mentors, managers, and even peers is often essential to navigate to the right destination. I was lucky to have the right mentors during several pivotal phases of my career. A big shout-out to the one mentor who possibly had the most impact: Ian Gray OBE. Thank you Ian for being a role model and a mentor for many generations of successful leaders. If you are still in your early or mid-career: Do you have a clear destination? Do you have a mentor? #leadership #reflections #Sundayreflections #careers #mentorship

3 days in Vietnam taught me more about business leadership than 6 years running my agency. I almost didn’t take the trip. I told myself I was too busy, that stepping away could risk everything I’d built. My business had become my entire identity. But then, Vietnam happened. Watching locals balance productivity with presence, I saw how limited my thinking had become. Their approach—community-driven, mindful, fully engaged in the moment—challenged my hustle-obsessed mindset. Every shared meal, every market negotiation, every conversation with strangers taught me more than any business book ever had. I realized leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about adaptability, connection, and presence. The biggest lesson? Stepping away doesn’t mean stepping back. In fact, it’s often the smartest business decision you can make. Since returning, I’ve applied what I learned: ✔ Building real relationships, not just networking ✔ Adapting to change without stress ✔ Being fully present with my team and clients And the impact? Clearer decisions. Stronger creative work. More authentic client relationships. Sometimes, growth happens outside of work. What’s a lesson travel has taught you that shaped your professional life? #entrepreneurship #mindfulness #leadership #vietnam #worklifebalance

The most surprising thing I learned at Atlassian? Your growth is never just yours. It’s shaped by how others see you. Sometimes they’re cheering. Sometimes they’re not. When I joined Atlassian, I thought career growth was linear: → Do great work. → Get recognised. → Repeat. But in reality? It’s messier. More human. Over the last 3 years, I’ve been promoted twice, from Recruiter > Senior Recruiter > Principal Recruiter. On paper, it looks smooth. But behind the scenes? ▶︎ Some people rooted for me. ▶︎ Others doubted me. ▶︎ And most had their own lens—shaped by their experiences, biases, or fears. I used to crave validation. I wanted everyone to like me. Natural, right? Until I realised: You can’t control how others see you. But you can control how you show up. So I chose to: → Focus on consistent, meaningful work that built my internal brand → Build relationships rooted in trust → Align with my values, especially when it was uncomfortable (this was hard at times). Here’s what helped me navigate that path: - Detach from opinions: They’re often reflections, not truths. - Stay mission-focused: Clarity cuts through the noise. - Keep receipts: Let your track record do the talking. - Find your crew: The right people will lift you higher. - Own your story: Don’t let someone else narrate your journey. - Be visible: Make sure your manager and the right people see your impact. And a few deeper truths I had to learn: - Growth isn’t always visible. Some of the biggest leaps are internal, building resilience, navigating uncertainty, learning how to advocate for yourself. - Leaders aren’t always in leadership roles. Some of my greatest support came from peers who simply showed up for me. That matters more than titles ever will. - Career growth = strategic growth. It’s not about doing more, it’s about saying no, aligning with priorities, managing up, and protecting your energy. This was a huge lesson. One I had to learn the hard way. - How you make people feel… sticks. Especially in recruiting. People remember how you treated them long after they forget your title. That reputation? It follows you. Atlassian taught me a lot. Many things I'm truly grateful for. But the biggest lesson? →The most authentic version of you is the most powerful, especially when you learn to navigate the game without compromising who you are or what you stand for. Have you ever had to tune out the noise to grow in your career? ---- "My account wasn’t hacked. I really started at Atlassian on Feb 21, 2022." Still one of my favourite photos and moments from the journey. Joining a company like Atlassian after spending my career in startups? Huge milestone. I thought the hard part was getting in. But the real growth came after.

I’ve advised over 200 high achievers in the last 3 years. From F500 companies to billion dollar startups. 5 challenges that kept them stuck + how to overcome: (1) Demonstrating impact It's a harsh truth, but no amount of work will get you promoted. To level up you need to show impact on the bottom line. Recommendation: Focus on outcomes vs. outputs, and track your success. (2) Owning your time If someone else owns your calendar you can't be effective or make a big impact. But most people just accept what ever is put on their calendar. Recommendation: Be proactive, not reactive. Create you ideal schedule (I call it CEO schedule) and own your time. (3) Leveraging advocacy Your career will grow faster if you have key stakeholders ready to speak on your behalf. But most people don't have a strategic plan to build and nurture advocacy. When the time comes they need to beg for support. Recommendation: Identify your advocates and manage the relationship long term, to get undeniable recognition. (4) Having hard conversations The things you want most are on the other side of a hard conversation. Asking for a raise, getting a unique opportunity, sharing feedback, letting an employee go. Avoiding these conversations keeps you stuck. Recommendation: Don't avoid hard conversations. Plan and practice for them to reduce the anxiety and fear. (5) No vision or strategy You assume working hard enough for long enough will get you ahead. That's usually not the answer. Doing more of the same won't get you far in the corporate world. Recommendation: Gain clarity about your vision and what it would take to get there, so you can be intentional about how you spend your time at work. Ignore these challenges and you'll stay stuck for years. Master them and you'll join the 1%. *** Enjoyed this post? ♻️ Share to help someone get unstuck and grow their career

Leaving the United Nations: A Leap into the Unknown—3 Years Later Three years ago, on March 2022, I left the UN system. Not really by choice. Not by plan. But because life had other ideas. At that time, I was serving as International Staff for the UN Mission in Colombia, navigating the aftermath of COVID, and facing a family health crisis 10,000 kilometers away. The realization hit me hard: I couldn’t continue my career from a distance. After 20 years of service, I walked away—without a plan, without a safety net, without knowing what was next. And here’s the truth: It was terrifying. It was a shock. But it was also the best move I ever made. If you’re standing at a similar crossroads—wondering whether to leave the UN, international organizations, or any long-term career—or being requested to leave because of the "funding crisis", this is for you. What I Learned About Reinvention: 1️⃣ Your skills are more transferable than you think. Working in the UN gives you problem-solving, negotiation, crisis management, and leadership skills that private sector leaders pay for. Don’t underestimate your value. 2️⃣ Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity. Leaving a structured, mission-driven career feels overwhelming. But uncertainty is where growth happens. It forces you to rethink, reinvent, and rediscover what you truly want. 3️⃣ Network strategically. Your UN network is gold. Reach out. Connect with those who transitioned before you. Build new relationships in industries that interest you. You’re not starting from zero—you’re starting from experience. 4️⃣ Monetize your expertise. Whether it’s consulting, managing or leading social impact initiatives, there are countless ways to leverage your UN background. Find the intersection between your passion and what the world needs. 5️⃣ Identity is not a job title. Walking away from a prestigious role can feel like losing part of yourself. But you are not your position—you are the impact you create, no matter where you work. If you’re thinking about leaving, or you are actually asked to leave, ask yourself: 🔹 Am I staying/ I wish to stay because I love it—or because the unknown feels too risky? 🔹 Does my career still align with the person I am becoming/my professional values? 🔹 If fear wasn’t a factor, what bold step would I take? Leaving the UN was never my plan. But three years later, I can say this: 🤚 The future I didn’t plan turned out better than the future I once feared. To those at a career crossroads: trust your gut. If it’s time to move on, take the leap. You are more capable, adaptable, and resourceful than you realize. If you're looking for guidance on transitioning out of the UN system and building a fulfilling career, let’s connect. You don’t have to do it alone! p.s this is the plane view of the Andes, the day I left Colombia

We often see travel as a right, but is it really so in every part of the world? Growing up in the Philippines, my travel experiences from a young age weren’t just about exploring new places; they were lessons in independence and adaptability, crucial traits for any leader. On a recent visit to Manila, the stark contrast in travel access hit home. I remembered my own struggles before becoming a Singapore citizen. It was a reminder of how travel access varies globally and why, as leaders and global citizens, we must value diverse perspectives shaped by different journeys — just like our stories. These experiences have influenced my approach to storytelling in leadership, teaching me to value every voice in the room. Travel isn’t just about places; it’s a journey of personal narrative development. We all have travel stories. Let’s use our opportunities to broaden our understanding and empathy. On your next travel try going local or getting to know one. These moments can be transformative. P.S. How has a travel experience impacted your leadership or personal narrative?

Breaking stereotypes wasn’t easy. A banker once told me, ‘It’s better to be a shark in a pond than a fish in an ocean.’ That mindset shaped me. Some stories inspire us to aim higher and keep going. Anuja Bhekane’s journey is one that truly moves me - a story where she didn’t have a head start in life, yet today, she leads a team of 100. Here is Anuja’s story in her own words to inspire you to lead with courage and confidence. “I didn’t have a prestigious degree or a built-in career roadmap. Coming from a family of agriculture and farming, I had no exposure to the corporate world, no roadmap to success. Yet, I refused to let that define me. At 20, I began my career in the capital markets industry, a field traditionally dominated by men. My clients were CXOs of major banks, and through my interactions with them, I realized something profound: financial success wasn’t limited to business owners. Even salaried professionals could achieve wealth and independence. Over the past decade, I’ve been the only female Zonal Head in my field, earning credibility through performance - not gender. And while I’ve never played the “I’m a woman” card, let’s be real - challenges exist. Balancing work and family, ensuring my personal responsibilities never became an organization’s problem, and still delivering at the highest level - that was the biggest challenge I overcame. There were days I felt stretched between two worlds - one at work, one at home - but I never let either become an excuse. Three months after maternity leave, I was back at work - not to prove anything, but because my passion for what I do never took a break. Some days, success comes easy; other days, failure humbles you. The key is to turn setbacks into learning experiences. Staying grounded, being modest - that’s what sustains success in the long run. Even today, my aspiration remains the same. When I first met a CEO as a 20-year-old, I told myself that one day, I would be on that side of the table. That goal still drives me.”

Early in my career, I faced a moment many of us dread: A sudden, unexpected company reorganization. It seemed like overnight ➟ my role ➟ my team ➟ my daily tasks were all up in the air. I remember the anxiety. The flurry of rumors. The uncertainty. They clouded my thoughts about the future. But it was in this chaos that I found clarity. I realized that change, though daunting, also brings opportunities for growth. I wrote an article on this for Harvard Business Review. Here are 5 actions you can take when your professional life is unpredictable: 1. Embrace the Uncertainty Use periods of change as a catalyst for introspection. Reflect on what truly matters to you and your future. 2. Define Your Identity Think about who you need to be... Not just what you need to do. 3. Focus on the Process Establish and commit to positive career behaviors. It gives you a sense of control and leads to results. Examples: • Contribute in each team meeting • Expand your network every week  • Offer a strategic idea to leadership monthly • Take on a stretch opportunity once a quarter • Thank a coworker for something helpful every day 4. Cultivate Learning Agility Be ready to adapt. Stay curious. Embrace new ideas. This mindset isn't just to survive; it helps you thrive. 5. Ask for and Act on Feedback Regularly seek feedback. Take time to reflect on it. It's crucial to know where you're growing. And where you need to improve. Change can be scary. But it's also a chance to reset. To pivot. You may discover new paths you hadn't noticed before. Remember... It's not the strongest or most intelligent who survive. It's those who can best manage change. Lean into the uncertainty. Use it as a stepping stone. Build a career that's not just successful, but also aligned with who you truly are. Find this valuable? Repost ♻️ to share with others.  Thank you! P.S. What keeps you going when things get uncertain?

The day you stop rewarding your effort is the day you start doubting your progress. During career transitions, it’s easy to feel stuck when the big outcomes don’t arrive right away - whether that’s landing the job, signing your first client, or hitting a revenue goal. But those outcomes often take time and are influenced by factors outside your control. That’s why I encourage my clients to reward the effort, not the outcome. Here’s why it matters: 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Effort is within your control. Rejection or a slow start doesn’t equal failure, it just means timing wasn’t right. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝘁: Redundancy, career change, or job loss can trigger feelings of low self-worth and imposter syndrome. If you measure success only by outcomes, rejection feels personal. When you celebrate effort, you remind yourself that progress is happening even if the big win hasn’t landed yet. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Rewarding effort keeps you curious enough to try new approaches. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Transition into the next chapter can take time. Celebrating small wins builds positive habits that ultimately lead to the outcomes you want. So how do you make this practical? ➡️ 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲: Step 1: Set 3 to 5 weekly effort goals (e.g., update resume, LinkedIn, apply to two chosen aligned roles, reach out to three contacts, practise interview prep 20 mins, or prioritise self-care, walks, journal). 🌟 Reward the fact that you planned and committed to actions you can control. Step 2: Daily action tracking. Write down what you did, not just what happened. e.g., “Sent two applications, scheduled a coffee chat. Tick it off and acknowledge: Effort = Progress. 🌟 Reward yourself with a small daily ritual: a tea break, a walk, or simply saying, “Well done, I kept moving forward.” Step 3: Midweek check-in. e.g. Ask: Am I staying curious? What did I learn? Do I need to adapt my approach? 🌟 Reward curiosity itself, not whether it “worked.” Step 4: Weekly reflection (Friday) Capture what you tried, what you learned, what felt hardest, and what you’ll adjust. Celebrate: even if no job offers yet, you’re building resilience, confidence, and visibility. 🌟 Reward idea: treat yourself to a nice meal, time with loved ones, or your favourite activity. Step 5: Monthly reflection & reward (end of month). Look back on the month: notice progress in skills, networking, confidence. Celebrate the consistency of your effort. 🌟 Reward with something special, e.g. a new book, a short trip. P.S. What’s one effort you can reward yourself for this week? P.P.S. See comments for practical steps for transitioning into business/self employment. _______ ♻️ Repost to help someone in transition kickstart their new week.

What have I learned in eight years of travelling to China? 🇨🇳 After countless flights, meetings, meals and moments of discovery, here are some reflections that continue to shape how I think about business, culture, and connection in China: ⸻ 💡 Business Insights • Long-term thinkers, but fast actors. Strategic patience pairs with rapid execution — an incredibly powerful combination. • Scaling is an art form. The pace and magnitude of scaling in China are on a level not often witnessed elsewhere. • Technology and product innovation move fast — and with purpose. It’s not innovation for innovation’s sake, but tightly focused on consumer needs and outcomes. • Authenticity is non-negotiable. Brand promises are tested every day in real-time on Xiaohongshu, WeChat, and Douyin — where customer voices truly shape reputations. • News travels fast. Whether it’s praise or criticism, word spreads quickly. Transparency and responsiveness are key. ⸻ 🌏 Cultural Insights • Language matters. Making an effort with Mandarin goes a long way — every journey starts with the first step. • Food is central to everything. It’s culture, connection, and business combined. (And yes, practice your chopsticks!) • Expect many toasts. Each one is meaningful — a moment of respect, celebration, or friendship. • Warmth and hospitality are genuine and unforgettable. The exchange of gifts often marks not just an occasion, but the deepening of trust and partnership. • History runs deep. China’s fascinating past shapes its people, perspectives, and pride. Take time to learn — beyond the boardroom. • See it through your own eyes. China is best understood by being there, meeting people, and forming your own perspective — not by headlines alone. ⸻ I’ve been genuinely touched by my experiences in China — by the people, the culture, the energy and the ambition. I look forward to returning again and again — for business, and for pleasure. Thanks to a great iQ touring team: Ollie Humphries Sam Lee Heather McKim Xiaoqin Niu Jingjing Xu - incredibly committed but a fun bunch to be around. 📸 Sharing a few personal moments below from meetings, meals and cultural visits that have made this particular journey so memorable.