Thanks to Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN), I had the opportunity to learn from a Singaporean global leader, Vinod V. Mahboobani 馬偉樂, which really went a lot better than expected.
If I compare the lives of a mere mortal and a global leader, the difference is that, within one lifetime, we live one life while they are like cats, living nine lives. Their perspectives span different business contexts, cultural environments and a wide range of issues of interest to the diverse workers they lead.
The topic of sacrifice came up. It was not easy to shift entire families and livelihoods in pursuit of a global career. As I listened to his story, I was also contemplating whether my family and I could sacrifice. Not at this point - relationships with our grandparents are dear to us. If we miss this decade, we might miss the opportunity to bond for good. It's too big a sacrifice.
I also wondered, if it would be too late, to then embark on a global career, starting only in my 40s. I didn't ask this question, but I am thinking what Vinod and the rest will say is - it depends. It depends on how fast you adapt, how quickly you learn, how healthy you are, and whether you still have the hunger to succeed, especially when at that time, you might have become comfortable.
Vinod told us to be visible and memorable, not for the sake of visibility or memorability alone, but to use our intelligence to strike connections and form synergies. I think I did that well, because I went to introduce myself to Joel Shen, and we had a good conversation about the role that technology and legislation can have in contributing to a safer online space. I now have the opportunity to learn from another global leader in a separate coffee chat.
Most importantly, Vinod says, own your career. It is not the HR's job. It is our job. Why stay in Singapore, when it is the best city and everything works? Challenge yourself. Invest in yourself and your team. These words stuck in my head. And in many touchpoints, like the feedback form, and the informal conversations with Khoo Rujun, I wanted to share the impact the session had on me. Most importantly, is sharing the impact on me with Vinod himself.
What was my biggest takeaway? It relates to my situation. I am in the middle of preparing a scholarship application to pursue part-time postgrad studies alongside my work, so that I can deliver more value to my industry and Singapore. I came into the session, having considered the risks and many other factors, and pivoted from my original goal of studying in China, to looking at options in Singapore. I thought I had it settled. The conversation made me think again. What's the point of studying in Singapore, when I am already working and living in Singapore? If I want a global career in my 40s, I need to take my baby steps now. So I pivoted back to China. Again.
I'm glad I showed up, when the easier option was not to, especially because I wasn't in my best mental state or condition that day.
