飲水思源, directly translated from Mandarin as "when you drink water, think of its source". It conveys the concept of "gratitude" and in business, this can be one of the hardest things to do.
When disagreements occur, whether over finances, business priorities or decisions, relationships tend to collapse quickly because both parties feel under-appreciated and each believe they deserve more.
I've had my share of experiences, and I'm sure many other founders can attest to partnerships falling through.
Even for hiring managers, losing your valuable employee despite giving your best within your organizational confines, is keenly felt amongst my clients.
I'm exceptionally thankful for the partnership Ling Ho and I share as we did our 2024 luncheon for Taiwan. 5 years ago, when Ling told me she wanted to take on this adventure, I was super excited and worried at the same time - excited with her tremendous potential and worried if I had oversold her the job.
Ling was coming off a stable career in clinical research, and her accolades could have easily secured her another role with a CRO or principal Pharma.
But as with most breakthroughs in life, you just start where you stand, one step at a time out of your comfort zone.
Her journey was naturally fraught with rejections, and mistakes from being in a new trade.
But Ling was relentless.
She asked questions as though it was her first job out of school.
She took every rejection with the grace that the Taiwanese are known for (but I know for certain she must not have gone home feeling good about herself, because some of the harshest rejections came from professionals two decades apart).
I lost count of how many days I circled around Taipei 101 with her...
But in 2023, we celebrated a record year, and this success was built off phenomenal business relations with anchor clients that bridge between Singapore and Taiwan.
With considerable growth also comes touchy conversations on business decisions and finances, and this is often a make-or-break/fracture moment in a partnership.
And Ling was truly relentless – even with her empathy and compassion, in what she affectionately calls 感恩 (gratitude).
It pushed us to navigate these conversations with maturity and it made all the difference.
There is so much to learn and appreciate from everyone once you strip away preconceived notions.
Especially when you see someone having the courage to keep trying, don't write them off before their time.
Determination is infectious.
And so is 飲水思源.
It could be your catalyst to more fulfilling work, and on a broader scale, life.
It won't always be the most popular choice and sometimes, it makes less money than it should.
But it is still the right thing that has worked for us.
P.s. If these are similar values that are dear to you, then you may want to consider embarking on this wild adventure with us.
We are growing the Taiwan team and our members are based across both offices.
