“The time is always right to do what is right” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr

8 August 2021

Two years ago this time I left a company where I served for 13 years. I learned leadership nuggets from local and global leaders. I went through the entire cycle of the executive search process that I gained experience in helping organizations and individuals find the right fit for each other. What’s more fulfilling is to see organizational growth under the right leadership; and individual success in the right workplace. It’s beyond revenue achievement and career development.

Last year this time I left a company where I held a regional leadership position for its business expansion in Asia. In a start-up environment, I had oversight of sales, marketing, operations, people, and finance. I gained an insight into how a business should be run while facing Covid-19. I learned about making tough decisions and be assertive during trying times. What’s more meaningful is to prioritize personal well-being more than career achievement when health is affected.

I had a good 3 months break between these two jobs. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr says, “The time is always right to do what is right.” While I was pursuing my coaching certification program, I founded Chat Point with the idea of creating a safe environment for strategic conversations. On a personal note, I was able to spend a lot of time with my father before his sudden departure on the first day of my new job. It’s a reminder about the importance of family. After accomplishing my mandates with the start-up, I left to focus on coaching. At the same time, I completed my lay counselling program. I also completed two leadership programs at both national and international levels while I was appointed to be a treasurer of an NGO. I was also part of an organizing committee and Zoom digital team for virtual programs.

It’s been a year since I became a member of ICF. I have learned so much through some of the great projects initiated by ICF Malaysia. I wouldn’t have the experience of assigning 97 breakout rooms during International Coaching Week 2021; I wouldn’t have the opportunity to polish my Bahasa and Mandarin for coaching, and I wouldn’t have come across so many professional coaches. Today, August is the start of my new role as ICF Malaysia’s membership director.

In March, I was engaged by a global talent mobility company to support clients with career transitions and talent development needs. This is meaningful as I work with candidates to help them see the possibilities in their careers. I thought I might have less work as compared to my full-time job. God opens new doors. He has been gracious. I don’t feel lonely as a solopreneur. It’s been fulfilling as I get to work with many great people for a great purpose despite different channels. I’m glad that I can learn and serve in different capacities so that I can inspire, improve and impact others.

What is your purpose in this season? How strong is your sense of purpose?