How one tragic moment redefined my career journey
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we highlight the importance of mental and emotional well-being. In line with this theme, I want to share a personal journey that illustrates why sometimes the best move for our mental health is to redefine our path.
Despite a fulfilling and passionate career in Tech, I've always envisioned starting my own company by the age of forty, aiming to be fully independent and be my own boss.
When I turned forty, I found myself without a concrete plan to exit the corporate world. Amidst the global pandemic, after relocating to Singapore with my husband and our two boys, leaving my corporate job was not an option!
Two years passed, and despite facing new challenges at work and meeting incredible people, a deep sense of emptiness began to grow within me; my spark and passion were fading. My company was evolving through various growth phases, gradually entering a stage that felt less exciting. It became more about standardization and industrialization—creativity and innovative thinking seemed sidelined. I found myself simply going through the motions, fulfilling my duties without the enthusiasm I once had.
Alongside my job, I've always had a deep passion for self-growth. I participated in several transformative programs and was actively involved in mentoring and coaching within various associations and communities. In early 2022, I signed up for a coaching certification program, not necessarily planning to leave my job but as another means to further my development. This program profoundly impacted me both professionally and personally. As I progressed, I felt increasingly aligned with the core values of impact, community, and continuous learning in coaching. Despite this growing connection, I continued to push aside any thoughts of making a significant career change.
Then came the pivotal moment that changed everything—a profound tragedy. A very close friend, one of the most brilliant and talented professionals I have ever known. Despite high performances and solid results, he was overlooked for promotion year after year. As younger colleagues advanced, his responsibilities were reduced, and promises made to him were unfulfilled. What began as passionate dedication slowly turned to patient waiting, then to doubt, eroding his confidence and self-esteem. Overwhelmed by a sense of stagnation and deepening depression, he tragically ended his own life.
This tragedy was a wake-up call. It highlighted that many skilled individuals are silently enduring the hardships of the corporate climb, experiencing burnout as they await recognition or advancement. This erosion of energy, confidence, and passion, can tragically even lead to loss of life. In that moment, I made a promise to myself: I would do everything in my power to ensure no high achiever ever feels alone, disempowered, or trapped again. My vision became clear—I want every high achiever to start each day feeling empowered, in control of their well-being, and steering their own career path.
This personal awakening prompted me into action. I overcame my limiting beliefs about working alone, the fear of losing my corporate status, and the dependency stigma attached to starting anew. With determination, I've started a new path where my mission is to help high achievers to become influential leaders through the skills and the mindset that combine both performance and personal well-being. Today, I am surrounded by a supportive network of coaches and a vibrant community. This journey has taught me that the power to redefine our professional lives lies within our grasp.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, sometimes the healthiest choice is to redefine our paths before they redefine us. This May, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Are you nurturing your mental health and well-being through your work? Or is it time for a change?
I’d love to hear your stories. Share your experiences in the comments or reach out if you’re feeling stuck.
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Mindset Mastery: Balance High Perfromance with Well Being for Career Success - May 21st at 5.00 pm SGT - 11.00 AM CET
In our fast-paced professional world, mental fitness isn't a luxury; it's essential. Recognizing and overcoming the "Hyper-Achiever" saboteur is critical for those seeking a balanced life where success is harmonized with well-being.
This is where the Mindset Mastery workshop comes in. Designed for ambitious professionals facing the daily challenge of balancing high performance with personal well-being, this workshop provides:
- Insights into common self-sabotage patterns and how to overcome them.
- Understanding the neuroscience behind peak performance and well-being.
- Practical techniques to shift your mental state and manage stress effectively.
- The "Three Gifts Technique" for turning setbacks into opportunities for growth.
- Strategies to build the mental muscle necessary for sustained success.
Based on the pioneering work of Shirzad Chamine (The author of Positive Intelligence), the Mindset Mastery workshop offers proven strategies used by top CEOs and executive teams.
As a prelude to this transformative experience, registrants receive a free 5-minute Saboteur Assessment to identify personal barriers to performance and well-being.
If you're ready to move beyond the relentless pursuit of achievements to discover a more fulfilling path, DM to get your Free Zoom Invite.
Let's embark on a journey to redefine success, embrace our vulnerabilities, and achieve true mental fitness together.