3 Parallels of Joseph Schooling's Olympic Win and Career Transition

If you are Singaporean, I’m sure like me, you must be elated, and brimming with pride when you saw our flag and heard our National Anthem being played at the Olympic Games. Winning an Olympic GOLD is not just a great sports achievement, but a historic one for Singapore. 

As I reflect on Joseph Schooling's win, I find myself looking back at my career transition, and what are some of the parallels we can draw from both. 

1. HARD WORK

Success did not come easy for Schooling. He trained hard for many years. While most youths enjoy life, wake up late, he was at the gym, in the pool, training. Transiting from one industry to another is like learning a new sports. One has to start with the basics and go through the pains of putting in the extra hours that others are not prepared to, just to learn and catch up with peers. 

I remember working 12-14 hours a day, sacrificing weekends to read and understand the logistics industry, the lingo they used, and poring through reports I can access just to familiarise and be on par with the knowledge that my peers have. 

2. FACING OBSTACLES AND SET BACKS

Joseph Schooling did not become a champion overnight. He had to go through many obstacles and setbacks, learn from them, and return stronger in the next competition. Every failure was the stepping stone he needed to move one step higher to achieving his goals. This is especially important when going through a career transition. One has to be prepared to deal with mistakes, learn and go further. 

One thing I have learned is to take small steps and go for small wins rather than big ones. Small wins reduce risk, allow you some leeway to experiment, and make quick adjustments when you need to. It also reduces the impact of any set back, which minimises the career impact you might face. 

3. AMBITION

One of the biggest prize for any athlete is to win in the Olympics. That Joseph Schooling can achieve this, and win against a legend like Micheal Phelps who hails from a swimming powerhouse (the USA), is a very significant achievement. A small country like Singapore has “punched above its weight category”, with Confidence, and WON. 

In any career transition, go in with the believe that you can rise in your career and achieve more than you believe you can. Take as many challenging tasks assigned by your boss and find people and mentors in the company who are willing to guide and teach you to accomplishing them. You will be surprised that if you do this with humility, there will be many helping hands out there you can reach out to. 

Majulah Singapura!!

SHARE THIS POST with someone you think who can benefit from this post.

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar

4 Key Takeaways I Learned from Google that will help in Your Career Transition

Yesterday was a truly inspiring day for me. 

In the morning, I was the emcee for a bursary award event. The bursary award event is a community event that I have been volunteering with for some years, and it is something I enjoy doing. The event was held at the Google Singapore office where the Google team presented and shared their vision, their culture, and also some of the technology which they have developed that helps shape the world into a better place. 

In the evening, I attended a dinner with fellow community leaders, many of whom I have known for close to a decade. I enjoyed the camaraderie, fellowship, and catch-up over a wonderful dinner. 

But what truly inspired me where the stories shared, which to me hold powerful learning lessons that I think can help many who are seeking a career transition.

Here are 4 key takeaways I believe can be adapted to those who are going through career transitions. 

1. Chart Your Career Heartbeat

Like all journeys, there will be moments where your ride will be smooth, and those where your rides will be bumpy. When you come to a crossroads in your career, don't fret. Its probably a good time to take a step back, reflect, and consider where you are today, and where you wish to be tomorrow. 

I am a big believer of Experiential Learning, and to me, every day on the job is an experience that provides powerful learning moments. 

One exercise I practice yearly is to plot my career "heartbeat" as a way to reflect what I have learned, and how far I have come in my career journey. Below is an example you can follow to build your career "heartbeat". 

2. Career Innovation Can Happen Anywhere and Anytime

This brings me to my next point, that innovation in your career can happen anywhere and at any time. 

During the bursary event at Google Singapore, I heard how individuals with no experience in technology, with degrees from completely different fields, landed a job in Google, and grew into their roles and thrived. Its very encouraging to hear of such transitions, which reinforces my believe, everyone can make a meaningful and successful career transition. 

Through your career heartbeat, you will be able to identify high points and low points from the projects, tasks and work you have accomplished. Pick out those "magic moments" where an insight gives you a different perspective that you have brought to your team, your organisation and your career. These value-creating moments are the inflection points that will reveal insights how your career is transitioning and innovating. 

In the role that I am in, I am involved in combining data from different sources. I learned about databases, the nature of data constructs and its impact on data analysis. Through the projects that I am assigned, I have learned that I have an innate ability to coordinate many moving parts and join the dots into a coherent whole that helps my management in their decision making efforts. I also learned that I have a strong instinct in crisis management. All these gave me insights into how I could innovate in my career, benefit my team more, and bring value to the organisation I serve.  

3. "Think 10x"

A friend once told me...

"Aim for Moon and when you fail, you fall among the Stars". 

In Google Singapore, they shared their philosophy of "Think 10x" where incremental improvements can bring about "big side effects". You can 

I believe this to be true and important when we think about our careers. 

Never settle for average. Always see how your contributions can bring scalable benefits to your employers. In doing so, you bring profound value to your employers and in variably, become a valued member of the team and organisation. 

4. Use Technology to Solve Problems

In Google Singapore, they shared how they are constantly innovating and coming up with technology solutions that are focused on the user, solving fundamental problems users experience that bring big positive side effects. 

Singapore, because of its small size, is very well placed to leverage on technology to drive not just productivity gains, but innovation and creativity. We are perhaps at the cusp of a tectonic shift in the use of technology to solve not only business problems but also social challenges. 

This brings many opportunities for those in mid-career transitions. There are many avenues one can learn about technology. For example, attending technology conferences, reading about technology, or even taking a course on coding or robotics (if you are a Singaporean, here is where SkillsFuture can come in handy). 


Final Thoughts

I will end with this quote that was shared yesterday to employers and those in career transition. Its from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings:

“All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.”

Never discount yourself or anyone. 

SHARE THIS POST with someone you think can benefit from this post.

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar

Why Winning Is Important!!

Its been several weeks from the last time I wrote on this blog. 

The last few weeks were eventful. I had to deliver on a major work assignment, something I had been working on intensely for more than 4 months, with the most challenging milestone achieved in the last few weeks. The feeling of completing a major assignment, especially one where the odds seemed to be against you when you started, felt good. It felt like winning a competition.  

The Power of the "Winner Effect"

The effect of winning on an individual can be powerful. Neuropsychologist Professor Ian Robertson wrote about "The Winner Effect" and argues that winning is probably one of the most important effects shaping people's lives.

I believe winning is not only important, but also necessary if you are entering a new career. 

Defining "Winning"...

Before I start, let me first explain what I mean by winning. To me, winning takes a broad definition. It includes overcoming obstacles, be it big or small, achieving a major milestone, or simply changing your attitude and mindset, is a win. 

How to be a Winner...

1. Orchestrate Small Wins

As Professor Ian explained in his video, it is better to design and orchestrate small wins. Every time you achieve a small win, a chemical reaction occurs. Testosterone and dopamine increases, giving you that "feel good" effect. This increases your confidence and risk appetite, giving you courage to take on more challenging and important tasks, potentially bringing about larger wins in future. 

One way I have orchestrated small wins in projects assigned to me is to break up a project into small achievable chunks or milestones. Completing each milestone becomes a "win".

2. Build a Winning Team

You will notice in my blog posts that I am a big proponent of teamwork and working in teams. Find like-minded individuals who are aligned to your goals and invite them to participate in your project as a member of your team. 

3. Have a S.M.A.R.T. Plan

As the saying goes, when you don't plan, you plan to fail. Ensure that your plans are:

• Specific - clearly defined goals and outcomes. 
• Measurable - clearly identified performance indicators or outputs.
• Achievable - a goal or target that you bring to completion.
• Realistic - to be realistic means you factor in constraints you face in your plans.
• Time Bound - defined within a set period or schedule.

Everybody deserves a win. Go ahead! Plan your next WIN. 

SHARE THIS POST with someone you think should benefit from a win.

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar

5 Crucial Questions You Must Ask Yourself to Make a Successful Transition

In a youth dialogue last week, I heard the presentation made by Mr. David Hoe of how he transitioned from someone who did badly in his Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) to an aspiring teacher studying Economics. You can read about this story here. 

Today, I read about Mr. Ang Kim Song, someone I know, tell his story of how he transitioned from a habitual offender to someone who aspires to graduate with a Math degree. He is now a Project Director at Aestiwood, a woodwork company that hires marginalised individuals and ex-offenders.

Both David and Kim Song successfully transitioned, and moved on to not only become productive individuals, but also change makers who are giving back to society and inspiring others. 

Their transition did not come easy, or immediately. It was a series of events that prompted them to reflect on their lives and make a determined shift in mindset to alter their trajectory in life. 

• So what can we learn from these stories? 

• How can we use these stories to think about change and transitions in our lives and careers? 

Perhaps a good way to start the journey of change and transition is to ask yourself some fundamental questions. I have put together 5 crucial questions you should ask yourself if you are seeking to make a transition, be it in your career or life in general. 

1. Why do you want to change and what are your compelling reasons?

Successful transitions start with compelling reasons. Compelling reasons usually evolve out of cathartic, inspiring, or even simple events that prompt deep introspection. The stiff sentence meted out on Kim Song was the cathartic event that prompted his re-evaluation. Turning 40 was my "cathartic" event that prompted me to re-evaluate my station in life. 

Take some time to think through your circumstances. 

1. Was there an event or an inspiration that is prompting you to re-evaluate your life or career? 
2. If so, what might that be? 
3. How important is it that it requires you to make a change from your current trajectory?

2. Do you have a network of support?

No man is an island as the saying goes. 

If you are seeking a change or transition, find good friends or family members you can trust to be a network of support you can count on when the going gets tough. Good support networks not only prop you up during periods you are down, but they can also provide guidance and help when you need it. Make a list of friends and family members you can trust, who will not judge you or your decisions. Connect with them and share your vision and hopes of transition and ask them for their support.  

3. Where Must I Start? 

As a rule, I would say start at the basics. If your dream is to be a photographer, start by first learning the basics of how a camera functions, understand the different mechanics, and master them. From there, you move on to other aspects. When I entered the logistics industry, my mentor and colleague told me the first thing I needed to learn were the Incoterms. Identify your start point. 

4. What Will My Roadmap Look Like?

Think of your transition as a "project". Like all projects, there are milestones with defined timelines for you to meet. Pen down what your change roadmap will look like. Identify the milestones you need to cross. Set realistic and practical timelines and place this roadmap someplace visible so that you are always reminded of it. 

5. Are You Prepared To Take the "Pain" of Transition?

Finally, are you ready for the "pain" that will come with the change? Invariably, you have to accept that every transition will come with roadblocks, doubts, and insecurities, all of which can become obstacles that you need to cross. There might be a period you need to suffer the change. 

Evaluate how mentally ready you are for your transition. A good way to know how mentally ready you are is to look back at turning points in your life and how you coped with it. These turning points and your reactions to them reveal a lot about your tenacity, courage, and determination, which will be critical during times of change and transition. 

I hope these 5 crucial questions will help ease your journey towards change and transition. 

SHARE THIS POST with someone you know of who is going through a period of change or transition. 

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar

3 Areas You Should Reflect On Your Achievements Today...

Yesterday was Singapore's 50th National Day. Its a Jubilee celebration, one which all Singaporeans can be proud of. It was a day Singapore rejoiced, celebrated and took stock of how far she has come as a nation. This affectionally known "little red dot" has been described as the "Singapore exception". And indeed it has had an amazing run over the last 50 years. 

As a Singaporean who grew up since the 1970s, I have had the great privilege of witnessing this extraordinary transformation. It was not too long ago that we used to take buses with no air-conditioning. Where bus and MRT routes were not as pervasive as it is today. And where Marina Bay was nothing more than an empty parcel of land. Singapore has indeed progressed very far. 

Many have sited reasons of meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty (MPH) as credits to Singapore's success. Indeed they are important. But to me, it was how as a nation we used Knowledge to progress, how we up-Skilled the workforce to be one of the best in the world, and how we applied an Attitude centred on progress, that stand out for me. While meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty were foundational, it was the application of knowledge, skill and attitude that I think brought us this far. 

As I reflect on Singapore's transformation and progress, I take stock of how I have grown through my application of knowledge, skills and attitudes. I will share some of my thoughts on this, and tips, which I feel are important areas you could focus on so that you may progress as successfully as this amazing nation called Singapore. 

KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge refers to information, facts, concepts, that you have acquired. Knowledge is important as it provides you with the foundation to progress. Knowledge is what helps society change and transform. It was through knowledge gained that we evolved from a world of horse riding to one of driving cars. Through knowledge, we learn about the universe and technology that led to our ability to fly a man to the moon. Knowledge helps you understand complexity and solve problems. Knowledge invariably will help you learn more and faster. 

From early on, the pioneer leaders of Singapore had pushed and pursued knowledge. Singapore learned from others. We brought in talented individuals to teach us, such as Dr Albert Winsemius, a Dutch economist who gave us advise on Singapore's industrialisation efforts. Singapore is always open to learning from others and learning about new discoveries and opportunities. In healthcare, despite our tremendous progress, we are still learning (click here).

Knowledge is a powerful driver of change and progress. In the last 10 years, I've gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. I credit this explosion of knowledge to the days as a corporate trainer and consultant, my EMBA program, and to my transition into the shipping and logistics industry. I've learned about the inter-play between finance, strategy and operations. I learned about the complexity in managing global initiatives, and the challenges of aligning regions and countries towards a common corporate goal. 

Through the knowledge gained, I can today connect the dots and become effective in the challenges I pursue. 

How can you gain more knowledge?

1. Read, read and read more. Nothing beats reading widely to gain knowledge. Read beyond the scope of your work or industry. Extend your knowledge by reading topics which are unrelated to what you do daily to gain new perspectives. 
2. Watch documentaries. I love documentaries. Though I will be the first to admit that documentaries can be a little biased, but they still do pass on knowledge. I particularly like those from the BBC, Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. 
3. Think and reflect. It is not enough to just read. You should consider the points raised by the author, think about it, and reflect on its merits. 
4. Discuss with others. Find opportunities to discuss and chat with others. People you know have their own repositories of knowledge which you can gain from too. 
5. Study. Take a course, learn something. One of my favourite ways to gain new knowledge is to take an online course from Coursera. Try it out. Its free, unless you want the certificate. 

SKILL

A skill is the ability to perform a task or activity repeatedly and consistently. It is often something you acquire through application or experience. Skills can be general (e.g. management skills, leadership, teamwork skills) or specific (e.g. coding, graphic design, finance). 

Skills upgrading has been a mantra of this country for as long as I can remember. And rightly so. Human resource is about the only resource we have. So unless we invest and develop this human capital, we will stagnate as a nation. This investment in skills is exemplified through various schemes such as Workforce Skills Qualifications (or WSQ) and more recently through SkillsFuture.  

While you can acquire knowledge through passive learning, skills can only be acquired through active application. You need to "get your hands dirty" and try it out, fail, then try again, until you get it. Its like riding a bicycle. If its the first time you are doing so, be prepared to fall, but get up and try again. Learning skills can only come from application, experimentation, and experience. 

How can you gain more skills?

Do projects. 

I like projects. They are great a learning ground. Projects are usually short-term, have a clear objective, and provide the opportunity to learn new skills. Projects also allow for failure as typically that is to be expected because some experimentation might be necessary. In the last 8 months, I've been quite fortunate that my superiors have given me challenging projects which allowed me to acquire skills I never thought of learning or could acquire at my age. In particular, skills in writing somewhat complex Excel formulas, something which had always alluded me. Doing projects have also sharpened my project management skills, which I find increasingly valuable as I get assigned to more complex tasks or projects. 

ATTITUDE

Attitude refers to your way of thinking. Your predisposition towards an idea, person or situation. Attitude is crucial as it defines how you face up to challenges, difficulties, risks and opportunities. 

People tend to forget that in the founding years of Singapore, we needed to "think out of the box" as we had practically no resources or wealth to speak of. In 1965, our per capita income was $500, the same as Ghana. Today we boast one of the highest per capita income in the world. How did we get here? Only by taking risks and being prepared to experiment, innovate, try out ways that others wouldn't. In the late 1960s when much of the world were pursuing import substitution as an economic policy, Singapore moved away from this and pursued export oriented policies. 

Singapore was prepared to change course when the reasons and rationale dictated. The two integrated resorts are prime examples of how long-standing policies against having casinos in Singapore is abandoned. Singapore is constantly looking at new ways to solve old problems. In our drive to be self-sufficient on water, we developed Newater (re-cycling water to make it drinkable). I'm confident in the next 50 years, we'll see more new innovations and solutions coming out of Singapore as it transits into a knowledge-based economy driven by creativity and innovation. 

As I transitioned into the corporate world, I had to change my outlook, thinking and ways of working. I've learned to listen more and talk less as in my current role I am required to work through multiple stakeholders across regions. I've learned to work with very limited resources and use interns as a "force multiplier" to drive my projects forward. I have developed a more global perspective and outlook in my analyses, learning how local cultures and nuances need to be accommodated for progress. I've also become a lot more flexible such that when rationale dictates, I am prepared to change course, even if it means some discomfort.

Take Stock of Your Achievements Today

As Singapore celebrates and takes stock of its achievements, it is a good reminder that as individuals, should also find some time to reflect on our achievements. 

Some ways you can take stock of your achievements. 

1. List down all the knowledge you have acquired over the years, both formal and informal.
2. List down the skills you think you posses, both general and specific skills. Rank those you think you are an expert in, those you are proficient in, and those you are generally weaker in. 
3. List down attitudes you have acquired over the years. For example, have you become more flexible as a person? Have you become more risk loving? What changed and why. In doing so, you will get a sense how your outlook have evolved, giving you some insights that may explain your achievements. 

Go ahead! Take stock of your achievements. You might surprise yourself to learn how far you have come. 

SHARE THIS POST with someone you think should take stock of his/her achievements

Taking one little step at a time,
Aslam Sardar