first published in Sep issue of Golf Magazine

Extracted from magazine "Golf" Aug 2016 issue

As I reach my 54th year of existence, many would expect me to be winding down in both career and life terms. Well, sorry to disappoint, but these last 12 months have been anything but.....I've embarked on a new career as a Career and Performance Coach, and I've had a new baby. Both terrifying, both wonderfully satisfying, and both making me feel more alive than ever!

In going thro both processes, I see some commonalities and how I've come to cope with each 

As an natural introvert, I'm inclined to plan and over-plan. However, I'm also avidly aware of the need to be able to adapt to change, and find ways to thrive in it. Like the saying "when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade". I've been drinking lots of lemonades these past 2 years, and I'd like to think its made me a better and more resilient person. As an entrepreneur, I'm enjoying independence but also conscious of the next dollar. With this, I am truly living the notion "Business of One". As a career and performance coach, every client is different and I need to be open to receiving subtleties and nuances of each and every conversation. As a new father, I am relearning parenthood after 20 years the last time round, not least this time round its a daughter instead - so its a whole new ball-game!

​Build Your Resilience and Be Open to New Experiences!  

I have learnt that, hesitancy can lead you down many paths which can prevent or minimise your chance of success. You need to be committed to the new path, and focus your efforts into making this a success. Yes there will be distractions or side-bars, but always come back to point - think about why you are doing all these, and for whom.

​As a golfer once said, "commit to the swing and follow-through to your target!"

Its hard to imagine just less than 5 years ago, my version of the future was so different from now. With the benefit of hindsight, I would say this has been a journey that will mould how I see and want my future to be.

As a career coach, I have found my niche and raison d'être, and find tremendous satisfaction in seeing how I can help people transform their careers and unleash their talents. Whatever the future may hold in terms of earning a living, I know I won't move too far away from this route.

As a "new" father,  I have turned from being an "empty-nester" and beginning a whole new and enriching cycle again. I am re-living my past through my new daughter, and relooking at how I can avoid the mistakes made then, and what possibilities are in store.

Not everyone gets a second chance. I feel I have this. I have a chance to re-ignite my passion which was lost amidst the corporate jangling, and begin a new career journey. I have a chance to relive and relearn being a new father to a new daughter, and relearn what it takes to be a good parent. 

When I was younger, it was about results - being promoted, having the highest salary, having a big house and nice cars, and giving my family the best I could. Now, while I do not beget such values then, my perspective has changed. Its as important (if not more) to enjoy the journey, not least for the sake of those who are on this journey with you. They are not only your passengers, but also your co-pilot. They benefit from what you can achieve, but also are a part of your journey - hence enjoying the process and the journey means those around you can also enjoy the ride WITH you.