Career Success Stories

Sunday Reflections 7: The fastest route is not necessarily the shortest How many times have you set a destination in Google Maps and realised that the route is much longer in distance than you expected? The reason is that the algorithm seeks the fastest route; the shortest one might have a lower speed limit or heavy traffic congestion. The exact same logic applies to careers. Sometimes, you need to take detours and make lateral moves before you can move ahead again in your career. I always advocate setting a clear vision of where you want to go as early as possible in your career. While you can adjust, or even radically shift that target over time, having a destination in mind helps you make better decisions. However, you will often encounter roadblocks or congested routes in your career. To keep progressing, you might need to step sideways -or even take a step back- before you can advance forward again. This has happened to me several times in my corporate career and was the catalyst for changing roles within the same company, sometimes internationally, or moving to another company altogether. For example, moving from Vodafone Egypt in 2004, where I was the CMO with over 70 people in my team, to the UK with a team of fewer than ten was, at best, a lateral move. But it set me up for my next move: becoming the CEO in Malta. Going back to head Partner Markets was another lateral step, yet it gave me the exact tools that prepared me to be the CEO of Vodafone Egypt through some of its most challenging times. I have seen this with many friends and colleagues over the years. Those who were flexible enough to move laterally almost always reached their target before those who kept trying to push through a blocked route. While digital maps make navigating physical routes manageable, in the corporate world, these paths are a lot more obscure, especially early in your career. Guidance from mentors, managers, and even peers is often essential to navigate to the right destination. I was lucky to have the right mentors during several pivotal phases of my career. A big shout-out to the one mentor who possibly had the most impact: Ian Gray OBE. Thank you Ian for being a role model and a mentor for many generations of successful leaders. If you are still in your early or mid-career: Do you have a clear destination? Do you have a mentor? #leadership #reflections #Sundayreflections #careers #mentorship

3 days in Vietnam taught me more about business leadership than 6 years running my agency. I almost didn’t take the trip. I told myself I was too busy, that stepping away could risk everything I’d built. My business had become my entire identity. But then, Vietnam happened. Watching locals balance productivity with presence, I saw how limited my thinking had become. Their approach—community-driven, mindful, fully engaged in the moment—challenged my hustle-obsessed mindset. Every shared meal, every market negotiation, every conversation with strangers taught me more than any business book ever had. I realized leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about adaptability, connection, and presence. The biggest lesson? Stepping away doesn’t mean stepping back. In fact, it’s often the smartest business decision you can make. Since returning, I’ve applied what I learned: ✔ Building real relationships, not just networking ✔ Adapting to change without stress ✔ Being fully present with my team and clients And the impact? Clearer decisions. Stronger creative work. More authentic client relationships. Sometimes, growth happens outside of work. What’s a lesson travel has taught you that shaped your professional life? #entrepreneurship #mindfulness #leadership #vietnam #worklifebalance

The saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” still holds true for career progression, but for women, building those all-important connections comes with extra hurdles. Research published in the Academy of Management Journal, highlighted by Harvard Business Review, shows that women face greater barriers than men when it comes to forming high-status networks. One striking finding? Women are 40% less likely than men to form strong ties with senior leaders after face-to-face interactions. Traits like assertiveness and confidence—often linked with leadership—are judged through a traditional gendered lens, which means women's and other marginalised genders contributions can be overlooked. So, what’s the solution? Women can leverage third-party introductions, which often carry implicit endorsement and help sidestep these biases. In fact, the research shows women are more likely than men to succeed in building high-status networks through shared contacts. Organisations also need to step up by creating network sponsorship programmes, where leaders don’t just mentor women—they actively advocate for them, opening doors and making introductions that help women advance. It’s time for organisations to rethink how they approach networking. By fostering more inclusive, proactive strategies, we can break down barriers and create a level playing field for women to build the connections that will drive their careers forward. Let’s turn "who you know" into an opportunity for everyone. #Networking #GenderEquity #ThreeBarriers

Over the last few years, I’ve switched jobs, given many interviews, and spent hundreds of hours optimizing my resume and profile. During this journey, I made plenty of mistakes that cost me time and opportunities. So today, I want to share these genuine mistakes—and more importantly, how you can avoid them: Applying Randomly & Everywhere: In the early stages, I thought applying to as many jobs as possible was the key. Big mistake! Quality always beats quantity. Lesson: Tailor each application to the job role. Research the company and make sure your resume aligns with their requirements. Ignoring LinkedIn & Online Presence: Initially, my LinkedIn profile was incomplete and poorly optimized. I underestimated the power of LinkedIn visibility. Lesson: Your online presence matters. A complete, active LinkedIn profile attracts opportunities you’d never find by traditional methods alone. Sending Generic Cold Messages: I used to send cold messages like "Hi, can you refer me?" which rarely received replies. Lesson: Craft a concise, clear message. Always include the specific role, job link/ID, your resume, and a short summary of your skills. Poor Resume Formatting: My resume had too many graphics, complicated formatting, and lacked the right keywords. This reduced my ATS compatibility. Lesson: Keep your resume simple, structured, and ATS-friendly. Use clear headings, bullet points, and keywords from the job description. Not Preparing for the "Tell Me About Yourself" Question: I used to treat this question lightly and gave long, vague answers. The interviewer would lose interest quickly. Lesson: Prepare a structured 1-minute summary focusing on your experience, skills, and how you match the job you're interviewing for. Underestimating the Job Description: I didn't closely analyze the job description and often missed key details required by employers. Lesson: Job descriptions are gold. Analyze them carefully and reflect their highlighted skills and requirements in your application and interviews. Overlooking Company Research: During interviews, I would have limited knowledge about the company's products or mission. This made my answers generic. Lesson: Always research the company’s recent activities, products, and news. It helps you answer questions meaningfully and shows genuine interest. Getting Demotivated by Rejections: Early rejections made me question my capabilities, negatively impacting future interviews. Lesson: Every rejection is a lesson. Ask for feedback, reflect, and improve. Rejection means redirection—not the end of the road. Negotiation Mistakes: I used to accept offers quickly without proper negotiation due to the fear of losing the offer. Lesson: Negotiate politely but confidently. Companies expect this. Always understand your market worth, and clearly communicate your value. Have you made similar mistakes or learned something valuable from your own job search? Share your experiences in the comments—let's help each other grow!

Let’s talk about the real education that happens after you step into the office — and why it’s the stuff that actually shapes your career. I still remember the first time I had to: ▪️Speak up in a meeting (even when my voice shook) ▪️Take responsibility for a mistake (and not blame the “system”) ▪️Juggle multie projects (without losing my mind) Here’s what I learned the hard way — lessons that no degree, no matter how prestigious, can teach you: 🔹 Deadlines wait for no one In college, you get extensions. At work, time is money. Every minute you waste affects not just you, but your team, your client, your brand. 🔹 Your attitude matters as much as your skills No one likes working with a brilliant jerk. Being helpful, curious, and respectful opens more doors than any certification. 🔹 Feedback is a gift — but only if you’re ready to hear it I used to take feedback personally, but then I realized: feedback is your fastest route to growth. 🔹 Learning never stops That “I’m done studying” feeling? It’s a myth. Every job — every task — is a chance to learn something new. This is the stuff that builds your career, one project, one conversation, one challenge at a time. 💡 Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first day: 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙠, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡, 𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. 𝙎𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙪𝙥 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣. What’s one thing you learned at work that no one taught you in college? Let’s compare notes👇 LinkedIn LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating #FirstJob #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceLessons #EarlyCareer #LearningEveryday #ProfessionalGrowth

We often see travel as a right, but is it really so in every part of the world? Growing up in the Philippines, my travel experiences from a young age weren’t just about exploring new places; they were lessons in independence and adaptability, crucial traits for any leader. On a recent visit to Manila, the stark contrast in travel access hit home. I remembered my own struggles before becoming a Singapore citizen. It was a reminder of how travel access varies globally and why, as leaders and global citizens, we must value diverse perspectives shaped by different journeys — just like our stories. These experiences have influenced my approach to storytelling in leadership, teaching me to value every voice in the room. Travel isn’t just about places; it’s a journey of personal narrative development. We all have travel stories. Let’s use our opportunities to broaden our understanding and empathy. On your next travel try going local or getting to know one. These moments can be transformative. P.S. How has a travel experience impacted your leadership or personal narrative?

LinkedIn has brought me career opportunities and friendships I never could have predicted. Yes, I have a large following now. But I started at zero (just like everyone else). Here are 8 LinkedIn tips to help you land your dream job and build a strong network: 1. Post thematically (not randomly) LinkedIn rewards activity. Instead of posting whenever inspiration hits, choose themes your network expects from you: • Industry insights • Insider lessons from books or conferences • Personal projects • Inspiration • Advice or asks 2. Talk about your industry, not yourself Industry insight = authority. The frequently shared LinkedIn content (in no particular order): • How-to posts • Lists • Deep, neutral analysis Teach first. Reputation follows. 3. Be a strategic “liker” Likes are memory cues. When you intentionally like someone’s post, you: • Stay top of mind • Create an instant conversation starter later • Build relationship momentum without DM’ing 4. Your profile is not a résumé It’s a living signal of who you are and what you care about. LinkedIn favors complete profiles, yet nearly half of users leave sections blank. Those extra sections (courses, volunteering, boards) make you more searchable and more human. Incomplete profile = invisible profile. 5. Kill buzzwords (they blur you) Words like strategic, passionate, expert are everywhere. Replace them with language you’d actually say out loud: • “Strategic” → decisive, judicious • “Experienced” → seasoned, practiced • “Leader” → guided, directed Your vocabulary is part of your brand. 6. Be an “adder,” not a commenter Comments aren’t for agreeing, but for adding value. Great comments: • Expand an idea • Share a relevant example • Offer gratitude or context If you want to impress someone, help their post become smarter. 7. Send smart connection requests Never send a blank request. Always answer: • How do I know them? • Why this person? • What’s in it for them? 8. Optimize for your audience Your profile shouldn’t appeal to everyone. Ask: Who do I need to succeed? • Freelancers → clients • Climbers → leaders • Switchers → future industry peers • Speak directly to them. 9. Network after you connect Connections decay without touchpoints. Once a month is enough: • Congratulate promotions • Share relevant info • Make an intro • Invite for coffee when traveling Consistency beats intensity. 10. Use “People Also Viewed” This section tells you: • Who LinkedIn thinks you are • Who you’re being compared to • Who you might be missing If you don’t like the comparison, adjust your language and connections. You don’t need to do all 10. Start with 1-2 and let the momentum compound. What’s one LinkedIn change you’ll make this week?

What have I learned in eight years of travelling to China? 🇨🇳 After countless flights, meetings, meals and moments of discovery, here are some reflections that continue to shape how I think about business, culture, and connection in China: ⸻ 💡 Business Insights • Long-term thinkers, but fast actors. Strategic patience pairs with rapid execution — an incredibly powerful combination. • Scaling is an art form. The pace and magnitude of scaling in China are on a level not often witnessed elsewhere. • Technology and product innovation move fast — and with purpose. It’s not innovation for innovation’s sake, but tightly focused on consumer needs and outcomes. • Authenticity is non-negotiable. Brand promises are tested every day in real-time on Xiaohongshu, WeChat, and Douyin — where customer voices truly shape reputations. • News travels fast. Whether it’s praise or criticism, word spreads quickly. Transparency and responsiveness are key. ⸻ 🌏 Cultural Insights • Language matters. Making an effort with Mandarin goes a long way — every journey starts with the first step. • Food is central to everything. It’s culture, connection, and business combined. (And yes, practice your chopsticks!) • Expect many toasts. Each one is meaningful — a moment of respect, celebration, or friendship. • Warmth and hospitality are genuine and unforgettable. The exchange of gifts often marks not just an occasion, but the deepening of trust and partnership. • History runs deep. China’s fascinating past shapes its people, perspectives, and pride. Take time to learn — beyond the boardroom. • See it through your own eyes. China is best understood by being there, meeting people, and forming your own perspective — not by headlines alone. ⸻ I’ve been genuinely touched by my experiences in China — by the people, the culture, the energy and the ambition. I look forward to returning again and again — for business, and for pleasure. Thanks to a great iQ touring team: Ollie Humphries Sam Lee Heather McKim Xiaoqin Niu Jingjing Xu - incredibly committed but a fun bunch to be around. 📸 Sharing a few personal moments below from meetings, meals and cultural visits that have made this particular journey so memorable.

No Training, No Industry Ties, But Rs 2 Lakh a Day: The Mushroom Empire of Agra’s Gupta Brothers In 2021, Rishabh Gupta, a computer science engineer who had worked in Dubai’s banking sector, returned to his hometown, Agra, during pandemic. His younger brother Ayush, a BBA graduate, decided to join him in experimenting with their 3-acre family land in Shamsabad. Despite scepticism from relatives, they spent months in self-learning. The breakthrough came when they invested in cold chamber technology, which allowed them to produce mushrooms consistently throughout the year. ✅ The Numbers Behind the Success Gupta brothers’ venture today generates an annual turnover of about Rs 7.5 crore, translating into Rs 2.14 lakh/day. Production averages 1600 kgs of mushrooms/day, with 1300 kgs classified as premium ‘A’ grade and the remaining 300 kgs going into processing & canning. Each kg of mushrooms sells for an average of Rs 134, while production cost stands at Rs 90/kg. This yields a profit margin of Rs 44/kg and results in a daily profit of Rs 70400. From a small trial in September 2021, the farm scaled in 7 months to produce 40+ tonnes/month. ✅ Business Model: Tech-Driven Farming Backbone of their operations is a network of 12 cold chambers, each made of insulated PUF panels & capable of housing 3000 beds. The brothers also introduced a systematic grading process, with premium ‘A’ grade mushrooms fetching higher prices, while ‘B’ grade output finds its way into canning & processing markets. By building direct supply relationships, they eliminated middlemen, cut logistics costs & ensured demand stability. ✅ Entrepreneurial Lessons The Gupta brothers’ success story underlines several lessons for entrepreneurs. 1. With no formal agricultural training, they built competencies by combining digital resources, global best practices & continuous trial-and-error. 2. By investing in cold rooms & environmental control systems, they minimised risks of crop failure & maximised output. 3. Equally important was their approach to value capture. By grading mushrooms & aligning with customers, they extracted higher revenues while reducing waste. 4. Their mindset reflects farming was not a fallback career but a conscious entrepreneurial choice. 5. The brothers kept costs lean, ensured steady cash flows & achieved profitability within months of starting operations. Let me share #Rajperspectives The Gupta brothers’ success shows how investments in cold chain infrastructure can democratise high-value farming for entrepreneurs. The model also signals a high consumer appetite for premium, chemical-free produce. They have positioned themselves for long-term growth. Their success calls for replicability. Other farmers, particularly from smaller towns, can follow a similar path by blending technology with global knowledge. With the right approach, agriculture can be an engine of both rural empowerment & national growth. #india #agriculture #business #motivation

Everyone says: “Travel opens your mind.” “Travel changes you.” I don’t think so. Because I’ve met people who’ve traveled everywhere… and still live in the same loop. Same habits. Same stress. Same tunnel vision. The truth? It’s not travel. It’s what you notice when you travel. Here’s what hit me: 🇩🇪 Germany — People are not in a rush. They leave work at 5. They enjoy their beer, their conversations, their weekends. I realized productivity isn’t about squeezing more hours, it’s about protecting life outside of work. 🇨🇭 Switzerland — Precision isn’t boring. It’s respect. The trains, the systems, even the chocolate—it taught me small details build big trust. 🇦🇪 Dubai — Nothing is “too much.” That city is proof that ambition + execution can brand a desert into a global hub. 🇬🇧 London — The workday actually ends at 5. People head to pubs, parks, or home. Tradition here isn’t just history—it’s living, breathing community. 🇺🇸 USA — Energy beats perfection. People launch fast, fail fast, and somehow keep moving. Done creates its own magic. Every country I visited didn’t just teach me about them. It showed me the blind spots in me. Like how I glorified late nights as ‘hard work’ until I saw Germans shutting laptops at 5 without guilt. Different cultures. Different lessons. Each one snapped me out of a loop I didn’t know I was in. And maybe that’s the real point. Life doesn’t happen after work. Or after success. Or after someday. It’s happening right now. And sometimes, booking a flight is just the reminder we need:) #travel #wellness #mindset #life #culture #learning #inspiration