August Reflections: A Busy Yet Fulfilling Month
August has been an incredibly fulfilling month, filled with enriching experiences, valuable insights, and meaningful connections. From delivering a passion-filled speech to engaging in thought-provoking discussions and savoring special moments with colleagues, this month has been a vivid reminder of why I love what I do. I’m excited to share some of these highlights with you.
Unlocking IKIGAI - Building A Career By Design, Not Default
I had the privilege of delivering a speech titled "Unlocking IKIGAI - Building A Career By Design, Not Default." This was more than just another speaking engagement for me. It was an opportunity to blend my passion for career coaching with a touch of magic—literally. As someone who’s always believed in the power of pursuing one’s passion, it was incredibly rewarding, albeit a bit nerve-wracking, to incorporate magic into my presentation. The result? A memorable experience that brought joy to both myself and the audience.
If you missed it, you can catch the recording here. For those looking to dive deeper into the concept of Ikigai, I highly recommend the book "How to Ikigai: Lessons for Finding Happiness and Living Your Life's Purpose" by Tim Tamashiro.
Reflective Questions on Ikigai:
What activities make you lose track of time?
What are the skills or talents that others often compliment you on?
If money were no object, what would you spend your time doing?
What problems in the world are you passionate about solving?
How can you merge your passions, talents, and the world’s needs into a fulfilling career?
Building Community - Insights from APSS
This month, I attended the monthly meeting of the Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS), where Alex Dwek, COO of Nas Company, delivered an insightful talk on "How Communities Can Supercharge Your Business Growth in 2024." The key takeaway? Building a community is not just about numbers—it's about fostering genuine connections where your vibe attracts your tribe.
As someone who has built a following of 17,000 connections on LinkedIn and over 3,000 subscribers on my 'Behind the Recruiter’s Desk' channel, this talk resonated deeply with me. While I've been able to establish a considerable following, it’s mostly been a one-way street. The next step for me is to transition from having a broad audience to cultivating a more interactive, close-knit community, perhaps around broader topics like career advancement in addition to job opportunities with Tencent.
If you’re interested in being part of a smaller, more engaged community, please let me know! And if you’re already running a community, I’d love to learn from your experiences.
A Heartfelt Testimonial
One of the most touching moments this month came from a candidate who told me, "您是我遇过最尽责的HR." (Translation: "You are the most responsible HR I’ve ever met.") Despite the hustle and bustle of work, receiving messages like these always reaffirms why I joined the talent acquisition industry in the first place. It reminds me of the importance of making the recruitment process warm and human. I’m grateful to be in a position where my work makes a difference, and I will continue to inspire and support those I work with.
Screenshot of testimonial attached
Durian Party Hosted by Tencent
It's durian season, and I was thrilled to participate in a Durian Party hosted by Tencent. It was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and the candidates I’ve placed, all over a table full of delicious durian. Events like these are a reminder of the importance of building relationships and enjoying the lighter moments together.
Recharging in Nature
Lastly, on the final weekend of August, which coincided with Malaysia's National Day, I took some time to reconnect with nature. It was a much-needed break, and I was pleasantly surprised to spot fireflies—a rare and magical sight that left me feeling recharged and inspired.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the final four months of 2024, it's a natural time to reflect on the journey so far. For me, this reflection includes the path we've taken together through this newsletter since its launch almost a year ago, back in October 2023. What started as a way to share my thoughts and experiences has grown into something much more—a space for connection, inspiration, and community.
As I look forward, I’m filled with a renewed commitment to make this newsletter not just a source of updates, but a vibrant, interactive community that’s engaging, fun, and ultimately impactful. My goal is to bring even more value and create meaningful connections that resonate with each of you. Let’s make these last months of 2024 count, together. I'm excited about what we can achieve and how we can continue to grow, both individually and collectively.
Hot Jobs: Spread the Word!
Before we wrap up, I wanted to share some exciting opportunities that are currently open across various locations. These are just a few of the many roles available, and I'd appreciate it if you could share them with your network or refer someone you think would be a great fit. Your referrals make a huge difference!
Roles based in Shenzhen
Roles based in Hong Kong
Roles based in Malaysia
Roles based in Singapore
Role based in Korea
Disclaimer: The stories and perspectives shared here are my personal musings and do not reflect the views of any organization I'm associated with.
Amazing and heartfelt, passionate article. Looking forward to the next one!
AI Growth Marketer @ ZuAI
3moyour journey sounds both inspiring and dynamic. it’s wonderful to see such active engagement in your community. Traven Teng