Whenever I am on LinkedIn, it is often a highlight reel—a stream of career achievements, successful meetings, and big wins. Most often, it's about success.
This isn't one of those posts.
2025 has been one of the most humbling seasons I've ever experienced in my career. For a variety of reasons, I stepped down from multiple boards of growth-stage profitable companies, and ended a stint on an investment committee overseeing a charity's treasury.
These were prestigious positions. And yes, I clung to the titles they gave me.
The shift was immediate and stark. People who once sought me out suddenly went cold. The moment that truly crystallized this reality was when one contact said, "Oh, so you don't have any say anymore in this business? Then who should I talk to instead now that you are out?" It was clinical. I was of no further use to him.
It served as a cold, harsh reminder: the world often seeks you for what you can give them, not for who you are. Soon enough, the people who clamored to meet up with me disappeared. And honestly? I felt used.
Perhaps this was the necessary stripping away—a chance to be molded back into shape for the next chapter: the launch of Spike Durian, a venture to build a business selling durians all year round.
During this challenging time, I finally saw who my real true friends were. They are the ones who stuck by me, offering invaluable advice, emotional support, and genuine friendship. And during the launch of Spike Durian, we've had encouraging supporters who placed our first orders—these small successes mean the world.
To those of you currently going through your own "baptism by fire," please know this: You are not alone in your struggles. Most people are silent or feel embarrassed to share.
But I hope this reflection on 2025 gives you courage. Humility is the true lesson here. Only by being stripped down can you truly appreciate the foundation of your character and the small, meaningful successes that pave the way for the breakthrough you are seeking.
What is a trial you faced this year that you can now give thanks for? For me, I am grateful to Spike Durian for its learning lessons and the distinction of who were friends in a time of need.
P.S. that’s me filming for Spike Durian. The durian tasted bitter-sweet, a good reminder of how life can be!
#CareerReflection #Humility #LeadershipLessons #Entrepreneurship #Vulnerability #PersonalGrowth #StartUpLife #SpikeDurian #Resilience #2025Reflections
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