Why Extreme Ownership Can Transform Your Career: A Leader’s Perspective

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I have been a team leader for over a decade, a role that has brought me both immense joy and, at times, considerable frustration. The difference often hinges on the type of individuals I manage. Currently, I’m experiencing this contrast firsthand as I integrate employees from a downsizing team into my own. This situation has reinforced my belief in the value of extreme ownership—especially when one team member shows potential for this trait while another merely follows instructions without truly engaging. ...  read more

Our Pricey Yet Priceless Night at Aulani

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I recently made a decision that had me questioning my own sanity for a moment—a lavish $921 for a single night’s stay at a hotel. It took several attempts to muster the conviction to make this reservation, but looking back, I am glad I took the plunge. This wasn’t just any hotel stay; it was a deliberate step in my new philosophy of embracing the present rather than perpetually waiting for the “right time.” ...  read more

Feel Out of Control at Work? Reframe How You Look at Your Day

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one thing I can control

Last week, I came across a piece of wisdom in a newsletter that struck a chord with me during a pivotal time in my life, and I felt compelled to share it with you, believing it might resonate with you too.

Recently, I embarked on a new journey in a strategy role, filled with uncertainty and undefined goals. The ambiguity of what’s within my control and what achievements are attainable this year had started to weigh on me. However, the story I’m about to share has offered me a new perspective on focusing on what I can influence rather than what’s beyond my reach. It’s my hope that this story might offer you a similar sense of relief and renewed focus in your endeavors. ...  read more

It’s Time to Set Your Annual Goals at Work – 3 Tips

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It’s that time again.   Most companies will ask professionals to set their annual goals by the first quarter.   As I think about how to set mine this year by March 31, I wanted to share 3 tips that may also help you with yours.   Even if you have already set your goals for this year, I recommend you still read tip #3 below.  I bet you anything you forgot to set this one.  It’s actually the most important one.   I look forward to your comments and questions :-). ...  read more

Tip of the Week – Give Yourself Permission to Do it Imperfectly

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I grew up believing “If I cannot do it well, I shouldn’t do it at all.”  Perhaps this is a typical Asian upbringing and teaching.   I am not even sure my parents actually said that to me.   However after receiving many “talks” from my dad about how I could have gotten a better grade on a test (e.g, 100 points vs 93), I think I told myself the above as I don’t want to “disappoint” my dad or get an extra long lecture. ...  read more

It’s Okay to “Cry” at Your Presentation

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This is what I told my six-grade daughter while I was driving her to school last week.  She has been fretting about her science experiment presentation for about a month now.  Last Tuesday was the day for her to present.  She got up early and was preparing.  She enjoyed doing her experiment and actually seemed to know her stuff.  Nonetheless, she was still super nervous.    She knows I have a lot of presentation experience, so I took the opportunity in the car ride to school to see if I can ease her nerves. ...  read more

When Things Go “Wrong,” Can I Still be Happy & Grateful?

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This seems like such a counter-intuitive question.  Usually when things go “wrong,” we can have a pretty negative response.  This may include anger, frustration, disappointment, fear, guilt, or any number of negative emotions.  Aren’t we justified to feel these in  a “bad” situation?  Perhaps or perhaps not.  While it’s natural to feel the sting of any unexpected situation when it first happens, how long we keep feeling that sting is our own choice.   We can keep recounting the unfairness of what happens for days, weeks, months or we can choose a different perspective – look for the gift and opportunity in the situation and act from there.   Let me explain with an example. ...  read more