Every day, I would take an hour to retreat to my study — a quiet space where I could think, learn, and create. During this time, I would read books, listen to podcast, write down my thoughts in blog, and even look up things I didn’t know. These moments of peace and focus were the most rewarding part of my day. They reminded me that success doesn’t just come from working hard—it comes from finding balance. A sharp mind and a kind heart are equally important in life and work.

In business, challenges often feel like roadblocks, but they are actually opportunities to grow. A colleague once came to me worried about losing a deal. He needed help, and I was happy to step in. That experience taught me something important: the best way to improve is to listen to feedback — even when it’s hard to hear. Customers often point out things we don’t see ourselves — issues with our products, prices, or service. If we only rely on internal reviews, we risk hearing what we want to hear instead of what we need to hear. True progress starts when we step out of our comfort zone and face reality head-on.

Great leaders know this too. A leader’s job isn’t just about managing what’s inside the company — it’s about understanding what’s happening outside as well. By listening to customers and staying connected to the world around them, leaders can bring fresh ideas into their teams and inspire real change. For me, spending time with customers helped me understand the market better and gave me insights that no report or meeting ever could.

One conversation I had years ago completely changed how I think about growth. Someone told me they were leaving their job even though they had been treated well by their boss. When I asked why, they said something that stuck with me: “Don’t we all have a growth imperative?” That was the first time I had heard those two words— growth and imperative — used together. It made me realize that growth isn’t just about getting bigger or making more money; it’s about constantly improving yourself and your organization. Growth is not optional — it’s necessary for survival and success.

This idea ties into a lesson I learned from strategy: being proactive is key. In any business or career, you can’t just sit back and wait for things to happen — you have to take action before problems arise. At the same time, you need to focus on what really matters, like building strong foundations and staying ahead of the competition.

Leadership isn’t just about boosting morale or giving pep talks — it’s about creating a vision that inspires people to follow you. To win in any field, you need a clear strategy and the courage to execute it. For me, that meant focusing on innovation and finding ways to stand out in a crowded market.

I also learned an important lesson about staying relevant. Over the years, I’ve seen talented people fall behind because they couldn’t adapt to change or learn new skills. No matter how skilled you are today, if you don’t keep growing, you risk becoming obsolete tomorrow. In fast-moving industries — and in life — adaptability is one of the most valuable traits you can have.

Finally, remember this: competition is not your enemy; it’s your greatest teacher. Whether it comes from inside your team or outside your company, competition pushes you to be better than you were yesterday. Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise if you’re willing to see it that way.

From taking time for quiet reflection to leading teams through challenges, these lessons have shaped my journey. They remind me that success isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about how we grow along the way. So take time for yourself, listen carefully to others, embrace challenges with an open mind, and never stop learning. Growth isn’t just important — it’s what defines us.