Skip to content

Home

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

Don't Be Afraid, My Mentor Is Here

Welcome, listeners, to another episode of Continuous Improvement. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're going to explore a topic that many of us can relate to: the fear of public speaking.

Have you ever found yourself feeling anxious or terrified at the thought of speaking in front of a group? Well, you're not alone. In fact, I used to have a phobia of public speaking myself, until I discovered Toastmasters—a fantastic organization that helps individuals improve their public speaking skills.

In today's episode, we'll dive into the transformative power of mentorship in overcoming the fear of public speaking. I recently came across a blog post discussing the amazing progress made by a young girl with big dreams of becoming a successful diplomat translator. And her mentor, Ernest Chen, played a crucial role in her journey.

Over time, the young girl's fear of public speaking started to fade away as she received guidance and support from her mentor. And it wasn't just about delivering a flawless speech, but about building confidence and self-assurance. Ernest taught her that there's no right or wrong when it comes to public speaking, encouraging her to start with the first sentence and let the rest flow naturally.

But let's be honest, overcoming this fear takes time and effort. I can attest to that myself! Even after years of practice and honing my skills, I still experience those familiar nerves when it's my turn to speak in front of a group. But I've learned to embrace what my mentor told me: "Don't be afraid; just start with the first sentence."

Last week, I had a critical presentation in front of a large audience, including senior executives of a multinational corporation. The fear was there, but I summoned my courage and applied the lessons I've learned from my mentor. And you know what? The presentation went incredibly well, impressing even the CEO of the client company.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my mentor, Ernest Chen. He has shown me that with time, practice, and the right guidance, we can overcome our fears and communicate more effectively.

So, if you find yourself struggling with a fear of public speaking, I highly encourage you to seek out mentors like Ernest Chen or join organizations such as Toastmasters. Remember, it's not about eliminating the fear completely, but rather learning to navigate it and grow more confident each day.

Well, that's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found inspiration from the journey of this young girl and her remarkable mentor. Don't forget, listeners, your mentor is here—whether it's someone physically present or just the memory of their wisdom guiding you.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember, the first sentence is just the beginning of an incredible speech. Until next time, keep striving for continuous improvement.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

別怕，我的導師在這裡。

你是否對在群眾前演講有恐懼？我有。這就是我會加入Toastmasters—為了練習更多和努力克服我的恐懼。在一場社交活動中，我有幸遇到了Ernest Chen，並向他請教。多得他慷慨接納我為他的學生，我今天才能寫到這個主題。

隨著時間的推移，我的恐懼開始消退。我的焦慮減少了，尤其是在一小群朋友面前演講時。然後，上個月，我遇到了我導師的一個學生—一個只有十三歲的女孩。她夢想成為一名成功的外交口譯員。若想在國際場合取得成功，公共演說是極其重要的。她的雄心大大地震撼了我們，我的導師在此助她實現夢想。

要實現這個夢想，需要大量的練習和訓練。我導師在課堂上嘱咐她做一個兩分鐘的報告。主題可以是任何東西—學校，奧運，或者當天的課程。由於我們只有五個人，在似乎足夠簡單。然而，她因緊張而停滯不前，特別是在沉重的來自她母親的壓力下，她母親催促她說話。她愈加地猶豫不決，她也愈來愈焦躁。

最終，她痛哭失聲了。Ernest，我的導師，安慰她：“別怕，我在這裡幫你。只需要開始說出第一句話，剩下的就會自然而然地說出來。沒有對錯。” 她把他的建議銘記在心，勇敢地演說了自己的報告，在過程中重新找回了自信。

我的導師會快速地幫她克服她的恐懼嗎？很不可能。學習不要恐懼並不會讓你的恐懼在一夜之間消失。我導師經過多年的實踐和努力。那個年輕的女孩並沒有立即征服她的恐劇，但她進步了。更重要的是，她每週越來越自信。

現在，作為她年長二十年的人，我在該輪到我說話的時候，也會感到壓力。尽管如此，我还是應對自如，尤其在小型环境中。我繼續運用我從我的導師那裡學到的知識。但即使有大量的練習，恐懼Never完全消失。

上週，我作為工程經理，面對著七十人，包括在新加坡的跨國公司的高管們，做了一個關鍵性的簡報。儘管我刻苦地排練，我對公共演講的恐懼仍然存在。我的內心聲音搖搖欲墜，充滿了懷疑，直到我想起了我的導師的話：“別怕，只需開始說出第一句話。”

雖然壓力很大，但是這場簡報進行得十分順利，甚至還給客戶公司的CEO留下了深刻的印象。我的公眾演講技巧似乎在那個小時的其他六場發言中脫穎而出。

我想對Ernest Chen表達我由衷的感謝，他是一位出色的公眾演講導師。我知道我要花上好幾年的時間才能達到他的水平，但他已經教會了我克服恐懼的第一步。每當我在我的導師不在場的情況下發表演說時，我會記得他令人安心的話：“別怕，你的導師在這裡。” 這種格言已經成為我前行的指路燈，增強了我的信心，幫助我更自由地交流。

  • 2 min read

My Imposter Syndrome, Insecurity, and Depression

Imposter syndrome is common among IT professionals, and I'm no exception. The constant feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt plagues me. Despite working as a software developer for EY, one of the most prestigious consulting firms, I often feel like a fraud. My academic background lacks a computer science component; my first job was in marketing, far removed from information technology. Initially, my role focused on frontend web development using JavaScript. However, upon being assigned to a fintech project, I became the principal Android app developer. Although I've submitted rigorously-tested, high-quality code, the fear persists: what if my colleagues discover that I'm not the most knowledgeable expert?

As a professional, I'm expected to know about cloud computing, networking, architecture, security, and more. Mastering all these fields is nearly impossible in an ever-changing technological landscape.

Adding to the internal tension, I charge my clients a high hourly rate for answering questions they could look up online. My supervisor epitomizes the polished consultant, impressing clients with buzzwords about digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Meanwhile, my regular tasks often feel trivial, like adjusting the alignment of a button on different screens—a task that's more complicated than it seems.

To combat my insecurities, I pursued a part-time master's degree in computer science from 2015 to 2017 at CUHK. However, the additional education didn't alleviate my imposter syndrome; it exacerbated it. Studying academic papers and complex topics like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and machine learning algorithms made me feel even more inadequate.

My imposter syndrome also seeped into my personal life. I met my girlfriend, Jo, while juggling a demanding job and part-time studies. My insecurity led me to believe I didn't deserve her. I was constantly afraid of losing her, which put an immense strain on our relationship. Unfortunately, my anxieties contributed to our breakup, devastating me even further.

As time passed, I engaged in self-reflection and found solace in books like Jordan Peterson's "12 Rules for Life." I realized that my imposter syndrome and insecurities were destroying both my professional and personal lives.

People often misunderstand depression as being related to material circumstances, but my issues lay more with a pervasive sense of hopelessness. To improve my emotional well-being, I changed jobs, focused on physical fitness, and made a concerted effort to address the root causes of my problems.

Today, as an engineering manager for a large retail bank in Hong Kong, I still experience imposter syndrome. However, I've learned to accept it as a motivator for lifelong learning rather than a crippling fear. By sharing my story, I hope to offer solace to others facing similar challenges, encouraging them not to make the same mistakes I did.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

My Imposter Syndrome, Insecurity, and Depression

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that explores the personal growth journey we all embark on. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be diving deep into a topic that many of us can relate to: imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome - the constant feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that plagues so many IT professionals, including myself. It doesn't matter how successful we may seem on the outside, the fear of being exposed as a fraud can be paralyzing. Today, I want to share my own experience with imposter syndrome and how I've managed to turn it into a driving force for continuous improvement.

As a software developer working at a prestigious consulting firm, I've often felt like I don't belong. My academic background lacked a computer science component, and my first job was in marketing, far away from the world of information technology. Despite my accomplishments, such as becoming the principal Android app developer for a fintech project, the imposter syndrome never left me. I constantly questioned whether I was truly the most knowledgeable expert in the room.

The expectation for IT professionals to be masters of multiple fields can be overwhelming. Cloud computing, networking, architecture, security - the list goes on and on. Trying to keep up with the ever-changing technological landscape can feel like an impossible task. And to make matters worse, there's that feeling of charging clients a high hourly rate for answering questions they could easily find online.

I tried to combat my insecurities by pursuing a part-time master's degree in computer science. But instead of alleviating my imposter syndrome, it only made it worse. Studying complex topics and academic papers left me feeling even more inadequate. It seemed like the more I learned, the more I realized how much I didn't know.

My imposter syndrome even seeped into my personal life. I met my girlfriend, Jo, during a time when I was juggling an intense job and part-time studies. My own insecurity led me to believe that I didn't deserve her. I was constantly afraid of losing her, and unfortunately, that fear became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our relationship fell apart, and I was left devastated.

It was during this dark time that I started to engage in self-reflection and seek ways to improve my emotional well-being. I turned to books like "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson, finding solace in their wisdom. I realized that my imposter syndrome and insecurities were not only affecting my professional life but also my personal happiness.

I made changes - I switched jobs, focused on physical fitness, and most importantly, I addressed the root causes of my problems. Today, as an engineering manager for a large retail bank, I still experience imposter syndrome from time to time. But instead of letting it paralyze me, I've learned to accept it as a motivator for continuous learning and growth.

Sharing my story today is not only a personal catharsis for me, but I hope it also offers solace to others who may be facing similar challenges. You're not alone in your imposter syndrome, and it doesn't have to define you. Let's embrace it as a catalyst for growth and use it to fuel our journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves.

That's all for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for joining me on this discussion around imposter syndrome. Remember, we're all on this journey together, and by sharing our experiences, we can inspire and support one another. Join me next time as we explore more topics related to personal growth and continuous improvement.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

我的冒名頂替者症候群、不安全感和抑鬱症

冒名頂替者症候群在 IT 專業人士中很常見，我也不例外。持續的自我懷疑和不適感一直困擾著我。儘管我在 EY（一家極負盛名的顧問公司）擔任軟體開發工程師，但我經常感覺自己是個騙子。我的學術背景並不包含電腦科學元素；我的第一份工作是在市場營銷中，遠離資訊科技。起初，我的角色主要著重於使用 JavaScript 進行前端網頁開發。然而，在被分配到金融科技項目之後，我變成了主要的 Android 應用程序開發者。儘管我提交了經過嚴格測試的高品質程式碼，但這種恐懼仍然存在：如果我的同事發現我並不是最有見地的專家，會怎麼樣？

作為一名專業人士，我需要知道雲計算、網絡、架構、安全性等等。在不斷變化的技術環境中，精通所有這些領域幾乎是不可能的。

加劇內在壓力的是，我為客戶回答他們可以在線查找的問題而收取高時薪。我的主管是典型的優質顧問，他用關於數字化轉型、人工智能和區塊鏈等流行詞匯來打動客戶。與此同時，我的日常任務經常感覺十分瑣碎，例如調整按鈕在不同屏幕上的對齊，這個任務比看起來要複雜得多。

為了對抗我的不安全感，我在 2015 到 2017 年間於香港中文大學攻讀了兼職的電腦科學碩士學位。然而，額外的學習並未緩解我的冒名頂替者症候群；反而加重了。學習學術論文和複雜的主題，如邊界網關協定（BGP）和機器學習演算法，使我感到更加不適。

我的冒名頂替者症候群也滲透到了我的個人生活中。當我在繁忙的工作和兼職學習中遇到我的女友 Jo 時，我的不安全感使我認為我不配得到她。我一直害怕會失去她，這對我們的關係產生了巨大的壓力。不幸的是，我的煩惱導致我們分手，這使我更加痛苦。

隨著時間的推移，我開始自我反省，並從像喬丹·彼得森的《生活的12條規則》這樣的書中找到了慰藉。我意識到，我的冒名頂替者症候群和不安全感正在破壞我的職業生活和個人生活。

人們經常誤解抑鬱症與物質環境有關，但我的問題更多的是普遍的絕望感。為了提升我的情緒健康，我改變了工作，專注於體能鍛練，並努力解決問題的根本原因。

今天，作為一個在香港大型零售銀行的工程經理，我依然經歷著冒名頂替者症候群的困擾。但我已經學會將其接受為終身學習的動力，而不是一種讓人膽怯的恐懼。透過分享我的故事，我希望能給面臨類似挑戰的人帶來安慰，鼓勵他們不要犯我曾經犯的錯誤。

  • 3 min read

My Career Transition to Software Engineer

In 2014, I received life-changing news: my work visa application for Australia had been rejected. After spending a year there on a working holiday visa and landing an extended job offer as a marketing manager in Brisbane, my hopes were shattered. The authorities denied my application because I lacked a solid background in marketing and a relevant degree. As a result, I had to leave the country, saying goodbye to friends and colleagues, never to see them again.

I returned to Hong Kong jobless. Many companies did not value my experience as an Assistant Marketing Manager. I didn't want to revert to my former career in a laboratory. After sending out numerous resumes without any responses, I realized that the most terrifying aspect of unemployment was not the lack of money but the loss of social status. It became difficult to face my friends in Hong Kong.

Determined to change my path, I invested my savings in an expensive coding bootcamp. It promised three months of intensive training and a high likelihood of securing a programming job, which seemed ideal for someone like me with a passion for digital marketing. However, the experience was disheartening. The ROI was minimal due to my lackadaisical instructor and affluent classmates who didn't share my sense of urgency. The majority of my learning happened in the late hours, on my own. Worse still, I ended up with an unpaid internship instead of a full-time job.

After the bootcamp, I faced another crossroads. I could either return to Australia for a master's degree in marketing or enroll in another bootcamp in the U.S. I chose the latter and got accepted into the country's top coding school. But, once again, my visa was denied. Resilient, I decided to complete the course online from Hong Kong, studying through the night and sleeping during the day. My mental health deteriorated, but my mother supported me financially, for which I felt both grateful and guilty.

This time, however, my efforts paid off. After mastering challenging concepts like recursion, I received nine job offers out of ten applications. Even though the salary was lower compared to U.S. counterparts, I accepted a position as a full-time software engineer with an Australian consulting firm in Hong Kong. The job allowed me to work on high-profile projects, but it also taught me hard lessons about the volatile nature of client-based work.

Later, I was assigned to work on an app for a startup, which turned out to be an uninspiring experience due to the difficult personality of the product owner. I eventually left for a large international software company where I worked on a project for Hong Kong's best airline. However, the work environment was toxic due to poor management and the challenges associated with offshore development. Still, I made great friends and found satisfaction in the work we accomplished together.

Recently, a headhunter approached me for a position at a prestigious consulting firm. I didn't hesitate to accept the offer, which also resulted in a salary hike. Currently, I am working in-house at HSBC bank on a fintech project, marking another exciting chapter in my life.

And that, in a nutshell, is my journey from a rejected visa applicant to a software engineer, a path filled with ups and downs but always moving forward.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

My Career Transition to Software Engineer

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore stories of personal growth and resilience. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we'll be diving into an incredible journey of perseverance and determination.

But before we get started, I want to remind our listeners to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review if you enjoy the content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Now, let's jump right into today's story. In 2014, our protagonist received devastating news – their work visa application for Australia had been rejected. This rejection meant leaving behind a job opportunity and saying goodbye to friends in Brisbane. It was a difficult setback, but our protagonist refused to let that define their future.

Returning to Hong Kong, jobless and faced with a diminishing social status, our protagonist realized that they needed to pivot their career. They decided to invest their savings in a coding bootcamp, hoping it would open up opportunities in a field they were passionate about – digital marketing. However, the bootcamp experience ended up being disheartening, with minimal returns and an unpaid internship as the only outcome.

Undeterred, our protagonist faced another crossroads – return to Australia for a master's degree in marketing or enroll in another bootcamp, this time in the U.S. Choosing the latter, they were once again faced with visa denial. But that only fueled their determination to complete the course online, despite the toll it took on their mental health.

Finally, their efforts paid off. After mastering challenging programming concepts, our protagonist received multiple job offers and accepted a position as a full-time software engineer with an Australian consulting firm in Hong Kong. Their journey was far from over, as they encountered difficult personalities and toxic work environments along the way. But they persisted, finding satisfaction in the work they accomplished and forming meaningful connections.

And just when it seemed like the rollercoaster ride might continue indefinitely, our protagonist was approached for a position at a prestigious consulting firm, leading to a significant salary increase. Now, they are working on a fintech project for HSBC bank, marking yet another exciting chapter in their life.

It's a remarkable journey of continuous improvement, taking setbacks and turning them into opportunities for growth. Our protagonist's story reminds us that even in the face of rejection and adversity, it's crucial to stay resilient and keep moving forward.

So, what can we learn from this journey? Join me in the next segment as we explore the key themes and takeaways from this inspiring story of personal growth.

[MID-EPISODE BREAK]

Welcome back to "Continuous Improvement." In today's episode, we've been exploring the incredible journey of our protagonist, who transformed from a rejected visa applicant to a successful software engineer.

Throughout this story, there are several key themes that stand out. First and foremost, the power of resilience. Despite facing rejection and setbacks at every turn, our protagonist never gave up. They continued to pursue their passions and push through difficult circumstances, even when it seemed like the odds were stacked against them.

Another crucial theme in this journey is the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Our protagonist invested their savings in coding bootcamps and went to great lengths to master challenging programming concepts. They sought out opportunities for growth, both through formal education and through their own determination to succeed. This commitment to learning not only helped them secure job offers but also allowed them to adapt and thrive in various work environments.

Lastly, this story highlights the significance of having a support system. Our protagonist's mother played a crucial role in their journey, providing financial support and unwavering belief in their potential. It's a reminder that having someone in our corner, believing in us, can make all the difference during challenging times.

As we wrap up today's episode, let's reflect on the lessons we can take away from this remarkable journey. Resilience, continuous learning, and a supportive network – all of these elements are crucial in our own paths of personal growth and improvement.

Remember, setbacks are not the end of the road. They are merely opportunities for us to rise, adapt, and become better versions of ourselves.

Thank you for joining me today on "Continuous Improvement." If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. And remember, no matter where you are on your journey, keep striving for continuous improvement.

This is Victor, signing off until the next episode.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

我的職業轉型為軟體工程師

在2014年，我收到了改變生活的消息：我為澳洲所申請的工作簽證被拒絕了。在那裡度過了一年的工作假期並在布里斯班獲得一份市場經理的工作延長期的工作機會後，我的希望被粉碎了。因為我缺乏紮實的市場營銷背景和相關的學位，所以當局拒絕了我的申請。結果，我不得不離開該國，向朋友和同事道別，再也不會再見到他們。

我在香港失業地回來。許多公司並不重視我作為助理市場經理的經驗。我不想再回到我的實驗室工作。在發送了大量的簡歷沒有任何回應後，我意識到失業最可怕的部分不是缺少金錢，而是失去了社會地位。在香港見我的朋友們變得困難起來。

為了改變我的道路，我投入我的積蓄參加了一個昂貴的編碼訓練營。它承諾三個月的密集訓練和有很高可能性獲得一份編程工作，這對於像我這樣對數字營銷有熱情的人來說似乎是理想的。然而，經歷令人心寒。由於我的導師慵懶和富裕的同學們並不與我有相同的緊迫感，投資回報微乎其微。我大部分的學習都在深夜獨自進行。更糟的是，我最後得到的是一份無薪的實習，而不是一份全職工作。

在訓練營結束後，我面臨另一個十字路口。我可以選擇回到澳洲攻讀市場營銷碩士學位，或者在美國報名另一個訓練營。我選擇了後者，並成功進入該國的頂級編碼學校。然而，我的簽證再次被拒絕。我決定從香港在線完成這個課程，晚上學習，白天睡覺。我的心理健康惡化了，但我的母親在金錢上支持了我，讓我感到既感激又充滿罪惡感。

然而，這次，我的努力終於得到了回報。在掌握了像遞歸這樣的挑戰性概念後，我在十份申請中獲得了九個工作機會。即使薪水比美國的同行低，我還是接受了一份在香港的澳洲顧問公司的全職軟體工程師職位。這份工作讓我有機會參與高調的項目，但它也教給我有關客戶型工作波動性的艱難課程。

後來，我被指派為一家初創公司開發一款應用程序的工作，但由於產品所有者的困難個性，這次經歷變成了不愉快的經驗。我最終離開，加入了一家大型國際軟體公司，在那裡我參加了香港最好的航空公司的一個項目。然而，由於管理不善和海外開發的挑戰，工作環境變得很惡劣。然而，我結交了很好的朋友，並對我們一起完成的工作感到滿意。

最近，一位獵頭向我介紹了一家著名諮詢公司的職位。我毫不猶豫就接受了這個提議，這也帶來了薪水的提高。目前，我在匯豐銀行內部工作，參與一個金融科技項目，為我生活中又開啟了一個令人興奮的新篇章。

以上，就是我從被拒絕簽證申請者，到軟體工程師的旅程，一條充滿起伏但始終向前的道路。

  • 3 min read

My Memories in Brisbane

In 2013, I embarked on a working holiday in Australia that completely transformed my life. While studying chemistry as an undergraduate in Hong Kong, I had always dreamed of working abroad. However, opportunities for international exchange were limited. During a trip to Brisbane after finishing my last exam and before officially graduating, I worked as a volunteer at a tourist adventure center. This experience was enriching; I made new friends, hugged koalas, and spent quality time on the beach.

I remember sitting on the Gold Coast, basking in the sunshine, and contemplating the stark contrasts between life in Australia and Hong Kong. In Australia, people seemed to enjoy an enviable quality of life—lying on the beach, surfing, and living less stressful lives. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the fierce competition and cramped living conditions were constant stressors. I looked up at the sky, noticing how much bluer it was in Australia compared to Hong Kong.

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I wondered why I didn't deserve such a beautiful environment. I thought of an old Chinese tale that describes the disparities in living conditions for mice born in different settings. Inspired by Guan Zhong, who migrated for a better life and eventually became a successful chancellor, I decided to stay in Australia. Shortly after my internship, I was fortunate to receive a long-term job offer.

Upon returning briefly to Hong Kong, I secured my first full-time job as a test engineer at a German laboratory. Although my coworkers were pleasant, the work was monotonous and demanding. My duties included cutting plastic cups into standardized sizes, immersing them in various acidic solutions, and conducting multiple chemical tests. It was a tedious job with limited growth opportunities. Consequently, I resigned a few months later and decided to return to Brisbane, accepting a new role as an Assistant Marketing Manager.

My new job was demanding but fulfilling. Although my responsibilities ranged from social media marketing to janitorial tasks, I found it more satisfying than my previous role. I was lucky to live with a welcoming host family, Lindsey and Elisabeth Timms, who offered me affordable accommodation. I developed close relationships with other guests, including Japanese students learning English. My workplace was situated in Brisbane's city center, adjacent to the Brisbane River, and offered various activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and paddleboarding.

One unforgettable experience was working on New Year's Eve. While others celebrated, I was busy moving alcohol from the fridge to the venue and cleaning up after the event. It was a physically demanding and sometimes unpleasant job, but it gave me a sense of responsibility and purpose.

In addition to my regular duties, I handled a large market of Chinese visitors and local Chinese students, leveraging my fluency in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. I also participated in the production of tourist programs in Brisbane and enjoyed being a kayaking instructor. Even though the work was hard, especially when it involved multitasking across various roles, it was far more enjoyable than my previous job.

Through this experience, I enhanced the organization's online presence and grew our Twitter followership to 10,000, making our account the number one tourist destination on the platform. Though some tactics may be considered outdated now, they were highly effective at that time. My role made me realize that digital marketing was an area I wanted to explore further, setting the stage for my subsequent career as a website developer.

And so, the story continues in the next chapter.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

My Memories in Brisbane

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore personal growth, career development, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we dive into the transformative journey of a young adventurer who discovered the power of continuous improvement.

In 2013, our protagonist embarked on a working holiday in Australia—a trip that would forever change their perspective on life. Studying chemistry in Hong Kong, they had always dreamt of working abroad, and Australia turned out to be the perfect destination to explore new opportunities.

As they soaked up the sunshine on the Gold Coast, our adventurer couldn't help but notice the stark contrasts between life in Australia and Hong Kong. The relaxed lifestyle, the enviable quality of life—it all seemed worlds apart from the hustle and bustle they were used to.

Inspired by an old Chinese tale and the story of Guan Zhong, who migrated for a better life and achieved success, our adventurer made a bold decision. They decided to stay in Australia, embracing the chance for growth and a brighter future.

Returning briefly to Hong Kong, they secured their first full-time job as a test engineer at a German laboratory. But despite a pleasant work environment, the job quickly became monotonous and offered limited growth opportunities. It became clear that a change was needed.

Returning to Brisbane, our adventurer took on a new role as an Assistant Marketing Manager. The responsibilities were demanding but fulfilling, as they embraced a wide range of tasks and built strong relationships with colleagues and fellow guests in their accommodation.

From working on New Year's Eve to handling a large market of Chinese visitors, they found purpose and fulfillment in their work, leveraging their language skills and exploring their passions. They even became a kayaking instructor, immersing themselves fully in the adventures life had to offer.

Through this experience, they discovered a passion for digital marketing and realized that website development was the path they wanted to pursue. They made significant contributions to their organization's online presence, growing their Twitter followership to an impressive 10,000.

And now, as the chapter closes on this part of their journey, our adventurer's story continues—filled with new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the ongoing pursuit of continuous improvement.

Join us next time as we explore the next chapter in our adventurer's life, learning from their experiences and gaining insights into how we can all embrace continuous improvement in our own lives.

Thank you for listening to "Continuous Improvement." I'm Victor, your host, and remember, no matter where you are on your journey, there's always room for growth. Until next time!