1. How do you measure success, what does success mean to you?
Success should be a product of one’s vision, commitment, expertise and integrity. Mentoring staff and guiding them are key building blocks for a successful business. To me, success is not about wealth but about knowledge and developing a stellar reputation in the marketplace for oneself and one’s business.
2. How do you keep employees engaged and motivated?
Creating and emphasizing meaningfulness can make a world of difference. You must help all employees clearly understand how their daily workflow is an intricate, important part of the organization as a whole. All too often, individual contributors and front-line staff, such as customer service and sales, are among the least engaged employees. This is troubling as the attitude and energy of these employees have a direct impact on how your business is perceived by clients. But taking the time to value their workflow and appreciate them will help them understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. Furthermore, offering them thoughtful feedback helps convey that you recognize their efforts as well value as their results.
3. What is the best career advice you’ve received and why?
Just follow your passion and do it! That worked wonders for me back in my university days when I decided to pursue a career in the tax profession. Whatever your goal may, go ahead and take the first step - however small - right away. This sends a mental signal to yourself that you are serious and that you mean business. Your mind won’t actually believe you until you take that first step! So commit to taking action. Immediately. And you’ll start to see the results.
4. How do you manage work-life balance?
Basically, much of the time it seems my work is my life. But we do need to pace ourselves and show gratitude for what motivates us to keep working and that which makes work possible! The fact that I have understanding family members most certainly is a blessing. My extensive focus on work is partially due to the fact that I am involved in many professional bodies and chambers of commerce, locally and internationally. I believe in sharing and advocating views across all possible channels for the sake of the profession – and the community at large.