Create your own systems or someone will impose one on you.

- my opening response to someone who recently asked how I was able to stay sane juggling my 9-5 with my academic life and fitness goals.

In my previous post, I talked about how I build habits, put structure, and set boundaries between my work and personal life. Remember when I said I separate work from life? That works because I have created a productivity system for myself (through habits and structure). Here’s a peek at my current productivity system at work:

Out with the notifications….

I don’t know if it’s just me but… Have any of you ever felt that Microsoft notifications do the opposite of productivity? Instead of getting things done, it feels like you’re being bombarded by those extremely annoying notifications that distract your flow. That’s one thing I detest about Microsoft Office products.

I just snapped one day and said, “Enough is enough!”

My days have gotten a lot better ever since taking matters into my own hands. The first thing I did was go to on-site IT support and ask permission to remove Microsoft Teams and other apps not used in my organization. I immediately removed all those unnecessary apps once I got the green light.

Half of the problem was solved without violating any company policies! Next target: SharePoint (or OneDrive or whatever it’s called now) notifications, not team-relevant flashes and out-of-office (OOO/OOTO) calendar invites.

I immediately created rulesets like crazy to increase productivity while protecting my peace. The three basic things to consider in the ruleset would be the sender, subject keywords, and action. Looking at my sample rule set above, I did some quick research on the common sender and keywords in SharePoint document notifications. The only thing I didn’t include is when I am added to a folder/document. For these instances, I simply file them in Slack canvas as a list of documents/resources in my work pipeline before sending the notification to trash.

Before you say anything about how I keep track, please continue reading the next section!

…In with time blocking. Yes, you can do it! 🍅🍅

My main arsenal for getting things done without sacrificing my mental health is the use of time-blocking as a substitute for constant notifications. You can set it up based on your needs. I am just showing an example of my typical day, excluding any discretionary meetings. First, I make sure I have categories for almost every calendar invite. Here’s what mine would look like:

• Green - Recurring time blocks for regular checks and some admin work

• Red - Recurring meetings and huddles

• Yellow - Discretionary meetings

• Orange - discretionary time blocks like working on 1-pagers and analyzing data.

• Gray - Out of Office Notifications or the things you don’t really need to know (these invites are paired with rulesets to declutter my inbox)

The first thing I established is three time slots throughout the day dedicated to clearing out any tasks, emails, or Slack messages. These 30-minute time blocks serve as checkpoints on progress, challenges, and additional action items to consider.

Here are some things I ask myself during my routine app checks:

• What are the deliverables due next?

• What have I done so far with my Asana and Taskei tasks?

• Which emails do I need to respond to now and which emails can wait?

• For the next few hours or tomorrow, which tasks are high -priority and high-impact?

• What challenges am I facing in the deliverables I am checking?

• Who do I need to talk to for any challenges, doubts, or concerns that I have?

In the absence of discretionary meetings, the next thing I add to make the most of my workday is non-routine time blocks for work tasks like working on data and document deliverables (e.g., 1-pagers, narratives).

Clear and Direct Communication. No ifs and buts

Your whole productivity system collapses without transparency and proper communication. I always make it to a point in huddles to clearly spell out my priorities and challenges without softening anything. I just present facts and observations. I also make sure to provide timelines or at least a date when I can iron out due dates. Here are some questions I ask myself to see if I communicated clearly:

• What are my current deliverables? What problems am I trying to solve and how are these related to our current-year goals?

• Which of these are the highest priority?

• What data and information do I have to get things moving? What exactly am I still missing?

• What support do I need and who do I need to contact?

• What are the immediate action items that I can and should do?

I would also consider the same questions above when going on a week-long vacation to avoid any anxiety issues, with some additions:

• Who are the customers that I am in contact with for my projects? What role do they play in each of my projects?

• What pending questions or items require follow-ups while I am out?

• What am I leaving behind? Which of these can keep moving while I am out?

• What is due while I am out?

• What do I need to prioritize when I come back?

Never forget to put these in writing to avoid any confusion.

Closing Remarks

Decluttering the slop, protecting time, and communicating with clarity are the three paradigm shifts that transformed my productivity game. However, I would like to emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. Your productivity journey is deeply personal, and it’s up to you to create a system that works for you. Yes, creating a system is a non-negotiable that you need to reflect on if you want to improve your work and personal life. You need to experiment and iterate on what works and what doesn’t until you get the optimal setup. My goal in sharing my own productivity system was to give you a starting point and inspire you to build from there.

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Today marks six months at Amazon, which means I haven’t touched Microsoft PowerPoint since then. I don’t miss it either. These six months have provided many transferable learning opportunities.

I probably create a dossier of what I learned, but here are some that I am willing to share as of now:

Write or Forever Hold Your Peace

Right off the bat, the first thing I noticed when I started working with the company was the writing culture that values actual Word documents over fancy slideshows. Amazon’s writing culture reminded me of grad school work minus the APA and MLA citation format.

To communicate effectively in this environment, I learned that the main customers of documents understand better when presented with observations backed by data. For instance, different teams or individuals have different understandings of the concept of user access management controls despite having written organisation-wide policies surrounding the matter.

I also learned that almost every document has this basic structure: clear headers covering the objective, background, current state, learnings, proposed solution, recommendations, and next steps.

Back all claims with data, propose concrete recommendations, and include an appendix for summarised data and diagrams. A references section should cite your sources—and remember, you cannot make stuff up. When in doubt, consult internal pages or ask a more experienced peer for guidance.

Structure your research

Don’t wait for direction — find your own path. Ask questions when stuck, but gather information independently first. Start by understanding the problem, listing what you need to know, then drafting in sentences as you research.

When writing documents, always cite your sources. References aren’t just formalities — they back up your claims and establish credibility with your reader.

Huddles = Progress over simple status updates

Weekly status updates often feel like a drag because they report numbers from a spreadsheet with no context — and without context, disagreements follow, causing delays. This is true whether you’re in an audit or a risk and controls process. Reporting status still matters, but it shouldn’t consume your entire 30-minute huddle.

Progress-focused huddles go deeper. In my team, we structure conversations around four questions: What went well last week? What are our current challenges, and what have we tried? What’s next? And what did we learn — whether from the work itself or from a blocker we hit. That last question is more valuable than it sounds. For example, I once learned that managing inappropriate user access is handled differently across organisations. My audit and risk experience was still relevant, but the solution needed to be tailored to each customer’s environment to be both seamless and secure.

Weekly huddles aren’t just progress updates — they’re where your team actually thinks together.

Leadership Principles are for real.

Let’s be honest — most company values are a laminated poster nobody reads, sandwiched between the fire exit and the vending machine. You nod at them during onboarding, forget them by lunch, and never hear about them again until the next all-hands.

Amazon is a different beast entirely. The Leadership Principles aren’t wall décor — they show up in how decisions get made, how meetings run, how feedback lands, and yes, even how you write an email. You can’t go a single week without someone dropping an LP reference like it’s a secret handshake. And the thing is? It works.

I’ll admit I’m still learning the ropes — some days I feel like I’m fluent, other days I’m quietly Googling “what does ‘Have Backbone’ mean in this context.” But for the first time in my career, I’m working somewhere where the values printed on the wall are the same ones practised in the room. That’s rarer than it sounds.

Tell Your Own Story. Also in Writing

As the saying goes, “you are the captain of your own career.” Nobody is going to write your highlight reel for you. And if you’re waiting for someone to notice how hard you’ve been working — bless your heart, but that’s not how this works.

Back in my MBA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, my Leadership and Teams professor told us to keep a leadership journal. I have been writing my career journey ever since, even while I’m working at Amazon.

The last thing I want is to scramble in the last minute before my performance review is due. Internally, I started keeping a running document of what I’m working on, what the goal is, specific tasks, and crucially, what I actually achieved as progress happened.

The secret sauce: don’t just log what you were responsible for — log what you delivered and what you learned. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and throw in metrics wherever you can. “Currently implementing controls to mitigate risk” is forgettable. Instead, “Reduced unauthorised user access by 50%” is a story worth telling.

Again, your career is like a chapter of your life, so you might as well be the one writing it.

Closing Reflections

Looking back at these six months, the most valuable lesson isn’t any single principle or practice—it’s that clarity compounds. Clear writing leads to better decisions. Structured thinking leads to better huddles. Documented achievements lead to better career growth. And when an organisation actually lives by its values, those values become the foundation for everything else. I came to Amazon expecting to learn technical skills. Instead, I’m learning how to think, communicate, and lead in ways that will define the rest of my career.

Most people think mental clarity is all about optimism, but true clarity isn’t achieved through constant hustle or blind positivity. Instead, it’s forged in the daily architecture of routine, intentional habits, and firm boundaries—giving your mind space to breathe and focus.

A clear mind has a quiet power. It cuts through chaos, sharpens your intentions, and helps you show up fully in every part of your life.

But in an age of doomscrolling and constant distractions, how can busy professionals actually achieve this kind of clarity? The answer isn’t the latest productivity “hack” you’ll see on social media—it’s the deliberate choice to build structure, nurture healthy habits, and fiercely protect your boundaries.

My Reflections

Small Habits Lead to Bigger Results: The Snowball Effect

"You are what you eat"

Does this quote sound familiar? I thought so!

Your choices and habits often shape who you are now.

Habits serve as a barrier between your mental well-being and self-control. I remember the time when I ended up binge eating when there was a tight deadline around the corner. It turns out that stress often undermines self-control when good habits are lacking. To address this, I decided to join my local CrossFit gym to program myself to work out more, even during the most stressful periods. That served as a coping mechanism that actually improves my health.

Habits also help you manage your energy as if it were a precious commodity like gold and diamonds. Energy and willpower should be treated as finite resources that require efficient allocation.

Finally, habits are not conscious decisions. It’s simply a form as part of your routine, like basic hygiene, eating meals, and drinking water. Consequently, folding activities that require willpower, when made habits, eventually become part of your daily life, leading to long-term results.

The Power of Building Structure

Imagine your ideal working environment - a clear mind seeing through distractions, guided by a roadmap to crush your goals for career success. What if I told you that unlocking your full potential is not about working overtime, but about clarity that turns chaos into opportunities?

It’s a common misconception that structured plans and flexibility are mutually exclusive, implying a choice between one or the other. This is not true at all! Flexibility and structure are distinct, and they can work well together when done correctly.

Structure serves as an anchor or a baseline.

Building your own structure serves as an anchor for your success. This newfound clarity lessens waste and helps focus energy on high-impact activities.

Structure also gives a sense of purpose and direction in any endeavours, whether personal or professional. Structure also helps clarify goals and break these down to achievable milestones, keeping momentum high and increasing fulfilment. Regular accomplishments reinforce confidence and satisfaction in the short and long run. On the flip side, structure allows for flexibility without the chaos.

Establishing Boundaries: The Final Piece

When was the last time you were scrambling throughout the day with endless “urgent” tasks, hoping to achieve productivity? The truth is: productivity is not about doing more, but about getting this done through boundaries that let habits and structure end distractions.

Boundaries serve as the final piece that keeps habits and structure together. Without boundaries, good habits and structure will go down the drain.

Healthy boundaries are important for our well-being and success. They help us manage where we spend our time and energy and prioritise needs. Boundaries help us stay focused and be present in what we do, whether at work, school, or in pursuing personal goals. The lack of clear boundaries results in burnout, resentment, and diminished productivity. That’s right! Blurring the lines between work and personal life is not a badge of honour. It’s actually counterproductive and gets you nowhere.

Establishing boundaries can look different for each person, but the common denominator includes identifying your priorities, communicating these, setting the physical environment, and taking care of yourself.

Putting it All Together - Applying these Lessons

Setting Boundaries: Creating A Chasm Between Work and Personal Life

Fair warning: this one might kick the hornet’s nest. But honestly, it’s the single thing that did the most for my sanity.

The core problem is that work doesn’t wait for an invitation. It seeps in — through your personal email or your phone. To protect my peace, I got deliberate about where and when work was allowed to live.

I immediately thought of honeypots, a cybersecurity concept that acts as a trap door to lure threats away from the organisation’s systems. I applied the same concept in my personal life by sharing a dedicated “personal” email address and phone number — accounts that exist purely for work, including obtaining pay, benefits, and tax documents. My real personal accounts stay completely off the grid.

It’s a simple thing with a massive impact on my life. I felt mentally safer knowing that I wouldn’t see anything work-related when picking up my personal phone. No deadlines, no “hi”, no nothing!

Boundaries aren’t about unprofessionalism — they’re about building a room with a door that opens when you go to work. Overtime happens, but the boundary is your anchor.

Building Habits and Implementing Structure: Using the Bullet Journal Method

If there’s one thing that kept me in an endless loop of anxiety in my 20s, it was the lack of structure and conscious habits. Doomscrolling, getting swept up by social media, all nine yards. I get it! It was one of the worst moments of my life.

The pandemic was a great reset. That’s when I started maintaining the bullet journal method — and started building my ideal daily life.

My bullet journal has three layers. The annual spread starts with annual goals and ends with an honest review: wins and results, what didn’t go well, and what to keep doing. The quarterly spread uses OKRs and a WRAP to track progress and feed into the year-end review.

My bullet journal has three layers. The annual spread sets yearly goals and ends with an honest review: what went well, what didn’t, what to keep doing. The quarterly spread uses OKRs and a WRAP to track progress and feed into that year-end review. The monthly spread is where it gets granular — daily habits, gym attendance, and a catch-all log for everything from paying rent to updating my career journal.

Breaking big goals into smaller ones is what makes it work. When I sat for my Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam, I didn’t just set an April deadline — I mapped out finishing all domains by March and completing practice tests before that. Small steps compound in the same way habits do.

Taking It A Notch Further: Notion Dashboards

Starting part-time school (one of my master’s degrees) made me see something clearly: life is a portfolio, and it deserves the same investment you’d give anything else worth building.

I know — some people will call what I am about to show as overkill. I beg to disagree!

I know a lot of people will say this is overkill and just enjoy the moment. I beg to disagree.

The first thing I did was what hard quant people like me would do: I audited my entire life. Career goals, work experience, personal finances, you name it! All of it is now mapped out in a single Notion page.

What did I learn? My portfolio can be divided into three buckets. Recurring tasks are the non-negotiable items that keep life running, like paying rent or checking accounts. Discretionary tasks are things that suddenly appear but don’t warrant a project on their own.

So I did what any reasonable person would do: I audited my entire life. Career goals, work experience, personal finances — all of it mapped out in a single Notion page. What emerged were three buckets:

• Recurring tasks — the non-negotiables that keep life running, like paying rent or checking accounts

• Discretionary tasks — things that pop up but don’t warrant their own project

• Projects — anything goal-driven, from professional development to personal milestones like relocating

One thing that made this system click: linking resources directly to each goal — Google Docs, Craft Docs, whatever holds the context. If it lives outside the system, it gets vetted before it comes in.

Unsolicited advice from a random “personal finance guru” on your feed? Straight to trash. How I filter information is its own conversation — more on that in a future post.

An updated resume and a shiny LinkedIn profile are no longer enough these days. Whether it's job hunting or general networking, it’s important to remember that you are more than just your resume.

One thing I regret not doing sooner is documenting what I learned earlier, whether it’s related to leadership and career reflections, interests, or field of expertise. I recall the period before I took the MBA, when I could have retained the lessons I learned or the impact of significant projects on my career.

It may be water under the bridge, but it’s never too late to start! As mentioned in my previous post, you don't need to be an extrovert or the loudest person in the room to share what you've learned!

❓Why Intellectual Leverage: Telling Your Story

Remember those science fairs back in high school or even in undergrad? It turns out that some insights carry over to our working lives that we may have forgotten: documenting and sharing what you learned. Let’s use an analogy to prove my point. The tornado simulation and project display you created serve as documentation of your discoveries. When you explain your findings to the teachers and parents going around the fair, that’s the part where you share what you learned.

The science fair analogy made me realise that documenting what I learn plays a big role in enhancing my personal and professional development. [1] First, documenting what you learned provides a starting point, allows you to track progress, and enables you to connect learning to future situations. Second, through documentation, one can gain deeper insights into one's own work and leadership style and then make adjustments as necessary.

Finally, sharing what you learned puts your personal brand to life. It positions you as a knowledgeable resource and enhances visibility to those in a similar field or other professionals with similar interests. While I am not there yet, I am confident that my recent push to build intellectual leverage will give me the confidence to create my frameworks and foster a community of growth through mentorship and influence.

❓The How: Current (and Potential) Means to Document My Learning

I recently started documenting and sharing my reflections and takeaways, so I still have a lot to work on. However, here are some ways that I built (or will build) intellectual leverage:

General Career and Leadership Reflections (On Paper and Substack)

A few years of working taught me a ton of valuable lessons beyond functional expertise. These experiences offer insights that can be applied to future situations, depending on the situation. However, there are times when I feel that I have forgotten some specifics of my experience, making it difficult for me to extract the insights I acquired from it. This is where keeping a journal comes in.

My Leadership and Teams professors in my MBA program once suggested during office hours that we keep a leadership journal as a reference for our learning experiences throughout our respective careers. Professor Luckman also cited research suggesting that good leaders are the way they are because they keep a journal. [2]

I found that keeping a leadership journal lets you manage stress and free up mental space. Writing about my experience, thoughts, and feelings helps me process what happened. It also helped me develop a sense of self-awareness, enabling me to understand what I’ve been doing well, what I need to stop doing, and what I need to improve. [3]

Recently, I took it a step further by starting a Substack page to publicise my leadership journal. While I did not care about the likes, I did get some engagement from strangers online as well as my network. Many of them shared similar thoughts, with some expressing gratitude for the inspiration I provided to start documenting their experiences. To take it further, I intend to start sharing my Substack on LinkedIn with the hopes of finding others who are working on their career and leadership journey.

The engagement I got demonstrates that there are still people out there who are looking for your content. Who knows? You might even make a huge impact on their lives!

Interest: Data, Including Python, R, and SQL (Github)

I wanted to start by saying I am not an expert on GitHub, and I am still learning how to leverage it for my data science and analytics portfolio. However, I went ahead and started uploading some of the work I did in the past, whether it’s from a school activity, bootcamp, or a personal project. Something is better than nothing after all!

I recently learned that showcasing my work through repositories like GitHub offers several benefits. First, it demonstrates my interest and passion in learning and mastering data science and analytics. [4] It may be scary at first because of possible criticism from “experts” out there. Guess what? No one cares what you post, so I would go ahead and click that commit button.

Second, maintaining a GitHub portfolio allows you to showcase your work and what you’ve learned. This serves as tangible proof of your work and your current level of mastery in data (whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced). It also allows you to demonstrate your ability to solve problems and draw informed conclusions, especially when you thoroughly document what the project is about and your conclusion in the README section of each repository. [5] Back to the science fair analogy, the GitHub repository shows the output of your work while the README tells the story.

Finally, showing your repository allows for increased visibility and networking opportunities. Publishing your work on GitHub allows your work to reach millions of other fellow data enthusiasts, data experts, or even general users who are active on the site.

Current Line of Work: Audit, GRC, and Risk, including SOX (Substack and Notion)

I considered creating a series of posts on LinkedIn and Substack, along with a Wiki related to my IT Audit, Risk, and SOX work. I am confident that I have already demonstrated my ability to share career reflections on Substack and data projects on GitHub.

I was further intrigued by this idea when a fellow member of the Internal Audit Collective (a community of audit, SOX, and risk professionals) shared with us that putting your personal brand in action by sharing your expertise in the Collective and on social media sites like LinkedIn increases visibility.

I have not released any posts or materials related to my line of work in public, but I intend to start documenting my audit and risk knowledge in the coming months. It will likely be a combination of LinkedIn and Substack posts in a different publication, along with my knowledge repository built from Notion databases. Beyond the what, I will also address the why and the how in every publicly available material that I release.

References:

[1] Focuskeeper. (2024, September 21). What is documented learning experiences? Focuskeeper Glossary. https://focuskeeper.co/glossary/what-is-documented-learning-experiences

[2] Ibarra, H. (2016, January 13). Want to be an outstanding leader? Keep a journal. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/01/want-to-be-an-outstanding-leader-keep-a-journal

[3] Nam, H. (2017, April 2). To be an effective leader keep a leadership journal. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/hennainam/2017/04/02/to-be-an-effective-leader-keep-a-leadership-journal/

[4] Howell, E. (2025, May 4). How I would learn to code (if I could start over). Data Science Collective. https://medium.com/data-science-collective/how-i-would-learn-to-code-if-i-could-start-over-67066009dd57

[5] The Benefits of Showcasing Your Work through GitHub Projects. (n.d.). Ask.com. https://www.ask.com/news/benefits-showcasing-work-github-projects

Corporate America can be both an eye-opening and nerve-wrecking experience. My job search journey in 2024 made me reflect on some career lessons that I will carry for the rest of my working life. In my previous post, I talked about how I navigated my job hunt journey. Now, I am talking about some reflection I had while going through the gruelling job market.

Personal Branding: Who You Are

I hope my fellow introverts will hear me out on this one before they come at me! Personal branding is not about being the loudest person in the room but about being intentional. Harvard Business Review describes personal branding as the intentional and strategic practice of defining and expressing your value [1].

Taking a Step Back

One of the first things I did when I started my job search journey in mid-2024 was to take a step back and reflect. I thought about what I am like as both a person and a professional, as well as what I wanted to be known for. I asked questions such as: [2]

• What are my defining traits?

• What am I known for (i.e., areas where I excel)?

• What can I do for those around me?

• What motivates me and what drains my energy?

LinkedIn and Resume: Your Self-Marketing Material

After reflecting, it’s time to put these thoughts into action. Start with LinkedIn and a resume, which serve as your self-marketing materials. As a reminder, your LinkedIn profile belongs to you, not your employer, so leverage it to your advantage.

Here’s how I updated each section on LinkedIn:

• About - a sneak peek of your career story. That section gave an overview of who I am as a professional, my skills and experience, what I’m up to (e.g., certifications and further education), and my interests.

• Experience - tells a story of your professional life and what you did in the past. This includes the skills you have learned and the responsibilities you are accountable for.

• Education (degrees and graduate certificates) and Licenses and Certifications - includes the certificates issued as proof.

• Projects - tells a story of what you have done in school, a stretch project at work (if not confidential), and side projects you’ve done on your own or with a team (e.g., AI governance checklist)

• Awards - includes a narrative of how you got the award and how you qualified (e.g., Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi)

I also ensure that my resume includes similar content to LinkedIn, along with bullet points highlighting my achievements.

Living Your Brand through Engagement

Building your personal brand doesn’t end with updating your socials and resume! Following through also helps in making you visible to any network or community you’re in.

One way I live through my brand is by writing personal thoughts every time I achieve something, whether it's a degree, certification, or a new job. I noticed that personalising my posts led to more engagement, more connections, and increased interest in my background. This demonstrates my intentionality and commitment to everything I have achieved, rather than merely following the crowd.

Next, I am working on maintaining that personal brand through engagement in topics related to leadership, career (e.g., AI governance, IT audit and risk), and interests (e.g., sustainability, and data). This shows that you care about the work you do and your interests as well as your ability to formulate your own conclusion/opinion based on your knowledge.

Don’t forget to maintain professional conduct on social media sites like LinkedIn, where one should never badmouth an employer or fellow professional. Anything said or written in public can work for or against you.

Detaching Your Job Title From Your Identity

“What are you when you are not working?” - Simon Sinek

It sounds simple, but difficult to answer!

I recall seeing numerous quotes on LinkedIn about not tying your job to your identity. I brushed it off at first, until something trivial happened, and then COVID happened. The pandemic snapped me out of the rat race and gave me a reality check of the need to know who I am outside of my profession. Another turning point when I remembered this important lesson was my first layoff experience.

I want to emphasise that it’s beneficial to love what you do, and to approach your work with grace. However, it should be at the expense of your identity. You are more than your job!

First, I thought of what I wanted to prioritise going forward and what I am prioritising now. It turns out that I have been prioritising grinding hard to gain learning exposure and, eventually, a better job title. This reminded me of my time in the Illinois MBA, where my leadership professors told us that we should try to find our purpose not just professionally but also personally. After all, work is the means to an end, not the other way around!

Next, I made new friends outside of my work circle. Specifically, I made meaningful connections in my MBA program, my local CrossFit gym, and my video game group. Forming relationships with those outside your professional circle helps you develop non-work interests and hobbies. [3] I am also very deliberate in making sure that I don’t delve into the trenches of the work I do when asked.

Similar to honey posts in cybersecurity, I started making sure that my work and personal life are physically separated. I achieved this by creating separate personal emails and maintaining a personal mobile number that I share in job applications. I use an old phone with the same personal mobile number I give out in job applications to install work-related apps like Outlook and Teams, which allows me to detach from work when on vacation or outside work hours.

Having Options

I’m not gonna be the person who preaches on ditching the 9-5 for self-employment in hopes of becoming the next big thing. In my opinion, it’s best to assess your unique situation (i.e., career, financial, personal) before taking any risks. I am all for risk-taking, but it should be based on credible information and data, not social media clout.

Admittedly, I am still exploring my options, but I did receive advice from one of my MBA study group friends, Sri, on the options I can consider going forward. I learned that I should consider advisory roles, board positions, and side income streams in addition to my regular 9-5. I might even consider being one of those day-in-the-life content creators to take them through what my daily life looks like.

This will not only help you secure your finances but also enable you to learn new skills or sharpen existing ones. However, I would recommend being careful as these options may entail capital expenditures, time, or both! Don’t jump into those crazy MLMs or crypto ventures for a quick buck!

I will certainly make a follow-up post once I figure out what those options are!

References:

[1] Cote, C. (n.d.). Personal branding: What it is and why it matters. Harvard Business School Online. Retrieved August 6, 2025, from https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/personal-branding-at-work

[2] Arruda, W. (2022, December 20). 23 questions to ask yourself to discover your personal brand for 2023. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2022/12/20/23-questions-to-ask-yourself-to-discover-your-personal-brand-for-2023/

[3] Brooks, A. C., & Winfrey, O. (2023, September 18). How to separate your work from your identity. Time Magazine. https://time.com/6314042/oprah-arthur-brooks-happiness-at-work/

I was all restless the moment I found out that The Devil Wears Prada sequel had begun filming here in New York City. Watching the film again made me realize that there’s more to it than fashion. I must admit that the film has shaped my mindset on what’s appropriate in public and at work. However, I did learn some valuable career lessons watching it for the nth time (I already lost count!).

👞 First Impressions Last!

My friends know me well enough that I wouldn’t wear pyjamas (or what people call sweats) in the airport or the grocery store, like I wouldn’t dress inappropriately for work or a networking event. As a disclaimer, it’s just my choice to dress the way I do in public, as the professional side of me thinks it’s the right thing to do. I’m not saying you should wear a suit or a dress all the time, but at least make sure you dress appropriately for the occasion.

Please don’t make the same mistake as Andy, coming to the interview and her first few days of work underdressed. You should conduct thorough research and always arrive prepared, regardless of whether it’s a job interview, your first day at work, or a client meeting. You wouldn’t wear a suit in a tech or startup company, just like you wouldn’t wear a t-shirt in more traditional industries like finance.

This demonstrates your effort to understand the organisation’s culture, your role, and how you can add value.

On the flip side, this lesson also holds true in any presentation. I remember a good friend in my Illinois MBA telling me that someone (let’s call her banana girl 🍌🍌) thought it was a good idea to post a picture of her in a banana suit within a business case presentation. Please don’t do this! Even if it’s a start-up, never forget to exercise professionalism.

👔 Working with Grace Even if No One Is Looking

At the end of the movie, those who watched the movie know what Miranda meant by “the biggest disappointment.” She meant Andy did something right, unlike other assistants before her. This was confirmed when Emily told Andy’s replacement that she has big shoes to fill. What did I learn? Do your work with grace.

First of all, it’s important to recognise that you can’t please everyone. However, the best alternative is to do the right thing even when it’s painful. The film confirms that good work is never wasted, even if Miranda doesn’t outright compliment Andy. It’s best to build a good reputation and work hard by presenting your best work. Who knows? That good reputation can take your career to new heights.

👀 Be at Least Not Just One, But Two Steps Ahead

Be ready for anything! When comparing Andy to Emily and other people on Runway Magazine, she stood out because she made things happen. Why? She was more than one step ahead as she learned from the job. It’s good practice to be aware of your surroundings and take note of some recurring patterns that need addressing.

Once you have enough information, try to propose a few solutions or implement your proposal! Try to read the room every time you are in the workplace to get some understanding of where you stand and when to speak out. Don’t be satisfied with the norm! Keep improving it!

💪🏼 Adaptability and Resilience

Andy faced numerous challenges when she began her job as Miranda’s executive assistant. This shows that even the most successful people start from something, where not everyone quickly goes off like a sprint. It’s important to use every setback as a learning opportunity to turn these mistakes into success.

Whether you work in fashion, finance, or technology, adaptability and resilience are essential skills for the future of work. This also means that continuous learning is the key to success even in the age of emerging technologies, where AI is the new buzzword.

“Sometimes, it takes one step backwards to move two steps forward”

I recall the time I experienced my first career setback when I was laid off for the first time in my career, due to poor market conditions. Never in my life did I expect something like that to happen.

Processing: The First Step

Processing and Reflecting on Your Career Journey

Layoffs suck! I get it! Recall feeling numb and going on autopilot during my last week with my previous company. I was asking questions like “Why me?”

After those two weeks of processing things, I realised one thing: I have been banking on my professional life as a big part of my sense of self and identity. This is very common among career-oriented individuals. Not waking up to go to work felt like a personal loss. [1]

Processing means taking a step back before planning the next career steps. I took the time to reflect on what I had learned in the past before moving on to the next steps. [1] I considered the types of problems I enjoy solving and areas where I want to grow in my career.

One thing I regret is not reaching out to family and friends earlier due to my fear of getting asked more questions. It turns out all of them were there to support me, and they are well aware that layoffs do not reflect on me as a professional.

Two weeks later, I found the clarity I needed to begin my job search and establish my online presence.

Cutting Through the Noise

The first few months of the job-hunting process were a whirlwind of emotions, ranging from confusion to frustration. Taking a step back, I realised that I have been consuming a lot of conflicting information that’s supposed to help me in my job search. This information was mostly found on LinkedIn, which is now a cesspool of regurgitated content.

To mitigate this, I developed the habit of limiting my daily LinkedIn browsing time to 30 minutes. I also took stock of who I currently follow and who is most likely to offer sound career advice. In my case, the best people who gave advice were two former Google Recruiters: Jeff Sipe and Farah Sharghi. Their advice was helpful not only for my recent interviews at Google but also at other companies. I also take into account the advice of recruiters with whom I have closely worked in the past.

The rest? It’s all smoke and mirrors to me! That includes those who preach about the AI doom and gloom, where I noticed that these “enthusiasts” have no understanding of what AI really is and how it really works.

Crunch Time! The Job Hunt Journey

Your Profile and Resume. Wait, there’s more!

I found that it’s good practice to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date at all times. My profile tells a story of not just my career and academic life, but also my professional interests. You can further build your presence by writing LinkedIn posts that include your own reflections and thoughts, especially when announcing an achievement.

On the other hand, a resume is like a snapshot of your professional background. When dusting off my resume, I ensured the following, with the help of the wonderful career coaches at INTOO, the career outplacement services provided by my previous company:

• Summary: Contains an overview of who you are as a professional, a high-level overview of what your strengths are, and what you’re known for.

• Core Competencies: A list of your skills, including knowledge domain (in my case, IT Audit, Risk, SOX), technology/programming language (SQL, Python, Alteryx), and other skills (project management, cross-functional communication).

• Work Experience: A short paragraph summarising your role in a particular position, while modifying some keywords to match the job description. The bullet points would include achievements with the format: Achieved x% or x number of <insert metric here> by doing y.

• Education: Remove GPA (if low) and graduation dates to avoid unconscious age bias.

In addition to my resume, I also began maintaining a document I call the Resume Expansion Pack, which expands on the knowledge I gained from my work experience. This includes detailed information about some projects I worked on. This served as a database to build my stories, which I will discuss later. While I made it at the tail end of my job search journey, I started to document the following per work experience:

• The job title and dates

• Responsibilities and achievements (with more details than what is written on the resume)

• Job Description per the job requisition. This should be saved in your files before the job requisition is closed, after you have accepted your offer.

• With permission from HR, a copy of my performance records. This is something I intend to do going forward.

Applying and Asking for Referrals

I consistently applied for and requested referrals. I found that applying for multiple opportunities increased my chances of receiving an interview invitation. When applying, I tailored my resume to the company and the specific role I was targeting. Recruiters and hiring teams appreciate customised resumes because they show the applicant did their research. This can be achieved by using keywords based on the job description, provided you have the relevant experience.

I also practised meaningful networking because this increases the chances of getting invited to an interview, as the referrer would know how you work and whether you are a good fit for the company as a whole. If you don’t know anyone, you can always go to LinkedIn and search for current students, alumni or professionals in your desired role and industry to confirm your interest. Arrange a short call (15 to 20 minutes) and ensure you introduce yourself properly before asking intentional questions to learn more about the industry/company you are aiming for.

Interviewing

Prepare, but don’t overprepare.

Now that you have applied and been invited to an interview, the next step is thorough preparation.

The next step should be to do some research on the company. I make an effort to know more about its products and their values. For example, it’s beneficial to be familiar with Google’s culture or Amazon's Leadership Principles when applying for either company. Researching also helped me craft stories for my interviews, where I used the STAR method to clearly articulate my message across. There are also some companies, such as Google and Amazon, that provide guides on interviewing for their positions. Make use of that! Personally, interviewing for Google and Amazon has increased my confidence because of the high standard they set for candidates.

Finally, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions. Consider asking about the company and team culture, as well as a deep dive into the team and performance expectations. Doing so shows interviewers that you are motivated and excited to join their team.

Interview Logistics Before the Interview

On the day of the interview, I always make sure of the following:

• Internet connection is stable. Make a test call if necessary.

• The surrounding area visible on your laptop camera should be tidy to demonstrate respect to the interviewer. After all, no one wants to see your underwear or socks lying around.

• Dress appropriately for the interview - neither too formal nor too casual. It’s great to ask your recruiter for the company’s normal dress code policy to avoid making your interviewers uncomfortable.

• Interview notes are visible in your periphery in case you need them.

• If you are interviewing on-site, be familiar with the commuting routes and instructions for gaining entry to the building.

Post-Interview

Always end on a positive note by sending thank-you emails, which include what you took away from the interview and what you learned from your interviewers. Additionally, a study by HBR reveals that closing the interview with appreciation helps candidates stand out, as it demonstrates professionalism and interest in the job for which they are applying. [2]

Handling Ghosting and Rejections

Navigating the job hunt journey will likely bring you heartache and disappointment. How? You either don’t get a response or an email that says “we decided to move forward with other candidates” or similar.

It hurts, I get it! Don’t take it personally because it’s mostly a “them” problem, especially when you felt good after the interviews. It's possible that they found someone more suitable or with more experience than you. It doesn’t mean that you’re a failure!

Most importantly, allow yourself to grieve so you can process your feelings and move forward in your job-hunting journey. Your emotions are valid and need to be released for you to move on.

References:

[1] Shyamli, R. (2023, February 14). How to emotionally process a layoff. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2023/02/how-to-emotionally-process-a-layoff

[2] Thompson, L. (2022, November 30; updated October 11, 2024). How to write a thank you email after an interview (with examples). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2022/11/how-to-write-a-thank-you-email-after-an-interview

Have you ever felt that you have been too good at your job and that you feel stuck because something is missing to hit the mastery level? This could be in the form of new problems that left you hanging before.

💡The Power of Structure

The most important lesson I learned from the McKinsey forward program is the need for structure in solving problems. This applies regardless of the size or scope of a project or initiative. We must make an effort to take a structured approach in solving any problem for the best possible outcome, especially in complex or high-stake situations.

Taking a structured approach improves clarity. A well-defined approach would mean clear problem statements, which serve as an anchor to minimise the likelihood of either addressing the wrong issue or failing to address the main issue.

While industry- or expertise-specific knowledge is helpful, anchoring your problem-solving approach solely on this could result in biased assumptions. In turn, biased assumptions ultimately lead to failure to address the main issue.

This reminded me of my time at Shell, when I was assigned to help with the risk and controls assessment of machine learning algorithms. It was a time when AI-specific information risk frameworks (such as ISO 42001: AI systems) were not yet published. Looking back, I felt that I was on the right track, as I recognised that the direct application of existing risk and control frameworks is not the right approach. I would have done better if I applied the seven-step problem-solving structure by McKinsey to set the tone.

Structured problem-solving can help break down a complex issue into manageable and actionable pieces, making it easier to analyse and address. Consequently, actionable pieces lead to efficiency and effectiveness because they streamline problem-solving work and facilitate faster identification of the root cause. [2]

Finally, structured problem solving meant easier iterations and improvements during a project or initiative. This is because each step and decision is well-documented, which promotes transparency and accountability. In other words, it will be easier to iterate the problem-solving approach or fine-tune the problem statement when it is structured and well-documented. Transparency also drives accountability and collaboration as it encourages clear communication within teams. [3]

🎋 The Issue Tree Method

There are various methods and frameworks that are readily available. These include design thinking, the back-of-the-napkin approach, and the issue tree.

Perhaps one of my favourite ways to structure my problem-solving approach. I found the issue tree method to be effective in breaking down a problem or challenge into manageable buckets and smaller pieces, even in my personal life.

Personally, the issue tree method has been my lifesaver. It can be used to solve almost any problem, especially at the brainstorming stage. I have used it for both school and personal use. I also envision using it for work. Looking back, what I would do differently is to look at

Each issue (often written in a box) should adhere to the MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) principle, regardless of the problem-solving structure employed. Mutual exclusivity ensures that each bucket or category does not have overlaps. Failure to ensure mutual exclusivity may lead to confusion, duplication of work, and ambiguity in the problem-solving process. Collectively exhaustive ensures that there are minimal gaps and covers almost all possible scenarios. [4]

🎬 Understanding Your Audience

This lesson gave me flashbacks to my early years in technology and audit, where I knew the procedures based on a set methodology or standard, but not the underlying rationale. I recall instances when I had stakeholders who pushed back when I presented findings and recommendations to them. The reason I failed to understand their role and interest as a customer.

As I mentioned in my previous post on communication, effective communication is crucial for influencing your audience. The need to effectively send your message across reminded me of Amazon’s Customer Obsession leadership principle, where leaders start with the customer before working backwards. [5]

Any problem you are trying to solve leads to a product (through actionable recommendations) that benefits your customers (the target audience). On the flip side, recommendations are not effective if it does not benefit the customer.

This is where synthesising your findings and recommendations comes in. You must be able to explain not just the recommendations themselves but also the “so what?”. Your audience must understand why your recommendation matters to them and compel them to take action.

🚨 Up Next…

Now that I have laid out my reflections, I will be sharing actual examples of how I applied or would apply the problem-solving techniques I learned in the Forward program.

References:

[1] London, S. (2019, September 13). How to master the seven-step problem-solving process. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/how-to-master-the-seven-step-problem-solving-process

[2] BCS. (2023, October 11). Taking a structured approach to problem management. https://www.bcs.org/articles-opinion-and-research/taking-a-structured-approach-to-problem-management/

[3] Areyc. (2024, April 2). The importance of structured problem solving in effective management. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-structured-problem-solving-effective-management-areyc/

[4] LaunchNotes. (n.d.). MECE principle: Definition, examples, and applications. https://www.launchnotes.com/glossary/mece-principle-in-product-management-and-operations

[5] Amazon. (2025, June 9). Leadership principles. https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principles

My McKinsey Forward journey taught me that building relationships and well-being are essential skills for the future of work, where rapidly changing technological infrastructure, business models, and workplace dynamics are prevalent. The relationships one builds are crucial to success, whether in personal or professional endeavours.

The human element, through relationships and deep connections, becomes more relevant in the age of technological advancements, as machines can never replicate these nuances.

On the other hand, McKinsey has also identified maintaining well-being as an essential skill for the future of work. After all, no one can fill an empty cup.

Your Optimal Well-Being

Like career goals, you should also set well-being goals that include physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. Setting well-being goals allows you to compare your current battery levels in each aspect versus your optimal well-being. In doing so, think about how your ideal self will look when he/she wakes up early in the morning and before sleeping at night.

Your version of your ideal self can also serve as a benchmark compared to your current well-being state, revealing some improvement areas that require attention. For example, imagine your well-being goal is getting six to eight hours of sleep daily. However, you noticed that you slept only five hours a day. I recommend looking at your current habits and a day in your life. You may uncover sneaky vices like doomscrolling on social media, checking your work emails at night, or slacking off on your meal prep plan. This should lead to mitigating actions such as activating Sleep Mode on your mobile phone, separating work and personal devices, and simplifying your meal plans for busier periods.

Building Relationships through AVEC

Even in the most specialised roles, you will never be successful without the people around you. That meant you must invest some effort and time in building and nurturing trust-based relationships through vulnerability, attention, compassion, and empathy. I learned the AVEC framework that can be used in building strong relationships during the Forward program. It stands for Attention, Vulnerability, Empathy, and Compassion. Let’s explore each of these through an actual example:

Imagine you are a risk professional attending a networking conference and participating in one of those breakout sessions with other people in your field. You are meeting with a group of people and think it’s a good time to build a meaningful professional relationship.

Applying the AVEC framework from the McKinsey Forward would look something like this:

Attention: 
Practice active listening by maintaining eye contact, focusing fully on what your counterpart is saying, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. Avoid distractions such as redirecting eye contact and checking your smartphone. This shows you are genuinely interested in them as people and as fellow professionals in the field. 

Vulnerability: 
Along the conversation, let's say your counterpart shared his struggles about implementing a new GRC tool for their risk and compliance programs. More likely than not, you have experienced something similar. You can share that you have faced similar challenges and bring up the idea of learning from each other. By openly discussing your experience and challenges, you demonstrate authenticity. In turn, this shows taht you value honest conversations over the usual smooth-running success stories.

Empathy:
It's good to respond with understanding of your counterpart's struggles rather than quickly saying things like "it's easy to solve." This runs off as quick judgment on your part. Instead, you can acknowledge the nature of the struggle and express support, perhaps offering some resources that you know of or your own experience of how you overcame a similar challenge.

Compassion:
As a follow-up, it's good to check in with your new connection on how they're doing on the challenge and see if there are other resources or solicited advice you can offer. This could be done by understanding the context of the problem.

AVEC can also be practised when working with internal stakeholders, especially those in cross-functional teams. Looking back, I realise that knowing AVEC would have helped me with many of the difficult stakeholders I faced in the past.

Psychological Safety = Better Performance

The role of leadership in psychological safety was one of the most important lessons I learned from my Leadership and Teams class during my MBA. The other day, I saw a headline titled “Bosses are done playing nice” on my LinkedIn news feed. Upon further reading, I found that this headline assumes that performance levels have an inverse relationship with “being nice” or psychological safety. This may look like the case in the short run, but forward-thinking leaders know better.

Research shows a direct relationship between psychological safety and team performance. The more psychologically safe the team feels, the higher the team's performance. [3] To set the stage, the first step is understanding the current team's perception of psychological safety and focusing on clarity and outcomes. Understanding the current perception of psychological safety can help uncover what else can be improved to drive team performance further. This would also reveal the team's challenges and ambiguities that stop them from speaking up. On the flip side, having clear and actionable goals with tangible expected outcomes. That would prevent the team from certain stress and wasted efforts stemming from mindlessly shooting into the void. This can be done through clearly and explicitly documented performance goals with measurable outcomes.

Now that the basics are in place, it’s time to take it to the next level: cementing the ideal psychologically safe environment. This could be done by valuing contributions, coaching and supporting the team, building a human connection with the team, encouraging feedback, and allowing for space to fail safely. Appreciation and coaching let the team know they are valued and supported, which sets them up for success. Building connections also strengthens connections, leading to a more collaborative environment. Finally, allowing teams to fail safely also presents learning opportunities for the team to maximise team performance.

Overall, we must create an environment where everyone is not afraid of speaking up, failing safely, and looking forward to learn from each other. A psychologically safe environment improves not only well-being but also performance in the long run.

Vulnerability ≠ Weakness

There is confusion about whether one’s vulnerability is a weakness. However, this is no longer true in the current age. Looking back, I remember a big shift from the “you should know this by now” mindset to a learner mindset in early 2020 when COVID-19 hit. Gone are the days when you could be successful by faking it until you make it. There is a lot of noise in professional networking sites like LinkedIn that this mindset is emerging again.

According to McKinsey, vulnerability allows leaders to express their authentic selves and build trusting relationships. Being vulnerable demonstrates a leader’s ability to have honest conversations about challenges and uncertainties, leading to increased trust and credibility. [4] Putting the challenges out in the open, while advocating for psychological safety, will help drive learning, innovation, and performance within teams and organisations.

References:

[1] Clark, J. (2025, May 30). Psychological safety in remote and virtual teams. Psychsafety. https://psychsafety.com/psychological-safety-in-remote-teams/

[2] McKinsey & Company. (2021). Psychological safety and the critical role of leadership development. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Business%20Functions/Organization/Our%20Insights/Psychological%20safety%20and%20the%20critical%20role%20of%20leadership%20development/Psychological-safety-and-the-critical-role-of-leadership-development-final.pdf1

[3] Kwon, S., Lee, H., & Choi, T. (2020). How psychological safety affects team performance: Mediating role of efficacy and learning behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 1581. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01581

[4] Maor, D., Kaas, H.-W., Strovink, K., & Srinivasan, R. (2024, November 4). How leaders can tap the power of vulnerability. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/how-leaders-can-tap-the-power-of-vulnerability

Doing CrossFit for years made me realize that it has taught me life lessons that I will forever carry. Many of these lessons apply to both my professional and personal life. Looking back, I have no regrets about doing CrossFit because of the amazing support you will get from the community—yes, even those who are veteran athletes.

Here are some of the life lessons I learned:

Setting Goals

A few years back, I tried going to big chain gyms like Planet Fitness and Blink but felt I was not going anywhere. I eventually got frustrated with the lack of results and direction. Why? I did not set any specific goals to begin with. I just did a patchwork of workouts without a training plan.

Fitness goals will tremendously improve the likelihood of reaching your desired outcomes[1]. I remember my coaches reminding us of the importance of having a goal in mind when we do our workouts and make decisions related to our health. I learned that setting your fitness goals should be based on your ability and commitment to it.

My experience in CrossFit and my professional life taught me that goals are like the big picture, requiring matching puzzle pieces to come together. The actions and decisions we make should ideally be related to our goals. For clarity, goals should also be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound)[2].

Example: Increased Back Squat Goals.

Specific and Measurable: Complete a proper 275 lb. back squat.

Achievable: Last back squat was 245 lbs. as of January 2025. To achieve this goal, I should make the necessary preparations (such as proper stretching and good sleep). 

Relevant: Part of my goal to be healthier

Time-bound: By April 2025

And yes, I could do 275 lbs. by the end of April 2025! How? Keep reading!

Building Habits, Starting Strong, and Taking Action

Now that goals are in place, it’s time to take action. As they always say, the car won’t be driving itself. The same goes for any fitness goals. Every small step will snowball to bigger results. Developing fitness habits is crucial in achieving goals because it affects your progress.

I believe the first step in taking action is building habits. Habits serve as the foundation of everything you do. In the context of CrossFit, good habits (even the simplest ones like hydration and preparing for the next day’s workout) will positively affect your performance. I noticed a lot of changes when I joined the Power Habits Bootcamp. I felt more energized when I woke up in the morning and even felt a little better when doing the hard movements like burpees or rowers.

Second, starting strong works wonders. I remember one of the coaches on Sundays always emphasizing the power position (POWER POSITION!!!!) before a clean or a snatch. The power position means proper and solid posture before you make the move. In a professional setting, starting strong can be done through thorough preparation, such as researching or practising before a job interview or a client presentation.

Finally, it is time to take action! It may sound scary at first, but there is no harm in trying and failing safely. It’s best practice to ask for help when you have doubts or feel you are doing something wrong. I wouldn’t be able to lift as much now without the coaches and fellow members extending a hand. For instance, I learned how to row properly through a fellow member when she saw me working too hard with my arms.

Reflection: Documenting Progress and Learnings

In my line of work, we always believe in the saying, “If it’s not evidenced, it’s not done.” This quote implies that if somebody claims that they are operating a control or process but there is no evidence or audit trail, it’s assumed that it was not done. The same is true for fitness goals. It’s good to keep track of your progress and document what you learned to know where to improve in the future[3].

I personally keep a record of my heaviest lifts, as shown on the Notion page above, where each record or heaviest lift will serve as a benchmark for the next session.

Within each line, I also keep records of the weights I lifted to understand how I progressed over time. This helps when I need to do a deep dive into what I need to improve on moving forward. Finally, I also take the time to post about my CrossFit classes on Instagram to document my attendance and how I felt when doing the workouts.

I have documented my progress in other professional and personal endeavours, such as my MBA journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or my recent Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification by ISC2. While I had different ways of tracking my progress towards my professional endeavours, all of them were tied to my goals.

Showing Up Even if It’s Hard

It’s perfectly normal to get that feeling of giving up when things get tough. I admit that there are some movements that I don’t like, especially during the conditioning part. Talk wall balls, thrusters, rowing, running, and burpees.

Many times, I get called out for slacking off on any movements that require squatting below parallel during conditioning (e.g., wall balls and thrusters). Sorry, coach! You know who you are! These are the moments when I felt like giving up but couldn’t when I reminded myself of why I went in the first place.

What does this experience teach me? Every goal or endeavour resembles a Japanese bento box or a Korean dosirak. Every dish in a set meal is included for a reason, even though there are dishes you don’t like. There will be challenges and hard times in any career goal, such as certifications, promotions, or job applications, but showing up will help you overcome the hurdles.

These moments of demotivation are the best times to take a quick step back and remember why you want to achieve your goals in the first place and why the challenges presented are essential to achieving them. In my case, I tend to push hard to get through the workouts when I suddenly recall why I’m doing these difficult movements in the first place. The value of showing up also gave me the courage to do the CrossFit Open workouts, where some WODs are intimidating.

Community

One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting my local CrossFit gym is the people. Beyond the workout and dedication, I learned that the people around you play an important role in your development. In fact, I don’t know where I would be today without the supportive community, both coaches and fellow members.

This reminded me of my old self when I felt isolated when doing my own workouts in a hotel gym or big chains like Blink or Planet Fitness. Sometimes, you need to work out independently, like work or personal travel, but having an anchor makes a big difference. In contrast, going to a CrossFit gym made me feel supported, as there is a culture of vulnerability, mutual respect, and fostering bonds[4].

CrossFit taught me the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. I don’t mean a certain mould like income bracket, career choices, etc. I made this mistake during the first few years of my professional life, and it led to disastrous results! Rather, the people willing to support and cheer on you matter most.

Finally, it’s also essential to make an effort to nurture these connections by supporting and cheering them on. Be it that heavy lift or finishing until the end of the time limit.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to all the CrossFit Queens coaches (current and former) and the entire CrossFit community for inspiring me to do better daily!

Give them some love by following them on Instagram.

References:

[1] Australian Fitness Academy. (2024, June 19). The importance of setting fitness goals. https://www.fitnesseducation.edu.au/blog/fitness/the-importance-of-setting-fitness-goals/

[2] Doran, G. T. (1981). There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives. Management Review, 70, 35-36.

[3] Hilton, M. (2025, April 27). Why tracking progress is a game-changer for your fitness results. Legacy Athletics. https://www.legacyathletics.co/blog/tracking-progress-for-better-fitness-resultslegacyathletics.co

[4] Carol, N. The magic of the CrossFit community. (n.d.). CrossFit. https://www.crossfit.com/essentials/magic-crossfit-community

Communicating for Impact was one of the modules I took in the McKinsey Forward Program. It was the most challenging module as it forced me to think hard about how I communicate in a professional, academic, and personal setting. The highlight of this module was learning that communication goes beyond just presenting and talking.

Communicating for impact based on the EPIC framework [1] means practising empathy, structuring your content by defining the purpose, articulating ideas in a structured manner, and delivering the conversation using the right style and tone. All three must work together to successfully deliver the message to the intended recipients for maximum impact.

Empathy is the Foundation of Communication

Communication involves the message giver (speaker) and receiver (listener). It is important to remember that a message must be clear to the receiver to catalyse positive change.

The first element of communication is empathy. In the context of communication, empathy entails active listening and understanding the receiver’s perspective. Empathy can also be practised through encouragement, reflection, leading questions, and offering help.

It is important to understand that empathy and sympathy are two different things. Empathy fuels connection by allowing one to feel with people and put oneself in their shoes. [2] On the other hand, sympathy only offers pity and drives disconnection. The lack of empathy can lead to misunderstandings, communication breakdown, and conflict.

Learning the importance of empathy in communication reminded me of my previous conversations with cross-functional stakeholders, which are common in my IT Audit and SOX work. Sometimes, my observations and recommendations were not well-received, even with the right structure and style, because I did not calibrate them to the perspective of the receiving stakeholder. Moving forward, one of the things I will add to my communication plan is the stakeholder map, which describes the stakeholders’ roles and interests to understand how I can influence them.

Organized Thoughts = Clear Message

I sometimes got frustrated with work messages because I did not understand the sender's request. The common theme? They all lack clarity! These experiences exemplify the importance of structure and content in communications.

The first step in building structure is identifying the conversation's purpose or written message. Take a step back and think about why you need to send your message in the first place. For example, you have identified improvements in how your stakeholders operate a key control for regulatory purposes. You know for a fact that the purpose of your message is to inform and influence the stakeholders to apply your recommendation. The purpose will set the tone for the content and structure of your message.

The next step is to organize your thoughts in preparation for your upcoming interaction. You want to ensure that your message's content flows logically so your stakeholders can follow.

There are several communication frameworks that you can use to deliver your point. My favourite is the Pyramid Principle, which I learned from the McKinsey Forward program. It starts with the key message or governing thought and then goes down to the supporting arguments to break down the key message into pieces. Supporting arguments should be backed by data and facts. There should be no overlaps or gaps at all levels. [3]

Finally, it’s good practice to synthesize your message by answering the “so what” question to trigger your intended recipient to act on it. In the process improvement example, one way to apply this is to convince your stakeholders that following your recommendation will result in cost savings and improved transparency without sacrificing regulatory compliance.

Deliver with Style (Not Fluff!) for Maximum Impact

A common misconception I encountered over the years was the notion of style in communication. I remember early in my career when I was told to present by speaking in an unnatural tone to project confidence. Unfortunately, I felt the presentation did not go well, as I could not deliver the message the way I intended. Looking back, I realized after some practice and my leadership class during my MBA that confidence does not mean being the loudest in the room. One of the things that will stick with me was when one of my professors confirmed that style does not have one mold.

I was right to think that it goes beyond projecting confidence! The McKinsey Forward program helped me confirm that style goes beyond appearances and includes tone and emotional connection.

From the program, I learned that best practices for demonstrating strong physical presence include establishing eye contact, maintaining good posture (no slouching, but don’t be too stiff!), and using appropriate gestures as you present. [4]

Second, vocal emphasis also plays a role in delivering your message impactfully. This involves adjusting your pitch, pace, and volume while presenting. Speaking in an active voice and avoiding filler words are a few of the best practices I took away from the module. [4]

Finally, establishing an emotional connection also matters when delivering your message. Best practices include expressing emotions, using an appropriate tone, and applying storytelling techniques. [5]

Emotional connection enables speakers to build trust and prove their authenticity to their audience. The audience will feel valued and understood when trust and rapport are built. Trust leads to persuasion and motivation for your audience to take action based on the message they received.

Overall, I felt more motivated to improve my physical presence further through practice so that I can drive positive change through communication and trust.

Putting it All Together: Example Scenarios

At Work: Communicating Findings and Recommendations in IT Auditing and SOX - Failure to do User Access Reviews for Workday

Differences in perspectives between consultants and stakeholders are a common point of disagreement in my line of work. Stakeholders often have different priorities and interests.

Let’s look at this example (based on an actual scenario):

You are an IT Auditor who just concluded that user access reviews for Workday, an HR system critical to financial reporting (the subject of SOX compliance), were not completed for the first quarter. 

Upon further checking the controls matrix in AuditBoard, you noted that the control is owned by the HR Manager, which implies that the HR organization is responsible for performing the user access reviews. In addition, management has made a conscious decision to not give ownership to the technology organization due to lack of resources and confidentiality of personnel data. 

You had an initial conversation with the HR Manager, and he seemed to be confused about what you are presenting and got a lot of pushback. 

The example above shows the importance of communication. In this case, you (the IT Auditor) and the HR Manager had just experienced a communication breakdown due to a lack of common understanding. What could you have done better?

Here’s how I would go about it based on experience and what I learned:

As we can see above, the HRBP manager is mostly responsible for personnel-related data and payroll management, which are usually in the scope of SOX because they can affect actual payroll calculations. We also know that the HR Manager is unaware of the typical general IT controls. Knowing these will affect the content of your communication and how you present it to the HRBP manager to get buy-in.

The next step is to structure my message so that the HRBP manager will understand why his team needs to do the user access review on behalf of the IT Operations manager. Using the pyramid principle, the top reasons why HRBP should do the user access reviews would be to ensure the following:

1. Only authorized personnel within the HR organization have access to handle personnel data for confidentiality purposes in accordance with some privacy and labour laws.

2. Only authorized personnel within the HR organization have access to modify employee payroll calculations (such as salary, bonuses, and benefit contributions). Any inaccurate modifications can result in increased efforts in rework, issue resolution, and scrutiny in the payroll process (i.e., concerning financial reporting and potential misstatements).

In School: Working Well Together in a Team with Different Professions

From the start, I knew my fellow cohorts were from different industries and fields of expertise. Hence, differences in perspectives are bound to happen. I was lucky enough to work with good people from my Illinois MBA. Looking back, here are some things that helped us work well together and communicate our ideas that everyone easily understands:

1. We introduce ourselves during the first call and explain what we do in our careers in a way that is easy for everyone to understand. We avoid any specific nomenclature (e.g., IT risk and IT SOX in my work).

2. Writing a team charter to outline how we intend to communicate, including clauses such as being direct and concise.

3. Explain ideas concisely, using terminology learned from class and avoiding idioms such as “circling back” and “out of the woodwork” to respect international students.

References:

[1] Miller, J. (2020, February 10). Innovation starts with EPIC conversations. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2020/02/10/innovation-starts-with-epic-conversations/

[2] RSA. (2013, December 10). Brené Brown on empathy [Video]. YouTube.

[3] My Consulting Offer. (n.d.). The Pyramid Principle: What it is & how to use it + example. My Consulting Offer. https://www.myconsultingoffer.org/case-study-interview-prep/pyramid-principle/
[4] Harvard Division of Continuing Education. (2024, January 8). 10 tips for improving your public speaking skills. Professional & Executive Development Blog. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/

[5] Karia, A. (2013). Own the room: Presentation techniques to keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

Digital Toolkit was one of the modules I took in the McKinsey Forward program last year. It taught me a high level of the current technological trends impacting industry and society and how to build one’s toolkit with intent. Contrary to the title, building your digital toolkit is about your sense of purpose and understanding what needs to change instead of gaining technological knowledge on its own. This reminded me why many organizations fail to materialize the benefits of technologies they build or buy from external vendors (e.g., AI and SaaS platforms like Notion, Asana, or Smartsheet).

Here are my takeaways from the module:

Sense of Purpose Breeds Success

In my previous post about the Adaptability and Resilience module, I mentioned that learning with intent leads to more successful outcomes. People tend to take the time to understand why they’re learning and how it can help them in their endeavours.

The rapid pace of technological advancements and the rise of new business models make it easy for many to fall into a rabbit hole of concepts and surface-level understanding. I call this the cult following trap, where someone tries to gain knowledge of a certain technology or field just because people talk about it.

What if I told you there’s a better way to learn that new technology or business model you are curious about? That’s when the sense of purpose comes in. A sense of purpose transforms your skill-learning ability from a check-in-the-box exercise to a meaningful endeavour. It drives motivation, deepens engagement, and enhances outcomes. Purpose ultimately helps you understand your true potential and will give you confidence in applying your learning.

Fundamentals Over Shortcuts and Cheat Sheets

A big pet peeve of mine is getting unsolicited advice on what to learn next to keep up with changing times. This has become more prevalent now that AI has gone mainstream, and “evangelists” keep making unsupported claims that “AI will replace all jobs” without understanding what it does and how it really works.

Blindly following unsolicited advice in the context of new technologies can cause frustration and failure to achieve mastery, as a new course or certificate on the internet may not be what one person needs in their specific circumstance.

I remember around 2018 when I said I wanted to learn Data Science because it’s the next big thing. I initially thought knowing Python, R, and SQL was sufficient to master the field. Unfortunately, that did not get me anywhere. I finished all the learning paths via DataCamp but still felt a gap.

What’s missing? The fundamentals!

My frustrating experience trying to learn Data Science through boot camps alone helped me understand that a strong foundation (aka the building blocks) is important to proceed to more advanced knowledge or skills. Without this, it will be almost impossible to achieve higher proficiency levels. This problem often leads to gaps in understanding that could hinder mastery. Finally, the foundations ensure that your learning is coherent and structured. [1]

To be clear, there is nothing wrong with cheat sheets if you use them only as a quick reference. However, going through the whole learning journey is a must before creating a good “cheat sheet” to refer back to.

New Ways of Working is Essential, Not a Good to Have

Resistance to change in working ways while advocating for new technologies is no different from expecting a SaaS platform like Notion, Smartsheet, or Perplexity AI to work on your 2003 Blackberry phone. In short, new technologies and business models require new working norms.

New technology is not just about knowing how to use it. It requires assessing what processes need to change, how people collaborate, and how organizations create value. Failure to adapt to new ways of working will hit a roadblock from realizing the new technology’s potential. [2]

One example that comes to mind is the move by some universities or academic staff with big egos to ban artificial intelligence (AI) completely. Some even used AI detector tools, which have a high false-positive rate. This signals that many institutions fail to adapt to emerging technologies and new business models. Thankfully, my MBA school (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) has recognized that AI can play a role in innovating how they deliver education.

Some professors in my MBA program tried to use ChatGPT and Gemini to ensure that assignments or projects were less knowledge-based, so AI tools could not easily search for answers. This demonstrates the benefits of new ways of assessing a student’s mastery of the subject matter, where critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information into insights are assessed.

In conclusion, failure to adapt to new ways of working will lead organizations or teams to fall behind their peers within the same sector or industry.

Putting it Together

My Ideal Digital Toolkit

The lessons learned led me to reflect on what I hope my digital toolkit will look like. I learned that new technologies are there to help change the way individuals and businesses operate.

For example, here is what my ideal digital toolkit will look like to maximize my productivity.

With that in mind, I envision that my digital toolkit will look something like this:

It is important to note that the illustration above was made to prove my point, and it’s not an exhaustive list. The first step I took to form my digital toolkit was to confirm the problem statement, where I used personal productivity as an example. It usually starts by asking “how”.

The next step was to inventory what I was struggling with on a sheet of paper, which I will use to map out which tool addresses this problem.

Once I know my struggles, I explore the tools that may potentially address each of the struggles I wrote about and determine which one I work best with.

Ultimately, as shown above, I will develop my final toolkit and outline which types of productivity it will help me with. Let’s look at Notion, for example. I adopted Notion as part of my digital toolkit because it helps me create a Wikipedia for my personal needs (i.e., a single source of truth for any important links such as getting a transcript at my school registrar or routine administrative items such as checking your retirement funds), note taking for learning and task planning.

This exercise shows that understanding the profound impact of digital tools on life and work can help you better understand your productivity needs.

From Reflections to Plan of Action

Data and Technology

I mentioned earlier that I felt there were still gaps in my understanding of data as a field despite going through multiple boot camps and even taking the Business Analytics concentration during my MBA program. The biggest gap that I uncovered was my lack of knowledge of quantitative theory (e.g., advanced statistics, linear algebra, and calculus) and how it relates to data science and AI. [3]

That’s when I started looking for a data science master’s program with a significant amount of maths. I ended up applying and accepting my place at the University of Leeds’ MSc Data Science (Statistics) program online, which will start in September 2025, to start my pursuit of closing the quantitative knowledge gap.

While waiting, I am also currently doing a refresher on university-level maths to prepare for the degree program. I intend to continually seek to expand my knowledge and skills relevant to the data field to supplement my new academic endeavour.

Ways of working

Beyond the tools themselves, what changed in me was that I became more deliberate in choosing the right tools or learning endeavours. Before I jump on any learning endeavour, I try to understand my personal and career goals and how any new learning or technology will help me achieve them. This includes reviewing what I understand now and what else I need to learn.

References:

[1] Faisal. (2023, February 21). 7 reasons why you need to master the fundamentals (A visual guide). DEV Community. https://dev.to/thefaisal/7-top-reasons-why-you-need-to-master-the-fundamentals-a-visual-guide-apo

[2] YAROOMS. (2024, August 1). How has new technology affected the modern workplace? YAROOMS Blog. https://www.yarooms.com/blog/how-has-new-technology-affected-the-modern-workplace

[3] Egor Howell. (2023, November 16). How to actually learn the math for data science [Video]. YouTube.

I graduated with my MBA at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign last December 2024, marking the end of an era. This era allowed me to meet new people and learn many valuable life lessons along the way, which I will forever cherish in my memories.

Here are some of the biggest life lessons that I took away from the program:

Vulnerability: The Power of Asking Questions

One trend I observed throughout my career life was the shift from the “you should know this by now” paradigm to embracing vulnerability.

My recent work experience and interactions with fellow MBA cohorts in my BADM 508 - Leadership and Teams class made me realize that being vulnerable is a sign of strength, not weakness. In other words, '‘you should know this by now is not a good mindset”

The last time I encountered this mindset was during my program capstone when the person leading the live session said that we should be familiar with the concepts of TAM, SAM, and SOM by now. This caused a lot of confusion among us students as this was never covered in any of our required courses. Upon digging, it was identified that these were covered in an elective in the Entrepreneurship focus area, which not all students are in.

Our experience demonstrates that this outdated way of thinking can lead to pitfalls and blind spots, especially in an era of constant change.

The courage to ask questions unlocks value within an organisation and fosters a culture of innovation. Specifically, asking questions spurs an open exchange of ideas and drives performance improvement. By being open, teams can uncover new insights and formulate creative solutions to challenges. [1]

For example, during my MBA program, we were encouraged to attend office hours not just to ask questions but also to learn from others. I also joined a study group at the beginning of the program, allowing us to freely share ideas and ask for help when needed. In addition, I started practising vulnerability by reaching out to others when I needed help with qualitative courses such as Strategic Management and Marketing.

Setting Goals and Laying The Groundwork = Success

As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” The same saying is relevant to both our careers and personal lives. Let’s use the ladder above as an analogy.

If we examine the inconsistency ladder, with huge gaps, setting huge goals without consistent effort only leads to failure and frustration. On the other hand, setting smaller steps or milestones towards the big goal and consistency leads to momentum and better chances of success. This shows that consistency through smaller steps and habits, rather than one-time actions, will help you move forward to the finish line.

Looking back, I feel that I owe my success in the MBA program and other endeavours to laying the groundwork through careful planning and habits. To prove my point, I’ll be sharing examples of how I use this key lesson in real life:

Successful program capstone through networking

I received the same set of questions from others on how I was able to find a powerhouse group after I shared how my group and I made the program capstone a memorable one. The answer? Certainly not by reaching out to others at the last minute, which many people do.

I knew for a fact that being successful in the program will also depend on how well you work with others and how much you can meaningfully use what you learned in class as tools at your disposal. That meant surrounding yourself with the right crowd is key to success.

I started seeking opportunities to connect with other learners as soon as I gained access to my Illinois email accounts. I was fortunate enough to meet and work with the likes of Brittany, Carlos, and Johannes for the program capstone and some assignments in some of the courses we took together. How? I actively reached out and got to know them better through study groups. Our success did not happen by chance. It took almost two years of relationship-building and trust to get to where we are now.

Successful start and end of every semester through consistency

Another aspect that contributed to my success in my MBA program was planning and consistency. Hence, I developed my system throughout the program to manage my academic life alongside my 9-to-5 corporate job. Here’s what every semester would look like for me:

1. Once the Canvas page is open, I review the syllabus to understand the course objectives and what I am expected to learn.

2. Pre-semester ritual: List down all the assignments, exams, and important due dates. Break down each assignment into smaller chunks if needed. Refer to the image above for a sample.

3. Post-semester ritual: Reflect on what went well and what can be improved, and ensure all assignments and course materials are saved in the drive.

The system I created through Notion led to a successful outcome, where I got all A or A+ in all my courses.

To add the cherry on top, I was also invited to two honour societies (Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma) to recognize my hard work. In conclusion, ambition backed with plan of action and consistent habits led me to where I am today.

Your Journey Belongs to You, The Rest is Just Noise

The MBA journey made me realise that trying to fit into someone else’s definition of success is one of the biggest mistakes I made throughout most of my 20s. Back then, I recall that I blindly pursued the wrong things, such as taking a certification exam that I was not interested in the first place.

On a personal note, there were times when I felt anxious about discussing my personal choices, as most of them do not align with society’s perception of success. To put it simply, these people think I should be riding the same hamster wheel as them. Attend college, secure a job, get married, and have children. Rinse and repeat! Not for me at the moment!

Everything became clearer when I took Leadership and Teams, one of the courses that changed my life for the better. My professors, Elizabeth Luckman, Denise Loyd, and Kari Keating, inspired me to take the time to reflect on my leadership journey, as there is no single silver bullet that determines one’s success. Furthermore, I learned that good leaders usually take the time to reflect and understand before chasing a goal.

Taking the lessons from my Leadership and Teams course, I also learned that the knowledge acquired from courses is a tool that can be used to solve problems rather than the end itself. It’s a matter of me deciding when to use these tools (e.g., capstones and immersions).

I ultimately mastered the art of filtering out noise and focusing on my journey towards the end of my MBA journey. I became more confident in my decisions and could justify them without any self-doubt. For example, many of my fellow cohorts kept saying that Corporate Finance and Operations Management were both difficult. It turned out to be untrue because I knew that I was good at quantitative topics.

As a key takeaway, every clear intention is a step in the right direction in your endeavours, whether personal, professional, or academic.

Practice Gratitude

“Gratitude is life’s greatest currency”

Practicing gratitude can cultivate a positive sense of well-being and cultivate stronger relationships. Gratitude builds resilience and enhances emotional intelligence through active listening and empathy.

Success is not just about the shiny things, such as school GPA, profits, and revenues. It’s about acknowledging what you have and nurturing them for growth. Don’t be that guy who complains about small things not worth dwelling on.

Never forget to give back if you have the capacity! Don’t listen to the negatrons who will say nothing will ever change! Instead, focus on the small steps through helping others and networking with care. Who knows? The people you meet will likely be future coworkers, referrals, or even business partners.

Don’t be that person who lurks on the sidelines and only reaches out when you need something from others. Remember, networking is a two-way street! Make the most out of networking opportunities, even if you don’t know if you will reap the benefits or not.

References:

[1] Brooks, A. W., & John, L. K. (2018). The surprising power of questions. Harvard Business Review, 96(3), 60–67. https://hbr.org/2018/05/the-surprising-power-of-questions

Acknowledgements

As I reflect on my MBA journey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the exceptional faculty, staff, and leaders who made this experience possible.

Thank you to the following professors for your expertise, guidance, and support throughout my studies:

BADM 508 – Leadership and Teams: Elizabeth Luckman, Kari Keating, Denise Loyd
BADM 509 – Managing Organizations: Michael Bednar, Jim Dahl, Geoffrey Love
BADM 544 – Strategic Management: Deepak Somaya, Sandra Corredor-Waldron
BADM 572 – Statistics for Business Decision Making: Fataneh Taghaboni-Dutta, Vlad Dogopolov
FIN 574 – Microeconomics for Business: Nolan Miller, Matthew Marcinkowski, Vlad Dogopolov
FIN 571 – Money and Banking: Rustom Irani, Ralf Meisenzahl, Vlad Dogopolov
BADM 520 – Marketing Management: Hayden Noel, Maria Rodas, Jaimie Walnes
BADM 567 – Operations Management: Gopesh Anand, Ujjal Mukherjee, Van Berube
ACCY 503 – Managerial Accounting: Clara Chen, Li Zhang, Angel Chatterton
ACCY 500 – Financial Accounting: Oktay Urcan, Scott Mendoza
FIN 511 – Investments: Josh Pollet, Xiangyi Spencer, Xing Gao
FIN 570 – Corporate Finance: Heitor Almeida (also for FIN 572 - Finance for Mergers and Acquisitions), Xiangyi Spencer, Stefan Zeume
BADM 589 – Project Management: Fataneh Taghaboni-Dutta
ACCY 574 – Risk Management and Innovation: Justin Leiby
Business Analytics Specialization Courses: Ronald Guymon, Ashish Khandelwal, Unnati Narang, Ye Joo Park, Kimberly Mendoza, Ye Joo Park
Colombia Immersion: Marcelo Buchelli, Laura Vanegas, Felipe Novoa (founder and CEO)
Program Capstone: Smitha Soman

To all the instructional team members working behind the scenes—I can’t name all of you, but know that I hear your efforts loud and clear!

To the leadership and staff: Krista DeLeeuw, Rebecca Pagels, Jim Lukeman, Myranda Crist, Michaela Childress, Lori Hayes, Kate Deering, W. Brooke Elliot, and Nerissa Brown, thank you for all the support and for making the community a place to learn.

Thank you to the following individuals who were there from the beginning: Brittany Lippert, MBA, Luis E. Cordero, Arundati Rao, Sharee Weigel, Abhishek Patil, Srilakshmi Guduru, Padmarchana Kandi, Arjun Kumar Perla

Thank you to the following individuals who made my program capstone experience a rememberable one: Brittany Lippert, MBA, Carlos Loras Vilar, and Johannes Mayer

To my NYC MVPs, Arengail Samarita, Shana Storey, Frank Toth, Sarah Pietrowicz, and Esther David, Thank you for the laughs and help throughout the program. I hope to continue seeing all of you at meet-ups.

To all the people I worked with in group projects and met through breakout sessions or Workplace - I can’t name you all, but I want to say it was great meeting you, and thank you for being part of my MBA journey.

To family, friends, and people I haven’t mentioned yet - Thank you for all the support!

Interested in the McKinsey Forward Program? Learn more here: https://www.mckinsey.com/forward/overview 

Referral Code: SB1198852

The Adaptability and Resilience module in the McKinsey Forward program reminded me of Vice Admiral Grace Hopper's quote, “The Most Dangerous Language in the English Language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ “

This quote is so relevant now that the world is changing rapidly. This calls for a learner mindset and adaptability but not to the point of simply absorbing knowledge quickly without understanding the why. Instead, learning with intent plays a role in staying relevant.

Main Takeaways

💪🏼 Mindset is everything

Gone are the days when knowledge itself was power. As new business models and technological landscapes emerge, a shift in mindset is called for. You have two choices: fixed or growth mindset.

It’s one thing to say that you have a growth mindset, but putting it into action is a different story.

Reflecting on how you react to certain scenarios, such as sudden changes, challenges, and failures, is a good way to gauge your mindset. As a sample guide, here are some questions I ask myself to reflect and get back on track [1]:

1. Do I view sudden challenges as:
   a. a learning opportunity (growth); or 
   b. a chore (fixed)

2. Do you take failure and feedback (constructive and actionable!) as: 
   a. a learning opportunity and temporary setback (growth), or
   b. as a permanent hit to your reputation and psyche (fixed) 

Note: To be clear, it’s perfectly healthy to grieve when you fail. However, that grief is best healed through action once you are ready.

3. Do you see milestones and learnings as something worth celebrating?
   a. Yes (growth)
   b. No, success as only the shiny prize waiting in the end (fixed)

4. Do you see asking questions as: 
   a. curiosity (growth)
   b. a sign of incompetence (fixed)?

To keep tabs, I keep a journal to reflect on how I applied a growth mindset at work, my previous MBA coursework, and my personal goals like Crossfit.

🧘 Setting learning intentions = setting yourself for success

Now that you know how to work towards a growth mindset, the next step is to set learning intentions before jumping into the water. Think about what you want to learn and why it matters.

Intentional learning builds resilience and self-efficacy. Reflection is one of the important practices embedded by intentional learners to supercharge learning outcomes and optimize learning opportunities (i.e., time available and learning resources available to you). In turn, self-efficacy, the confidence in one's ability to achieve learning outcomes, lowers resistance to change and encourages one to take on challenges such as certifications or projects with confidence and resilience [2].

Let me illustrate my point with an example. You are a risk professional who wants to learn about AI because you believe it may affect your work and know that new trends mean new risks.

From this example, a learning intention would look something like this:

What: Artificial Intelligence

Why:
- To understand what AI is and what it’s composed of.
- To understand why businesses and society will benefit from AI and its equivalent risks.

🥬 Laying the groundwork: Habits over big chunks

There is always a saying that Rome was not built in a day. Becoming the empire it was known for took years. This emphasizes that any significant achievement is built through thoughtful planning, dedication, and work. Yes, that includes learning!

Writing this post reminded me of my early 20s, when I jumped on the certifications and job titles bandwagon based on perceived prestige. Thankfully, I learned the hard way early on that jumping mindlessly on current trends will only work against you.

My wake-up call came when I saw the “Failed” results when I attempted the first part of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) test in 2017. I was devastated at first, but I was thankful for this lesson.

I passed my first industry certification, the Certified Information Systems Auditor (ISACA), in 2019 by recalibrating my approach. Looking back on my experience and the McKinsey Forward program, here’s how I was able to set learning intentions and set myself up for success [2]:

1. Break down the big goal into smaller chunks (aka mini goals). These mini goals should have actionable and tangible results. For example, if one of the mini goals is to complete a practice test, you would say, “at least 80% of practice exam questions correct.”

2. Gather all necessary resources that you have and still need to look for. You can always

3. Remove the noise! Put all distractions out of reach.

4. Reflect and recalibrate your approach as needed as you discover more mini goals along your journey. More on this on the next section!

🏁 Focus on the journey and celebrate small wins

Finally, remember to celebrate small steps and keep going. Though important, over-fixation with the shiny thing (i.e., the finish line) could lead to frustration during the journey.

This is when setting mini goals (or sprint goals, if you prefer) becomes relevant. It’s wise to track your progress and reflect on how far you’ve come on your journey. Here are some ways to stay on track:

Proactively seek feedback

Constructive and actionable feedback should be considered a healthy challenge for your betterment. As in CrossFit, your peer will serve as your spotter (second pair of eyes) to watch out for any blind spots. When seeking feedback, it’s good to probe for more details and try to understand the giver’s point of view [2].

Example: Your colleague pulled you aside and said you discussed technical details, but your stakeholder did not understand the issue you needed them to address. You can ask what instances this happened and what I should not have spoken about during the presentation.

Building on this example, your colleague mentioned that you delved too much into the technical aspect of a finding or issue related to your audit. This shows that your audience does not have the same knowledge as you, so your communication style needs to be adjusted. Finally, you can brainstorm with your peers for ways to improve moving forward.

Reflect!

It’s good to keep track of your progress in writing to create a benchmark as you progress through your learning goals. As mentioned earlier, reflecting positively impacts self-efficacy [2].

Reflecting means being confident that you can learn, improve, and take action to achieve your learning goals. In turn, confidence builds your drive to take on more challenges, enrich existing skills, and learn new ones.

Reflecting can be done through a journal or a note based on your learning goals. There are also different frameworks where you can put a structure on your reflection. In my case, I use the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework to compare my predicted vs. actual performance in every mini goal. The results will serve as a data point to determine whether my approach works or requires calibration.

Sources:

[1] Cote, C. (2022, March 10). Growth Mindset vs. fixed mindset: What’s the difference? Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset

[2] McKinsey & Company. (n.d.). The most fundamental skill: Intentional learning and the career advantage. McKinsey & Company. Retrieved April 3, 2025, from https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-most-fundamental-skill-intentional-learning-and-the-career-advantage

One of my goals after finishing my MBA was to earn additional certifications, such as the CISSP from ISC2 and the PMP from PMI, to prove my dedication to continuous learning.

I was fortunate to take the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam for free. The exam content is a good starting point for the CISSP certification, which I aim to complete within the year.

General Reflections

The Big Picture: Understand the Why Before Jumping In

Navigating the whirlwind of exciting new trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and blockchain can sometimes feel overwhelming. I've noticed that quite a few self-proclaimed enthusiasts might not fully understand what AI truly is and how it operates behind the scenes.

I remember one higher-up advising me to learn the basics of data before jumping to data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This wisdom stuck with me and helped me fully understand the principles of IT Auditing through the CISA (ISACA) certification in 2019.

The same applies to the CC exam, where understanding the “why” in each concept discussed in the five domains is crucial to fully understanding the material. For example, the biggest lesson I learned from studying the material is that cybersecurity does not solely involve physical controls such as cryptography and identity access management but also administrative and physical controls to ensure risks are treated appropriately within the organization.

Back to Basics: Technology Changes but Principles Don’t

Innovation means emerging risks that require treatment, but that does not mean standards or best practices we already know are completely obsolete. Standards such as those issued by ISO and NIST would remain relevant. The only difference would be the protected asset (e.g., AI infrastructure) and how controls/processes are designed and operated to mitigate risks.

Continuous Learning is Key to Stay Relevant

Even after passing the exam, I realized I had much more to learn because I came across several concepts I didn’t know, such as botnet, rainbowtable attack, and CIDR notation in Domain 4 - Network Security. Like other certifications (e.g., CISA—ISACA, and the PMP), earning your CC designation will be the starting point in technology risk and cybersecurity. However, the certification alone is not sufficient to master your craft. Continuous and mindful learning is important to stay updated with current trends and emerging risks that require attention.

Passing the Exam and Making it Official

I used the same structure to pass other certifications, including the CC exam, which is detailed in my previous post.

As mentioned in my earlier post about passing exams,

📖 Read through the exam outline

One of the lessons I learned in life was the importance of preparation before undertaking any professional or personal endeavor. The same holds for certification exams such as the Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) by ISC2.

I know some test takers skip this step and end up in a rabbit hole because they lack direction. Reading the CC Exam Outline, like the syllabi provided in university-level courses, is crucial because it states important details such as the number of questions in the actual exam, the time limit, the passing rate, and the areas tested. 

📝 Plan but don’t plan too much!

Create an inventory of available materials and draft a study plan based on the CC Exam Outline. Your study plan will depend on your learning style, time commitment, and available materials. 

ISC2 currently has a One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program. Registering now gives you free access to their Online Self-Paced Training and Exam. I used the following materials to pass the exam:

• Online Self-Paced Training and Exam (provided by ISC2 when you register)

• LinkedIn Learning Practice Exams (1 | 2 | 3 | 4)

• Prabh Nair’s Youtube Videos

Don’t think too much of the exam resources and work with what you have!

👉 Feel free to duplicate my study plan if you think it helps: 

Stephen's CC Study Plan Template

💡 Understand the concepts covered in each domain

Now, to the fun part! Once you have a plan in place, it's time to dive into the material! To maximize learning, I recommend practicing active listening by taking notes and highlighting any concepts you need more clarity on.

I went through the self-paced learning material provided by ISC2 to ensure that I understood what was discussed. To supplement, I also made notes based on the Exam Outline to confirm that I covered all expected topics per domain.

 👉 Feel free to look at my notes (whilst incomplete) if it helps but please use it only as a starting point and not a quick reference:

CC Notes - Based from Outline 

✏️ Take practice exams

Theory and practice go hand in hand to become successful in any certification. Take as many practice exams as possible to get a feel of how much you understand the domains included in the exam.

Don’t worry about getting below 70% during your first few takes. It just means you either need more practice or there’s something that you still need to understand. In my case, I used the Final Assessment section of the ISC2 material and Practice Exams available on LinkedIn Learning.

➿ Revisit (and research) concepts (rinse and repeat!)

After each practice exam, try to revisit practice questions you didn’t get right or felt you didn’t understand. After taking stock of those, try returning to the study material to refresh your understanding.

You might also encounter additional terms being tested, particularly in Domain 4 - Network Security and Domain 5 - Security Operations.

During my first practice exam attempt, I noticed many acronyms and terms I was unfamiliar with as they were not covered in the Online Self-Paced material provided by ISC2. Examples were data-at-rest encryption (e.g., AES) and media disposal methods (zeroization and degaussing).

I started by jotting down the acronyms and terms that were new to me. Then, I spent some time researching them, exploring their meanings, purposes, and how they relate to cybersecurity.

Feel free to raise your hand and connect with someone with cybersecurity or general information security experience. I remember reaching out to fellow Illinois alumni, which helped me better understand the mechanisms behind network security (Domain 4). This experience reminded me of the CISA (ISACA) exam, where researching current trends like blockchain technology and cloud infrastructure helped.

In case the concepts still don’t make sense, try to ask a peer who has some experience in the particular domain you have

👝 Prepare for exam day and crush it!

The last thing you want is to scramble at the last minute and realize you forgot something at home. Make sure the following are in your bag:

• 2 valid IDs

• (Optional) Printed confirmation—I prefer to do this just in case they ask for it, as I have experienced in the past.

It’s a good practice to arrive within a reasonable distance of the testing centre on exam day at least an hour beforehand to avoid inconveniences such as traffic and subway delays. I was lucky enough to be three subway stops away from the testing centre, but I still arrived in the area around noon to calm my nerves.

Finally, I recommend against studying within 24 hours before your scheduled exam date as nervousness may impair your test performance.

Don’t forget to celebrate even though it’s not yet official on paper! Test-taking is never an easy task!

✅ Make it official: Don’t forget to register!

The final step to getting certified is registering and paying the $50 annual maintenance fee. A few days after passing the exam, I received an email from ISC2 with registration instructions. To register, follow the steps detailed in the email. 

You should get a badge to share on social media upon registration.

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One of my goals after finishing my MBA was to take more certifications for continuous learning. Over the years, I have seen a common theme (or structure, if you will) in becoming successful in any certification.

As I was reflecting on my current Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) 2 Exam by ISC2 preparation, which I will take around two weeks from now, I realized that my framework in passing any certifications or learning activities looks something like this:

📖 Read through the exam outline

One of the lessons I learned in life was the importance of preparation before undertaking any professional or personal endeavor. The same holds true for certification exams, such as the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam offered by ISACA.

I know some test takers skip this step and end up in a rabbit hole because they lack direction. Reading the exam outline, like the syllabi provided in university-level courses, is crucial because it states important details such as the number of questions in the actual exam, the time limit, the passing rate, and the areas tested. 

📝 Plan but don’t plan too much!

Create an inventory of available materials and draft a study plan based on the exam outline or guide in whatever certification you are taking.  Your study plan will depend on your learning style, time commitment, and available materials. 

I consider certifications or any endeavors that require significant effort to be projects. Yes, that includes getting a driver’s license, filing taxes, or my future Substack posts! Call me a documentation freak, but my personality makes it natural to structure anything I do, especially if it takes time.

A word of caution though: Don’t let planning consume most of your time and don’t make things too complicated. Do what works for you, even if it’s pen and paper! I use platforms such as Notion to track progress more seamlessly.

👉 Feel free to take a look at my sample study plan for inspiration:

Stephen's CC Study Plan Template

💡 Understand the concepts covered in each domain

Now, to the fun part! Once you have a plan in place, it's time to dive into the material! To maximize learning, I recommend practicing active listening by taking notes and highlighting any concepts you need more clarity on.

For example, when I took the CISA exam, I reviewed resources such as the Review Manual and practice tests online.

✏️ Take practice exams

Theory and practice go hand in hand to become successful in any certification. Take as many practice exams as possible to get a feel of how much you understand the domains included in the exam.

Don’t worry about getting below the passing rate (ex: 450 out of 800 for the CISA exam) during your first few attempts. It just means you either need more practice or there’s something that you still need to understand.

➿ Revisit concepts (rinse and repeat!)

After each practice exam, try to revisit practice questions you didn’t get right or felt you didn’t understand. After taking stock of those, try returning to the study material to refresh your understanding.

You may also consult other resources, such as YouTube, for specific topics you need to understand better. For example, when preparing for the CISA exam in 2019, I had to do desktop research on emerging trends such as digitalization and blockchain. I also had to reach out to more experienced peers in my field to brainstorm potential best practices in managing risks in these technologies.

👝 Prepare for exam day and crush it!

The last thing you want is to scramble at the last minute and realize you forgot something at home. If you go to a test center (such as one accredited by Pearson VUE), ensure your bag is prepared with the necessary documents.

If you will take the exam at home, prepare the area where you will take it according to the specifications provided by the exam provider.

It’s a good practice to arrive within a reasonable distance of the testing center on the exam day at least an hour beforehand to avoid inconveniences such as traffic and subway delays.

Finally, I recommend against studying within 24 hours before your scheduled exam date as nervousness may impair your test performance.

✅ Make it official: Don’t forget to register!

The final step to getting certified is registering and paying any fees due. A few days after passing the CISA exam, I received an email from ISACA with registration instructions. To register, follow the steps based on any communication you received.

I would love to hear other people’s thoughts, so please feel free to share anything you find helpful in preparing for certification exams! What’s next for me?

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