Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Raising the Bar
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Power of Raising the Bar
- Never Settle for Less
- Defining Personal Success
- The Challenges of Being a Working Mother
- Investing in Myself to Help Others
- Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers
- Finding Value in My Combined Experience
- Redefining Personal Success
- Balancing Family and Career
- Conclusion
The Power of Raising the Bar
In this article, I would like to share my personal journey and the lessons I have learned along the way. From a humble beginning in China to becoming a vice chairwoman and global human capital leader for one of the largest professional service firms in the world, my path has been filled with challenges, roadblocks, and hardships. However, it has also been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Throughout the different chapters of my life, three important lessons stand out: the power of raising the bar, the significance of defining personal success, and the value of investing in oneself.
The Power of Raising the Bar
As a shy girl from China, my journey to where I am today has not been easy. My parents' dream for me was to secure a job at a local factory in Shanghai. Life in those days was tough, with little access to basic necessities and limited opportunities. However, a turning point came when China started to open its doors to the world in the late 70s. This provided thousands of young people, including myself, with a chance to pursue our dreams abroad. I took this opportunity as a lifetime chance to change my life and create a better future for myself and my family.
Arriving in the United States at the age of 23 was a culture shock for me. As a foreigner with limited English skills and no formal education background, I faced numerous challenges. However, giving up was not an option. I worked as a busker at a restaurant in Chinatown, studying English during the day with the goal of improving my language skills and eventually applying to college. Despite the difficulties, I remained determined to achieve my dreams. Two years later, I graduated from the university, standing proudly with my husband and daughter by my side. This was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Never Settle for Less
One of the lessons I learned during my journey is the importance of never settling for less. As I embarked on my career in the United States, I found myself among peers who were significantly younger and culturally different from me. I felt socially awkward and struggled to fit in. The long hours of work made it difficult to spend time with my children, leading to feelings of guilt and exhaustion. However, I refused to let these challenges define me. I wanted both a happy family life and a successful career.
Moving back to China presented its own set of challenges. Competing with younger managers and being the first female manager born and raised in China in the firm's Shanghai office required perseverance and determination. Language barriers and cultural differences posed additional hurdles. However, these challenges only made me stronger and more determined to succeed. I was eventually promoted to partner, making history as the first female partner born and raised in China.
Defining Personal Success
Throughout my journey, I have come to realize that personal success cannot be defined by titles or positions. Instead, it is about overcoming obstacles and challenges along the way. By redefining what success means to me personally, I have been able to focus on the right priorities in life. I believe in investing in ourselves and not sacrificing our aspirations for the sake of societal expectations. It is possible to have both a fulfilling family life and a successful career if we are willing to work hard and push ourselves beyond our limits.
Conclusion
My story is a testament to the power of raising the bar, defining personal success, and investing in oneself. The journey from a shy girl in China to a vice chairwoman at a global firm has not been easy, but it has been immensely rewarding. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to dream big and overcome the challenges they face. Together, we can all strive to reach our potential, be role models for future generations, and make the world a better place.
Highlights
- From humble beginnings in China to becoming a vice chairwoman at a global firm
- Facing challenges, roadblocks, and hardships along the way
- The power of raising the bar to achieve personal growth and success
- Never settling for less and striving for continuous improvement
- Defining personal success based on overcoming obstacles and challenges
- Balancing family life and a successful career
- Investing in oneself to make a positive impact on others
- Overcoming language and cultural barriers
- Finding value in combined experiences and leveraging them for success
- The importance of pushing beyond limits and redefining personal success
FAQ
Q: How did you overcome language barriers while working in a foreign country?
A: I dedicated myself to studying English during the day and working as a busker in a restaurant in Chinatown at night. I persevered and gradually improved my language skills over time.
Q: What challenges did you face as a working mother?
A: Balancing work and family responsibilities was a significant challenge. I often felt guilty for not being able to spend more time with my children. However, I learned to prioritize and make the most of the time I had with them.
Q: How did you overcome doubts and skepticism from others?
A: I chose not to let the doubts and skepticism of others define me. I worked hard to prove myself and show that I was capable of success, regardless of my background or circumstances.
Q: How did you define personal success?
A: I defined personal success by looking at the obstacles and challenges I overcame along my journey. It was not about titles or positions but about pushing myself beyond my limits and achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
Q: What advice do you have for young people facing challenges?
A: Never settle for less and always strive to raise the bar. Believe in yourself, invest in your personal growth, and never let obstacles deter you from reaching your potential.
