Gong Goes Global

I decided earlier on that instead of holding a party in NYC, where friends would come together and bid me farewell, I would travel around the US and meet up with friends in individual cities.  Though some sneaky (but awesome) friends eventually planned a party, the Goodbye Tour is definitely a go.

The first leg of the journey took me to Charlotte, NC. Though me and Mike only spent one day at the birth city of Banc of America, we had a great time dining with pals, James and Gazi. Tender beef briskets goes well with a side of great conversation (and mac n’ cheese, potato salad and of course beer ).

James is one of the people behind my decision to journey to Africa.  I credit him for planting the idea that I should seriously consider opportunities outside of the US.  I am also glad I got to see G.Ho before his move to the land down-under. We chatted about our mutual interests in social enterprise and how he had spent a summer with Grameen Bank, the successful Bangladeshi microfinance institution that propelled Muhammed Yunus to international acclaim.  It is always great to chat with socent enthusiasts.

It’s been a tiring few days, but visitng Charlotte was worth it! Next stop:  Miami!!

The idea of heading to Africa came to me at the beginning of 2009.  But now that I have an official placement with Kiva, $400 of vaccines flowing through my veins, and my resignation letter handed in, all the feelings that I have accumulated along this process have intensified. Where I was once hesitant, I am now scared. Where I was once excited, I am now ecstatic. And where I was once pleased I took the initiative, I am now proud I am following through. 

This got me thinking about accomplishments and whether they can be defined not only by the attainment of a goal, but by the dismissal of one as well.  Instead of constructing dreams and hopes, can we also take pride in deconstructing paradigms? (more…)

Summers are magical in this concrete jungle. A bright foliage of airy dresses replaces the somber coat of winter.   Limbs glisten from the moisture in the air.  Inhabitants become restless and hunger for activity.  I too am entranced in this reverie that blankets the city, even turning down offers of weekend getaways.  

 But if I am unable to free myself for one weekend, how can I be prepared to leave for good?

I recently started Mavericks At Work, on the recommendation of E. One chapter is devoted to the topic of how successful start-ups use a different language.  Words like” disrupt” and “agitate” are not traditionally associated with businesses, but the author rightly notes that this language generates excitement and innovation.  As I chewed on this idea, I wondered whether it was applicable to how one should lead life.  That is, can I and should I “disrupt” my life as well? (more…)

My “aha” moment came to me around December when AK asked if he should buy a pair of shoes from www.tomshoes.com.   Their business model is simple but ingenious – for every pair purchased, another will be donated to a child in need.  Are we entering a new era where social impact and profit making are no longer mutually exclusive?  Is doing good, good for the wallet?

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I have recently heard from various sources that recessions breed innovation. This naturally begs the question – is entrepreneurship a product of inspiration or desperation? Furthermore, if it is also said that entrepreneurs are born and not made, then can a person of desperation, be successful in his pursuit of striking it out alone?

Ever since the pushes have turned into shoves, many bright minds have bid farewell to the big boss to become their own boss. Indeed the slow (but sure) sinking of the ship known as Wall St. has influenced me to start cranking my brain as well. Yet I have heard stories of the kids, who ran lemonade stalls, the dorm room techies who launched and sold their websites… and I have never been one of them.

When this question of inspiration vs. desperation was asked at a recent conference, it reassured me when the panelist answered it was the later which drove him to start his now successful website. E also sensibly told me that, I was just beginning to travel down the path of entrepreneurship, but with each step I take, a sense of familiarity and ease willquickly snowball. I only hope…

F had always belittled her own career as an IBanker, saying she “chose the easiest path laid in front of her”. I used to despise the comment because I took her disdain to be an indirect insult on my own career choice. I picked a similar path and hate to think that it was merely convenience that led me to it. But recently I have been made to re-evaluate whether it is truly harder to walk down Wall St. or to create a path of your own?

I still believe that getting on to Wall St. is difficult, requiring many essential traits and a healthy dose of luck. However, I have barely taken a step down the road of entrepreneurship, and I have already been overwhelmed with many headache inducing questions:

How can we break in to the Chinese market and create a barrier of entry? Who has the experience to create a prototype? What is the best method of conducting research that can be FDA approved?

Brainstorming for a good idea is hard, executing it into a successful business is much harder. Unlike working for a large firm, there are no old pitch books to copy off of, no analysts to pile the grunt work on and no database to find answer from.

I am really starting to respect fellow classmates who dared to make their own path, people in the past I would have shrugged off as being unfit to make it on Wall St.

After the success of my birthday party, I started entertaining the idea of club promoting as a means to diversify my income stream. I worked something out with DC, and will be helping him grow his newest promotional group. After all, why not try my hands at something I enjoy and might possibly be good at?

There is a great sense of empowerment when you venture into something you can add value to. In a cross promotional effort, I booked MM a gig at one of our clubs. I also reached out to SRP (which I ADORE) in the hopes of partnering up in the future. (On another note, I also started working on SS, a blog that posts and reviews exclusive event around the city.)

Though these are but baby steps, I have come to a startling realization. This experience has been creative and challenging and is a stark contrast to the mundane grind of my current job. This “gig” could unfold either way, but I think it has taught me to start cranking my brain and opening my eyes to different possibilities.

Back from the shores of beautiful Turks and Caicos! Besides the images of the gorgeous bungalows and serene beaches, one thing is still stuck in my head. While wadding in the pool, the gals started talking about the success of one trader. But instead of his trading career, it was his side projects that were the center of the conversation. Apparently, his side businesses have been consistently profitable during these turbulent times, making Z comment that one needs to “diversify the income stream”. If investing 101 teaches us to avoid putting all the eggs in one basket, then does it not follow that we should also avoid depending on one chicken to supply all our eggs?