It was difficult growing up in Singapore especially when so much focus was placed on academic performance. I struggled through high-school and obviously, I did not make it to any of the colleges in Singapore. My younger days were constantly filled with insecurity and self-doubts. I always wanted to be somebody but, sadly, lost sight of that “somebody”.

With no special skills or talent, I joined the Singapore Airforce. This was probably the best thing that could happen to me. The experience taught me respect, disciple, focus, leadership and more importantly it gave me a boost and renewed motivation. I decided that studying in an American university would open up an infinite number of career opportunities after graduation.  Much as I hated the thought of leaving my family and friends, staying in the city state was no longer an option. With a heavy heart, I left home to pursue my dreams. 

Given my academic track record, the idea of going back to school was dreadful but I embraced it. I was committed to succeeding this time. I worked extremely hard while I was at Indiana University (IU) and graduated in just 3 years with a degree in Finance. I set my sights on working in Wall Street but my dreams started falling like shards of glass when all of my job applications got rejected. I had no Plan B in place. Jobless and an empty bank account, I was devastated and was totally consumed with fear and anxiety. All I could do was to pray for a miracle.

Out of desperation, I started interviewing with literally any company that was willing to talk to me. At this point, I had given up and accepted the fact I was never going to find a job in the US. When one door closes, another opens. Right before I was about to leave the country, I got a call from the largest global management consulting firm. They informed me that one of their candidates had backed out and there was an immediate opening. I took the job without even knowing what consulting was!

It’s hard to put in words what consulting has done for me. It has impacted every aspect of my life. It was the vehicle that I needed, frankly,  that gave me a chance to pursue my dreams. I built my consulting career in the Life Science industry to help patients like my parents who battled with cancer. I successfully built an 8-figure business portfolio through determination, perseverance and faith.  In the process of doing so, I worked closely with some of the largest companies in the world as well as many successful biotech start-ups. I feel very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to touch many lives and an impact in the healthcare industry and community. Often, people work for a consulting firm for a few years, and use that as a launching pad for their careers. Instead, I stayed for 20 years to master my craft.

I am the product of life. There were no short-cuts getting here. The world told me “NO” many times. Countless corporate setbacks, let-downs and some hard knocks in life including losing my mom to cancer. I have lived a bunch of life through my successes, failures, and mistakes. I had to go back to my past to find my future. My passion for consulting is deeply rooted in my truest internal beliefs. I want to make a difference in the world by helping people and organizations operate at their best.

I started ElevateFreely. to leverage my experiences, skills and knowledge to the highest advantage of others.