Priscilla Luk

It is almost impossible to live without failing in our lives, so when it happens, my attitude is, “Let’s face it and learn from it.” It is important to identify the cause of one’s failure and evaluate the things that could be done better to avoid the failure from happening again in the future. In my experience, this usually means improving the existing system and making the team stronger.

"It is important to identify the cause of one’s failure and evaluate the things that could be done better to avoid the failure from happening again in the future."

In reflecting on people who succeed in the face of adversity I am also reminded of an early piece of career advice, “Action creates opportunity.” Opportunities are not always just out there, waiting to be discovered. This is especially true in today’s competitive and challenging business environment. This belief in the power of action gives me a great deal of motivation to push forward and try new things. I have learned that you have to be willing to take charge, to be proactive and even a bit fearless.

Looking back over my own career, I wish I had realized sooner that you need to “Own your career.” I did not pay enough attention to my career planning in the earlier years. But eventually I realized that a career without passion and enthusiasm is meaningless and lacks joy. You have to follow your passion and trust your instincts, and when you do, new opportunities and doors will open. Each of us needs to take charge of our own career goals, plan them, and then focus on the elements that help us achieve them.