Meeting Vivek Iyyani - Millennial Consultant & Coach

I first met Vivek last December at the Up Your Game Conference. He was one of the speakers and introduced himself as a Millennial Consultant when he took the stage.

He proceeded to share his thoughts and how, despite the negative perceptions surrounding them, millennials are creative, resilient and a driving force for change.

Briefly explaining how we got to this ‘era’, he gave insights into a millennial’s point of view, the better to understand the thoughts and behaviours of these up and coming movers and shakers of the world.

Being a millennial and a bit of an info junkie, I was familiar with some of the things that were shared but it had disparate bits and pieces of information. Vivek had taken all of that and clicked them together into a coherent, easy-to-follow flow.

I got a copy of his book: Empowering Millennials and couldn’t help myself thinking, “If only I had all of this information 10 years ago.”

Well, no time for ‘what if’ and ‘if only’. My time will be better spent digesting the numerous nuggets of wisdom and answering the thought-provoking questions that Vivek has sprinkled copiously throughout the book.

Fast forward a few weeks, I got an e-mail from Vivek asking how I’d been and expressing his wish to know more about what I do, owing to the too-short time we had at the conference to converse.

So, we arranged a meet-up, during which, we shared about what we do and discussed numerous things.

I learned that Vivek had started as a trainer in a similar way to me and that he moved on to building up his own company – a path that I intend to follow.

I told him that I had been wandering a bit since my book launch, not quite sure about what to do next. To that, he advised me to focus on one aspect of what I’m doing at a time – advice that I sorely needed to hear – and he very kindly offered to help me get going on this.

It isn’t every day that you meet someone so willing to spend time and energy to build up a near-total stranger.  Thank you, Vivek, for your generosity and for offering your advice and experience despite your busy schedule. I look forward to our next meet-up.

If you’re looking for a excellent speaker on practically any aspect of the millennials, Vivek is your guy. I unreservedly recommend his expertise on the subject.

You can look him up on: www.vivekiyyani.com

Because I know that quite a number of you who are reading this (especially you who are my ex-students) are millennials, if you’re looking for someone to show you the ropes of entrepreneurship and designing a life that you seek, connect with Vivek through:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/millennialexpertasia

or

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/millennialexpertasia

An Interview with STYLEGUIDE

A couple of weeks ago, I met Timothy and Carol at Central (Clarke Quay) for a media interview with STYLEGUIDE.

After some introductions, during which we realised we knew a few of the same people (Eugene and Maarten, you guys are clearly influencers), we talked about our respective industries, they in media and I in education. 

It turns out that Timothy has a vast array of experience in various aspects of business and marketing. Carol had joined him in STYLEGUIDE not too long ago and told me that she had already learned a great deal from him. 

Sounds like Timothy is a good teacher!

After a drink (non-alcoholic, of course), we went to a coffee place at Capitol Piazza to record a video for the interview article.

Halfway through, however, a rather large family arrived and they (along with their children) weren't exactly the quietest people around. They also, for some reason, decided to sit well within the frame of the video.

We decided to go somewhere else and ended up at SMU (Victoria St), where we shot the rest of the video in relative short order.

It was quite an experience and, though I'm still not too comfortable standing in front of a camera, it has at least shown me that there is less to fear about it than I originally thought.

Thank you, Timothy and Carol from STYLEGUIDE for the excellent conversation and the opportunity to get my story out there! I look forward to working on our next project together.

2018: A Year of ...?

Every Dec 31 for the past 3 years, I sit in Killiney Kopitiam in Siglap and plan the direction of the coming year with my now-wife.

The Dec 31 that just passed was no different, although it had been a little rushed as we had been in church the entire morning and afternoon.

It took me another day to finish planning my direction and habits for the new year. Though I haven't fully reflected on every aspect of the plan yet, I will continue to do so in the coming days, the past few having been taken up with training (schools are starting really early this year!)

So what do I plan for? Six aspects of my life - 3 goals and 3 habits per aspect.

1) Financial

2) Family / Relationships

3) Business

4) Health

5) Personal Development

6) Spiritual

Generally, I'm not much of a planner. I like to take things as they come, when they come. However, I have found that having an overall direction really helps in using my time and resources more efficiently and effectively.

There are many things that I intend to accomplish by the end of 2018 and I will be reviewing my goals once every quarter, making changes and updating them as necessary.

I hope that this will inspire you to reflect on the past year and map a direction for this coming one. I wish you a fruitful and eventful 2018!

Thank You For Being Part of My 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, I would like to thank all the incredible people I've met this past year.

Whether it was at a Trainers' Synergy gathering, a SG100 meet-up, an APTS meeting, an Introverts' Network get-together, or the numerous workshops, conferences and events I attended or participated in this year, I was glad to meet you.

Thank you for sharing your experience and for being so generous with your time.

Some of you I met during mission trips, church events (especially our recently concluded stage production - Close Quarters) and church services.

Thank you for demonstrating the love and grace of our Lord, for doing what you do in God's service, and for being a part of the body of Christ. 

I would like to specially thank you who were at my wedding, my speaking engagements, as well as my book launch. 

Thank you for being there to show your support, love and care.

To you whom I have known for years, thank you for your friendship. We may not have been able to meet as often as we'd like, but know that you hold a place in my heart.

As we dive into 2018, I wish you clear direction, excellent opportunities and endless delights.

Thank you for being part of my 2017. I look forward to journeying with you in 2018.