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If you have ever read the bio of Apple’s Steve Jobs, you would have come across the term Reality Distortion Field (RDF). It was coined to describe a particular talent of Steve that made him the successful innovator he was known for.

Steve has the ability to convince himself and others to believe almost anything with a mix of charm, charisma, bravado, hyperbole, and persistence. He can reframe a problem in a way to convince others to buy into his way of thinking and doing, to make the impossible look within reach. Steve is also able to appropriate other’s ideas as his own, sometimes proposing an idea to its originator after dismissing it the week before. This uncanny ability had helped Apple innovate successfully, to create a strong desire amongst its supporters to yearn for its products. Steve lives in an alternate reality where he believes in everything he talks about and can easily convince his followers that this was the gospel truth. It is so enticing that hardcore apple fans lap up every word he says.

Sounds familiar?

Trump seems to have the same gift too. If you look closely at how he projects himself. Supremely confident, quick on his feet and absolutely believing in everything he said. Little misinformations or unsubstantiated statements become the truth once he repeats it a few times. He doesn’t care if the rest of the world disagrees and oppose it with facts. He has already convinced himself that it is correct and directs his supporters to believe in him, that he alone will solve all problems.

Steve has proven that his RDF can help create the most profitable company in the world and drive people to do their best to develop technologically superior gadgets. Using this same charm in the political arena is a different kettle of fish. We move into a dangerous zone where reason and logic are thrown to the wind. The final consequences are too ugly to imagine if Teflon Don wins in November. One hopes that common sense will prevail.

 

http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/neuroscientist-explains-trump-has-mental-disorder-makes-him-dangerous-world-leader

 

So sang Frank Sinatra in “My Way”.

Each and every one of us will occasionally look back at our past and reflect on a number of things we had done and felt a sense of regret. Disappointment over an occurrence or something that one has done or failed to do, wishing that we could turn back the clock of time and redo it all over again. It haunts you and the memories cannot be erased from your head, being especially bad when one is feeling down and miserable.

Had lunch with a very good friend today. We spoke about this and I shared with him some of my innermost regrets in my past corporate life. He mentioned that on reflection if he had a chance to do it all over again, the outcome would still be the same, that he stands by his past decisions.

How can we then lessen the pain of regret since it is not possible to undo it? The experts do suggest that one should look at the incident and use it to identify one’s weaknesses. As we analyze further, we could make it into a learning experience. Finally, one should utilize it as an opportunity to be sharper at adapting to similar situations in the future.

The pain and hurt can never really go away, but we can turn it into a positive event. One just needs to remain strong and look forward, not backward. Life’s journey is still long, I firmly believe that we still have much more new wonderful memories ahead that will overwhelm and overcome all past regrets.

 

 

 

 

 

Hillary was the last speaker for DNC on Thursday and her speech had substance. She provided more information about herself and her background, to soften her image and help the voters to know her better. She highlighted a number of strategy themes for her campaign and will likely expand on them in the coming months. She emphasized that she has devoted most of her life to giving back to the people and has earned sufficient experience to run for this top role.

Donald replied the following day in an hourly speech which I felt that he was actually rambling along. I almost fell asleep watching it. Big promises and more accusations but no details. I worry if he can still command a lead as the DNC effectively pulled and united all Americans (even from some Independents and Republicans) to rationalize why Hillary is a better choice.

If this momentum continues, Donald will be hard pressed to catch up. But then again, with all the surprises so far, anything can happen. For the sake of the world, Hillary should be the no-brainer option.

 

I have been watching the Democratic National Convention and it certainly packed more punch than the Republican circus show last week.

As a marketing person myself, I can see clearly that they are doing a good job of repackaging Hillary, emphasizing her skills as a good listener and effective change maker. Michelle Obama’s short 15 minutes speech is a must watch for everyone – how to evoke deep emotions and thrash your enemy without even mentioning his name. A classic and a nice kick in the nuts for Donald. Bernie’s final endorsement was the unifying factor for the Democratic party. Bill Clinton offered a softer side of the wifey, making her more human.

The preferred outcome would be for the Democrats to unite as one front to oppose the other side and vote in strength and numbers, while the Republicans have shown that there is still in fighting within their party. I suspect that for some of them, they would rather abstain than vote for a buffoon.

This must be the best TV drama series for 2016. Can’t wait to see the final episode in November!!! Definitely worthy of a Golden Globe 🙂

Michael Bloomberg has managed to succinctly summarize his thoughts on why he is voting for Hillary here :

http://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2016-07-28/the-independent-s-case-for-clinton

 

Had my first taste of how difficult it is to develop business partnerships.

One of the things on my to-do list when I resigned from my previous job was to explore 2 possible business opportunities. The first one was quite straight forward, to look at enhancing an existing F&B outlet. That one did not go far because the person I wanted to work together with had decided to go into retirement later this year.

The next one was more ambitious. To kick start a new lifestyle business of active aging. I was talking about this for a number of years and thought that the timing was ripe to introduce this concept into my country. There were a lot of variables and moving parts to nail down. I needed to bring in partners that would compliment each other and like a jigsaw puzzle, bring this all together successfully in order to pull it off.

We had a few months of active discussion for the partners to size each other up and to prepare for the next stage. Sadly, the persons I brought in could not see eye to eye on certain critical issues. Rather than have impossible internal friction and deadlocks in the future, it was decided yesterday that this joint venture should not proceed further.

I guess I would have to go into plan B now and look for a real job soon. I had promised my better half that I needed a 6 months break from work to explore alternate opportunities. Now that 4 months have passed and I have completed most of my to-do list, I should try to send out my CVs soon. LinkedIn will be my best friend in the coming weeks…

 

 

Perseverance is the hallmark of eventual success.

I can relate to it from personal experience. Just before 12 noon on 01 Dec 2011, I was curtly told that I was retrenched due to cost cutting, even though my team had a record year. That was after 19 years of loyalty to the same American bank. I had an hour to clear my desk.

The subsequent 10 months was a living hell for me as I had to swallow my pride and look for a job. The financial market industry had just started cutting expenses globally and headcount freeze was being implemented everywhere. Headhunters were bloody useless by then. I had so many face to face one-on-one interviews that I was a seasoned interviewee whom could be called upon within the hour.

Let me count the number of interviews I did. I lost count after it exceeded 60. Goldman was 12 rounds (many via video con calls to HK), UBS 7 (plus a requirement to draw up and propose a SME biz plan), BOTM 5 (they felt I was too American and not Japanese enough), CBA 5 (after going through the psychometric tests, I was deemed not Aussie enough), Citi 4 (again, tail between my legs), Nomura 5 (the jokers were already having big internal fights by then). Looking back, it was funny because most of those that interviewed me eventually left their companies within 1 to 2 years later.

By September of 2012, I was feeling defeated and about to give up. My ex-boss eventually managed to secure a job for me after 3 interviews, for whom I am eternally greatful to him for. I was desperate to take anything that comes along and willing to bite the bullet to take a huge pay cut (40%).

After going through that experience, it re-enforced my belief that one should not stop trying. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings… Mentally, I became stronger as a result. While I still get cold sweat sometimes (especially now that I quit my job), I am more confident that I would eventually find something along the way. I just must not stop trying.

 

 

 

Macau, the Las Vegas of Asia.

Having just spent a long weekend there, I realised that like Vegas, it offers whatever money can buy. The spectacular opulence is a stark contrast to the rest of Asia. Tall new buildings everywhere and all fashion labels which you can think of is available there. The casinos are packed with people wagering loads of cash at any one time.

As our group consisted of mainly non-gamblers, we concentrated on the sights and the many Michelin star restaurants available there. Ate our way through 3 days and nights of fabulous food and exquisite wines while we enjoyed the lavish accommodations. The 50th birthday celebrations for the 4 of us was certainly a vacation to remember.

Like Vegas, Macau is not a place to stay for a long vacation as it looks artificial after a while and brings out all the negative human characteristics. Gambling has certainly destroyed many fortunes and will continue to do so. Definitely not an ideal location to bring up a family too.

Yes, the whole group of my really close friends turns 50 with me this year. To reward ourselves, the spouses have planned for a long weekend vacation overseas where the 10 of us will eat, drink and party like there is no tomorrow, without the kids 🙂  We have all known each other since our Uni days and have shared 29 years of friendship. So many memories and experiences to share as we played and worked hard during our undergrad days. Then onwards to the corporate world, supporting each other during tough times, being best men as we got married and watching our kids grow over the years from babies to young adults.

Is 50 the new 30? I certainly like to think so. We are all so mindful of our health nowadays, doing regular medical checkups and watching our diets. This is so unlike our parents’ generation, where exercising and staying fit wasn’t even in their game plan. Life expectancy is much longer now and it is very common to see 80-year-olds still enjoying an active senior lifestyle. I still feel very young at heart, even though I am mindful that physically, my body is much less agile than before. Exciting times ahead!