My one-year-ago self would never imagine myself doing what I am doing right now. Looking back over the last few months, I had the opportunities to conduct trainings and workshops thanks to the process of knowing myself and the freedom I have. Now, I am on a journey to helping BBC’s community knowing themselves and their organisations better.

 

A Passion for Teaching

During one of the life coaching sessions, I was asked to recall what do I enjoy the most at work. Definitely not writing reports. The moment that I enjoyed the most is when my colleagues come to me to ask for my advice or opinion on ESG and sustainability related matters, be it ESG reporting standards, recent development in the ESG landscape or my experience in dealing with clients. I can see myself at the highest energy level when I share my experience and insights about something I love doing. I just can’t stop talking about them!

For the past years, I have dreamed of becoming a lecturer, teacher, environmental educator, emcee, corporate trainer and consultant. All of them have the same nature, which is teaching.

I can only connect the dots looking backwards. And now, I know a little bit more about myself, all thanks to coaching. I am learning to focus on my strengths and create positive impacts to the people around me with that. I think I am living my best life!

May you find clarity in your life too.

 

Stop Doubting Yourself

It was not easy when I was preparing for my first public ESG and Sustainability Workshop at WeWork, Kuala Lumpur in November 2023. There were a lot of noises inside my head telling me, “You are too young to be a trainer! No one would want to listen to a young woman talking! You are not as experienced as the older consultants!”. There were a lot of self-doubting moments in me.

Since young, I always feel that I am not good enough, probably because I received very little compliments from my parents even though I scored flying colours in exams and were active in extra-curricular activities. In a way, I was always trying to push myself harder so I can earn their attention. But I didn’t realise that it didn’t work. Gradually, it has become a habit of me to always want to do things perfectly and somehow earned myself the title of workaholic. Now, I am learning to strike a balance between delivering quality work and make things move forward faster. Most importantly, have more time for myself and my loved ones.

But hey, I do not blame my parents for acting that way. It’s their first time being a parent in this life. If not because of them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Everything happens for a reason.

I am fortunate and grateful to be a part of the BBC family. They see my worth. They provide the support I need – words of affirmation and quality time. Whenever I am self-doubting again, they are always there to pull me out from the swirl. I love them so much!

 

Giving Hope

The common method of getting a potential client to buy your products or services is to scare them. Boo! I didn’t feel at ease when I practiced that method in my previous workplace. So, I decided to unlearn and relearn the new way, which is to give hope.

What do the other speakers say during their ESG and Sustainability trainings?

“If you don’t do this…, you will…”

“The cost of doing this now is RMxxx. If you wait next year, it will be RMxxxx”

“If you don’t take action now, you will lose to your competitors.”

What do you feel when you hear these words? Anxious, nervous, scared, worried, rushed, etc. People tend to make the wrong decision when they are feeling these emotions.

I do not want that to happen on my clients. I choose to take things positively. First, take time to understand yourself and your organisation. Then, focus on matters within your control which you can leverage on to create positive impacts, be it enhancing waste management practices, improve energy efficiency or automate ESG data monitoring and reporting. Look at the opportunities coming to you when you implement sustainability initiatives in your organisations. Wow, isn’t it wonderful! Only by starting your sustainability journey in this way, it can last long.

 

Are you thinking how to start ESG and sustainability in your organisation? Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s start the conversation!

Check out my upcoming events to catch me live or in-person.

 

Love,
Jia Xin