When I left BlackRock to join Style Theory - a startup based in Singapore, I faced a big problem:

Culture.

My American upbringing (from studying at an American middle school to working in New York) meant that I had 100% assimilated into American culture.

But what had worked with my US colleagues did not work with my Singaporean colleagues.

That included:

1️⃣ Being Outspoken

If something doesn’t work, I will raise my questions on the spot, regardless of the crowd.

But saying “Can you explain that?” didn’t go down well with the team.

They felt attacked - which was the last thing in my mind!

I thought I was tackling a problem head-on to avoid things spiralling.

But to them, I had not given them any face.

2️⃣ Challenging the career norm

I’m always asking myself questions like, "Am I truly happy with this career?" and "Where am I going?"

Whereas in Asia, financial stability and prestige are valued.

"Just do what you love on the side!"

"Why can’t you just be like everyone else?"

"Why are you challenging the status quo?"

3️⃣ Being Public

If you’ve been following me on LinkedIn, you’ll realise that I’m pretty open with my life.

Whether it’s my insecurities at BlackRock to my fears and failures in running my own business.

These are topics that most Asians won't be comfortable sharing in public.

But me?

I believe that transparency is the only way we can learn and redefine what a successful career looks like.

And I believe that if I share my own learnings, someone out there will hopefully benefit and avoid the mistakes that I made.

Including staying stuck in a miserable job for too long!

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When I received feedback that I was too “aggressive” at work, I felt extremely hurt and tried my best to change.

My boss later told me that she could sense how hard I was working to change, but that I was losing myself.

I had stopped speaking up at meetings and was constantly walking on eggshells.

And that’s when I learned a valuable lesson: Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a culture fit.

The problem might not be with me but with the work environment itself.

So if you’re feeling miserable and out of place at your office, think about why that is the case.

If the shoe doesn’t fit, then it just doesn’t.

It’s time to move on.

There’s no shame in that.

If you’d like help in figuring out your next career move, DM me “MOVE”.

I’ve helped clients from DBS, Vanguard and P&G find their dream job.

I’m sure I can help you too!