Humans of Orchan | The 'Professor' is in The House

Humans of Orchan | The 'Professor' is in The House

I’m the difficult one. My staff and my friends always say that. Their nicknames for me reflect it too, and I own these with pride.

What I bring to the table is my unique point of view; perspectives on industries and people built up through three decades of multi-industry and multi-locational experience; two decades of that being at management and senior management levels. I am a consultant, an educator, a strategist, a coach, and a mentor. I’m a few other things too – but for that, you have to ask those who gave me my nicknames.

I delved into Public Relations (PR) because of Farrell. My background is an eclectic mix of many things – all culminating in a unique melting pot of skills that can be tasked to any client’s need. 

We founded Orchan over eleven years ago; that’s almost a longer timeframe than my two marriages combined! It’s a labour of love, an absolute passion. It’s given me the opportunity to work across and learn about so many industries – fashion, hospitality, automotive, financial, new-tech, education, and property. Each day is different, and it is this variety that drives me. 

My journey though, has certainly been an eclectic adventure, to say the least. I have lived and worked in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Macau, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. I have consulted for and represented global brands as well as local start-ups, and I have taught primary kids through to PhD. I seem unable to say ‘no’ to a good challenge, and love the opportunity to develop myself. Sounds like a job application, right? But it’s not.

I have never been afraid of hard work. I’ve worked since I was an early teenager – mail delivery, supermarket shelf stacking, dog walking, mall cleaning. I’ve always valued the importance of being self-sufficient, and ensuring my achievements were mine – not propped up by someone else (as good hearted as they may be). I’ve also valued working for myself over-and-above anything else; but I’ve worked damn hard to get to that position where I don’t work for others.

2020 was a huge turning point. Not only did I ‘re-relocate’ (Malaysia to Australia, and ended up back in Malaysia again), but it was a full circle journey for me as we founded The Third Degree. Wearing several hats is always going to be a challenge, but the journey is great when you love what you do. The Third Degree supports research students in strengthening their research capabilities, and although it’s early days for now, traction is growing. Ironically, I have become my own client with this platform, as Orchan services the account (well, naturally).

I’m driven by the need to make a mark and to leave a legacy. I’m driven by difference and variety. And most of all, I’m driven by an instinct to help develop others – be it individually or as teams. This translates in to the work that I do, both at Orchan and The Third Degree.

I keep my life beyond work quite quiet. I have way too many friends, although only a few close friends that I let in and trust. I enjoy eating (not cooking though), wine, my four (yes, four) guinea pigs (compact and fun pets suitable for apartment living), and writing. I hate to read – I have hated reading ever since primary school – but it’s a necessary evil as I love to learn. 

This year (2021) for me is about growing in new directions. The ‘academic’ hat gets worn alongside the entrepreneur sash, and my days are spent curating training modules and content for Orchan and our partners, and my nights on webinars and strategy for postgraduate education. It’s a journey I love. 

If you want to know my nicknames, just ask me! Probably safer in a private message though … kids may be reading!