Navigating Dreams to Reality: My Journey From Aspirations to Achievements

As I reflect on my life, I realize that my journey has been a testament to the power of dreams and determination. From my early days in the Sea Cadets, I had a deep-seated desire to join the Royal Navy. However, a minor hearing problem thwarted my initial aspiration. Despite this setback, I was not deterred. I embarked on a diverse career path, working in various capacities across multiple companies, which ultimately led me to the UK prison service. In this article, we will explore my personal journey, my dreams, and the reality I achieved.

From Sea Cadets to the UK Prison Service

When I was a teenager, I was a member of the Sea Cadets. This experience instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and a lively spirit of adventure. The dream of joining the Royal Navy was a constant companion, even at a young age. However, the navy’s stringent medical requirements meant that a minor hearing problem prevented me from fulfilling this dream.

Faced with the reality of my situation, I did not give up. I went on to pursue various job opportunities over the next 13 years. Eventually, at the age of 31, I joined the UK prison service. This decision marked a significant turning point in my life, setting the stage for the diverse career path that followed. After a 29-year career, I retired, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication.

A Passion for Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Another dream I had was to own a company, whether as a small restaurant or as an enterprise. Over the years, I held various roles, such as HR officer, admin accountant, and head of administration in different companies. Three of these were international, well-known, and reputed organizations. However, my experiences were not always as fulfilling as I had hoped. After joining a company, I often found that the reality was different from the initial impression.

Upon entering, I realized that there were ingrained dynamics and power struggles. Some employees were part of gangs, either necessary for survival or by choice. I was faced with a stark decision: to join them or be an outsider. I chose the latter, to remain an employee, committed to equality and fair treatment, without discrimination unless it was for tasks.

Although I was passionate about creating a work environment where everyone was treated equally, I found myself unable to start my own business due to a lack of financial resources. However, my journey was far from over. Despite the setbacks, I remain hopeful and believe that with time, the right opportunities will present themselves.

The Path to Business Ownership

A second dream I had was to become a businesswoman. I honed my management skills at JBIMS, one of the best institutes for business management. I rose through the ranks, becoming the General Manager at AP Miller Group MAERSK. Eventually, I left the corporate ladder to embark on a new venture, starting my own rental properties business in Dubai. I combined my responsibilities as a mother with running the business. Later, I tackled the Canadian market by running a business in Toronto, Canada.

Currently, I engage in day trading on the US stock market, venture into property investments and management, and plan to focus on property maintenance and renovations in the future. My goal is to flip houses in Toronto or Vancouver, turning my aspirations into practical reality.

A Journey to Beijing: Fulfilling My Pharmaceutical Dreams

My final dream was to become a pharmacist and the CEO of a US pharmaceutical company. I achieved this goal and spent 40 years in the industry before retiring. From there, I ventured into Beijing, where I have lived for the past 20 years. During this time, I have started several enterprises and continued to pursue my passions.

This journey underscores the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the unwavering belief in oneself. Despite numerous obstacles and setbacks, I have remained committed to achieving my dreams. Each step of the way, I have relied on my core values of equality, integrity, and dedication to create a fulfilling life.