How do you know you picked the right degree to study? | Nathon Kong, MBA | TEDxSainteAnnedeBellevue

Summary

In this inspiring TED Talk, the speaker reflects on their journey of self-discovery and resilience, starting with a childhood aspiration to be a doctor, then transitioning to microbiology, and ultimately founding a fashion business. Through setbacks and uncertainties, including periods of unemployment and doubt, the speaker learns that success isn’t about having a clear path but embracing personal growth and finding purpose. Drawing strength from their mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, the speaker’s brand, Nathan Calm, combines art and fashion to create unique, meaningful experiences, encouraging others to focus on what they can contribute rather than just what they want to be.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's okay to not know exactly what you want to do in life. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and can change over time.
• 😀 Early experiences, even childhood incidents, can shape our desires and career goals. Reflecting on them helps us understand our deeper motivations.
• 😀 Life is unpredictable, and things may not always go according to plan. Embrace challenges and use setbacks as learning experiences.
• 😀 It's important to work hard and stay focused, especially when faced with uncertainties or a lack of skills. Success often requires perseverance.
• 😀 Many people face doubt from others, but it's crucial to stay committed to your vision and trust your own path, even when others don't understand.
• 😀 Our parents, especially those who show resilience and entrepreneurship, can be powerful role models. They teach us about sacrifice and perseverance.
• 😀 In difficult times, having a strong support system can make a difference. Even when you feel alone, there are always people rooting for your success.
• 😀 Defining success is personal; it’s not just about achievement but about making a positive contribution to others' lives.
• 😀 The process of self-discovery is ongoing, and by continuing to try new things, you eventually find what you are passionate about.
• 😀 Sometimes, the best answer to the question 'What do you want to do when you grow up?' is not about a specific job but about striving to be the best version of yourself.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial dream when he was a child?

The speaker's initial dream was to become a doctor, inspired by an experience in a hospital where he feared losing his fingers after an accident involving superglue.

How did the speaker's view on his career evolve over time?

Initially wanting to be a doctor, the speaker shifted to studying microbiology at university. Later, he faced uncertainty after graduating, leading to him working in a restaurant for a while. Eventually, he pursued entrepreneurship and started his own business.

Why did the speaker choose microbiology as a field of study?

The speaker chose microbiology because the name sounded cool and intriguing to him, although his mother was initially upset as she thought he would be making yogurt for the rest of his life.

What personal challenges did the speaker face after graduating from university?

After graduating, the speaker found himself unemployed and felt ashamed. He struggled with self-doubt, as he did not have a clear passion or skill set and ended up working in a restaurant for a period.

What important lesson did the speaker learn from his time working in a restaurant?

The speaker learned that while he didn’t know what he wanted to do, he was certain about what he didn’t want to do. This realization helped him focus on his future and commit to self-improvement.

How did the speaker's mother influence his career journey?

The speaker’s mother, a successful entrepreneur in Thailand, greatly influenced him by teaching the value of hard work and responsibility. She never expressed love overtly but showed it through her actions, raising four children and building a business from scratch.

What motivated the speaker to start his own fashion business?

The speaker’s motivation to start his own fashion business stemmed from his desire to create and contribute, inspired by the values he learned from his mother. He also wanted to express himself creatively through fashion, despite not knowing much about the industry initially.

How did the speaker overcome the challenges of starting a business without prior experience?

The speaker faced many difficulties, including a lack of knowledge about fashion and the challenges of selling. However, he was determined to figure it out on his own, relying on his ability to learn and adapt, with support from his team and customers.

What personal story does the speaker share through the jacket he is wearing?

The speaker shares the story of a patient named Norma Rivera, who created a painting while hospitalized. The jacket he wears has a painting from this patient, symbolizing the struggles of someone who dreamed of walking again, even though he was handicapped. This jacket is a tribute to the patient's legacy.

What message does the speaker convey about personal growth and success?

The speaker emphasizes that success is not just about reaching a destination but about the journey of discovering oneself. He highlights the importance of asking yourself, 'What could you do when you grow up?' rather than just focusing on where you want to be. The key is to focus on self-improvement, skill-building, and learning from experiences.