Ep 12 Part 1/3 | Helmy Yahya - They Dont Learn From Me, But I Learn From Them

Summary

This video features an inspirational conversation with Helmy Yahya, a prominent figure who rose from humble beginnings to become a leader in the media industry. Born in South Sumatra, he overcame financial struggles, excelling academically and eventually studying in the U.S. His journey highlights the power of education, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, regardless of one's background. The discussion also touches on the evolving challenges faced by today’s youth, the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, and the importance of embracing technology and innovation for success in the modern world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's journey reflects the importance of perseverance, as he rose from humble beginnings to achieve success despite various challenges.
• 😀 Education was a crucial factor in the speaker's rise, with a focus on how he navigated the difficulty of gaining access to quality schools like the 'stans'.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the competitive nature of life, sharing how he adopted a mindset of always striving to be the best to overcome obstacles.
• 😀 The value of struggle and hardship is highlighted, suggesting that young people today might not fully grasp the importance of hard work due to modern conveniences.
• 😀 The importance of continuous learning is discussed, with the speaker reflecting on how he adapted by learning from younger generations, such as exploring digital platforms and technology.
• 😀 The speaker's belief in competition as a motivator is evident, and he discusses how the lessons learned from competing shaped his career.
• 😀 Mentorship and giving back to younger generations is a recurring theme, with the speaker stressing how guiding others is a key part of his journey.
• 😀 The role of technology and new opportunities, such as the rise of social media and digital platforms, is recognized as an important factor in modern business success.
• 😀 The speaker discusses how being adaptable and open to change is crucial in today’s world, particularly in relation to business and entrepreneurship.
• 😀 The conversation reflects on the evolution of the 'stans' school and the shift in the demographic of students who attend, indicating a greater variety in backgrounds and opportunities for education.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker during their childhood to strive for success?

The speaker was motivated by the desire to be the best because they believed that being anything less than the best would lead to rejection, especially by women. Their father was a street vendor, and they had to work hard to overcome economic challenges. Education became their key to success, which was the only thing they could achieve for free.

How did the speaker view their time at STAN (State College of Accountancy)?

The speaker viewed their time at STAN as transformative. They had to endure a competitive environment and a rigorous academic system. Although STAN was known for being difficult to enter and even harder to leave, the speaker saw it as a life-changing opportunity that allowed them to prove themselves and achieve success despite coming from a modest background.

What is the significance of the speaker’s journey to America after working at the Ministry of Finance?

After several years at the Ministry of Finance, the speaker pursued further studies in the United States, where they excelled and won a gold medal in professional accounting. This journey symbolized the speaker’s commitment to personal growth and their belief in international education as a pathway to success.

What role did the speaker’s father play in their life and education?

The speaker's father was a street vendor and did not have the financial means to support their education fully. Despite this, he played a pivotal role in encouraging the speaker’s ambition. He drove the speaker to STAN when they were accepted, showcasing his support even in difficult circumstances.

How does the speaker define success and excellence in life?

The speaker defines success and excellence as the ability to be the best in whatever profession or field one chooses. For them, life’s guide has always been to strive for the best, no matter the circumstances or challenges faced along the way.

What does the speaker suggest about the current generation of young people?

The speaker believes that today’s younger generation is incredibly talented, intelligent, and quick to adapt to technology. However, they also feel that some younger people may lack the determination and struggle that previous generations experienced. The speaker advocates for these young people to find inspiration and guidance to channel their potential effectively.

What challenges did the speaker face while growing up and how did they overcome them?

Growing up in a poor family, the speaker faced many challenges, including limited financial resources and societal expectations. Despite this, they overcame these obstacles by focusing on education, striving to be the best, and making the most out of the opportunities available to them, such as entering STAN, which was a gateway to a better future.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the current education system and its role in shaping young people?

The speaker believes that while the education system provides a solid foundation, it is crucial for young people to seek inspiration beyond the classroom. They emphasize that alternative learning and the development of business and life skills are essential to navigate the modern world successfully.

How does the speaker view the changing business landscape and the rise of new entrepreneurs?

The speaker observes that the business landscape is evolving, with new entrepreneurs emerging and challenging traditional industries. They highlight the success of online platforms and digital companies, suggesting that young people today have vast opportunities to innovate and succeed in the digital age.

What does the speaker mean by the concept of 'the lost generation' and how does it relate to today’s youth?

The speaker refers to 'the lost generation' as those who are disconnected from the rapidly changing world, particularly older generations who have not adapted to technological advancements and modern ways of communication. They suggest that today’s youth, despite facing criticisms, are more in tune with the times and are leveraging technology to their advantage.