SHINE Series: Discipline is doing something you hate like you love it.

The SHINE Series features individuals who I meet on my travels or through my network who inspires me through their mindset, actions and/ or heart to flourish.

I first met Gary when he was courting my cousin and now, I am delighted to call him my cousin-in-law. Through the years, I have observed his professional growth and achievements. What resonates with me strongly is his:

• Gung go attitude – it is trendy now but when he first left Singapore to pursue opportunities in Hong Kong, it was a road less travelled.
• Love for ongoing learning – he is always reading new books on a wide range of topics and attends courses.
• Growth minded approach to learning from life’s experiences and creating new opportunities.
• Openness to receiving feedforward and more importantly, acting on it.
• Zest for life – he is an avid musician and also pursues sports.
• Discipline – he and my cousin Fiona inspires me with their discipline towards fitness.

When I was going through my dark nights of the soul, he and Fiona generously provided me with a place to stay. I am always grateful to the both of them for providing me with a sanctuary and support to get back on my feet. Here is Gary’s story of his journey in creating opportunities in a different country.

Gary Lim – Entrepreneur & Investor, Private Wealth & Family Advisor, Co-Founder of a start-up to IPO, Hong Kong

What motivated you to head to Hong Kong?

I first came to HK in 2002 when my firm decided to do an acquisition of a HK company. I was impressed with the energy and vibrancy of this new city. I felt that there were so many opportunities to be explored and requested to be relocated here. The rest is a 22 year history.

What challenges, if any, did you find at the beginning of your journey and how did you overcome them?  

The culture, environment, pace just to name a few. However, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You learn how to adapt and thrive. The SARs pandemic in 2003 was a very challenging time. I had to change roles and find ways to generated new revenue streams for the firm. We had to think and find solutions on how to keep the company afloat.

Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently? 

“Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” Michael Corleone.

What may be one or two memorable experiences you’ve had living and working in Hong Kong?

Getting through the global financial crisis of 2008 was another tough time. Being in the financial services industry was very challenging. I remember meeting a lawyer friend and he was complaining that he only billed a few hours for the past few months. I asked him if he was worried about his job. He replied, “when the bear is chasing you, you don’t have to be the fastest, just don’t be the last.” He survived. But as Ricky Bobby says, “If you ain’t first, you’re last”.

We understand that you’ve recently embarked on a different portfolio. Could you share more on this?

I decided that I was bored of my role after having been a single industry for the last 22 years. 12 of those years working for a big corporation and another 10 years as an entrepreneur and co-founding my own firm. I needed a new challenge in my life and decided that I needed to look for something that was my calling. I did not want to wake up daily and go through the same grid. It was a discovery process but something in me was always telling me that there had to be something more than what was in my life presently.

For many, the thought of making a professional change can be daunting. How did you prepare for the switch in pathway?

It is common wisdom to look for a new job while you still have a job. This could not apply to me. I was too comfortable and complacent. But when you have to drag yourself to go into the firm that you are a shareholder of on a daily basis and constantly feel like it’s worse than pulling teeth…somethings have got to change. I decided to leave the comfort of my business with the support of my wife, cut all the baggage and just dove in. I spent a year enjoying being moments and exploring options. In that time, I completed a diploma in Non-Executive Directorships, finished a blockchain strategy program, got licensed by the Securities & Futures Commission (HK), took up Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and competitive paddling and found my new role as a family advisor in a multi-family office. I don’t see my new position as a job but the opportunity to build a new business again and I am enjoying this journey tremendously. You must have faith that God always puts you in the right place at the right time. And not having kids in my life also helps.

What daily habits do you use to help you succeed?

Consistency is key. I get up at 6:30am on weekdays, get an hour of workouts in. During this time, I also plan what are the tasks and objectives I would like to achieve for the day. I then spend the next hour listening to my Christian sermons while getting ready to go into the office. Having God in my life is very important. He keeps me grounded. I get into the office on time, fill up my giant water bottle and my cup of coffee and get down to the tasks at hand.

Any favorite quote that inspire you to keep going?

“Discipline is doing something you hate like you love it.”……“Iron” Mike Tyson. Consistency is key.

We heard that you’re an avid musician and have a beautiful collection of guitars. What inspired your keen interest and pursuit in music?

Music takes the stress off me. It is impossible to be focused on getting a part of a song right while thinking about anything else. It just is. I do have some nice guitars that I have collected over the years. There is a saying among guitarist….”If I get the new guitar……I will play better. Fact.” God has blessed me with a talent and I believe that I need to give back and that is why I serve on the church worship team. Some people think that it’s a performance but it’s not…..I always say “it’s a privilege to serve”.

What’s a current book that you’re reading and why?

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. In life, it is really not what you know but who you know. I am blessed to have what I have today because of the people and friends around me. I am at the stage of my life whereby I can choose my friends and the people that I want to hang around with. Get rid of the “energy vampires”, gossipers and negative people in your life as life is really too short.