“As one lamp lights another, nor grows less, So, nobleness enkindleth nobleness.” – James Russell Lowell

A Garden of Thanks

In the lives of many of us, we experience defining moments—turning points that shape our destiny and ignite our inner fire. Think of the words of Dr. Phillip McGraw, best known as Dr. Phil, in Self Matters and how he describes defining moments. It would be an understatement if I said that one of my defining moments was meeting Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim, a mentor who embodied lessons from Dr. Phil and reminded me of his key message: identify key life events that shape your beliefs and take personal responsibility for choices and future outcomes.

For me, one such transformative moment arrived in the early 2000s, after nearly two decades as an entrepreneur. Those years were marked by long hours, relentless hard work, and the constant challenge of finding the right customers. Yet, in the midst of struggle, opportunity can blossom like a rare flower in the desert. The journey had been arduous, but I had learned that true luck often comes to those who labour, as my friend C K Kumaravel of Naturals Salons always says.

It was one of those radiant, late mornings in Kuala Lumpur when my mentor, Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim—one of the region’s leading Human Resource professionals—stepped into my cramped office. Having recently resigned from a high-level position at a major financial services firm, he carried with him an unwavering optimism despite the weight of his own challenges. As I grumbled about the hurdles before me, he gently reminded me to look up and see the promise of the day. With a keen, attentive ear, he absorbed my vision of taking the company public and immediately set to work, guiding me through the nuts and bolts of what needed to be done.

In his true style, steeped in a high-performance culture, Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim didn’t just offer words; he inspired action. Together, we assembled a team of professionals, shifting from endless talk to decisive steps. When the moment came to hit the gong at the ACE market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, he stood resolutely by my side. His unwavering support continued as he served as a Senior Independent Director and valued advisor on our Board until his passing—a testament to a life of impact and dedication.

Taking the company public was more than a milestone—it was a life-defining moment, a tipping point that opened new paths for growth and contribution. That day, as I crossed a threshold into a future filled with promise, I realized that success is never a solitary journey. It is fuelled by mentors, allies, and those who believe in us even when we falter. Success is never achieved in isolation. Every challenge surmounted and every triumph celebrated is the result of mentorship, perseverance, and the willingness to embrace change. As I look back, I see that the seeds of my achievements were sown in moments of vulnerability and nurtured by the wisdom of those who believed in me.

Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim was more than a mentor; he was a rock, a lighthouse guiding us through turbulent seas, ensuring that every challenge became an opportunity and every setback a lesson in resilience. His influence created a ripple effect, inspiring positive change far beyond our immediate circle—a legacy of strength, hope, and gratitude.

Our conversations often revolved around high-performance cultures, drawing insights from Gene E. Fusch and Richard C. Gillespie’s book A Practical Approach to Performance Interventions and Analysis. He highlighted four key principles from the book: analysing business problems, identifying performance gaps, selecting effective interventions, and measuring results. The lasting message that he extracted from the book was for everyone to take ownership of their “fraction of the action.”

Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim’s steadfast support serves as a reminder for me that even in our most trying times, a single spark—a mentor’s insight, a friend’s encouragement, a timely piece of advice—can illuminate the way forward. May we all strive to be that beacon for someone else, igniting the flame of hope and inspiring others to embrace their own defining moments. In gratitude for the guidance and the unyielding belief in our potential, we continue to grow, transform, and leave behind ripples of positive change for generations to come.

In the spirit of that legacy, I invite you to nurture your own garden of thanks. Embrace each defining moment as a seed of possibility, water it with knowledge and perseverance, and let it blossom into a future that reflects your truest potential. Remember, even in our darkest hours, the smallest spark of guidance can light the way to a brighter tomorrow. And for that enduring inspiration, I offer this heartfelt tribute to a mentor who forever changed my path.

A Garden of Thanks

In the garden of life, where moments define our fate,

There blooms a rare flower of hope that conquers doubt and weight.

At the crossroads of ambition, where long hours and trials meet,

A mentor’s light appeared, turning our struggle into a beat.

On a sunny Kuala Lumpur morning, in a cramped office space,

You entered with calm resolve, a smile lighting up your face.

Tuan Haji Ishak Hashim, a beacon when skies turned grey,

Whose wisdom and strength transformed challenges into play.

With words that inspired action, you unlocked hidden doors,

Guiding plans to the public stage, so our spirit soars.

Like a lighthouse on a stormy night, you steadied every wave,

Instilling courage, igniting passion, and teaching us to be brave.

Your influence was a ripple, spreading far beyond the start,

A legacy of determination, a fire within the heart.

Through every triumph and trial, your spirit still imparts

The art of turning dreams into reality—a treasure for our hearts.

So, here’s a garden of thanks, for the mentor who led the way,

For the rock that steadied our journey and the dawn that followed the dark.

In every defining moment, your guidance remains our art—

A timeless, inspirational legacy, forever growing in our hearts.