"It's important for you to observe what powerful people do, not what they say. There's often a very large gap between what is said versus what is unsaid. There's a very big difference between what people say in public versus what they say in private, one-on-one conversations without a recording device or camera on... everybody knows at some level that sacrifices had to be made." - Jeremy Au
"You need to own whatever it is. Own what you're good at, own what you're bad at. Own your discomfort. But don't be afraid of it. Don't be afraid of your strengths, your passions, or your weaknesses. Don't try to be that jack-of-all-trades who hopefully gets an A-minus in everything, just because that's what school wants you to do." - Jeremy Au
"Today, I'm back in Singapore, and I would say I'm a big fish in a small pond... There's no moral virtue to being a small fish in a big pond versus a big fish in a small pond. But I want you to be thoughtful about your career, because at some stages, you'll be a small fish in a big pond, and at others, you'll be the big fish in a small pond. Be comfortable seeing the situation for what it is and switching between those phases." - Jeremy Au
In this episode, Jeremy Au shares raw, unfiltered career advice, challenging the traditional self-help narratives often sold to young professionals. He unpacks why observing what powerful people do rather than what they say is crucial for navigating the business world. Drawing from his own experiences in Singapore and at Bain & Company, Jeremy dives into the strategic dynamics of being a "big fish in a small pond" versus a "small fish in a big pond." He also explores the critical balance between "outside-in" societal expectations and "inside-out" personal passions. Ultimately, Jeremy explains why actively choosing your own pain—while ruthlessly prioritizing your health and authentic relationships—is the foundation of a truly sustainable and fulfilling career.
00:00 - The Illusion of Self-Help and Success
00:52 - Own Your Power and Quirks
02:13 - Big Fish vs. Small Fish in the Career Pond
03:56 - "Outside-In" Expectations vs. "Inside-Out" Motivations
05:05 - Lessons from Bain & Company: Finding the Right Fit
06:44 - Prioritizing Health, Relationships, and Choosing Your Pain
08:34 - Conclusion and Outro
Keywords: Career Development, Singapore Business, Professional Growth, Bain & Company, Leadership Advice, Mental Health in Tech, Work-Life Balance, Southeast Asia Tech
