When it comes to pursuing a career, one truth stands out: there is no predetermined path to success. Gone are the days when a linear career trajectory was the norm and individuals were expected to follow predefined routes to reach the pinnacle of their professional lives.
Today’s modern landscape is rich with possibilities, and the truly ambitious understand that forging one’s own path is the key to unlocking unparalleled career potential.
From embracing change to cultivating a growth mindset, Kate Ngo shares her story and empowers individuals to take control of their destinies, steering their careers toward happiness and fulfillment.
Carving One’s Path
After earning a business degree, Kate dedicated a significant amount of time to working at her family’s accounting firm. However, driven by her own aspirations, she ultimately made the bold decision to pursue her own path, defying the traditional expectation of continuing to work within her family’s enterprise.
“If I don’t change the direction of my life now, this is going to be it. The longer I stay [at this accounting firm], the more firmly I will be planted. Who was going to redirect my life if not me?”
With a deep desire to pursue a creative career, she decided to apply to a design school in the UK. Living under the roof of a traditional Chinese patriarch, she meticulously planned every detail before approaching her father about her aspirations. Knowing his decisive and straightforward nature, she understood the importance of presenting a comprehensive and well-structured proposal.
“I had everything prepared—from acceptance letters to exam results, my dorm, and even my budget, which was already super tight. Everything had to be designed and presented in a way that he couldn’t say no.”
Designing with Ingenuity
Design has always been her natural inclination. If there’s one thing she truly enjoys, it’s the art of transforming spaces with minimal cost and alterations. Her approach blends creativity with practicality, resulting in innovative yet functional transformations.
“When I look at a material, [I ask myself] how can I best transform it while staying true to its essence? The same goes for converting spaces into functional, workable, and comfortable areas without making drastic changes.”
This philosophy has become her guiding principle, remaining steadfast throughout her various endeavors.
Clamping the Passion in Place
Kate’s affinity for woodworking was nurtured from childhood, inspired by her mother’s hometown in Mindanao and her father’s involvement in the warehousing and lumber business. Her passion for the craft led her to explore the endless possibilities of shaping wood into practical and meaningful creations.
After completing her woodworking education in London, Kate returned home and began designing pieces for her family’s properties, applying her creative skills to transform lobbies, restaurants, and other spaces while maximizing the efficiency of existing resources.
Her venture truly took off when she crafted a dining table from Narra wood. The piece garnered significant attention from family and friends, serving as a stepping stone for her woodwork business.
However, the transition from passion to business came with challenges. The repetitive nature of acquiring materials, designing, and delivering gradually drained the joy from her work, making it feel robotic and uninspiring. Recognizing the need for change, Kate realized that preserving her love for woodworking required a shift in perspective.
As she became more involved in her family’s business, she found that keeping woodworking as a passion rather than her primary profession allowed her to continue creating pieces she truly loved. This realization helped her rekindle her enthusiasm and keep the flame of her creativity alive.
“The more I got involved [in the family business], the more I realized that keeping woodworking as a passion rather than my main job allows me to keep loving it.”
Building a Foundation
Today, people are no longer confined to a single industry. Many embrace exploration and pursue ventures beyond their degrees, breaking free from traditional career paths to find fulfillment and purpose in multiple passions.
“If you’re curious about something, go for it. It’s never too late to try something new in your industry or add another skill to your portfolio. If you have the liberty to explore, don’t box yourself in.”
The prospect of stepping into the unknown may be daunting, but taking small steps of courage can empower individuals to overcome limitations and move toward personal fulfillment.
“I don’t vouch for fearlessness because I know it’s impossible, but I believe in taking small bolts of courage. We’re all just a bunch of scared people. Getting out of our comfort zone is about being mindful of what we’re capable of and learning from our experiences.”
“[My advice?] Take a leap of faith and see where it leads you.”
———
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.