Over the years, many people have reached out to me for career advice, mentorship, or guidance. I see every message that comes through LinkedIn, and I’m always grateful that someone would think of me as a person they can turn to. It means more than people realize. But with that gratitude also comes a responsibility to be honest about what I can and cannot offer.
This blog is my attempt to share the truth behind my journey, the realities of consulting, and the boundaries I’ve had to set to be fair to everyone.
Why I Became a Consultant?
My decision to become a consultant was not driven by glamour or the idea of being my own boss. It came from a desire to solve real problems. I saw food businesses struggling with compliance, documentation, audits, and the pressure to meet regulatory expectations without the right support. I knew I could help.
Consulting allowed me to build systems that were practical, not theoretical. It allowed me to work closely with teams, understand their challenges, and create solutions that made their work easier and safer. It also allowed me to teach, guide, and empower people in a way that felt meaningful.
At its core, consulting became a way for me to serve; not to stand above others, but to stand beside them.
What People Think Consulting Is vs. What It Actually Looks Like?
There is often a gap between the perception of consulting and the reality of it. Many imagine consultants as people who simply give advice and move on. In reality, most of the work happens behind the scenes.
People often assume consultants:
- tell others what to do
- have all the answers
- enjoy a flexible, glamorous lifestyle
- simply provide opinions
What actually happens is far more complex. As consultant, I spend most of my time developing business, listening, diagnosing problems, building systems, writing documents, training teams, and navigating regulations. It is not a job built on certainty; it is a job built on curiosity, problem‑solving, and continuous learning.
My Biggest Career Advice
If I could offer a few pieces of guidance to anyone navigating their career, they would be these:
Know where you want to be, even if the path is unclear.
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need direction.
Be content where you are while working toward where you want to go.
Ambition and gratitude can coexist.
Understand that sometimes the universe delays you for a reason.
A delay is not a failure. Sometimes it is protection. Sometimes it is preparation.
Avoid comparing your timeline to anyone else’s.
Your journey is your own, and it deserves to be respected.
Do I See Your Coaching Requests on LinkedIn?
Yes, I do. I see every message, and I appreciate every person who reaches out. But I also need to be honest: I cannot coach everyone who asks. And choosing a few people while turning others away feels unfair.
This has been one of the hardest parts of my work. I want to help, but I also need to be consistent and realistic about my time and energy.
Why I Can’t Support Everyone Individually?
My primary responsibility is to support our clients. That is my core role, and it requires focus and commitment. I also want to clarify something important: I am not a career development professional. I share what I know based on experience, not formal training in career counselling.
I care deeply about the people who reach out, but I also need to honour my limits and maintain fairness.
Honestly, some people also add me for the sake of getting a job and it would be unfair to help one and not another. Also, I don’t really know the person to recommend them.
How do I Offer Career Support?
UBC LFS Tri‑Mentoring Program
I am grateful for the support my alma-mater UBC. So, I continue to support our UBC student through the LFS Tri‑Mentoring Program. This is my way of giving back and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Paid Career Support (Coming Soon)
Because so many people added me to ask for help, I am planning to open a limited number of paid career support spots. This will allow me to offer structured, fair, and consistent support without compromising my responsibilities.
If you are looking for career support, please sign up through this link. This ensures equal access for everyone, and it will also be where I share upcoming opportunities and updates.
A Final Note for Our Career Pathway
Careers rarely unfold in a straight line. They are shaped by timing, courage, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. Wherever you are in your journey, remember that growth takes time, and you are allowed to move at your own pace.
Even if I cannot support everyone individually, I am always rooting for your success.