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What I’ve been up to 🌱
Since my last newsletter was released 9 days ago (sorry for being late), I’ve been on 7 different flights across Asia with the most recent stop in Singapore. What a tremendous opportunity it’s been to see a whole other side of the world. I’ve toured Singapore, a few cities in the Philippines, and a few places in Bali - all with an emphasis to meet and learn from the locals. It’s been so amazing.
In the Philippines, I was able to visit a few different businesses in manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, and hospitality. I’ve understood the employees’ attitudes in the Philippines, successful incentivization structures, and their usage of data and tech. This was very surprising - there’s an astonishing lack of data science and even more so AI adoption throughout the Philippines. I was able to spend a lot of quality time with my family who I haven’t seen in over 6 years - such a blessing to be back with them :)
In Bali, I’ve just fully unplugged and enjoyed what nature had to offer. We stayed in a beautiful resort in Uluwatu and spent tons of time in the water and playing table tennis. I’ve had many firsts throughout this trip: my first time on the back of a motorbike, my first time surfing, my first time driving an ATV, my first real mountain hike, my first time on an open-air Jeep, and my first time white-water rafting. Such beautiful landscapes and incredible people throughout Bali.
The whole premise of this Asia trip was to witness the beautiful union of two of the most inspirational people in my life, Helen and Victor, for their destination wedding in Bali. This was absolutely gorgeous. They’ve really redefined what love means to me - taking on the most challenging but rewarding responsibility of being co-founders and life partners simultaneously. My heart is so full for them 💚
What I’ve been thinking/learning about 💭
Just yesterday (July 31st), Ron and I woke up at 2am to catch this beautiful sunrise on the top of Mount Batur in Bali. Photos don’t do the live view justice at all, and it’s hard to convey the emotions atop this once-active volcano overlooking the beautiful Bali landscape. It’s moments like this where I just get very humbled by the pure majesty of nature.
This last week being de-teched was really eye-opening. I’m sure my typing speed has decreased by 10%, but I’m feeling much more recharged and aligned on internal priorities that were previously a jumble in my head. Calls into the necessity of days away from playing “catch up” on emails, messages, and social media and just purely detaching from our devices. But now, I’m excited to get back to it.
Lmk if you are (or know someone who is) working on or thinking about the above!
Personal asks 🙏
Go outside and experience some nature this month. The world is truly so beautiful :)
What’s next for me ⚡️
I have one more week in Asia (Hong Kong, Japan) before heading back to Toronto - very excited to be seeing these two cities before coming back home.
Back to work - preparing to do some user interviews for the first AI-based poker coach we’re developing 👀
Thanks for reading this month’s update. Would love to hear how I can help you this month (maybe I can make some intros, work through some thoughts with you, or otherwise). See you next month 👋
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The best memories 🫶🏻 So many firsts and beautiful, amazing experiences on this trip! 😍💙