My 2024 Self-Evaluation

For the past two decades, I’ve written a self-evaluation as part of the Annual Review Cycle - a practice we followed during my career at HP. It always struck me as a somewhat peculiar exercise; after all, who wouldn’t highlight only their strengths? Yet, we were encouraged to approach it with specificity, balance, and a touch of critique, aiming to uncover areas for growth while recognising achievements.

2024 was definitely a year to remember and one that stands out when I look back on my life. For once since graduating in 1998, I found myself unemployed and having too much time on my hands. I ended up starting a Christian blog, diving into AI trends, and meeting old friends and ex-colleagues. As a family, we also went on a three-week holiday to Italy, bonding over pizza and long drives on the Italian highways.

Midway through the year, I was fortunate to join AI Singapore, where I am now happily employed. While there is a comparable self-assessment process and many familiar HR practices, I’m exempt from completing it now since I wasn’t with them for the entire review period. I’ll have to do it for 2025 - which, if I’m honest, I don’t mind at all. In fact, I’ve come to realise I actually miss the tedious little ritual.

It was a bit of a culture shock when I joined my current company. After spending over two decades at HP, I found myself experiencing the "frog in the well" phenomenon - where you become so used to one way of doing things that everything else feels unfamiliar and overwhelming. Adjusting to a new environment, new processes, and a faster pace was challenging at first, but it’s been a refreshing change and a valuable learning experience.

HP and AI Singapore couldn’t be more different in terms of dynamics. At HP, the teams were vast and spread across multiple countries and cultures, bringing a wealth of perspectives and allowing work to continue around the clock. However, this came with its challenges - juggling time zones and ensuring clear communication often required days of back-and-forth exchanges, even over Zoom.

In contrast, AI Singapore operates on a smaller scale, having close-knit units working in the same physical space. The energy here is palpable - there’s a sense of enthusiasm and youthful zest fueling every aspect of the work. Conversations happen on the spot, decisions are made swiftly, and collaboration feels effortless. On hindsight, this was exactly what I needed to revive my career and reignite my spirit. Being surrounded by dynamic and vibrant colleagues has been a refreshing change, giving me renewed purpose and excitement.

The environment at HP was far more forgiving, with multiple people often covering similar roles across regions. The built-in redundancy (and the associated overhead) allowed for processes to absorb mistakes or delays. At AI Singapore, it’s a different story - you have to be on your toes, as each project is handled by a single PM. Any mistake or oversight is immediately apparent, incurring direct implications on timelines, resources, and overall delivery.

That said, the team I’m part of has been incredibly supportive. They're not only eager to share their knowledge but also friendly, welcoming, and always willing to guide me through unfamiliar processes. In addition, many are open to my suggestions and are keen to tap my MNC experience. It’s become a truly collaborative relationship, where I’m learning as much as I’m contributing - a dynamic that’s both rewarding and inspiring.

Exactly one year ago, I was unemployed, nervously planning our Italian trip while wondering when my next paycheck would arrive. The outlook was far from promising - the job market was tough, and every opportunity seemed to hit a dead end. I tried to make the most of the situation, taking on side projects, spending quality time with my family, and keeping a positive, open-minded attitude towards whatever opportunities might arise. It truly was a paradoxical phase - both the best and the hardest.

Looking back, I’m grateful things worked out. It wasn’t exactly "rough," but it was a moment for rebuilding, self-reflection, and rest. I knew, even when it felt hard to believe, that if I stayed focused, and kept pushing forward, I would reach the light at the end of the tunnel. It was just a matter of time - and I’m thankful it has brought me to where I am today.

As we move into the new year, I am fully committed to continuing my growth - learning as much as I can, becoming more operationally responsive, adaptable, and open to constructive feedback. Though I may be older than many in the team, I recognise that the younger generation brings valuable perspectives and skills. I’m eager to learn from the Gen-Z mindset, and am equally enthusiastic about mentoring. My goal is to foster a collaborative environment where we all contribute to the organisation's success, both professionally and personally, and ensure everyone thrives.

Originally posted on LinkedIn