Thank you Caleb Low for giving such an insightful session to our audience.
A "nice guy" who couldn't sell, so I built a Brand instead | >$1.5m Organic Revenue with <5k Followers | Ripple Effect Branding | Part-time Diplomatic Spouse
My first Keynote in 2025 was pro-Bono… There were a few firsts: 1️⃣ First time giving a keynote to University Students 2️⃣ …to Engineering students (I’m an Arts person) 3️⃣ …from Pakistan 🇵🇰! And it was on the topic: “Turn your Weakness into Success - How I made my first USD1m by being Vulnerable” My clients today know I don’t work for free. But here’s why I was more than happy to do this pro-bono… When I graduated from University, it was during the 2008 financial crisis. I didn’t know how to market myself, and I had a deep inferiority complex. I was jobless for 2 whole years, jumping from internship to internship. In that 2 years, I actually found a full time job at the most prestigious University in Singapore. I passed the 2 rounds of interview with flying colors. Both the manager and the Deputy Director loved me. They informed me I’d start Monday, where I’d also sign the full time contract with the Deputy Director. Monday came. The Deputy Director had an overseas trip. So I was to sign the contract with the Director instead. I entered his office. He took a look at my resume…he wasn’t impressed and made it clear. He said, “Caleb, you’re not good enough. We’ll put you on a contract-basis first where you’d be paid hourly. We’ll review after 3 months” I had no power. I accepted his proposal. I didn’t last the 3 months. ————- The things I wished back then was how to love myself, see my value, and stand up for myself in a competitive job market. I did none of those. I saw my weaknesses, and lived in weakness. And in many ways, I wished there were accessible avenues where I could develop my mindset and skill sets to thrive in the job market. Doing keynotes such as these will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s not always about the prestige, nor about the money. But it’s about giving that bit of hope and guidance for the little “calebs” out there. And if this Caleb could rise from those ashes, I believe everyone has a damn fighting chance too! Thanks Zainab Eman and Career Connect Society for choosing a simple boy from the small island of Singapore to share with your student community. I had a blessed time, and hope to work closely again in the future