Saying "YES"

I remember being fresh out of university, admiring those around me that had their own businesses. Watching them grow their businesses, create exciting opportunities for others, and serve customers, inspired me immensely. I asked someone that I respected greatly, "How did you get here and do this in this field?". He told me, "Go out there and get experience, absorb as much knowledge as you can!", and from then on, I tried to follow his advice.

I didn't wait for the perfect opportunity, assignment, location, or create a list of demands; if my leader, or company, came directly to me with an assignment, I took it.

I told myself that I'd say "yes" to every opportunity for the first 10 years of my career and, if I could relive it over again, I would do it all again! I was laser focused on gaining valuable experience and it came with an impatience with jobs or situations that lacked challenge. Now I benefit every day from the life experience and wonderful memories I have from going to Brazil, Norway, USA, spending several years rotating out of Central QLD Australia, and Louisiana.

I took many career risks and was frequently outside of my comfort zone. I even joined a company through someone I met on a plane because of the potential opportunity - the opportunity to be the first Australian employee at that company and build something from the ground up. I left my stable job at a major operating company for a complete unknown, but it turned out to be very fruitful and indirectly led me to the USA.

Upon being offered the USA or Brazil opportunities; if I stopped and thought too long about a list of demands, they might have vaporized. It's likely it would have become too difficult, especially when considering the visa processes. If either of those opportunities slipped, I wouldn't be sitting here typing this article from Houston, Texas with the wealth of experience and rewarding career that I've had so far.

What I've learned; the right experience and attitude will ensure that you're never out of a job for long, if at all, unless you want to be. There's also always the risk that you will be taken advantage of, which is great experience for the future.

I am writing this now because I wouldn't have had the grit or the stomach for what I'm embarking on today without taking on so many amazing and challenging opportunities in my career thus far. I'm excited to build my business, Modus Operations, like I saw those back in my early days that inspired me so much. I aim to inspire others just the same as they did I.

I'm so incredibly thankful for the people I've met, built lasting relationships with, and had the chance to learn from. It's awesome to look back upon while I'm embarking on my next journey.

Thank you! Watch this space!