Vince Chan

Map out the possible risks. Anticipate the bumps. I study finance, so I tend to look at everything through that lens. In finance, we calculate risks, reprice them, we build models to manage them. But in life, most risks cannot be measured on a spreadsheet. So yeah, sometimes you have to take a step forward even when you are unsure. And if one path doesn't work out, it's not the end.

Map out the possible risks. Anticipate the bumps. I study finance, so I tend to look at everything through that lens. In finance, we calculate risks, reprice them, we build models to manage them. But in life, most risks cannot be measured on a spreadsheet. So yeah, sometimes you have to take a step forward even when you are unsure. And if one path doesn't work out, it's not the end.

You still got options. Hitting a wall doesn't mean full stop. That's one of the biggest takeaways I've gotten from our conversation today.

You still got options. Hitting a wall doesn't mean full stop. That's one of the biggest takeaways I've gotten from our conversation today.

I really like the swimming pool analogy because I enjoy swimming myself. I get it. Sometimes you just need to pause, catch your breath. You're tired and you need a break. But after the rest, you get your energy back. You keep moving. You keep breathing. Even when your head underwater, there's a rhythm to it.

I really like the swimming pool analogy because I enjoy swimming myself. I get it. Sometimes you just need to pause, catch your breath. You're tired and you need a break. But after the rest, you get your energy back. You keep moving. You keep breathing. Even when your head underwater, there's a rhythm to it.

We've overran a bit, but I have one or two more quick questions because they tie right into this idea of transformation. You mentioned earlier something that stuck with me, which is don't get stuck in the past or the present. Could you say more about what you mean by that?

We've overran a bit, but I have one or two more quick questions because they tie right into this idea of transformation. You mentioned earlier something that stuck with me, which is don't get stuck in the past or the present. Could you say more about what you mean by that?

I really like the circle metaphor. I think that captures the main idea of your book as well. So this is really my last question for our interview. Your book is called Unstuck, a smart guide to a purposeful career. What are some of the unsmart things people tend to do when they feel stuck

I really like the circle metaphor. I think that captures the main idea of your book as well. So this is really my last question for our interview. Your book is called Unstuck, a smart guide to a purposeful career. What are some of the unsmart things people tend to do when they feel stuck

One last thing I want to say about humility and support. Whether it's a coach, a group of like-minded people, or even just one person who gets it, it matters so much. Actually, you probably don't know this. None of my guests do. Each of you is part of my support system. Every time I talk to a guest from somewhere in the world, it reminds me that I'm doing the right thing with the podcast.

One last thing I want to say about humility and support. Whether it's a coach, a group of like-minded people, or even just one person who gets it, it matters so much. Actually, you probably don't know this. None of my guests do. Each of you is part of my support system. Every time I talk to a guest from somewhere in the world, it reminds me that I'm doing the right thing with the podcast.

There are moments, many moments, when I doubt myself. Of course, we all do. But these conversations with real people who care about change, they ground me. They remind me this is real, this work matters. So yes, support systems are vital.

There are moments, many moments, when I doubt myself. Of course, we all do. But these conversations with real people who care about change, they ground me. They remind me this is real, this work matters. So yes, support systems are vital.

That might mean hiring a coach, just like hiring a trainer when you go to the gym, or leaning on your family or siblings or friends, assuming they're all trustworthy and available, or simply having conversations with people who share your vision and feelings. That's how we stay afloat. That's how we keep going when things get messy or uncertain. And like you said, failure isn't part of the manual.

That might mean hiring a coach, just like hiring a trainer when you go to the gym, or leaning on your family or siblings or friends, assuming they're all trustworthy and available, or simply having conversations with people who share your vision and feelings. That's how we stay afloat. That's how we keep going when things get messy or uncertain. And like you said, failure isn't part of the manual.

Because if we keep moving, learning, adapting, we don't fail. We figure it out. That to me is the key.

Because if we keep moving, learning, adapting, we don't fail. We figure it out. That to me is the key.

No, I'm serious. Every single one of you, I mean it. Each week, I get emails from different people saying, Hey, I'd love to be on your show. Hey, I'd love to be on your show. And I talk to every one of them. For me, even if it turns out they are not the right fit for the podcast, I still make a new connection. And most of the time, they've already checked out my work before reaching out.

No, I'm serious. Every single one of you, I mean it. Each week, I get emails from different people saying, Hey, I'd love to be on your show. Hey, I'd love to be on your show. And I talk to every one of them. For me, even if it turns out they are not the right fit for the podcast, I still make a new connection. And most of the time, they've already checked out my work before reaching out.