As a professional from Korea, I never imagined that my career would take me across borders, from Korea to Singapore and eventually the United States. The experiences I’ve had along the way have not only shaped my professional life but also helped me grow as an individual. In this post, I’ll share my journey and the valuable lessons I’ve learned, with the hope that it may inspire you to aim high, be kind, and always strive to do your best.
Growing Up in Korea: Curiosity Beyond Borders
From a young age, I was fascinated by cultures and lifestyles beyond Korea. I was curious about different languages and ways of thinking, but as a non-English speaker, I thought my chances of exploring the world were limited. However, with determination and the desire to grow, I began learning English and gradually built the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams.
Beginning My Career at IBM
My professional journey began at IBM Korea, where I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, focusing on emerging technologies like AI, Hybrid Cloud, IoT, and text analytics. Over time, my expertise grew, and I was entrusted with leading a technical team in these areas. Eventually, I was honored with the title of IBM Distinguished Engineer and received the prestigious Best of IBM award in both 2013 and 2019.
Being selected for IBM’s fast-track leadership program for high-potential talent was a pivotal moment in my career. It allowed me to collaborate closely with senior leaders, including the Country General Manager in Korea, and support executives in the Asia-Pacific region. This experience broadened my perspective on leadership and global collaboration.
Expanding My Horizons: Global Experience
One of the most enriching aspects of my career has been the chance to work across regions and with diverse global teams. Based in Singapore, I led teams throughout the APAC and Japan regions. Later, I transitioned to the U.S. to lead the Worldwide Architecture Guild within IBM Consulting Hybrid Cloud & Services Solutioning.
In addition to managing teams, I spearheaded several impactful projects on emerging technology areas. I was an early advocate for location-awareness services and IoT solutions, and I pushed for the adoption of advanced technologies like AI (Watson), Cloud-native architectures, Kubernetes (k8s), and RedHat OpenShift.
Certifications and Recognition
Over the course of my career, I’ve made it a priority to stay at the forefront of industry advancements through continuous learning. I hold certifications in key areas, including Red Hat OpenShift Administration (EX280) and Application Development (EX288), Microsoft Azure Solutions Architecture (AZ-303 and AZ-304), and IBM Certified Solution Architect – Cloud v4. These certifications have been crucial in shaping my understanding of modern cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
I am also grateful to have been recognized for my work, receiving awards such as the Best of IBM in 2013 and 2019. These accolades remind me of the importance of dedication and constant improvement.
Key Lessons Along the Way
Throughout my journey, there have been several lessons that have significantly shaped both my personal and professional life:
Embrace Change and Take Calculated Risks: Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone. Embracing uncertainty and taking well-considered risks has opened doors to opportunities I never thought possible.
Be Open-Minded and Proactive: A global career requires adaptability. Instead of retreating in the face of new challenges, I’ve learned that approaching each situation with curiosity and a proactive mindset fosters success.
Kindness and Compassion Are Essential: When working in a new country or with new teams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, practicing kindness and compassion helps build strong relationships and a supportive community—qualities that are key to thriving in any environment.
Aim High, Be Kind, and Do Your Best
As I reflect on my career, the message I want to share is simple: aim high, be kind, and always do your best. Each interaction is an opportunity to grow and learn, both for yourself and those around you. It’s natural to make mistakes along the way, but the important part is how we respond and grow from them.
My journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and continual growth. While the road ahead will undoubtedly bring new challenges, I know that with determination, an open heart, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. I hope my story encourages you to pursue your goals with passion and courage.
