We recently posted about the incredible power of storytelling and it has inspired me to share my own story with all of you.

Growing up in Kingston, my parents, like many immigrants, arrived in Canada with limited education and resources. They started a small Chinese restaurant in a part of town that wanted burgers and pizza more than our authentic dishes. As a child I grew up in the restaurant and witnessed their sacrifices, which sparked something within me: ambition stemming from the fear of living the same hardships they endured.

I took up several part-time retail and serving jobs as early as I possibly could. It is through those experiences I realized I had a deep fascination with people and their stories. Even as a young child in our restaurant, I was captivated by people. I watched them with awe and learned to adapt by emulating the qualities I admired in them. This wasn’t just a casual interest; it was something that truly sparked my curiosity, especially as I met more people and learned their stories. There’s something magical about the connection we create when we truly get to know others on a personal level. It was this passion for understanding people and their unique journeys that eventually shaped the path I would follow.

While I initially believed this destined me to be a matchmaker, I pursued accounting as a more practical career choice. But fate had other plans. My first job post-university was at PricewaterhouseCoopers but given I was an off-cycle hire, they started me on the recruitment team. It is there that I stumbled on something much more interesting.

Engaging with candidates and exploring their experiences opened my eyes to the fulfilling nature of this work. It was a true blessing, as I soon realized my talents were better suited for connecting with people. What is also obvious in hindsight was that I would have made a terrible accountant!

Here’s a surprising revelation—I am what some might call a “born introvert.” But I’ve embraced discomfort and taught myself how to be an extrovert. Stepping outside my comfort zone, connecting with new individuals, and fostering genuine connections brought me genuine joy.

This passion and purpose led me to establish LSP Recruit—a place where we believe in the power of storytelling and getting to know our candidates on a deeper level going beyond their CV. Together, our team strives to uncover the untold narratives behind every candidate we encounter. By understanding both our clients and candidates deeply, we can convey their stories effectively and provide valuable insights to both parties alike to ensure there’s a great fit. I suppose I still achieved my dream to be a matchmaker but in a different way.

I encourage you to also consider your own life and how various moments or experiences may have shaped who you are today.