🛋️ “Sital, come to Singapore and work at Microsoft — very flexible, you can work on sofas. I know you love that!”
That was Anna McMahon nee Fourie back in 2011, when I was still in London.
Anna and I have worked together for 20+ years across 4 companies in 3 countries — referring each other, hiring each other, and staying in touch throughout.
As Anna knows – I’ve always had a thing for cool sofas. A weird obsession some would say! I take photos of them. Meet clients on them. Interview on them. Think better when I’m on one. It’s part comfort, part mindset.
🛥️ Anna has her quirks too — she loves sailing so much – she lived on a yacht for nearly 20 years with her family in Australia and Singapore whilst in a corporate job. Sometimes hosting team offsites and one-on-ones from her boat. People would smile and asked: “Still living on a boat Anna?”
Here are 3 reflections that apply in today’s market and workplace:
✅ Relationships future-proof your career
In uncertain markets, with ongoing restructuring and quiet layoffs, it’s your ex-colleagues, ex-clients, and college alumni friends who often open doors. Even internally, mentors and sponsors shape careers. Don’t leave those relationships to chance — invest in them.
✅ Your quirks make you memorable
That “weird thing” you think is odd? It might be the one thing people remember you for. That helps differentiate you in a small way. In a world of sameness and a plethora of tech tools — your authentic quirks, your story, your humanity — that’s often your edge. Even the small stuff. So don’t be scared of sharing your weirdness.
✅ Know what energises you (especially in uncertain times)
When the world feels noisy or uncertain, you need spaces that help you reset.
For me, it’s a sofa — where I reflect, read, or just think through problems.
For Anna, it’s sailing. The moment she’s on water, you can see the shift.
Whether it’s a cafe, a walk, the gym — find your space that keeps you grounded.
✈️ After Anna’s pitch in 2011, I moved to Singapore and joined Microsoft in 2012. I’m still here — still finding the best sofas in the region to add to my collection. 😊
🎙️ Speaking of sofas…
We recorded Episode 1 of my new podcast Talent X Tech on some very cool sofas with Borko Kovacevic and the brilliant team at Poddster Singapore. My first guest – Annella Heytens, IHRP-MP, CCP, GRP, VP & Head of HR for Microsoft Asia Pacific, sharing practical advice on how to future-proof your career in an AI-enabled world.
📅 Episode drops Wednesday, April 16. Stay tuned.
❓What’s your version of the sofa… or the yacht?
❓Who from your past could you reconnect with this week?
