Why Business has to start with "WHY"

Have you ever succeeded in your own business? 

Yes? No need to read my story today.

No? Let's explore the reason why you haven't succeed yet.

 

My dad tried so many businesses, and his biggest failure happened just as I was born. So, I was always curious about what business is and why some people achieve tremendous success - except for my dad.

I started to learn how to create a business idea, craft a business proposition, secure VC investments, etc., since I was a freshman in college. It's been almost 10 years since I began my business journey.

I met someone with whom I could discuss business from the moment we met. He isn't an entrepreneur, but he knows how to leverage his strenghts to the fullest. He recommended the book "Start with WHY" by Simon Sinek, and I realized someone out there whose way of thinking resonated with my life.

One of the successful businessmen mentioned in this book is Steve Jobs, and it describes a lot of the "WHY" behind Apple.

From that, I discovered why my dad hasn't been successful, which led me to become his business consultant.

By understanding why I want to be a CEO in every industry globally, this knowledge helps everyone succeed in their business, including me.

 

 

Ask your self "WHY you want to do it?"

I want to be a CEO.

Why? I love business because it makes me feel alive. When I feel I am productive and creative, or when I have those 'A-ha moments' after struggling, this feeling always encourages me. After all, we need to work to live. But why can't people enjoy their work? If you find what you can do with passion, then every day will make you happier and happier. If you are happy at work, you are happy at home. Bringing happiness home creates more positive energy at work, and society becomes stronger with this positivity.

I love these moments and want to bring this joy to everyone's life. So, I want to start with my work first and spread it to everyone around me. They will, in turn, bring positivity back to me the next day. This cycle will make every day happier for me, my society, my country, and the world. This is why I want to be a CEO. I don't mind which industry I'll be in; I can be everywhere. (Maybe the priority is in which area I can be higher and stronger.)

 

 

Once you find your own WHY, figure out the "HOW".

HOW is about the values and principles you apply when you realize yoru beliefs.

I planned my whole career journey with my dream of "Becoming a CEO", but for a long time, I wondered what kind of CEO I wanted to be. Last year, while struggling to survive, I read books and wrote down many thoughts every day at 6 am. Through this, I discovered that I want to be a professional manager who runs large companies globally. Some people own their businesses and take on that challenge, but I want to be everywhere, in every industry, not confined to specific areas forever.

 

The track I am planning is below:

1. Learn and grow in a big company

See and grow as much as I can with the biggiest companies and global professionals. In Korean, we have an idiom that says, "If you want to be a big fish, swim in big water (like the Pacific Ocean, not a river)." If I want to manage a big global business, I should learn ho it works.

 

2. Create my own portfolio with personal branding

Branding is key in whatever business you do. Additionally, just working at the company doesn't make you grow. Be proactive where you want to go and how you want to be seen. It starts today, not someday.

3. Meet the people you aspire to be like and find your potential clients

The five people around you define who you are. Think about who you want around you in the life of a CEO.

Potential clients will also be your core asset for partnerships. These relationship doesn't create themselves. Start now and build themn for the future when you become a CEO.

 

Then you can move on to the "WHAT".

Words and actions reflect your beliefs.

• WHY = Belief
• HOW = Making your belief a reality
• WHAT = The result of actions. Your words and actions.

 

I journal almost every day to keep myself aligned with what I want to be.

My words in writing are always:

1. Speak like a CEO

Speak concisely, slowly, warmly and kindly.

Speak elegantly with charisma.

2. Write like a CEO

Make your handwriting look like a CEO's - Strong yet relaxed.

Be patient at all times.

3. Think like a CEO

Know where you are and where you need to go.

Bring insights to business with wisdom.

Wisdom is the most important strategy I should have.

 

Actions I take:

1. Blogs in English and Korean

Recording everything I do is an asset. English is for global business, Korean is for pride.

I plan to incorporate more languages into my life, such as Chinese, German and Spanish.

2. Try side projects

Every project is a story. The journey is not just a goal; it is the path all the way to the goal.

Besides company work, my daily life includes side projects, like consulting and marketing for an Aesthetic Spa Brand, being a community leader (for a healthy life balance), and advising new business and career starters.

3. Enhance my skill set

I am going to start a Master of Business Strategy at Seoul National University, specializing in Global Business and Global Business strategy, in 2025.

I plan to attend Wharton Business School for an MBA in 2028. 

I also aim to publish three books about my consulting journey, bradning methodology, and autobiography.

 

If you have ever thought starting your own business or achieving a successful life, start with why.

It will guide you on what to do.

I am clear about what I need to do. The journey has already begun.