March 18, 2025. Another ordinary Tuesday, yet a perfect moment for an extraordinary reflection. Today’s theme is Invisible—not as something to be feared, but as a source of strength.
A Story of Transformation
Years ago, I found comfort behind the lens of a camera. Photography wasn’t just a hobby—it was a labor-intensive pursuit. It took countless hours of travel, waking up at odd hours, capturing thousands of shots, and sometimes even destroying cameras—all for that one perfect shot. But the effort wasn’t just about photography; it was about becoming someone I never thought I could be.
I was not just shy—I was insecure, a self-proclaimed failure who lacked confidence. Social interactions made me uneasy, and I constantly felt overshadowed by those around me. But the moment I held a camera, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose. Like a child carrying a comfort blanket, my camera gave me the confidence to stand in rooms I once feared. It was my ticket to presence without pressure.
Photography allowed me to learn from the best, simply by being present. Leaders, dignitaries, and influential figures who seemed unreachable suddenly became accessible. Why? Because as a photographer, I was invisible yet valuable. No one questioned my presence, yet my work spoke volumes.
To gain access to spaces I never thought possible, I started volunteering as a photographer at events—for free. I wasn’t there for the money; I was there to learn. This one strategy alone allowed me to build relationships with people I admired, people who otherwise would have been out of reach. And over time, as I captured images, I also captured confidence. I no longer needed the camera as a crutch; I had become secure in who I was.
Urgency in Growth
But what if I had never picked up that camera? What if I had let fear of rejection, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs hold me back? The truth is, opportunities are all around us, yet most of us hesitate to grab them.
The problem isn’t a lack of access—it’s a lack of action. Many of us wait for permission to step into spaces we admire, not realizing that we can create our own access points. For me, it was a camera. For others, it could be a different skill, role, or mindset shift. The key is finding a way to be present and valuable, without fear of rejection.
The Invisible Advantage
I’ve seen this lesson repeat itself in various roles—whether as a photographer, an Uber driver, or even a food delivery worker during the pandemic. Each role allowed me to engage with people I otherwise would have never met. When I was jobless before launching Stellar Preschool, I chose to drive Uber, strategically picking up passengers who worked in Singapore to learn from their experiences. Even during the MCO lockdown, being a food delivery rider granted me access to places that were otherwise restricted.
Why? Because people don’t see a threat in those who serve. And therein lies the secret:
- The cleaner in the prime minister’s office hears conversations that others can’t.
- The barista serving coffee to a CEO has a daily touchpoint most people don’t.
- The photographer in the boardroom captures moments that even executives miss.
By embracing the role of an observer, you gain access to knowledge, insights, and relationships that others overlook.
Your First Step
The world rewards those who position themselves where value is created. The challenge is recognizing that you don’t need a title, authority, or permission to start.
So here’s my challenge to you: Find your way in.
- Identify a space you want to be in—a network, an industry, a group of people you want to learn from.
- Figure out how to add value—volunteer, offer a skill, serve in a capacity that makes you an asset, not a threat.
- Be consistent—opportunities open over time, but only to those who keep showing up.
Stop waiting to be invited into rooms. Find a way to walk in and make yourself indispensable.
Leadership Begins with You
People often ask, Who do you work for? Are you the second generation of a family business? Some even assume I’m not the leader because I look too young. Earlier in my career, I faced judgment as the youngest lecturer at my college, but I learned that age didn’t matter—results did.
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about visibility—it’s about impact. The question isn’t whether people see you. The real question is: When they do, will they remember the value you brought?
Embrace being ‘invisible’—not as a weakness, but as an unstoppable strategy for growth and access. The doors are there. Now go open them.
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