9 years ago today I landed for the first time in Mauritius.
Here are 9 things I’ve learnt, in random order (except the last one, which is the most important one):
1. Moving countries is a scary thing. Not taking risks, though, is scarier. If you have the opportunity to live outside your home country, you should. It’s an eye opening experience that will change your perspective in so many ways.
2. A few months after I moved, I celebrated my 30th birthday. It was a horrible one because the people I worked with (my managers, essentially) were not – to say it very gently – good people. No one should make you feel like that, and if they do – they don’t deserve you.
3. Uncertain about the future, I decided to leave that company. My partner (hi Sophie) encouraged me to start a business for myself. Although building a business is no picnic in the park, I don’t regret it for a second. Sometimes all you need is just one person who believes in you.
4. Regarding that picnic, the first 2 years in a business are the most challenging ones, if you navigate through that, you’re on the right track.
5. I observed that successful people come in all shapes and sizes, there’s one common thing though that they all have – they’re hard workers. Everyone wants to be successful, famous and rich, but most of us are not willing to make sacrifices. Be the person who’s willing to do what it takes.
6. This island is so special in its diversity (in spite of it being very small) and the way the different cultures are being celebrated by everyone. I believe, and research backs me up, that the same principle applies for businesses – diversity is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for business.
7. I have experience in sales and that has helped me tremendously in building our business. I know a lot of us don’t like sales, but when you start out, you must fundamentally understand – you need to be the best salesperson of your product/service.
8. Unknown turns, jumps and obstacles are part of the way, we’ve all heard it loud and clear in the last 2 years. Sticking to your values, being quick to react and remembering the bigger picture will get you through.
9. Super super super nice, warm and kind people. This is the first thing I say about Mauritians when people ask me what it’s like. Whether in everyday life, in business or in friendship, Mauritians are the ones who make me feel like I’m home and I’m forever grateful for that. Surround yourselves with this kind of people wherever you go. And yes, integrating into the local community is the best thing you can do for yourself when arriving at a new place.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mauritius and Mauritians, for the last 9 years ❤️
And indeed – that was an acrostic 😉