by Yong Soo Heong
Have you ever experienced a moment of revelation, an “Aha! Moment”, when someone imparts a piece of wisdom that profoundly shifts your perspective and propels you forward in life?
Enter the world of Jimmy Ong, a renowned motivational speaker hailing from Singapore, now residing in Malaysia. He prefers to be known as a transformation coach or resilience trainer, but to many, he is akin to a wise and caring family member – an uncle, an elder brother, or even a father figure – generously sharing nuggets of wisdom to help others navigate life’s challenges.
Jimmy’s journey is far from ordinary. He has weathered life’s fiercest storms – unemployment, divorce, bankruptcy, and the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Jimmy refused to be defeated. He chose to rebuild his life, learn from his past, and is now dedicated to guiding others to avoid the pitfalls he encountered and emulate his successful strategies.
His remarkable resilience did not go unnoticed. In 2014, he was invited by the former President of Singapore, Tony Tan, to a tea reception at the Istana. And Mrs Tony Tan told Jimmy: “Your work is still not over.” And how right was she then.
The following year, Jimmy was honoured as one of the “Everyday Singaporean Heroes” in the SG50 Celebration Campaign. His face even graces the livery of a JetStar aircraft, a testament to his widespread recognition.
Jimmy’s coaching is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, providing unique strategies to transform adversity into opportunity. One such poignant tale is of his 11-year-old son, Sean, who tragically succumbed to brain cancer.
Before his untimely death, Sean left a handwritten note for his father, a beacon of hope that continues to inspire. He asked his father to promise three things: to care for his grandparents, to secure a home of his own, and to quit smoking.
This heartfelt note not only served as a lifeline for Jimmy in his darkest hours but also sparked his journey of transformation. That piece of note also prevented Jimmy from taking his own life by jumping from the balcony of his apartment during his moments of despair after Sean’s untimely death as Jimmy often wondered how a boy of 11 was able to pen such a knowing and reflective note.
As Jimmy rebuilt his life, he made a conscious decision to share his invaluable experiences, aiming to leave as many “white marks” as possible, in contrast to the “black marks” of his past.
A cornerstone of Jimmy’s philosophy is self-awareness. He believes that understanding oneself is the first step towards self-improvement. By recognising our true colours, we can embrace and cultivate positive qualities that we may have previously lacked.
Now an eternal optimist, Jimmy asserts that while life will inevitably present obstacles, mistakes, and doubters, the key to success lies in hard work and the right tools to build a strong, positive personal brand. Such a brand, he assures, will attract opportunities like a magnet.
Jimmy underscores the importance of interpersonal skills, citing a Stanford Research Institute finding: “The money you make in any endeavour is determined 12.5 percent by knowledge and 87.5 percent by your ability to deal with people.”
Embrace the opportunity to learn from a man who has walked the path and emerged stronger, ready to guide others towards a brighter future.
Ready to embark on a personal journey of transformation or reshape your company’s work culture? Reach out to Jimmy Ong at jomc.co or jimmy@jomy.co. or 0165830700
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