The melody of the song above, plays softly in the background, a bittersweet reminder of the journey so far. There was a time when "sorry" was my default setting. As a CEO of a tech startup, the demands were relentless. Building a company felt like a constant sprint, every ounce of energy directed towards customers and our incredible team. Family events, cherished friendships, even the simple joy of a sunset surf – they all seemed to fade into the background.
Guilt was my constant companion. Guilt for missing birthdays, for missed calls, for the ever-growing pile of unanswered messages. I remember those Stockholm winters, the deep darkness mirroring the emptiness inside. Success, I realised, wasn't bringing me joy. It was leaving me numb, hyper-focused on "being good" for everyone else.
Looking back at the draft of this post I wrote in 2022, a profound shift has occurred. "Sorry" has been replaced with "Let's plan." I've learned to weave my work life around the people I cherish. Conferences become opportunities to see family, business trips are strategically routed to visit friends. My home is a sanctuary, always open to those who matter most.
My parents often remind me that this journey, this moment, was beyond my wildest dreams. And they're right. But I've also realised that success isn't just about building a career or company; it's about building a life. A life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.
It's a constant balancing act, a daily reminder that priorities shift. But now, I choose. I choose to prioritise the relationships that nourish my core. I choose to respond with intention, to savour the moments that truly matter. I choose love – for my family, for my friends, and for the legacy of SciFree.
NB: Original text modified with Gemini AI on 11th Jan 2025, with the prompt->" Can you help me rewrite this post so it is more engaging, honest and humble?" and then corrected by the author.
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