Charlotte's Advice to Her Younger Self
If you could write to your younger self, what would you say?
For Ms Charlotte Lian, Deputy Group CEO of CPG Corporation, the lessons that matter most were not taught in classrooms or meetings but shaped slowly through experience. In this piece, she shares what she would tell her younger self, not as a list of achievements to chase, but as values to hold on to.
The Power of Staying Curious
I used to think that knowing more simply meant having fewer doubts, but over time I learnt that curiosity is what keeps you open to growth and discovery. It drives me to explore, seek the unknown, and experience new things. I still remember once I took a piece of information at face value, only to realise later how important it is to question what you hear. The oversight was not serious, but it was a reminder of how easily details can slip by when you stop paying attention and how much there is to learn when you stay curious. Real growth comes when one keeps asking, keep exploring and carry the lessons you find along the way.
Lead with an Attentive Mind
There will always be people out there who know more, and I now see that as an opportunity. Early on, I often felt the pressure to prove myself and keep up, but I have come to appreciate the value of simply listening. When I ask thoughtful questions and genuinely give others the space to share, it often leads to perspectives I never considered. Some of the most meaningful connections I made did not happen because of what I said, but from understanding someone else’s point of view. I value the importance of keeping an open mind and listening with intention to the diverse perspectives and ideas that others bring.
Stand Firm in Your Values
When rushing to get things done or making tough decisions, there will be times when it seems easier to just compromise. However, it is in those quiet moments, away from the eyes of others, that your values matter most. Integrity is how you see yourself. The quiet choices you make when nobody is watching is what build the inner strength and the foundation that will support you long after praise or recognition fade away.
Slow Down to Move Forward
I used to see slowing down as falling behind, but now I understand that pausing is what gives me my footing. Rest is not idleness; it enhances clarity and opens one’s mind to fresh perspectives. Life can easily become a race of endless doing, but stepping back often provides just the insight I need to move forward with intention.
During those pauses, I also learnt to welcome change rather than resist it. Change often shows up uninvited and unsettle the comfort of the familiar, but the discomfort rarely lasts as long as the growth that follows. New doors start to open, often in ways I could never have imagined.