Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Cyril AWERE, Executive Director @ Trusted Advisors Group
How could you describe your career path in a few words?
My journey is of being open to new experiences. When I was young, I had a target career in mind, but quickly realised that it’s better to go with the flow. Focus on character development and treat every person as the most important person in the world, even when it does not feel like doing so. I am striving to be a person of service to others with the intention of bringing good into our world. I don’t see the work that I do as a job, I see it as my service to our world. We become what we think about, so I have always been conscious of the thoughts I entertain inside my head. This has enabled me to enjoy every experience along this journey called life.
What was your most challenging experience, and how has it has changed your mindset?
There have been several challenges, can’t say which one is the most challenging. Every challenge has helped me to grow into a better version of myself. So now I go out of my way to seek challenges, so I can create the opportunity to grow. Opportunities often present themselves as challenges or problems as we like to call them. It’s our interpretation of the situations that we find ourselves in that determine the kind of action we choose to take. I am learning to be increasingly comfortable with discomfort. It’s also important to acknowledge that our world is filled with people who are ignorance, dishonest, rude or filled with fear. It would not be wise to think otherwise, it’s a natural law. With this notion, we can choose to respond in the most appropriate manner when faced with such people. In other words, we should not place our wellbeing in their actions. We can choose to learn to be more patient, empathetic, honest, and kind from such experiences.
When you get surprised by unusual or uncertain context, what do you think?
I used to be uncomfortable with uncertainty, however I as I have matured spiritually and philosophically, I continue to learn that life is naturally uncertain. We are expected to learn from our experiences and focus on what we can control. Our life experiences can be either lessons or blessings. Change is constant, therefore it’s not possible to lead a happy life, without being comfortable with change. We live in a world with increasing and exponential change, so it would serve us well if we choose to be adaptable. We should not worry, worry bring fear and fear is crippling. We should remain calm and cheerful and not allow petty things to distract us from our destiny.
What’s the most important key success factor for you based on your experience?
I continue to challenge myself to build a strong character based on virtue and righteousness. Knowing who you are and your purpose here on the earth is fundamental. Leading a meaningful life is when we align our talents and natural gifts with our purpose, which happens to be in demand in the marketplace. Having the right daily habits and performing them so they become part of our subconscious. Treating every person, we meet as the most important person in the world is the key to leading a successful life. Our financial return is always in direct proportion to our service to others. Developing people skills is fundamental for building successful relationships, which ultimately lead to positive mutual outcomes.
What would be the major pitfall that may undermine the success of a leader?
Week character and a lack of self-awareness. Knowledge alone will not sustain a person. Treat the people that you serve, the way you would like to be treated.
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