Five years ago, a few months after the launch of Fullerton Markets, I recall sitting by the window in my favourite coffee shop, both apprehensive and excited of what the future holds. I remember vividly everything that was going through my mind at that time. Did I make the right decision? Am I capable to stand my ground with the leap of faith that I had just taken? Will I be able to live up to the expectations of the people around me?
All these questions have led to this present moment. Five years have passed and in my quest for answers, I’ve experienced many things and have learned even more. You might ask, “Mario, have you found the answers?” (read on to find out!)
Here’s a look back on my journey. Maybe you might pick up a thing or two, or maybe this would inspire you in some way to ask your own questions and embark on your own big adventure!
The Beginning of Fullerton Markets
Looking back, Fullerton Markets had a very humble start, with me leading the company with only a few hands on deck. It was daunting and stressful. Struggling with new concepts that I had to learn, mastering the tricks of building a business, and establishing connections – these were things that I had to build from scratch since day one.
I remember a time when I had to pull an all-nighter for two days straight to help my team finish some deliverables. No matter how understaffed we were, I knew that we, as a company, had to deliver. We had to make our mark. So, we went above and beyond, and exerted our best efforts until a lot more people recognised us and were given the opportunity to expand.
I’m proud to say that we now have over 100 staff, won multiple industry awards and continue to expand our global footprint every single day.
What Do I Stand For?
I take Fullerton Markets’ four core values to heart and these are the principles that I live by every day. The last five years wouldn’t have been possible had I failed to emulate these values as my team and I built the company.
Passion
The heart of our company. It was passion that made me decide on a random Sunday morning that I would start a company and run it to the best of my ability. It was passion that got me through every heartbreak and every mistake that I made back when I was starting and even until now. It was passion that made me realise that I need all of these failures to be successful. You see, when there’s a force behind everything that you do, you can never be defeated.
From Fullerton’s inception until now, it is passion that drives me to become the best version of myself.
Excellence and Commitment
To me, these two go hand in hand. I recall my favourite quote that my grade school teacher once taught us in class, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Passion is never enough, especially in the competitive field we’re in.
All that I have achieved in the past five years has been a product of choices that I make every single day. I wouldn’t call Fullerton Markets an overnight success – it was a result of small, accumulative acts which I tirelessly do with utmost competence. This similarly applies to the team I work with. When we deliver something, it’s never half-baked. It’s about showing up every morning, doing more than what is expected, and making sure that our clients and partners get the most out of their investment and their trust in us. And lastly, one of the things that really sets us above the rest…
Sustainability
As I look back on the past five years, I’ve also made it a point to look forward to the years that are yet to come. I recall one time when a friend who was backpacking around the world told me about the term, “You Only Live Once” or “YOLO”. For some, this might be an excuse to live recklessly and just live each day without care. But personally, it made me realise that living once also means doing enough to leave a legacy behind. I want to make sure that I’m able to create long-term plans that would benefit people, and that way, I’m not living for myself alone.
The Next Five Years and Beyond
I cannot stress enough (I might end up writing a whole book) that the past five years have been full of milestones, failures, wonderful memories, and most importantly, hopes about the future. Just one more thing before I go. I’d like to leave two lessons to all inspiring entrepreneurs out there.
First, don’t rush things that need time to grow. Building a good business takes time. In the first few months, and even the first couple of years, it can feel like you’re making your way along in the dark, with only a tiny match illuminating your path. You might not know what you’re doing, but chances are nobody else – either alongside you in your own fledgling business, or in any other new business for that matter – knows what they’re doing either. It may take a while to figure out yourself and your product or service’s fit in the field you’re in.
Secondly, never underestimate the important lessons failure can grant you. Mistakes can sometimes lead you down some interesting side roads. Success will arrive through many false starts and dead ends on the way there. Failures, and the lessons you take from them are your priceless teachers.
So, going back to my questions, have I found the answers? Well, after five years, I realised that the journey really isn’t about finding definite answers, but rather, finding a path (or paths) to continuous growth and to things that continue to nourish and excite you. Life will never fully make sense – may it be in your professional or personal dealings. But I’m glad that I’m able to be on this amazing journey with even more amazing people, and look forward to bigger things and to being a better version of myself in the coming years.
To your success,
Mario
[Visit www.mariosingh.com now to enjoy a FREE e-book of my latest “37 Essential Principles for Massive Success” when you subscribe!]
