No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.
– Alfred North Whitehead
At last, I finally feel like myself again. The past month was a whirlwind — a roller-coaster ride filled with sleepless nights, relentless problem-solving, and the daunting task of turning the impossible into reality.
Eighteen days. That was all we had to pull off something extraordinary.
Looking back, I can’t help but smile. Smile because, despite limited resources and manpower, we made it happen. The launch events were a success — and it wasn’t just about execution. It was about the people who made it possible and, most importantly, the mindset that carried us through.
The Questions That Haunted Us
At the start, doubts crept in, and the questions came flooding:
- Are we crazy to even think of doing this within such a short timeframe?
- Is there any event agency willing to take on this challenge with us?
- Do we have the budget to pull this off?
What was supposed to be a small-scale event quickly evolved into something much larger.
Then, reality hit — I needed help. I raised my hand and reached out to my directors. Without hesitation, they assigned key members to the organising team. We all came from different backgrounds and functions, but these individuals brought dedication, resilience, and a shared vision.
In moments of pressure, success isn’t just about individual talent — it’s about synergy. About people coming together to make things happen.
The Power of Asking for Help
Here’s the thing — many people perceive asking for help as a sign of weakness. But the truth is, it’s not.
I learned this lesson the hard way during my teenage years. Asking for help isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a sign of wisdom. A recognition that things can be done better together.
Had I tried to do everything alone, I would have crumbled under the weight of expectations. But by reaching out, I lifted the burden off my shoulders, unlocked the power of collaboration — and suddenly, the impossible seemed achievable.
The Backbone of Success: Communication
Throughout this intense period, one thing became crystal clear: communication was the backbone of our success. Without clear, open, and effective communication, even the best teams can falter.
Here’s what made all the difference:
- Transparency – Everyone understood the stakes, the challenges, and the expectations. There was no room for ambiguity.
- Agility – We adapted, pivoted, and found solutions on the go.
- Trust – Each team member had a role, and we trusted one another to deliver. Micromanagement wasn’t an option — empowerment was.
- Support – When exhaustion set in and we burned the midnight oil, encouragement kept us going. A simple “We’ve got this” made all the difference.
The Ultimate Lesson: Success Is About People
This experience reinforced a powerful truth: success isn’t just about resources or time — it’s about people. The right team, strong communication, and unwavering determination can turn even the most impossible challenges into triumphs. After the chaos, a pat on the shoulder — a recognition of team effort and resilience — means the most to every individual.
And now, as I finally take a breath, I realise that this journey wasn’t just about launching an event. It was about proving that with the right mindset, teamwork, and the right people, anything is possible.
A Perfect Reflection Through ‘Mad Unicorn’
After the launch event, I finally had time to unwind, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I watched “Mad Unicorn” on Netflix, and it felt like the universe had aligned to reinforce everything I had just experienced.
This drama beautifully portrays three truths that resonated deeply with me:
- The Strength in Asking for Help – No one succeeds alone. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Communication Is the Glue That Holds Everything Together – Without it, even the best teams can fall apart.
- Success Happens When the Team Comes Together – The magic lies in collaboration, trust, and shared vision.
As I reflect on this journey, I realise that success isn’t just about achieving a goal — it’s about the people who stand beside you, the lessons learned along the way, and the growth that comes from embracing challenges.
So, in moments when you feel helpless, remember to ask for help. And with clear, transparent communication, the entire process will become smoother.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at Shirley.suat@gmail.com.
