Life is often a winding journey shaped by the choices we make, the passions we pursue, and the opportunities we embrace.
Recently, I lost a dear friend, Osmayani Othman, or simply Yani (main image, right) – a woman who embodied passion and purpose in the most beautiful way.
Yani was a successful legal professional but left corporate life to follow her true calling – baking.
She became even more successful as a baker and influencer, amassing close to 150,000 followers. Known online as ‘The Kitchen Guardian’, she poured her heart into every cake, pavlova, and macaron she made.
Her passion was unmistakable, and her impact was undeniable. When she passed away, many felt they had lost a dear friend; even those who had never met her in person felt a deep connection through her recipes and love of baking.
Even in her final months, she selflessly shared her best-loved recipes with her followers, knowing that her time was limited but wanting her legacy to live on.
Her story is a reminder that pursuing a passion can be fulfilling and meaningful, whether for ourselves or those around us.
But what happens when passion is absent? What if someone has spent their entire career in a field but still feels unfulfilled?
I know a banker who left a stable, well-paying job to start his fleet company because his passion was driving and showing tourists around. He found joy and purpose in what many might see as a drastic career shift.
I also know an experienced accountant who, despite years of professional success, struggles with the question, “What now?” – feeling directionless, without a clear interest or passion to guide him.
In my line of work, training is never just about skill-building. It intertwines with coaching and mentoring, helping individuals uncover what truly drives them.
Many leadership development initiatives fail to achieve their intended outcomes due to unclear objectives, a one-size-fits-all approach, insufficient focus on behavioural change, and lack of proper follow-through.
Additionally, when leadership programmes don’t align with organisational culture or lack senior leadership involvement, they often struggle to make a lasting impact.
Even according to Islamic tradition, Prophet Musa (Moses) sought to meet Al-Khidr because Allah informed him that Al-Khidr possessed a level of knowledge that Musa did not.
Despite being the man of the moment – the one who defeated the Pharaoh, led his people through immense challenges, and ultimately met his Maker – Musa still wanted to be mentored by Al-Khidr.
This highlights the importance of continuous learning and the humility to seek wisdom from others, no matter how accomplished one may be.
Although purpose-driven leadership is not new, many organisations and individuals struggle to connect their passions with effective implementation.
I’ve seen companies baffled by why their so-called high-potential employees – those expected to rise through the ranks – still exhibit management gaps that should not exist at their level.
Purpose and passion are integral to leadership development, but they are often overlooked in structured training programmes.
Even at an individual level, the right environment plays a crucial role in fostering purpose.
When I was in corporate, we worked to support a straight-A student from an underprivileged background, hoping to connect him to a prestigious accounting programme.
However, his reality was different – he had to help his mother, so he became a teacher instead.
His decision was not driven by ambition but by responsibility. Sometimes, people do not have the luxury of choice, but within their circumstances, they find purpose.
With my alma mater, the University of Leeds, one of my mentees, who came from a disadvantaged background, defied the odds to pursue her undergraduate degree, demonstrating the power of resilience and the impact of the right support system.
Our upbringing also plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives on passion and purpose. I recently shared a TikTok parody with my daughter, depicting the stark contrast between a well-off mother and a small-town mother teaching their daughters math.
I used to tell my daughter when she was younger: “At the rate you’re going, you’ll end up selling goreng pisang (banana fritters)!”
Today, my message has evolved. If selling banana fritters is truly one’s passion and purpose, then embrace it – just be the best at it and find fulfilment in it. Success is defined not by societal norms but by the happiness and impact one creates.
As parents or educators, we should encourage children to thrive based on their passion, nurturing their talents and supporting them in finding fulfilment in what they truly love.
Yani’s story encapsulates this lesson perfectly. She had a flourishing corporate career but found her true purpose in baking.
She built a thriving business, brought joy to countless people with her creations, and even in her final days, she ensured her knowledge and passion lived on by sharing her treasured recipes.
She also conducted baking lessons, imparting her skills to others, further highlighting the importance of training and continuous learning.
The positive impact of the knowledge we share with others will remain a good deed even after we pass away.
She was happy, she did great, and she left a mark on so many lives. In the end, whether we are individuals seeking fulfilment or corporations striving for effective leadership, purpose and passion must be at the heart of our journey.
When we align what we do with what we love, not only can we make a difference – but yes, we might even make a few bucks along the way!
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
