On August 22, 2018, I was honored to participate in the BP/CAPA 2018 Career Development Forum organized by the BP Asian Network (BPAN) and Chinese American Petroleum Association (CAPA). The theme was the challenges and opportunities in the digitalization revolution.

My first time as a panelist turned out to be a very good experience. I was encouraged by the CAPA organizers and co-panelists, especially the attendees, some old friends, mostly fresh graduates and students. The message I passed to the audience can be summarized into three points:

• You are always your own CEO, no matter if you work for someone or have a business of your own. Give your best, and go all in. Nobody regrets giving his or her best.
• Think big and start small as illustrated by the old Chinese saying, “A journey of thousand miles starts with the first step.”
• A little kindness goes a long way. Being kind will help you succeed in the workplace, your business and life. “People will forget what you said and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Despite the lingering heatwaves in Houston, this forum was like fresh breeze in the air. I felt that it was a special day, because I had meaningful interactions with old and new friends. After all, life is about inspiring and being inspired.