How I Bought My Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow from Harvey Norman

I've been wanting to upgrade my pillow for a while now. Between juggling work, studies, and sleep deprivation, a comfortable pillow suddenly felt like a very urgent form of self-care.

But the moment I stepped into Harvey Norman's bedding section, I realised choosing a pillow is not as simple as "soft or firm".

My goodness! There were Microgel, Microfibre, Feather, Memory Foam, AIR Memory, Silk Cotton, Natural Latex. Each promised support, cooling, breathability, posture alignment, or some kind of sleep magic.

And then there's me: A confused shopper who just wants a pillow that won't give me neck and shoulder pain and will let me fall asleep faster.

How the Bedding Manager at Harvey Norman Helped Me Make Sense of Everything Pillows

Honestly, I would never have chosen the right pillow on my own. Karen Ng, the Bedding Section Manager (bless her!) at Harvey Norman's Kiara Bay outlet took one look at my overwhelmed face and came over.

The first thing she asked me (which I didn't expect) was: "What bed are you sleeping on?"

I told her my hubby purchased a Van Vorst Backpedic Care from Havey Norman, a bed designed for firm, orthopaedic-style support.

And that changed everything.

She explained that the type of bed you sleep on influences what kind of pillow you should use. A firmer mattress, like my Backpedic Care, raises your body slightly, so your pillow height and firmness need to complement that. If not, your neck ends up tilting at an awkward angle.

So, instead of something soft and sink-in, she recommended a Memory Foam pillow with better contouring and structural support. She insisted that I test the pillow by lying on the same bed model in the outlet. And honestly, this is truly customer service at its best.

That's how I ended up looking at the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow, something I probably would have dismissed earlier because the name sounded a little too mystical for my practical brain.

Why I Picked the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow

Once she explained the support and alignment benefits, I started paying attention to the details.

Here's what made me choose it:

Memory Foam that Actually Supports the Neck

This isn't the super-hard, old-school memory foam. The pillow has a smooth contour that fits the neck and shoulders, especially for side and back sleepers.

It's Infused with Natural Crystals (Yes, Really)

The "crystal" part caught my eye mostly because it sounded unusual. The pillow contains a Biocrystal® mixture like amethyst, quartz, fluorite, rose quartz, red jasper, and more embedded inside the foam.

Does it magically heal your chakras? I don’t know. But what convinced me was actually the research charts on the box showing reduced muscle tension, calmer heart rate, and improved relaxation.

Even if you don't fully buy into the crystal-wellness aspect, the idea of a pillow designed to promote relaxation didn't sound like a bad thing.

Cooling and Breathable Cover

Malaysia is hot. Memory foam can get warm. So the air-flow friendly cover and breathable construction felt like a must.

It Pairs Well with My Firm Backpedic Care Mattress

This was the ultimate deciding factor. The bedding manager recommended this specific pillow because the structure complements the firmness and height profile of my Van Vorst Backpedic Care bed.

It's like matching shoes to an outfit. The wrong pair can ruin the whole look (or in this case, your spine).

How Well Did I Sleep One Week Later?

So far? It's supportive without feeling like I'm sleeping on a brick. The contour helps my neck settle into a neutral position, and I don't toss around trying to find the "right angle" anymore.

And whether it's the foam, the crystals, or simply the fact that I finally invested in the right pillow, I do fall asleep faster.

What I Learned from this Whole Pillow Shopping Experience

If you're thinking of getting a new pillow too, here are three things I wish I knew earlier:

1. Your pillow must match your mattress.

Soft bed: Firmer pillow

Firm bed: Slightly softer or contour-support pillow

Neutral bed: Depends on your sleeping position

2. Your sleeping position matters.

Side sleeper: You need height and support

Back sleeper: Medium firmness and contouring

Stomach sleeper: Something flatter

3. Don't choose based on feel alone. Get expert help.

The bedding manager immediately narrowed down the options once she knew my mattress brand. It saved me time, confusion, and a potential wrong purchase.

Would I Recommend the Crystal Infusion Pillow?

Yes, if you're a side or back sleeper, prefer structured support, and sleep on a firmer mattress.

If you like soft, sink-in pillows, or if you're a stomach sleeper, this might be too high or too firm for you.

But for me? It's the right balance of comfort, support, and a touch of wellness (crystals and all!).

Thanks Karen Ng from Harvey Norman Kiara Bay!

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The Ultimate Legoland Malaysia Guide for Kids Aged 9 to 12

Guide to Legoland Malaysia for Children Aged 9 to 12

Travelling with kids aged 9 to 12 is a completely different kind of fun. They are old enough for real thrill rides, curious enough to enjoy learning experiences, and independent enough to explore without hand-holding. On our recent trip to Legoland Malaysia, I realised this theme park is actually perfect for this age group.

Fun fact: Legoland Malaysia is our number one pick for "Cuti-cuti Malaysia", a place we have returned to over the years without fail: April 2018, October 2019, October 2020, March 2022 (our first stay at the Legoland Hotel), and February 2023. It is more than a theme park to us now; it is a timeline of our boys' childhood.

So, in this 6th family trip to Legoland Malaysia, here's what we did, what we loved, and what I think other parents of "big kids" will appreciate too.

1. Stay at the Legoland Hotel

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Legoland Hotel. The moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by a giant pirate ship, a Lego castle, and piles of colourful bricks waiting to be turned into creations.

For kids aged 9 to 12, this lobby is heaven. No longer toddlers who need close supervision, they can wander between the play zones, work on their own Lego builds, and challenge themselves creatively. We spent a good chunk of time right here; just the kids building, dismantling, rebuilding, and proudly showing off their designs.

On more thing, if your kids enjoy problem-solving, don't skip the in-room treasure hunt. It adds a layer of excitement before bedtime and gives them a sense of independence while solving clues.

Check out our stay at the incredible Legoland Hotel!

2. Go for Repeated Roller-Coaster Rounds

This is the first time my youngest boy is tall and brave enough to go on every roller coaster. Both my boys absolutely made the most of it.

The Great LEGO Race, the one at the LEGO Technic area is fun, fast, and great as a warm-up before venturing to the other two classic roller coasters.

The Small Dragon (Dragon's Apprentice): This one is perfect for repeated rounds. The queue moves fast and the ride has just enough kick for kids who love the not-so-extreme roller-coaster buzz and thrills.

The Big Dragon (The Dragon Coaster): This is a classic. Dramatic castle entrance, thrilling drops, and just enough speed to get everyone (even the adults) screaming and laughing without being too overwhelming.

3. SEA LIFE is Surprisingly Engaging for Big Kids

I wasn't expecting SEA LIFE to hold the kids' attention for long, but it did. We turned it into a mini learning adventure: identifying different species, laughing at some species' names, watching animal behaviour.

Guess what's the highlight? It's that adorable baby stingray that kept "dancing" along its glass tank, flipping and wriggling like it was performing a show.

There's also an illustration station, where my eldest kiddo drew Patrick the starfish. It's surprisingly therapeutic and gives kids (and adults) a creative break between exhibits.

SEA LIFE is a must-do if your kids enjoy animals, marine life, or hands-on activities.

4. What We Missed (and What You Should Check)

We didn't make it to the Water Park this round. It was closed on Tuesdays. So if you are planning your trip, double-check the operating days and hours before you go. It's the kind of small logistical detail that can make or break your itinerary.

So, What Makes Legoland Perfect for Kids Aged 9 to 12?

Well, every parent knows that 9 to 12 is an interesting in-between stage. They are not babies, but they are also not teens yet. Legoland suits this "big kid" stage beautifully because:

• Rides are exciting, not scary.
• Activities are hands-on and stimulating.
• The hotel lobby gives them independent playtime.
• SEA LIFE appeals to their curiosity.
• They can handle a full, active day without meltdowns.
• They appreciate Lego creativity on a deeper level.

This is the age where childhood memories become core memories, and Legoland provides the perfect backdrop.

Tips for Parents Visiting Legoland Malaysia with 9- to 12-Year-Olds

Travelling with older kids is such a joy. Here's what worked for us:

✔ Spend time in the hotel lobby; it’s genuinely a big hit.

✔ Allocate at least 1-2 hours for SEA LIFE.

✔ Go early to avoid queues for the Dragon roller coasters.

✔ Let them choose which rides to repeat.

✔ Go on the rest of the rides and thematic activities (find out from Legoland's website).

✔ If the Water Park is part of your plan, avoid Tuesdays.

This trip reminded me how much magic there is in experiencing a theme park through their eyes. Legoland Malaysia is more than just a place for little ones.

For kids aged 9 to 12, it's a world of adventure, creativity, and discovery. Honestly, I think this might be the best age to visit.

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Guangzhou Trip 2025: All the Firsts (A Working Trip, But Make It Fun)

My recent Guangzhou trip was meant to be work (think: hospital facilities tour, live medical treatment sessions, doctor interviews). And of course, all that happened.

But somewhere between Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Canton Tower, Guangzhou gave me a long list of 'firsts' that turn a work trip into something a little more memorable.

Here's everything that made this working trip fun!

First Time Flying China Southern Airlines

Just like my first time flying TransNusa to Jakarta, there's always something about boarding a new airline that makes even a routine flight feel a little special. This time, my flight experience with China Southern Airlines makes me momentarily forget I have work deliverables waiting for me on the other end.

First Time Visiting Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

This one definitely deserves its own spotlight.

Walking into St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I expected "hospital energy", you know, that cold, clinical, intimidating vibe. But instead, I felt warmth. The people were kind, the environment was welcoming, and the level of care and technology was honestly eye-opening.

It was my first time touring a cancer hospital overseas. Seeing how seriously they take multidisciplinary treatment, how structured their processes were, and how genuinely involved their teams are… it made our work at We Care Asia feel even more purposeful.

If I ever needed a reminder of why we do what we do, I found it there.

First Time Trying Xinjiang Cuisine

Credit to my Muslim teammates, this was a culinary experience in Guangzhou I didn't know I needed. Lamb skewers, cumin, spices that wake you up and your ancestors hahaha... Xinjiang food (yes, we had Xinjiang cuisine in Guangzhou) is bold, hearty, and full of character!

First Time Walking Along Beijing Road

And then there was Beijing Road - my first time walking through its colourful chaos. The energy was loud, bright, and overstimulating (argghh the crowd!)

But what caught my eye the most? The rows and rows of tanghulu - glossy, jewel-like skewers of candied fruit lined up in every colour possible. If Guangzhou had a dessert mascot, it would definitely be tanghulu. They are just too impossible to ignore.

First Time Taking the Pearl River Cruise at Night

If you ever want to see Guangzhou glow, take the night cruise.

The skyline, the bridges, the neon lights reflecting on the water. It was peaceful and beautiful throughout the entire 1-hour ride.

First Time Seeing Canton Tower in Both Daylight and Night Glow

Seeing Canton Tower twice, once in daylight and once glowing at night, felt like meeting two different sides of Guangzhou. By day, it's sleek and striking. By night, it transforms into a rainbow-lit showpiece that steals the skyline.

And yes, it was breathtaking… but a small part of me felt proud knowing that back home, KL Tower stands just as tall in spirit - equally impressive, if not more, in its own Malaysian way.

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My Reflection After Visiting St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou

Cancer Diagnosis is Not a Death Sentence

I left Guangzhou with one big takeaway: a cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. What I saw and learned during this trip reshaped the way I think about cancer care, especially how China approaches it. Their philosophy goes beyond simply "treating cancer" or "extending survival".

The focus is also on improving the patient's overall quality of life - physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

It was a reminder that hope still exists, even for patients who feel like they have run out of options.

Integrative Oncology and Minimally Invasive Cancer Treatments

At St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, I witnessed first-hand through lectures and an actual live treatment session - how their integrative oncology approach works in real life.

Their system combines:

• Minimally invasive cancer treatments

• Western medical oncology, led by an MDT (multidisciplinary team)

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for strengthening immunity and supporting recovery

This combination gives patients more choices, especially those seeking a second or even third opinion after traditional treatments elsewhere have failed or become too exhausting.

Some of the techniques I saw include Transarterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) and Radioactive Particle (Seed) Implantation. There are also other minimally invasive procedures that reduce trauma yet deliver targeted results. These aren't just "advanced technologies". They offer doors where previously, many patients saw only walls.

Contact We Care Asia (Medical Concierge Service)

If you would like to understand more, feel free to reach out. I have direct access to We Care Asia (medical concierge service agency) who can guide you on how to seek cancer treatment at St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou.

The Heart Behind the Care

Beyond the medical side, what truly struck me was the heart behind the hospital’s service. They:

• treat every patient like family

• respect different cultures, beliefs, and nationalities

• offer emotional and psychological support

• stay connected with patients even after treatment ends

There is a real effort to remove fear, build trust, and support the patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. And you can feel that warmth everywhere, from the doctors to the nurses to the international service team.

Their philosophy is simple yet powerful:

Love without boundaries.

 

Seeing how consistently they live out this principle reminded me why compassionate healthcare matters just as much as medical innovation.

Returning Home with Renewed Hope

I came back to Malaysia with a renewed sense of hope, not just for patients, but for families who are walking through the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.

With the right people, the right care, and the right heart, patients can find strength even in the hardest journeys.

 

And sometimes, finding a new option or perspective, even thousands of kilometres away, can make all the difference.

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Lips Carpenter's Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm FAQ

I could've written a standard beauty review, but let's be honest; you probably just want quick answers.

So here's my FAQ-style take on Lips Carpenter's Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm, written with equal parts of curiosity, hormonal chaos, and an unexplainable attraction to anything that promises "glow."

Because when your body is in perimenopause and your patience is in early retirement, you may not have the mood for complicated beauty routines.

Q1: Why did I buy Lips Carpenter's Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm?

When I saw an Instagram ad by Lips Carpenter for a locally-handcrafted, colour-changing, hydrating lip balm promising a natural glow called Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm; I thought, yes, this might be the low-effort joy that balances out life's high-effort days.

Q2: Does the lip balm really change my lip's colour?

Yes, and quite beautifully. The balm starts off clear, then reacts with your lip's pH to reveal your personal shade of pink. Mine turned into a soft rose hue that somehow looked more alive than I felt that morning.

It's not magic, it's chemistry; but I'll take any kind of transformation that doesn't involve mood swings or hot flashes.

This pH-activated balm reacts to your lips and transforms them — from dry to dewy, in one effortless swipe.

Before Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm

After Hydra Glow Colour-Changing Lip Balm

Q3: How does it feel on the lips?

It glides on smoothly, feels lightweight, and actually hydrates. There's a subtle sheen, not glossy, just healthy. If you've ever used lipsticks that made your lips feel like the Sahara halfway through the day, this one's a relief.

Q4: Is it perimenopause-friendly?

Absolutely. I'd even say it's perimenopause-approved. It's gentle, soothing, and doesn't trigger dryness or sensitivity. This is definitely a big win when your skin suddenly decides to become allergic to everything, including your own existence.

Q5: What’s in it, and why should I care?

Because your lips deserve better than mystery chemicals.

In fact, the ingredients list reads like a spa menu: coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, vitamin C, rose geranium oil, orange peel oil.

Clean, simple, and local.

As someone who's now reading ingredient labels more carefully than horoscopes, I appreciate that.

Q6: Is it worth the RM108 (with free name engraving)*?

For me, yes. I think it's somewhat affordable, performs well, and looks effortlessly natural.

I call it cost per compliment ratio: a solid 10/10, especially on no-makeup days when I just want to look "alive but not trying too hard."

Furthermore, Lips Carpenter is a Malaysian brand with a clean beauty philosophy; no parabens, no synthetic fragrances, and eco-conscious packaging.

*correct at the time of publishing this blog post

Q7: Would I buy it again?

Without hesitation. Because change is constant - in hormones, in mood, in everything - and this little balm reminds me that not all change is bad. Some, like this soft rose pink tint, are beautifully unexpected.

You can purchase this colour-changing lip and experience it for yourself from Lips Carpenter's website.

Note: This is NOT a sponsored post. I bought the lip balm and wrote this review entirely of my own volition.

Because in this phase of life, I only rave about products that "hydrate" - my lips or my soul.

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Maybe We're Not Breaking Down; Maybe We're Just Waking Up

Lately, I've been having this newfound realisation.

Why is it that so many of the women I see starting things - whether it's coaching businesses, self-improvement pages, founding women empowerment community circles, podcasts - all are around the same age group?

40s. Early 50s. More or less the age where… well, perimenopause and menopause starts creeping in.

And honestly, I can't help but wonder: Are we doing all this because we're losing ourselves… or are we actually trying to find ourselves back?

Unexpected Crying Bouts That Just Hit You

Here's the unfiltered version.

At some points of the day, I cry, untriggered, for no clear reason.

I feel like I can't breathe properly. I feel overwhelmed out of nowhere. I overthink. I scroll through social media and suddenly feel like I've done nothing meaningful with my life, despite everything I've actually done.

Then I snap back into work mode, hit deadlines, reply to WhatsApp messages, and plan the next thing - reviewing social media posting captions, fixing a presentation deck, drafting new blog posts, whatever.

The Hormones Are Real, But So Is the Existential Earthquake

Yes, science says this is the season where oestrogen and progesterone go on a rollercoaster ride. That alone can mess with your mood, your sleep, your thoughts, even your memory.

But it's not just biology. It's identity.

It's like someone suddenly hit the pause button on life and asked:

"Eh, who are you, really?"

"What do you still want?"

"Have you been living life the way you wanted to, or just following the script?"

And wow, that's a hard pill to swallow when you realise you've been running on autopilot for years.

So What Do We Do?

We start something. Anything.

A podcast.

A side hustle.

A journaling habit.

A health journey.

A new hairstyle.

A blog post that sounds like this.

Not because we're lost.

But because we're trying to make sense of the new version of us that's starting to emerge.

It's not always graceful.

It's not always empowering.

Sometimes it's just crying in the dark bedroom after putting the kids to sleep, and Googling "is this a midlife crisis or am I just dramatic?"

Maybe It's Not a Breakdown. Maybe It's a Reboot.

No one talks about this enough.

This could be the stage where you're shedding who you used to be and slowly figuring out who you're becoming.

It can be confusing; but I gotta agree that it's also kind of magical.

And if you're feeling like this too - like something inside you is unravelling quietly even as the world sees you "having it all together"...

...just know you're not alone.

You're not weak. You're not unstable.

You're evolving.

We all are.

And Maybe This Is the Most Honest Thing I've Written in Awhile

So here's to the women who are tired and brave at the same time.

To the women crying quietly and still showing up.

To the women shedding old skins, not because they want to, but because they have to.

Here's to us. Midlife women. Not broken. Just breaking through.

Before I end, here are two songs I've had on repeat - gentle companions to this season of unravelling and rediscovering.

My Way (KATSEYE)

A soft reminder that even when the path feels shaky, you're still walking it your way; one brave, messy, beautiful step at a time.

In Another World (EJAE)

For the version of you you're still becoming. The one who's slowly surfacing through the tears, the chaos, and the quiet rebuild.

Thanks for reading and for holding space with me.

If you're in this season too, know that I see you.

And remember:

You're not "too emotional." You're not "too late." You're right on time for your next chapter. 🔥

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Lessons from a 12-Year-Old (A Belated Birthday Post)

This post is a little late. But in my defence, so is my sense of time these days. Between school holidays, work deadlines, and the hormonal plot twists of perimenopause, the months just fly by without me realising it soon enough.

In August, we celebrated out eldest turning twelve with two celebrations: 1) Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza (with a bunch of his classmates, all 12yo tweens), and 2) #M.O.T.D Café, Bar & Dining (just four of us - calmer, low profile, and slightly more grown-up).

And somewhere in between meals and those loud and quiet moments, I realised my 12yo tween could be my accidental life coach; and that motherhood in midlife (OMG!) comes with its own lessons in balance, patience, and humour (I truly hope so).

Lesson 1: "Feedback sometimes come with extra cheese"

At Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, we ordered about seven different types of pizzas. At one point, he took one bite of his favourite pepperoni pizza (not the one in the photo above) and said, "Not bad… but nothing too special also."

Direct. Precise. No sugar-coating. But the whole pizza was gone within minutes.

Key takeaway

Deliver feedback like pizza. Honest, but with enough warmth to make people want another round (hormones permitting).

Lesson 2: "Confidence is ordering dessert without looking at the menu"

At M.O.T.D., he didn't even glance at the list of desserts. He just said, "I want the chocolate one." Meanwhile, I was still calculating sugar levels, calorie surplus, and whether my metabolism had bail on me for the evening.

Key takeaway

Maybe sometimes clarity isn't about overthinking options; it's about knowing what you enjoy and owning it.

And maybe that's what perimenopause is teaching me too; to care less about what I should be doing and more about what actually feels right.

Lesson 3: "Growing up is learning when to roll your eyes… and when to hug instead"

He's at that age where my incessant reminders are "naggy." Yet somehow, he still leans in for a side-hug sometimes.

Key takeaway

Emotional intelligence isn't about being serious all the time; it's about knowing which moments matter enough to show up for.

Bonus Lesson: "Belated posts are still valid"

Time flies. And sometimes, catching up on memories counts more than keeping up with timelines. Cheers!

Key takeaway

Midlife isn't about being on schedule; it's about embracing the beautifully delayed.

Rosemance

And finally, I just want to leave this post with a little something beautiful - a mocktail called Rosemance, a delicate blend of cranberry juice, raspberry, lemon juice, rosewater, egg white, and rose syrup.

Pretty, soft, and just the right note to end a day that reminded me how sweet life still is; even in its changing seasons.

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When You Write About What You Eat (LinkedIn-Style): A Korean BBQ "Case Study"

It started as a simple lunch plan with my son.

No grand expectations, no camera angles in mind. We were just here for delicious grilled meat and the familiar "chaos" of Korean BBQ.

Halfway through the meal, as I observed the different types of marinated pork and banchan lined up like 'overachievers on a performance review', I caught myself thinking.

Instead of the usual food review post, what if I wrote a LinkedIn-style blog post about my Korean BBQ experience? You know the kind - the ones where someone orders coffee and ends up learning a lesson about gratitude or whatever.

So, here's my first, humble attempt to turn lunch into a professional development session (minus the HR-approved hashtags). Hahaha!

The Grill = Project Timeline

At first, everything looks manageable. Then the pork, mushrooms, kimchi, beansprouts all demand your attention at once. Someone turns the heat up too high (let's say, a stakeholder), and before you know it, things are burning while you're trying to save the enoki mushrooms from extinction.

Banchan = Unsung Team Players

Tiny bowls. Big flavour profile. Come to think of it, without these gorgeous banchan, Korean BBQ is just incomplete.

I honestly think the banchan are the operations team members of any good Korean BBQ meal; the ones ensuring balance, variety, and that occasional palate-cleansing surprise (hello, potato salad).

Octopus = Agility

And then came the marinated octopus - fiery, unpredictable, and sticks to your teeth. Much like that urgent ad-hoc project with a vague brief, unrealistic timeline, and 12 people panicking in different directions.

The Final Wrap-Up (Literally)

By the time you wrap your last bite in perilla leaf with grilled pork, kimchi, enoki, sauce, and a hint of chaos - it finally hits you: personal life and work life aren't all that different.

A little messy. Occasionally spicy. Always a work in progress.

Some days you over-grill, some days you under-season, but somehow, it still satisfies.

And maybe that's why I love Korean BBQ — it teaches balance, patience, and the occasional value of burnt edges.

Then again, if you've ever grilled meat and reflected on stakeholder management in the same breath, congratulations! I believe you're officially ready to post this on LinkedIn. 😉

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