Photo credit: Claudio Chock

After graduating in 2013 with the inaugural full-time English MBA class at GLOBIS, Steven Neo Say Bin set out to make an impact on the world through his technology skills and artistic passions.

He recently shared his journey and some things he’s learned about work-life balance along the way.

What have you been doing since you left GLOBIS?

I’ve had a couple of interesting career pivots since leaving GLOBIS. My first position after graduation was as a marketing manager at a tech startup based in Tokyo. The position challenged me to develop my skills in strategizing marketing initiatives, developing products, and managing global teams across multiple time zones.

Although the startup stint ultimately ended in failure, the experience still provided an invaluable training ground which paved the way for me to join Microsoft Singapore in 2016. When I first joined, my job was to support existing startup ecosystem partners and help with incubating new startup teams.

The next thing I knew, Microsoft was undergoing major reorganization, and I had to learn to adapt quickly. First they made me a regional startup program manager, then a regional business program manager, and eventually a global program manager in charge of strategizing and executing technical projects for major organizations around the world.

Throughout this, during my spare time, I pursued my hobbies: writing, photography, and DJing. Currently, I’m working with Mix Us Happy, a global DJ program that transforms everyday folks into DJs who can perform on stage in just three months.

Photo credit: Steven Neo Say Bin

How has your GLOBIS experience helped you so far?

Most importantly, the GLOBIS experience broadened my horizons. It taught me about empathy and putting things in perspective. I truly came to understand the value of continuous learning and self-improvement. Without GLOBIS, I would not be where I am today: working in an environment where I can utilize my skills for a positive impact on the world through technology.

Additionally, coming from a computing background, I feel GLOBIS equipped me with vital business skills that enabled me to make the leap into management.

Any advice for other GLOBIS alumni who are thinking about working in your field?

An agile mindset is key to working in any field. Adaptation is more important than ever to stay relevant and productive, especially on a fast-paced career path filled with ever-changing technological advancements. To facilitate self-reflection, I find the bi-annual performance reviews at Microsoft are great for identifying areas of improvement and developing learning paths with realistic milestones and goals.

A healthy work-life balance is also really important. I explicitly plan time for friends, family, and hobbies. This isn’t just about relaxing. Any opportunity for learning can provide new perspectives that indirectly support my work.

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