Talent can impress, but attitude is what truly inspires. I’ve always admired those with incredible talent, but the ones who leave a lasting impact are those with a strong, positive approach to work and life. I believe that attitude makes all the difference.
Very few people have enough raw talent to rely on it alone for a lifetime. In reality, such individuals are rare. Most of us succeed not because of extraordinary talent, but because we learn, collaborate, and lead teams to make things happen.
Even the most talented individuals can’t sustain success without the right mindset. No one wins all the time, and most of us don’t work alone. We’ve seen child prodigies in sports struggle later in life due to attitude issues, eventually fading away. Lasting success comes from continuous growth, and growth is fueled by attitude. In the end, talent may open doors, but it’s attitude that keeps them open.
Throughout my career, I’ve met many people with great attitudes. I want to share stories about some of them—people who have inspired me and whom I’m grateful for.
The Intern Candidate | Singapore
One of the most memorable a conversations I had last year was during an interview with an intern candidate. After discussing their past experiences, I asked a situational question:
“Your project deadline is a few weeks away, but your manager unexpectedly requests the results within 48 hours. How would you handle this situation?”
Most people answer with something like, “I would discuss priorities with my manager” or “I would ask my teammates for help.” But this candidate gave a completely different response:
“First, I would feel grateful that I have 48 hours.”
“Then, I’d have a good laugh before figuring out how to get it done.”
It immediately reminded me of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the Battle of Myeongnyang. After a crushing defeat at Chilchonryang, the Joseon navy was nearly wiped out. Even the king had given up, ordering Yi Sun-sin to disband his remaining fleet. But Yi responded with a now-legendary statement:
“I still have 12 ships. Though we are outnumbered, as long as I live, I will not let the enemy take our seas.”
With just 12 ships, Yi Sun-sin defeated a fleet of 133 enemy warships in a spectacular victory.
The ability to find hope in difficult situations, to focus on what’s left rather than what’s lost—that’s what won the Battle of Myeongnyang. And I believe that same mindset will help this intern overcome future challenges.
Coincidentally, right after the interview, I received a message from a teammate: “It’s urgent. Can you finish this by tomorrow?”
Before stress could take over, I found myself smiling first. Thanks to the intern’s wise response, I was able to approach my own 24-hour deadline with gratitude rather than pressure.
The Yakitori Master | Seoul
During my first startup, I ran a call center myself. Answering the same questions over and over, I started feeling stuck in a monotonous routine. That’s when I noticed the yakitori stall owner near my office.
His stall, located on my walk home from work, was always busy. But what caught my attention wasn’t just the number of customers—it was the way he worked.
Despite repeating the same simple tasks every day, he gave his absolute best. He carefully flipped each skewer, thoughtfully cut them for customers, and always prioritized handing over the food before taking payments. Watching him, I felt inspired. I respected him so much that when someone asked me who I looked up to, I answered, “The yakitori master of Sinsa.”
I once read about job monotony. For a nurse, the daily routine of patient care may feel repetitive. But for the patient, every moment could be life-changing. For an interviewer, every job interview may feel the same. But for the candidate, it could be the biggest opportunity of their career. The yakitori master grills skewers every day. But for a customer, that one visit might be their first.
Thanks to him, I made a promise to approach my work with care, always considering the people I interact with. And on tough days, I found quiet comfort at his stall in Sinsa.
Looking back, the people who left the greatest impact on me weren’t the most talented but the most determined. They found purpose in repetition, strength in setbacks, and gratitude in challenges. In moments of doubt, I want to do the same.
