“8000 days of Growth”...In honor of a journey.

Eight years ago, I wrote an article titled 4563, a number that held personal significance, it marked the exact number of days I had spent working with a single company (including an acquisitions and a divestiture). In that piece, I sought to capture the lessons I had gathered on my career journey up to that point. But for no reason, the article was never published.

Today, as I stand on a different milestone, I felt a pull to revisit that reflection. The number 4563 has now evolved into 8000 — a number that symbolizes almost 22 years of uninterrupted experience in the pharmaceutical industry across Four multinational companies. This time, I chose to honor the journey and the significance behind this number.

Because numbers, in the end, are just numbers. It is we who breathe meaning into them.

They gain significance only when we decide they do — when we allow them to tell the stories of our dedication, growth, and perseverance.

For me, 8000 is no longer just a figure; it is a testament to a journey that continues to unfold.

The lessons I’ve gathered over the years come from deep personal experiences. They’re shaped by my journey, yet they echo the paths many of us travel in our careers.

We all face challenges, growth, setbacks, and triumphs. But what truly matters is our ability to uncover the fable hidden within each story, the meanings we choose to extract from them. In every career, behind every success or stumble, there’s a lesson, if we’re willing to grasp it.

Here are the lessons, and they are not career plans or laws of power in corporate life…

Just lessons

Learn, Learn and always learn new things, even if you join a team where you are the least experienced, you can always add something unique; a fresh idea, a different perspective, technical knowledge or skill that nobody has, it might be a final touch to a project, always be that person who adds the cherry on the top.

Networking is valuable. The key is to foster authentic relationships with people at all levels while building a meaningful and balanced network. There’s no need to pretend. Keep your connections genuine and purposeful, and the right opportunities will follow.

Advancing from one step to the next requires maturity, intentionality, and a deep understanding of your current role. Without fully leveraging your current experience, you risk transitioning into a position for which you may not be adequately prepared. Avoid succumbing to peer pressure or comparisons with others who appear to be constantly on the move. Always remember that your career progression is unique and should align with your own goals and readiness.

There was a time when I used to wonder how others at work saw me — colleagues, managers, even peers. But I came to realize something: no matter how hard you try, some people will never be satisfied. Some will envy you quietly, while others weave stories and hidden agendas around you. some may be over competitive in a psychopathic way, and many don’t know your value. When you measure your value by their opinions, you hand them the power to define you. And in doing so, you diminish your worth. Ignoring some could be a skill to learn as well and always lower your life expectations from people and situations while realizing that there is a thin line between optimism and pessimism.

In times of uncertainty, worrying too much casts a shadow over your personal life and contributes nothing to your work. What is destined to happen will happen, whether you want it or not. Instead of getting lost in endless thoughts, pause and take a breath. Trust that you’ve done your best. Give yourself permission to let go, peace often comes when you stop trying to control everything.

Career progression is rarely linear; it often involves ups and downs. Adjusting your approach is key—if you take on a different role , a lower grade, a lateral move with new experience, ensure it aligns with a broader, cohesive narrative that supports your evolution and you can confidently share to inspire others. And while crafting this story is essential, financial considerations could be a barrier for some decisions. There are no fixed stereotypes when it comes to growth, work it case by case.

Don't compromise to please people, keep the momentum of integrity, image and dignity whatever losses on the short term, Patience and certainty is the key. It is not necessary for all people to like you, but They can respect that value you bring to the organization

Over-analyzing due to a fear of failure can paralyze your progress and lead to missed opportunities. In today’s world, perfection is no longer the goal, action and adaptability matter more.

Building alliances inside the organizations helps to direct resources in your favor. The written rules are never strict and the power of people overwrites corporate rules.

Convincing senior leaders can be challenging, particularly when their cumulative knowledge and experience create barriers rather than opportunities for connection. In such situations, presenting multiple scenarios with their potential implications can guide them towards informed decision-making while positioning you as a strategic thinker.

Job descriptions, no matter how detailed, often fail to capture the full scope of responsibilities or the deep connections within corporate life. This provides an opportunity to develop innovative methodologies and establish your unique working style, leaving a lasting impact that inspires others to follow your example.

While competitiveness is a must for success seekers, it can't be considered by any means a trade off for happiness. Working for 60 hours a week must involve a trade off for something important in your life.

Success and happiness should be simultaneous and if they contradict, choose happiness, choose yourself.

Always seek feedback from trustworthy individuals at various levels. Additionally, be open to hearing feedback even from critics or adversaries. While their intentions may not always be constructive, their observations can sometimes hold truth. Take the time to filter and assess their input objectively, focusing on the substance rather than the delivery. They sometimes serve as a powerful tool for self-improvement and professional growth.

Avoid rushing into decisions when it’s unnecessary. Sometimes, immediate action isn’t required. Allowing time to work in your favor can help you achieve better outcomes.

Small efforts can lead to tremendous unexpected results if they are smart enough. so never diminish small efforts. Consistency is the key. And to be consistent you should always fuel your passion with curiosity. Curiosity is a super power and I have always admired curious people for how fast they can learn and adapt to new situations and jobs.

Demonstrating leadership is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Leadership should be evident in every interaction, with each contribution being unique and leaving a lasting impact.

I never regretted times when I said inappropriate words as much as when I had to say something - even little - and I didn't, these unfought battles are chasing me in dreams and would have changed my own position in many times to better and stronger standings. If you don’t like something say it in a constructive way, challenge concepts, learn to say NO.

When others attempt to undermine the value of your work, it is best to remain focused and not expend energy on retaliation. No need to waste your time on worthless pretenders. Trust that time and results will ultimately demonstrate the true merit of your efforts.

Appreciate your mistakes and never feel guilty about those learnings. Never regret anything because everything happens for a reason and develop a new approach next time.

Breaking the ice with words demonstrates effective communication, but doing so through actions elevates relationships to a whole new level—it embodies courage and true leadership.

Be complacent with what you own, don’t compare your journey to others, or to their accomplishments in life, comparison is the thief of joy and dissatisfaction will never achieve happiness. Always appreciate your journey and what you have become today.

I strongly believe that our backgrounds and genes shape who we are. However, reading has the power to refine our character. While newer generations may read less and favor screens over books, reading remains a profound habit that offers valuable lessons and imparts decades of experience to those seeking success. (I will leave a list of books that have shaped my thinking in comments)

One of my personal favorites, a quote I have reflected on countless times, is from Martin Luther King Jr.: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” This principle extends beyond those who have supported you throughout your career—it speaks directly to you. Always pass the opportunity to the younger generation with humility, and do so without expecting anything in return.

finally;

Consistency over Intensity

Progress over Perfection

Fundamentals over Fads

Wisdom over Pride

Adaptability over Rigidity

Patience over Urgency

Growth over Comfort

Trust that Every change has been for the best

They used to say in China: “ To achieve greatness, first master simplicity”

Sherif.