Here is a paradox: a graduate from world-class university struggles with one skill – how to learn. Not calculus, not corporate strategy, but learning itself. Tomas holds two degrees from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. He worked for a famous strategy consulting firm before joining a multinational corporation. He is driven, intelligent, and respected by colleagues at every […]
Author: Teal Village
From Consumer to Creator
Sam and Robin are brothers, but they seem to come from two different universes. Sam is frugal to a fault. He derives deep satisfaction from finding the biggest discount, reading only free books, and claiming every promotional “gift.” His world is defined by the art of the deal, measuring success by how little he pays […]
The Unseen Currency
Amy loves cooking and travels around the world to sample exquisite food in great restaurants. Her kitchen is a creative studio, where the scent of herbs from her own organic garden meets spices from the upscale market. One day, she invited Sally, a friend from yoga class, for a homemade lunch. She crafted a meal […]
Three Life Pillars
Kevin came from an underprivileged background, where his parents, with limited education, worked tirelessly just to make ends meet. From a young age, Kevin was determined to rise beyond his circumstances and to create a better life for his family. He was talented and hard-working, becoming the first in his extended family to graduate from […]
Redefining Life Purpose
We often hear that finding our life’s purpose is the key to a meaningful existence. Bookstores and online platforms are saturated with guides promising the answer, yet so many of us still find ourselves searching. When asked, “What do you want to achieve with your life?” a common, heartfelt reply is, “To make a positive […]
Business Common Sense
I met Peter in his taxi. As a tourist newly arrived in the city, I asked him for restaurant recommendations. What I got was an hour-long story about his life and his recent business venture. Peter’s story perfectly illustrates why understanding how business works—especially the fundamentals of finance—is not just for entrepreneurs. It’s a basic […]
Pyramid of Mastery
We often find ourselves navigating a world of overwhelming complexity in our careers and personal lives. We master sophisticated tools and agile strategies, yet still feel unmoored, reacting to challenges without a true sense of direction. In this search for clarity, we can turn to a time-tested framework from Chinese philosophy. It offers not a […]
Path to Wisdom
In an age defined by racing speed, overwhelming complexity, and the relentless pursuit of more, many people struggle with anxiety, confusion and a lack of anchors. A book written 2500 years ago offers a profound and necessary counterpoint. It is Tao De Ching by Sage Lao Tzu. In only 5000 words (in Chinese), its text […]
From Employee to Entrepreneur
For twelve years, Aaron has developed a promising career within a large corporation. He is bright, ambitious, reliable, and was once on the company’s leadership fast track. But lately, his industry is declining, and his business unit is tangled in management changes and office politics. His promised promotion has vanished, leaving him on an emotional […]
A Retail Miracle
In a world obsessed with growth, he chose joy. You won’t find Yu Donglai in typical business school cases. This stocky, plainspoken entrepreneur from Henan province of China never finished junior high, yet he has built what many call “the best supermarket in the world.” While other retailers squeeze every ounce of profit, Yu pours his energy […]