Introducing Bernard Khoo
Bernard is one of our dedicated Facilitators here at aAdvantage Consulting and his journey with us began ten years ago as an Operations Executive. Over the years, he had transitioned to Training Executive role and now holds the position of a Facilitator. His journey with us exemplifies not just professional development, but personal growth as well.
Role Overview at aAdvantage Consulting
At aAdvantage, we believe in the power of storytelling, and Bernard embodies this philosophy in his role as a Facilitator. He doesn't just deliver training; he tells a story that inspires and partners, colleagues and clients on their journey. His ability to understand and integrate both team and client perspectives ensures that the narratives he shares are rich, engaging, impactful and transformative.
A Switch in Career and the Process
Before joining us, Bernard was part of the fashion and media industry for seven years. He felt he had reached a plateau in his previous career and yearned for a deeper connection with his work. He wanted to do something that touched people’s lives and made a difference. This realisation led him to switch careers and when he joined aAdvantage Consulting, he found his true calling in a field that puts people and their experiences at the forefront.
Discovering a New Path
As an Operations Executive, Bernard was always reliable and efficient. However, he craved more than just ticking off tasks. He found joy in helping his team and clients achieve their goals and grow. This joy sparked a curiosity in him to explore further.
During one of his buddy sessions, an opportunity to join the facilitation team was presented. Initially, Bernard had no clue what it meant. He thought it was about managing facilities! But as he delved deeper, he discovered it was about empowering others and guiding teams to collaborate and succeed. This realisation resonated with him deeply, and he knew this was the path he wanted to pursue for his growth.
Support from Management and Colleagues
Our management and colleagues were very supportive of Bernard's career transition. Incremental milestones were set to support his career growth, and regular buddy check-ins made the transition smoother. This nurturing environment allowed Bernard to thrive and grow into his new role.
Transition from Operations Executive to Facilitator
Bernard's transition from Operations Executive to Facilitator was akin to landing on a different planet. Instead of focusing on processes, he was now managing people and their learning experiences. He had to shift – from having all the answers – to asking questions, sparking discussions, and guiding conversations. This new role required listening, understanding, and empathising.
Despite the initial challenges, Bernard's background in Operations proved invaluable. It helped him bring structure to discussions, ensure objectives were met, and solve problems arising in group dynamics. His past experience became a strength, enabling him to blend operational efficiency with facilitation skills.
Greatest Skill Gained from Working at aAdvantage
One of the greatest skills Bernard gained at aAdvantage was how to truly communicate with all stakeholders. This involves setting up a psychologically-safe environment, suspending judgement, and listening with both heart and mind.
A Meaningful Project at aAdvantage
A particularly meaningful project for Bernard was with an organisation at a crossroads. The employees had many questions and concerns and addressing them was a significant part of his role. Bernard knew that he couldn’t just provide them with solutions, but rather, worked alongside them to help them understand their apprehensions and see the bigger picture.
Knowing that his work would indirectly impact the lives of those the organisation serves added another layer of significance. Every step he took with his team and every change implemented had a purpose.
Seeing the transformation unfold over nine months was incredibly rewarding for Bernard. By the end of the journey, he didn’t just leave behind an organisation with a new culture; he left behind a group of individuals empowered to carry that culture forward.
This project wasn’t just meaningful; it was transformative, both for the organisation and for him as a facilitator. It reminded him again why aAdvantage does what it does, and that’s what keeps us going.
Advice to His Younger Self
Reflecting on his journey, Bernard advises his younger self to keep an open mind. He believes success never moves in a linear fashion and that embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow is crucial.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the dedicated individuals who drive aAdvantage's success in helping clients with their organisations’ growth.
Comments