motivation – L J Padayachy

Books That Shaped My Career in International Development

A UN professional from Seychelles shares three transformative books. These books range from a statistics primer to a leadership classic. They have shaped decades of international development work.

Transform Your Career: The Power of Diverse Experiences

From statistics officer in Seychelles to UN director across four nations – exploring how diverse career experiences shape global leadership and authentic professional wisdom.

Unbroken: The Strength We Build Without Breaking

I’ve learned that strength isn’t always forged in the visible fractures of the body. Sometimes, the most profound resilience is built in silence—in moments when we bend, adapt, and endure without snapping.

Reflect on: What is the Oldest Thing You Are Wearing Today?

my Kyokushin Karate belt. Frayed at the edges from years of training, travel, and introspection, it is more than just a piece. It is more than just a piece of cloth. It holds stories of my journey. It symbolizes experiences far beyond its simple appearance. It’s become a physical chronicle of my path

Unlocking the Power of Diverse Interests

I used to think my scattered interests meant I’d never excel at anything. I mostly concentrated on developing my competencies along my professional career but also engaged in karate, yoga, photography, writing, etc. My life felt like a patchwork with no clear pattern.

Lessons Learned from My Aunt: A Story of Resilience

Living on our small island was akin to living in a closed environment. Everyone knew everyone’s business, and there were no secrets. As the child of a single mother in her early twenties, I had a label. I carried it before I even understood what it meant. Words like “illegitimate” floated around me like invisible…