Have you ever felt like the corporate grind isn’t for you, but you’ve been worried that you may need to make some sacrifices to find truly fulfilling work?

Meet Bakhtiar Talhah: founder, biodiversity advocate, and purposeful leader. Someone who gave up an international corporate career to choose a more fulfilling path. He has implemented Malaysia’s national AIDS policy, led operations for Malaysia’s Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, and now leads his own firm helping companies embrace biodiversity.

Learn about how he made the hard decision to take a pay cut to move into truly fulfilling work, and how he feels about the decision now.

Hear Bakhtiar’s take on:

• Factors to consider if you’re planning to pivot your career
• What career advice he has for young Malaysians
• Why he chose sustainability after a long stint in energy

Timestamps

(00:53) Introducing Bakhtiar Talhah—and my favourite story

(04:59) Bakhtiar’s many names explained

(08:11) Taking risks—and paycuts

(13:01) Choices he most proud of—and least proud of

(17:40) Transition to sustainability focus

(20:15) Meaning and symbolism of Jejawi

(22:00) Starting his own ESG advisory firm

(26:21) Finding crossover skills from corporate career

(30:00) Unexpected opportunities after leaving the city

(32:58) Brain drain in Malaysia and Bakhtiar’s advice

(36:34) Passion and authenticity—and how to get unstuck

(39:50) Talking legacy

You can connect with Bakhtiar here:

https://www.jejawi-advisors.com/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakhtiar-talhah

And if you’d like to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_