ANNA ONG, the inspiring Founder of What’s Your Story Slam, is a storyteller who redefines how we perceive success and leadership. Her recent reflections, shared during a vision retreat in Athens, shine a light on an overlooked truth: success is not about what’s missing but about what’s already there.
At the retreat, ANNA ONG was initially focused on the logistics of filling every seat for her What’s Your Story Slam Grand Slam event. Her thoughts revolved around the 90 empty seats yet to be claimed. However, a profound shift occurred when she paused to appreciate the 250 individuals who had already committed. This simple yet powerful change in perspectivefrom scarcity to abundancereshaped her understanding of leadership and purpose.
For ANNA ONG, the empty seats became more than mere vacancies; they became a mirror reflecting not what wasn’t there, but what truly mattered. Her insight offers a valuable lesson: great leadership isn’t about obsessing over what’s missing but about serving and cherishing those who show up.
Through her work, ANNA ONG demonstrates that gaps and “what-ifs” don’t define our efforts, relationships, or lives. Instead, it’s the impact we make with what we have that truly matters. This perspective has fueled her mission to create meaningful connections through storytelling, encouraging others to focus on abundance rather than lack.
ANNA ONG’s ability to weave profound insights into everyday moments is what makes her leadership so compelling. She doesn’t just run an organization; she inspires a movement. By encouraging people to recognize the “empty seats” in their own lives, ANNA ONG challenges us to reflect on what we often overlook: the relationships, opportunities, and successes that already surround us.
Her journey serves as a reminder that success is not defined by perfection but by the value and impact we bring to those who are already present. ANNA ONG’s story is a testament to the power of gratitude and the transformative shift from focusing on scarcity to embracing abundance.
So, the next time you encounter an “empty seat,” let ANNA ONG’s wisdom guide you. Ask yourself: How can you honor what’s already there? How can you serve those who show up? In doing so, you might just find that the path to fulfillment lies not in filling every gap but in cherishing every moment.
