Tradition and Changing Careers: A Reflection

Two years ago, I took a picture of my mom’s cherry jam cooking in the sun and shared thoughts about patience, hard work, and how careers are changing. This year, I took the same picture and thought about what’s different and what’s the same.

For the original post, visit: Volkan Yorulmaz: Mom’s Sun-cooked Sour Cherry Jam vs. Career

My mom’s cherry jam is almost perfect again, showing the lasting value of tradition and patience. Like before, it needs more sun and time. The process is the same: bring it in at night to keep it dry, and let the sun do its job. It reminds us that some things are worth the wait and the work.

But our work lives keep changing fast. The straight, predictable careers we were told to follow are becoming outdated. Technology and industry changes have sped up in the last two years.

While making jam still needs time, work, and a few ingredients, building a career doesn’t. In a world where industries change overnight and jobs quickly become outdated, being able to adapt and keep learning is very important. As someone recognized as a top learner, I can attest to the value of lifelong learning.

Being recognized as the top learner in Finance Fundamental means a lot for me!

Looking at my mom’s unchanged jam recipe and the ever-changing recipe for career success, I see the need to balance tradition with innovation. We should value the patience and hard work of old practices, but also be ready for new opportunities and learning.

Here’s to the sweet success of both good jam and a good career, each needing their own mix of time, work, and adaptability. A well-managed career path involves an individual development plan and regular performance review meetings with your supervisor to reach your career objectives. So, if you haven't done yet, it is time to create/update your individual development plan and have a performance review meeting.

Career development is like making cherry jam under the sun. It’s a slow and steady process, where each ray of knowledge ripens your skills, just as the sun ripens the cherries. Over time, these skills are collected and condensed into a sweet jam of expertise, ready to spread on the bread of opportunities.

Embrace Your Learning Journey: Insights from a Lifelong Learner

As a passionate advocate for continuous learning and professional growth, I had the privilege of joining two reflection sessions on Individual Development Plan (IDP) with over 300 finance professionals on 15 April 2024. I shared my experiences and insights, and I’d like to share them with you here.

My Biggest Learning Moment

My biggest learning moment takes me back to my experience with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) using Microsoft Power Automate. A few years ago, I found myself surrounded by repetitive tasks, endless data entry, and manual processes. That’s when I discovered RPA—an exciting technology that promised to transform the way we work.

With Power Automate, I could create clever workflows, link various apps, and orchestrate processes—all without writing a single line of code. It was like having a digital helper that never took a coffee break. As I invested time in mastering Power Automate, my work life transformed:

• Efficiency Boost: Tasks that used to drain my energy were now streamlined. Data extraction, report generation, or email notifications—Power Automate handled them like a pro.
• Fewer Mistakes: Remember those human errors? Well, they became rare. Consistency became my secret weapon.
• Time Liberation: Suddenly, I had extra time in my day. Instead of chasing spreadsheets, I focused on strategic thinking and stakeholder management.

The impact spread across my team and organization. We embraced a culture of automation, and soon, colleagues were automating their own processes.

A Challenging Moment and What I Learned

Two years ago, I found myself facing a task that felt like diving into uncharted waters. I had to review and update the Authorized Signatory Matrix (ASM) after our Finance Transformation in Philip Morris International (PMI) Duty Free. There weren’t many people around who could guide me. So, armed with curiosity and determination, I embarked on my journey.

I rolled up my sleeves and began from scratch. I reviewed the guidelines, acted like a detective, and learned on the fly. The process taught me resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. I not only updated the ASM but also gained a valuable skill. I learned how to navigate ambiguity, find answers, and create an up-to-date well-functioning mechanism.

Advice for Others Planning Their Development

It’s never too late to invest in yourself. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your career, growth awaits. Don’t aim for Everest on day one. Start small, fail small. Every small step matters.

We have a toolbox right here at PMI:

• PMI Campus: Think of it as your treasure chest. It’s got gems—courses, resources, and fresh insights.
• Udemy Business: Imagine a library with endless shelves. You’ll find everything from coding to leadership.
• Cooperate with Your Colleagues: Your coworkers are mentors, collaborators, and wisdom carriers. Cooperate, share ideas, and learn from each other.
• Project-Based Adventures: Our projects are mini-adventures. Dive in, learn, and grow.
• Chat with Your Manager: They’re your compass. Discuss your development areas with them.
• Seize Opportunities: Every meeting, every project, every simplification idea, every challenge—it’s a chance to level up.

So, my friends, take that step forward. Embrace the journey. Reflect, learn, and watch your progress unfold. Remember, every click saved, every workflow automated, and every process streamlined brings you closer to your full potential.

Enjoy your learning journey! 🚀

Sabırla Yola Devam...

Yeniden umut etmek için o gücü içinde bulmak zor geliyor bazen… Zorlandım, kabul etmekte, içime sindirmekte, ama mevcut durumu ancak kendimin değiştirebileceğini de bildiğim için o ‘kafa’dan çıkardım kendimi.

Kalkıp yerimden, rutinimden çıkıp tekrar mücadeleye kaldığım yerden ancak bu kez farklı bir şeyler deneyerek bir daha başladım. “Vazgeçtim” demeden inatla devam ediyorum, edeceğim. Kimseyle kıyaslamadan kendi yolumdan, kendimden de ödün vermeden olacağını göstereceğim. En temel hedefim bu, biliyorum ki tüm diğer hedeflerin bunun ancak alt başlıkları olur.

Sabırla yola devam…

Celebrating a Decade at Philip Morris International: Reflections and Gratitude

Exactly 10 years ago on Thursday, August 1, 2013, my journey with Philip Morris International (PMI) began. When I stepped through the factory's doors, it was called Philsa Philip Morris Sabancı Sigara ve Tütüncülük A.Ş. at that time, and my title was General Ledger and Tax Analyst. Even before joining PMI, while working at Opel Turkey (officially called General Motors Türkiye Ltd. Şti.), our factory's neighbor, I always had my mind set on working here, thinking, 'One day, I will work at Philip Morris.' Prior to that, I spent three years at PwC and GM, but my thoughts were always on Philip Morris. When I saw the job posting for the position I eventually started, I felt like the job description perfectly fit me, and that awaited 'one day' was drawing near. The interview process, which started in May 2013, my wife's pregnancy, the days of that summer when we thought about the blessing that the baby would bring, and the anticipation of my first day at work after eagerly waiting for the end of my notice period at GM, all led me to that moment. On that first day, I met new colleagues, experienced working in a production company, and got answers to many things I had wondered about, such as the famous Philip Morris meals. Time flies and today marks exactly 10 years since that day.

There were days when I celebrated with clenched fists as if I had won a championship and days when I couldn't resist but cry. I met people here whom I loved and trusted, as well as colleagues whose paths I wish had never crossed. I dreamed, achieved some of those dreams, and continue to strive and work hard to reach others. Whether they will be granted or not, I cannot know, but I am doing my best and will continue to do so to avoid saying 'I didn't try' when my story at this place comes to an end. When I took that first step ten years ago, perhaps I imagined different things for today, but I know how to be grateful and keep going.

Looking back, I see that I made one of the most important decisions in my life during my Philip Morris journey. In the year 2020, when the pandemic entered our lives, while working as a Senior Tax Analyst, almost every morning, new tax regulations were published in the Official Gazette, and during that time, an opportunity emerged at our Duty-Free affiliate for a position with the title 'Manager,' which I had desired to reach for so long. In those days when remote work was not a common practice as it is today, the fact that this position was in Istanbul made me face a tough decision: either accept and move to Istanbul or reject it and stay in Izmir, wait for another opportunity. When I made the decision that I now say 'Thank goodness' for, I had my wife's support, but I had to separate her from Izmir, a city she loved dearly. Thankfully, Istanbul has always been kind to us. We made one of the most significant changes in our lives with PMI. Building a list of beloved people in Istanbul has been one of the greatest gains.

As I celebrate 10 years at Philip Morris International, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities, connections, and growth it has brought into my life. This journey has been a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and embracing change. I am eager to continue my career journey with enthusiasm, determination, and an open heart. Here's to the next chapter and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Let's keep moving forward together.

The Unsung Heroes: Why Operational Workers are Essential to Business Success

When we think about successful businesses, we often focus on the leaders - the CEOs, the managers, the visionaries who steer the ship. But behind every great leader, there are countless people doing the day-to-day work that keeps the business running smoothly. These people may not be in positions of power or prestige, but their contributions are just as critical to the success of the business. In fact, it could be argued that without them, the leaders would have nothing to lead. 

These unsung heroes are the operational workers - the people who handle the nitty-gritty tasks that make the business function. They may be responsible for tasks such as processing orders, managing inventory, providing customer support, or handling payroll. These tasks may not be glamorous, but they are absolutely essential to the smooth operation of the business. 

So why are these operational workers so important? Here are a few reasons:

They keep the wheels turning 
Without the operational workers, the business would grind to a halt. They are the ones who make sure that orders are fulfilled, customers are taken care of, and bills are paid on time. They keep the business running like a well-oiled machine, even when things get hectic. 
 

They are the backbone of the organization 
While leaders may set the strategy and direction for the business, it's the operational workers who execute that strategy. They are the ones who make sure that the plans are put into action and that the business is moving forward. Without them, the grand plans of the leaders would be just that - plans. 
 

They provide valuable insights 
Operational workers are often the ones who are closest to the day-to-day workings of the business. They see the challenges that arise and come up with creative solutions to solve them. They also have valuable insights into what's working well and what could be improved. By listening to and valuing the input of these workers, leaders can make better decisions and improve the overall success of the business. 
 

They are a vital part of the team 
Just because someone is not a leader doesn't mean they aren't an integral part of the team. Operational workers often work closely together and rely on each other to get things done. They form a tight-knit community and are often the ones who keep morale high and the team functioning smoothly. 

In conclusion, while leaders may get much attention and accolades, the operational workers are the unsung heroes who keep the business running. They are the backbone of the organization, providing valuable insights, keeping the wheels turning, and serving as vital members of the team. Without them, the business would be much less successful. So, the next time you think about the success of a business, remember to give credit where credit is due - to the hardworking operational workers who make it all possible. 

 

My Emotion is My Data

"Your emotion is your data, trust it, act upon it."

I absolutely love this sentence just after hearing it in a podcast that I listened to early this morning.  

 
It is coming to the end of the summer, and I had enough time to listen to myself and notice the trends within myself. Especially, in the evenings when my son went to bed, it was “me time” which means the escape time to read, write and charge the soul before the winter. I know “winter is coming” or as recently called by Jerome Powell, “pain is coming” so that I did my best to understand my pain points and to serve for it. 

This content is created in a coffee-shop

 
What does Volkan feel and want? 
 
Let’s start with the fact that it might be so personal. Everybody is unique with their own dreams, desires, pains, problems, so on and so forth. As a father responsible for his family, the economic crisis in Turkey is a heavy load that I lift. I need to make financial plans, calculate their potential risks and benefits to create passive income against the increasing impacts of inflation. This can be sometimes so tiring, but it is a fact that I feel I need to deal with. Thanks God, I am working for a multinational company (Philip Morris International) but the life in Turkey is relatively hard for everyone. In order to increase my level of financial literacy, I spent some quality time reading and watching videos to learn from others’ learnings. Now I have new plans to fight against inflation but when you are responsible for not only yourself but the whole family you need to bear in mind this responsibility for every penny that you risk.  
 
Secondly, I found much more time to follow up how my son develops, what makes him motivated, what makes him unsatisfied and even tired throughout this summer. Working remotely enables me to work from away and this opens the summer houses of our families to stay. Within office hours spent at family houses, my son spends time on robotic coding, mainly learned (or we can say increased his level of proficiency in) robotic programming languages like Scratch, Thinkercad. He attended online courses, watched YouTube videos, and brought some products into life. As his parents, the time he spent on such activities is highly motivating for us. As a supporter of digitalization in my business life, seeing him spending time on such activities when he is just 8 years old makes me so “delighted”. On the other hand, seeing his interest and abilities makes me feel alarmed that I need to take further steps to support him towards this area. As his parents, we should provide the resources that he needs. Do I clearly know about it? I have some estimates, but I am not sure about them. Finding a low-budget Udemy course for Scratch or a free learning program by municipalities are what we have done so far but maybe he needs more in the upcoming period because the world is changing so quickly, and more professional support may be needed. I am not a hundred percent sure, but this also has financial costs like private school support. So far, I have heard that private schools have such coding classes, but government schools do not. And as you may guess, the prices of these private schools skyrocketed, and I don’t prefer it in his early ages but later may be too late for him. Spending the budget in these early years may open some new doors but what about the opportunity cost for future investments on him? 
 
The last feeling is about the next step in my career. Taking further steps in my career path always motivates me. Two years ago, I got the title: Finance Manager and working in Duty Free affiliate which was highly impacted by pandemic made me learn a lot. I am working with great people, and I love the people and company. On top of this, dreams never end. I keep on dreaming: hopefully, one day I will work in a foreign country with much more responsibility than today. In order to reach this objective, I am investing in myself. One of these investments is English conversation lessons in Rosetta Stone. In each one-to-one class, as an icebreaker, lecturer asks me the reason for attending the class and I describe my motivation towards working in a foreign country. I tell about the economic problems in Turkey and education opportunities for my son. I repeat this every lecture (Yes, I noticed that I repeated it once again) and working for it. On the other hand, I see that the number of international assignments decrease as remote work and digitalization enables us to do our responsibilities all around the world but who knows, maybe one day… The critical thing is being ready for that opportunity if it comes one day. 
 
I described my three major emotions above and how they make me think and act. At least, I had the chance to notice them, think about them and act about them. Let’s see what time will bring… Stay tuned for the updates and always follow up your feelings because they are your data. 

I feel good if I am writing

Books (especially e-books) are my resources