I wanted to, I struggled and told myself, 'Okay, maybe this is what it takes. They are so proud of their culture and gastronomy that when they saw this crazy Chinese woman wanting to share it with the world, they completely embraced the idea, she says. Yes, Only if Its Forma. If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. ', But I chickened out. I have nothing now.". She was jobless for three months and even thought of being a waitress at the Italian restaurant near her apartment. I choose to strike first. ", ALSO READ:Darren Lim turns his yacht into a business opportunity, takes people out on rides. Actress Ya Hui and songbird Kit Chan will make an appearance today (Apr 30) and next Monday (May 4) respectively. Read this subscriber-only article for free! "I just told myself, 'Okay, this is Paris'.". I am sure she is concerned, but she is not the type to panic. Perhaps I was feeling too vulnerable back then. An unsympathetic man with his gaze fixed on his computer, the doctor only looked at Au once, when she stopped talking. Copyright 2020 Mothership. A post shared by Sharon Au (@sharonau13) on Apr 23, 2018 at 11:39pm PDT. Effectively multilingual, Au established herself amongst top emcee-hosts in Mediacorp alongside Quan Yi Fong and Guo Liang. The precocious child, who despite a turbulent upbringing, did exceedingly well academically. He waited for me to come home. It takes courage, strength, self-awareness to break away from the comfort of familiarity, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. leading the company from a start-up operation to become Australia's largest investment manager. By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. She said: I forgot myself ina meeting and started sharing my ideas excitedly and I got told off for it. In an attempt to. After all, self-love is the best kind of love. Now, I can finally become somebody that I want to be. Upon hearing Sharon utter those words, Rumis quote of Forget safety. Sharon Au (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: u Jngxin; born 13 August 1975[1]) is a Singaporean former actress and host. And you can't beat me at Scrabble. Her death made me realise how fragile life was. The boxes represent her personal insecurities and perceived societal expectations that she puts upon herself, while the straight, rigid lines of her frame depict her unwavering, by-the-book approach. There are striking parallels between her (older self) and the great painter. That's what happened to former Mediacorp actress Sharon Au who shared this in an emotional post today (May 11), addingit "took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying". So I didn't go for that treatment.". Sharon didn't go into details about the meeting, including its purpose or who was present, but the last positions she held prior to her departure wereas the publisher for Elle Singapore and the lead of styleXstyle.com. Tokyo was fun, as I could have the childhood I never had. Even the slightest sound startles him. He was so shocked to know that because to him, I was someone very capable and talented, and someone he admired.. Dan Persson Chief Risk Officer. I wanted to be liberated so I went to Paris, Sharon says, who spent a year studying there as part of Wasedas international exchange programme. And all of this began when she was only in primary school. "All these are just part and parcel of having a beautiful experience living in Paris.". And in January this year, she started Ti Yan, an online culinary academy that teaches the art of French cooking. Following her resignation, the actress relocated to Paris because she wanted to start afresh but no one there would hire here. ". The 45-year-old recalled the day she quit Mediacorp without having first secured a new job, in the latest episode of meWATCH talkshow Hear U Out. [14] Since October 2018, she is currently an investment director with the private equity firm in Paris. But when former local celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas passionately at work, she was"scolded for it". But since her Japan and Paris escapades, she is recognising the importance of writing her own narrative. Contact us, COVID-19 pandemic worsened around the world, Sharon Au On Life, Love And Why Sending Late Night Texts And Emails Got Her Into Trouble In Paris, Insta-Buzz: What The Stars Were Up To This Week, Rebecca Lim, Who Wants To Be A Mum, Seen With Baby Bump In New Movie, Singaporean Man Flies To Thailand Just To Have Dinner With Friends After Accepting Their Dare. Dress by Andrew Gn; Hair: Ben Leong (Passion Hair Salon); Makeup: Andy Lee. Wow, really the world has changed.'". She followed instructions, took direction well, but had little autonomy over her actions much like a marionette. Besides instructional videos and text, students at Ti Yan can also book an online session with the chef, where an expert can watch them cook in real time. He was alone in the apartment and witnessed everything. I started crying like crazy. Her perspective on her career underwent an adjustment. Six years ago to be precise, onboard flight SQ334 from Singapore to Paris, where I had the privilege to serve her. Instead of acting, she took up an executive position at Mediacorp, citing Japan as one of the, Living in Japan transformed me. Agreeing that self-improvement should be classed as a 'need' rather than a 'want', Sharon revealed that she's been investing in yoga and pilates classes, as well as on music lessons and musical instruments. Slow down and take it all in. But it gave me a huge sense of achievement, and I wore that pair of jeans every day.". She declined to comment on the burglary and extent of the break-in as she is "not well enough yet at this point". And in January this year, she started Ti Yan, an online culinary academy that teaches the art of French cooking. Wow, I couldn't you know! As an Institution of Public Character (IPC), SHF is committed to maintaining highest standards of governance and abides by the Code of Governance for Charities and IPCs. Mediacorp | 8 Days. I went to watch Madonna! This is life.". During her teenage days, she had spent a night in Marymount Girls Home and witnessed many girls in dismal circumstances. But for the next three years, Sharon continued grinding it out at Mediacorp. You never know maybe I already had the virus because [before the lockdown in France] I still went to concerts. If youve ever wanted to shoot your shot at being an influencer, nows your chance. Having joined the TCS during the mid-1990s, she won many awards as an artiste with MediaCorp before taking a sabbatical to pursue university education in 2005 on a scholarship. Her first job after her GCE 'A' levels was a flight stewardess with Singapore Airlines,[4] Au's career in the entertainment industry began when she was talent-spotted from a Toy Factory Productions English remake of a Hong Kong stage musical I Have A Date With Spring. I had everything, yet I felt a huge void, she says. ALSO READ:Sharon Au: People thought I was a traitor in the media war but I'm actually the big winner, released statements announcing her resignation, Sharon Au: People thought I was a traitor in the media war but I'm actually the big winner. favourite artist is Rembrandt, who is a symbol of freedom. Upgraded but still having issues? Instead, it means "to experience" in Chinese. but life is tied to work as an investment director in a private equity firm. Although Sharon seems to have made peace with the fact that she may not be able to experience motherhood, a number of netizens left their two cents in the comments, writing that it might not be too late for her after all. But Sharon doesnt like Picasso. Dont Neglect Succession Planning, Manulife Singapore Offers Digital Payments Via PayNow, FWD Insurance Launches Electronic Claims Payments via PayNow, 1-Michelin-Starred Marguerite Shines With an Invigorating Spring Menu. Currently, Sharon Au works as a Associate Lawyer at Investment Management Corporation of Ontario. There are striking parallels between her (older self) and the great painter. . She said: "When people think of Paris, they think about Michelin [Star restaurants]. Sharon Au kena complained by colleagues in France for being 'Singaporean' After her resignation, she moved to Paris because she wanted to start afresh but no one there would hire her. Au also posted an Instagram story featuring what appears to be a police officer - in a uniform sporting the French words "identite judiciaire" (forensic services) - conducting investigations inside her apartment, while her cat looks on. - global investment operations. She also said that she has moderate scoliosis since young, and needs a medical bed at home for her spinal condition. Make it happen for yourself. Sharon Au is investment director in a private equity firm. Nonetheless, Au thoroughly enjoyed her six years in Japan so much so that she fell into depression and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) when she had to leavein 2011, after an earthquake took the lives of more than 19,000 people. Even today if you asked me, I really felt the earthquake. I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. I was not a very nice person to my friends, she confesses wistfully. When asked what she was doing here, Au could not bear the idea of the public knowing about her condition, and therefore lied that she was researching for a role. The pandemic has made me rethink lifes priorities, says Sharon, When the pandemic is over, first thing I want to do is fly home and give my mum a hug and tell her I love her and that I want nothing more for her than to be healthy and happy. And I go like, 'Aiyo, how come Singapore also has earthquake? And, for once, Sharon has seen the light. You deserve it.". Before we say au revoir, though, Au will star in an upcoming Chinese play "Sages of the Bamboo Grove", at the Esplanade onJan 31 and Feb. 1, 2020. And from then on, I changed the way I lived, Sharon reveals with a tenderness in her voice. Hlne Darroze in Conversation With Violet Oon, DPR Construction Used Technology for the Construction of Curtin Singapore Without Physical Meet-Ups, How to Work With Family, and Still Like Each Other, Making Sense of Interest Rates Is Common Sense, Singapore Bond Markets: Sit Back, Lie Flat, Bond Market Thoughts: Sitting Around Waiting to Catch Covid, Union Bank of the Philippines to Issue First Social Bond, Inflation Rule of Thumb Means You Should Not Buy Bonds. Health Care, Managed Care, Behavioral Health and Health IT. Does Joo Chiat Need Another Italian Joint? I was not a very nice person to my friends, she confesses wistfully. But since her Japan and Paris escapades, she is recognising the importance of writing her own narrative. Her favourite artist is Rembrandt, who is a symbol of freedom. With an investment of S$100,000 of her own money, Au is hoping for Ti Yan to expand beyond the culinary world. After savouring the best of French gastronomy that Paris had to offer, she felt a deep compulsion to share the intricacies of the cuisine by offering professional courses. What do you do with your first paycheck? I wish you well. It had gotten to the point where she felt, "Life has no meaning, why not just end it?". The whole celebrity diva thing had disintegrated and I felt like I had become the Sharon Au that I was supposed to behappy and contented. We become what we chase after. "He was alone in the apartment and witnessed everything. According to ZoomInfo records, Sharon Au's professional experience began in 2012. As I watch her float out of the door with a Gallic flair, a couple from the next table gapes with admiration. Growing up in what she once called a"broken, poor and unprivileged family background", the natural performer admits that it took a toll on her self-esteem. But Au also found the rumour "sobering", as she realised that most people would only make such a drastic change to their lives if they were dying. In the latest episode of the meWATCHtalkshow Hear U Out, the 45-year-oldrecounted the day she resigned from the broadcasting company without having first secured a new job. Her ability to connect with the masses wasnt her only repertoire of skills; there wasnt a role Sharon couldnt embody. To complete the course, students will spend one week in one of the chef's kitchen,after which they receive certification should they pass. . Since I was young, I was thrown from place to place. But I have (my pet cat) Rudon. A Tinted Edge (in Mandarin, ), Toy Factory Productions, Chessmaster (in Mandarin, ), Toy Factory Productions, Singapore, 2002, Happy Ghost (in Mandarin, ), Spring-Time Stage Productions, Singapore, 2003, The LKY Musical, Metropolitan Productions, Singapore, 2015, This page was last edited on 31 January 2023, at 07:19. ; the dark wood accents and warm, dim lighting calling to mind a hazy opium den. "Aggressive" and "ambitious" were the words Au used to describe herself. The more she dived into her work, the less time she had for herselfto a point where she suffered yet another identity crisis. The truth is our paths have crossed before. Despite being trapped by an oppressive regime dictated by the entertainment industry, she continued to work hard and went on to clinch Best Variety Show Host at the Star Awards for four consecutive years, from 2000 to 2003. Catch Gu De Dai Zai Jia live on weekdays at 5.30pm on YES 933s Facebook page. Web design by Yu Sheng & Yu Siang. However, she had been accused of mimicking an Indian accent during the SEA Games opening ceremony. I never had a proper home, and moved every year, Sharon says. "And when I feel good and rejuvenated, I know I'll be ready for tomorrow.". The motorcycle loversaid: "And not just that, it actually helped me build our future nest. Nah, I just have a familiar face, I mumble. My mum never once showed that she panicked, neither was she hysterically asking me to fly home like the parents of my friends. I remember crying after the meeting as I closedmy laptop and packed up. . Today he is still traumatised by the invasion. For Sharon Au, who resigned from Mediacorp in 2018 before securing a new job, it gave her a temporary place to stay. What about you guys? Not making huge amounts of money, but at least we know how to manage our wealth properly. Institution Fund Committee of NCCS Cancer Fund Finance Advisory Panel Audit Advisory Panel Development and Advocacy Advisory Panel Nomination Sub-committee Auditor Ernst & Young The 46-year-old replied: "Just go ahead and splurge with your first paycheck. Chris Leone. He was so shocked to know that because to him, I was someone very capable and talented, and someone he admired.". Subscribe to the 8days weekly e-newsletter to receive the The 46-year-old replied: "Just go ahead and splurge with your first paycheck. "I thank God that he is safe, unhurt and did not run away. . People were convinced that she had a terminal illness of some sort, hence the drop-everything-and-move-to-Paris decision. It is pointless to keep anger.. As a provocateur and an innovator in technique, Rembrandt was constantly reinventing himself. During a hypnotherapy session at one of the rehearsals for her recent play for the Esplanade Huayi Chinese Festival of Arts, she bawled her eyes out for hours. Why do we need to wait for tragedy to strike before we realise and make a change? Her perspective on her career underwent an adjustment. [9] In 2016, she co-founded the Style by Style Vibes cafe when the new Mediacorp campus opened. Until one day, in a work meeting, she felt the ground tremble and shake. I believe education and improving oneself is a lifelong commitment. For Darren, the father-of-four has been into watercolour painting, playing the celloand pottery. All rights reserved. Going back to school made me the same down-to-earth person I was before I joined the media.. Ex-host Sharon Au quits job after her Paris home is burgled, re-evaluates her life there, All done! The more she dived into her work, the less time she had for herselfto a point where she suffered yet another identity crisis. . More specifically, to savour an experience. Reflecting on the financial mistakes in her "young starlet days" in the television business, Sharon said: "I was so overwhelmed with the joy of being famous and earning money, so I bought a lot ofmaterial goods.". Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon. Singapore 2K followers 500+ connections Join to view profile Mediacorp Pte Ltd Waseda University Personal Website About Eyes. Then we love sharing. Investment Director Duties & Responsibilities To write an effective investment director job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. AsiaOne contacted Mediacorp regarding her comments and the response was that they were unable to comment on the personal decision made by Sharon Au. Thread starter lordofthering; Start date Oct 17, 2021; 1; 2; Next. May 12, 2022, 1:44 PM SGT SINGAPORE - Sharon Au's dream life in Paris recently turned into a nightmare when her apartment was broken into on April 30. Now, I can finally become somebody that I want to be. Upon hearing Sharon utter those words, Rumis quote of Forget safety. Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox. Instead of acting, she took up an executive position at Mediacorp, citing Japan as one of the definitive moments of her life. The first figure is an old man seated with his head bowed and the second figure is an inconspicuous woman at the fireplace in a corner, tending to the fire. Dont forget to live, until its too late. Former Singaporean celebrity Sharon Au shared her ideas at work and she was "scolded for it" and she then "dramatically" resigned from Mediacorp in 2018. She wasnt in a hurry to find work, and was actually perfectly happy sleeping on my couch doing nothing. When her best friend Melissa from, discovered that Dennys was her temporary abode, she immediately brought Sharon into her home and announced to her mother that Sharon will be staying with us from now on, because she is homeless. No questions asked. I like myself in Paris; no one knows me and I am free to be who I want to becreative, liberated and free from expectations, she declares. The savvy entrepreneur managed to secure the involvement of Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Singapore, and persuaded Jean Schmitt (managing partner of Jolt Capital) to come on board. It was the same in March 2011 (when I was studying in Tokyo) when the major earthquake and tsunami struck Tokyo, resulting in a nuclear scare. If you're wondering, no, "Ti Yan" is not French. Today, she is proud to be the author of her own destiny, who is finally comfortable in her own skin. I lost my friends as I was too arrogant, or perhaps too busy to care.. in the 90s, where she would regale audiences nightly with her lively anecdotes and witty banter alongside co-hosts Kym Ng and Bryan Wong. Responsible for: - Australia & New Zealand sales & client businesses. These included beauty products, clothes, shoes and jewellery. Sharon also shared a photo on. Back in 2018, both Sharon and Mediacorp released statements announcing her resignation. Thinking that an earthquake was happening, she gripped the edges of the table and asked if anyone else felt it. I think I just got tired, so I tried the other way of life where you stopped pushing yourself. I wish every day is October. As an actress and a host for more than 10 years of her life, Sharon is used to following a script that doesnt give her any agency. Time away from the limelight allowed Sharon to recentre herself, and upon graduating from Waseda University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in 2011, she returned to Singapore with an invigorated sense of purpose and identity. But startled once more into action by the incident at work,Au went to the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Zo Evans. We Are Hiring [15], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Sharon Au Wanted To Quit Paris Job And Return To Take Care Of Mum When COVID-19 Broke Out", "Sharon Au's Journey From Cabin Crew To Business Class Passenger", "Local actress and host Sharon Au quits Mediacorp after 22 years", "SEA Games: Host Sharon Au apologises for insensitive remarks during opening ceremony", "Sharon Au to play Mrs Lee Kuan Yew opposite Adrian Pang in The LKY Musical", "TV host Sharon Au: Wearing this outfit makes me feel sexy because", "Mediacorp's magazines go all-in with digital", "Sharon Au to start a new chapter in life in 2018 - Toggle", "Sharon Au Has Found A New Job In Paris And Will Move There For Good", "Musician Goh Kheng Long renews marriage vows in Paris ceremony, witnessed by Jacky Cheung and Sharon Au", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sharon_Au&oldid=1136619421, Children Medical Fund Charity Show, Lunar New Year's Eve Variety Special, Storm (in Mandarin, ), Toy Factory Productions, Singapore, 1998. In February 2018, she resigned amicably from MediaCorp. True to her roots, she recognises the importance of having a safe space for women to retreat to, and empathises with them. Straight lines would now break away to form wavy curves, painted with flowing brush strokes in a riot of bright colours. Quitting and moving to Paris, therefore, was the exact opposite of what people thought she was. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. Sharon Au moved to the City of Love in 2018 and had been working as an investment director in a private equity firm. Destroy your reputation. We were supposed to go back to work after the meeting but I dont know why, I just walked away and couldnt stop, and I ended up going home and crying on the way back. "The IMH must check-in for seven days, and surrender your phone. Imagine coming home to your apartment only to find it emptied and your favourite things taken. Sharon Persia Head of Human Resources Investment Bank, and UK. He ceaselessly searched for new stylistic modes of expression much like how Sharon has been working on the latest version of herself that she likes best. Sharon Au quits investment director job in Paris after apartment robbed: (ST).Besides her previous roles as a host and actress, the celeb is perhaps also best known for dropping her life in Singapore to move to Paris in 2018.But the recent burglary has given Au cause to rethink her life in the European city.When contacted by ST, the 46-year-old said she is"not well enough" yet to share more . ", She added: "Took me 11 days to pen this note, without crying. I drew a complete blank and had nothing to wish for. Running away has always been Sharons source of comfort, a constant theme in her life that she has grown to be familiar with. I was unhappy and empty inside. Three months later, Sharon left at the peak of her career and found herself in Tokyo, without a concrete plan in mind. Sharon Au quits investment director job in Paris after apartment robbed Mandy How | May 13, 2022, 04:44 PM Events Golden Village VivoCity Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates:. Nobody had felt anything. But what about allocating a portion of your income towards upgrading yourself? Tokyo was fun, as I could have the childhood I never had. Sharon Au, a 46-year old ex-Mediacorp actress/hostess, has now moved on from her private equity investment firm director position in Paris after her house was ransacked by burglars. The longest would be a stay for one year and I had to move to another relative's house. If an artist were to draw a youthful version of Sharon, it might be Piet Mondrianbest known for his abstract paintings consisting of squares and rectangles. And then I realised I spent over 40 years of my life not appreciating things because I'm always too busy to savour a moment. On reflection, the biggest regret I have is probably not having children and experiencing motherhood. Quiet Inlet, a sweet Kayuki cocktail, is a popular choice of drug, but today, Sharon is happy sipping water. Discomfort is the only way to achieve personal growthand Sharon has learnt to step out of her comfort zone and confront parts of herself that she never used to like. The former actress-host moved to Paris in 2018 and worked as an investment director at a private equity firm there. Since then, Au has treasured the "second chance" to embrace life again. One phone call later, Sharon clinched a job at a private equity firm and she has climbed her way up to being an investment director with clients under her. When she realised telling jokes drew people to her and made her forget about the dreary realities of life, Au started living through that persona. Apr 2007 - Jul 20169 years 4 months. After a few months in Paris, she began work as an investment director in Jolt Capital, a private equity firm. I know it can go to that stage if you don't have a good support system. The whole celebrity diva thing had disintegrated and I felt like I had become the Sharon Au that I was supposed to behappy and contented. Rembrandts Philosopher in Meditation hanging in the Muse du Louvre is dearest to her. Live where you fear to live. She decided that she would be honest with herself, and be open to treatment. Greater Reading Area. I kept asking myself: Who is really Sharon Au? she admits. Besides being the investment director in the education and technology sector in the French international equity firm, Sharon is now also the CEO of Ti Yan, which in Chinese means. It was only when I turned 30 that I realised how much I disliked myself. And she does not deny that she has becomevastly different from the Sharon Au that people knew. You deserve it." In Money Money Home, Sharon and actor-host Darren Lim . As long as [you] havent reach menopause, its still possible (sic), one netizen wrote. Since then Sharon has changed 5 companies and 5 roles. [11], On 4 January 2018, it was announced that her last day of service in Mediacorp would be on 1 February 2018. "Life is all about connections. Au: I studied there for six years, so I've gotten used to it, very different. But case in point exactly. The 46-year-old is working as an investment director at a private equity firm in Paris. In an interview with AsiaOne on Monday (Nov 22) for her upcoming meWATCH. Apart from Ti Yan Academy, Sharon hopes to start a girls home or shelter, five to ten years down the road. Going back to school made me the same down-to-earth person I was before I joined the media.. The 45-year-old recalled the day she. View Sharon Starick's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. About Or at least attempted to, in the heat of uncontrollable rage. She told entertainment news outlet 8 Days in an interview that year: "I was very calm when I found out. Copyright 2023 SPH Media Limited. She added: "While we were eating, he asked me how work was, and I told him I didn't have a job and couldn't find one. This article is now fully available for you, Please verify your e-mail to read this subscriber-only article in full. [6] She also went to Jean Moulin University Lyon 3 in France for a year as part of Waseda University's One-Year international Exchange Program. But her dream life there was rudely interrupted by the burglary on April 30,. [12] styleXstyle.com was later absorbed in 8 Days and ELLE Singapore end January of the same year. Sharon said that he had seen herprojects and was impressed by them. Putting up such a front made Au question if she was really that happy all the time, and whether she had lost sight of herself. His paintings transformed from the early "smooth" manner of polished contours to the late "rough" treatment of richly variegated paint surfaces, using hog-bristle brushes, which was uncharacteristic of that era. to come on board. 202120748H. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. And it also didn't help that Au couldn't come to terms with the fact that she was depressed. Thread starter lordofthering; Start date Oct 17, 2021; Prev. This is life." During one of the nights, Sharon had reserved a ticket at the Marina Sands Theatre for her friend to watch the performance, but she never showed up. "Because of my freed up status (in Paris), I was able to really look at things. Unless its fries. Her backpack and laptop were stolen, but not her cash. Modest Rally in Asian Equities Expected as Regional Economies Remain Supportive and Valuations Reasonable, Dubai-Based Real Estate Developer Omniyat Launches Ultra-Luxury Beachfront Residences, Singapore Buyers Show Strong Interest in Mixed-Use Development in Londons Vauxhall, This Residential Tower in Dubai Features Interiors by Pagani, What to Expect at the Newly Reopened I12 Katong Retail Mall, Are You a HNWI? Destroy your reputation. I even flewin parts from the UK to Singapore and that got me into deep s***.". You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. For some, a large chunk of it goes towards paying off student loans. I also enjoy encouraging others to do the same . It was only when I turned 30 that I realised how much I disliked myself, she remarks. French Ambassador, Marc Abensour together with patron, Sharon Au , spoke to CNA yesterday on the Voilah France Singapore Festival. The post was accompanied by a photo of her and her beloved pet cat Rudon. I didnt want to leave baby Sharon, but I kept telling her that everything would be okay. She returned to MediaCorp to serve her scholarship bond upon graduation in 2011, taking up an office executive position.