For almost 25 years, I have lived the high-pressure world of brand marketing, advertising and creativity – a field driven by innovation, quick decision making and constant deadlines. In the month of December 2024, I took an extraordinary detour – a month-long ordination into monkhood in Thailand under the name “Sakkavanso.” This deeply transformative experience, though vastly different from my corporate life, revealed lessons that connect – both personal and professional life. Let me share how this journey revealed parallels between monastic life and the challenges we face as business professionals. Let me confess, adjusting to monastic life was far from easy, particularly during the first week. My days began at 4:30 AM, structured around discipline, meditation and simplicity. The transition demanded that I unlearn habits ingrained over the years in my corporate route and embrace a more introspective way of living. Thanks to the guidance of my teacher, Venerable Thavorn and the unwavering support of my family and office colleagues, I fully immersed myself in this new way of life for the month. Along the way, I uncovered insights that resonate deeply in both personal and professional contexts.
Here are the 10 key lessons from my journey:
1 Clarity in Leadership: The Power of the Mind
Monkhood taught me that while the body is universal, it is the mind that truly defines who we are. Through meditation, I discovered that the mind evolves with practice, becoming clearer and more focused over time. In the corporate world, this clarity is just as vital for leadership. Business leaders who cultivate focus and a growth mindset are better equipped to navigate challenges, inspiring the teams to drive meaningful progress.
2 Respect and Organization: Building a Positive Culture
A fundamental practice in monkhood involved cleaning shared spaces, including toilets, with the utmost care – “leaving them better than I found them” is the motto. This simple yet profound act instilled respect for others. Similarly, in business, fostering a clean, organized and respectful work environment encourages professionalism and efficiency. When teams embrace accountability and respect, they cultivate a culture of mutual trust and collaboration.
3 Distractions are Everywhere: Focus on the Core Objective
Meditation taught me how challenging it is to calm the mind. Even a simple 10-minute focus on the breath was often interrupted by distractions. Similarly, in the workplace, distractions are everywhere. To maintain productivity, business professionals must practice prioritization. Tools such as task management does help to stay focused on our core objectives.
4 Resilience through Change: Change is Everywhere
One of the core teachings during my ordination was the impermanence of life and the importance of letting go of attachments. In business, change is inevitable. With technology disrupting everything, embracing change has become one of the most important aspects of business today. From automation and artificial intelligence to data-driven decision-making and new digital platforms, technology is transforming industries at an unprecedented pace. Companies must stay agile, adapt to these advancements and continuously innovate to remain competitive today.
5 Teamwork is Everywhere: The Strength of Unity
Even in monkhood, teamwork was essential – whether it was dressing the monk’s robe or participating in the evening confessions. Just as monks reflect on their daily actions and hold themselves accountable, corporate teams must foster an environment of openness. In the corporate world today, it is not about finding a single superstar, but about finding individuals who believe in working together to drive success as a team. Open communication, shared accountability and humility are crucial for strengthening collaborations and building high-performing teams. When individuals take collective ownership and support each other, they can produce their best work as a united team.
6 Ethical Leadership: Prioritizing Truth
Monkhood taught me the value of truth over convenience. While truth can be painful, it ultimately leads to clarity and growth. In the corporate world, ethical leadership is about making decisions that align with core values. Transparency and authenticity are vital in building trust, ensuring long-term success rather than short-term gains.
7 Relationships and Belonging: A Foundation of Support
A moment of profound gratitude during my monkhood came when my family visited me, reminding me that “home is where your family is”. In professional life, fostering a sense of belonging within teams and building strong relationships with colleagues and business associates create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and motivated.
8 The Role of Mentors: Guiding with Purpose
The presence of my teacher, Venerable Thavorn, was pivotal throughout this journey. His guidance reminded me of the importance of having mentors who lead by example. In the creative and brand marketing industry, mentorship plays an equally vital role. A great leader inspires, challenge and guide the team, fostering resilience and growth. I have been fortunate to have a few remarkable mentors in my professional life who have provided clarity and direction during moments of uncertainty, helping me navigate challenges with purpose.
9 Balance and Relaxation: Sustaining Performance
The Thai concept of “sabai,” or relaxation, emphasizes allowing the mind and body to find natural peace. In the professional workplace, promoting work-life balance and moments of relaxation helps prevent burnout, boosts creativity and sustains long-term performance. Taking time to recharge ensures individuals remain engaged, focused and productive over time.
10 Gratitude and Generosity: Building Lasting Connections
The practice of gratitude and generosity emerged as one of the most powerful lessons during my journey. In monkhood, we depended entirely on the kindness of strangers for alms, a humbling reminder of the interconnectedness of life. In business, brands and companies thrive when they embrace generosity – whether through corporate social responsibility, sustainable practices, meaningful contents or acts of kindness that enrich the lives of their stakeholders.
By embracing these lessons, we can foster workplaces that thrive on clarity, compassion and collaboration. As I transition back into my corporate life, I carry these insights with me, hopeful that they will inspire others to embrace purpose, resilience and gratitude in their journeys. Whether in the monastery or the boardroom, the path to meaningful growth lies in finding balance, cultivating relationships and staying true to our core values.
By Ujaya Shakya (sakkavanso)
