Transforming Life Insights: A Conversation with a Fintech Leader
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Chapter 1: An Unexpected Connection
Not often do I encounter individuals with seven-figure incomes, so when I received a direct message on LinkedIn from Lisa, a fintech executive, I was both curious and cautious. Initially, I suspected it might be a scam, given the prevalence of sophisticated online cons.
I took a full day to consider my response. Meanwhile, I conducted some background checks to confirm Lisa's identity. Her message expressed interest in my article about life in the UAE, and she inquired about potential blogging opportunities, asking if I had time to connect over a call in the upcoming weeks.
After a bit of back-and-forth, we scheduled a Zoom meeting. What was intended to be a 30-minute chat extended to 45 minutes, as our conversation flowed effortlessly.
Section 1.1: The Allure of Tax-Free Living
During our discussion, Lisa was particularly intrigued by my experiences living in the UAE from 2018 to 2022. Unlike Americans, Canadians residing in the UAE benefit from no income tax—absolutely none. While there are specific criteria to meet, retaining 100% of your income significantly enhances both quality of life and savings capabilities.
Like my husband and me, Lisa and her partner had leveraged geo-arbitrage to boost their earnings while living in more affordable areas. Surprisingly, Lisa had never considered the possibility of paying zero taxes.
Geo-arbitrage essentially entails earning in a strong currency while spending in a weaker one. Even though Lisa earns $1 million, half of that goes to taxes. Recent announcements regarding new capital gains taxes for the wealthy have added to her concerns. Despite this, she remains grateful for her financial standing.
However, it’s worth pausing to reflect: imagine your life if you retained 100% of your earnings. It’s an enticing thought, isn’t it?
Subsection 1.1.1: Shifting the Focus to Writing
About 20 minutes into our conversation, I sensed Lisa wanted to pivot the discussion toward another topic: writing. While she enjoys her current role, she is eager to mentor young people in exploring innovative wealth creation methods. She is quite active on LinkedIn, boasting a significant following.
"Why do you want to start a blog? Have you considered writing more on LinkedIn?" I inquired.
Her response caught me off guard, yet I could empathize. Lisa expressed discomfort with sharing her genuine opinions on LinkedIn.
"What will happen when your blog reveals your identity?" I asked, pointing out the paradox in her thinking.
Lisa expressed a desire to blog anonymously, which posed a significant dilemma. She possesses substantial credibility on LinkedIn, and if she were to create an anonymous blog, she'd have to start from square one, hiding her identity. I could see her contemplating this conflict.
Section 1.2: The LinkedIn Dilemma
As a budding writer myself, I’ve noticed a recurring theme among professionals eager to express themselves. I frequently receive inquiries similar to Lisa's. I understand her predicament; I faced similar fears before stepping away from corporate life.
It can be daunting to share one’s thoughts while employed by a company. Scroll through LinkedIn, and you'll find most posts are as uninspiring as they come.
The majority of employees share variations of the following:
- Re-posts of corporate marketing content (e.g., “We’re excited to announce feature X!”)
- Updates about work-related events or conferences (e.g., “Excited to host session A at conference B!”)
- News about promotions or new positions (e.g., “I’m thrilled to announce my new role at company D!”)
Yawn.
Yet, it doesn’t have to be either extreme. There exists a middle ground. For those whose professional lives align with their passions, integrating more personal content can be beneficial, although it does require careful thought.
For Lisa, the solution seemed clear. I suggested she prioritize finding her unique voice on LinkedIn. With her established audience, she could weave in personal posts that resonate with her interests, particularly regarding wealth creation and youth mentorship.
Imagine if one of her posts inspired a young person to change their life trajectory. What if her authentic presence ultimately benefited her employer in unexpected ways? What if she could mentor while still being compensated by her company?
A win-win scenario was clearly within reach.
Wrap Up
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to provide life advice to a seven-figure fintech executive.
My conversation with Lisa illuminated my own journey. Though still evolving, I’m gradually embracing my truth. By revealing our authentic selves, we empower others to do the same.
There are numerous ways to live life on your terms, and you never know how a single post might inspire someone. Opportunities and engaging discussions often arise from writing. The fear of vulnerability while working for someone else is a common hurdle.
Seek the intersection of what you know and what you do to make a meaningful impact. If you’ve been contemplating writing, now is the time to choose a platform and begin.
For further connection, find me on LinkedIn. If you're ready to discover your voice, consider the course I took; it could transform your life.