What happens when a scientist with a background in drug discovery stumbles into the fascinating world of organizational behavior? Well, I’d argue it’s the perfect cocktail of curiosity, rebellion, and a jumper hand-embroidered with “Rebel Soul” (with the “Soul” written in Korean, because why not?). My career and hobbies might look like a tangled web, but they’re all connected by one thing: curiosity. A relentless curiosity about the systems and stories that shape human behavior. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of the brain in the lab or decoding team dynamics in the office, I’m all about exploring the spaces where different worlds collide.
This eclectic mix of interests isn’t just a career quirk. This is how I live: by seeking connections where others might not see them. It’s a process of continual discovery, both of the world around me and of myself. I’m the kind of person who spends weekends embroidering slogans onto sweaters while reading about cognitive science or leadership. It’s these quiet, creative moments that often provide the space for my thoughts to deepen and take new directions.
I started my professional journey in the lab, hunting for new drugs in the wild world of biotechnology. Then, I traded pipettes and assays for project timelines, diving into improvement management and workplace dynamics. It might seem like I jumped disciplines, but I’ve come to embrace my cross-functional personality. Whether it’s testing new molecules on human cells or testing team dynamics, it’s all about asking better questions and finding unexpected answers. Both worlds are about problem-solving, systems thinking, and trying to make sense of the unpredictable chaos known as humans. What I’ve learned is that science and organizational behavior are more similar than they seem – both are experiments in understanding complexity.
It all began with a project that shifted my focus from molecules to motivation. As a team leader, I joined an initiative titled “How to Empower and Motivate Employees”. What started as a quest to optimize performance quickly morphed into a deep dive into the intricate dance of leadership, culture, and creativity. I wasn’t just interested in the “how”, I wanted to understand the “why.” Why do some teams thrive while others flounder? How can workplaces become hubs of innovation and belonging, rather than just a collection of desks? That project lit the spark that continues to guide me today. The more I explore these questions, the more I realize their universality. They apply not just to workplaces, but to any context where humans come together to create something greater than themselves.
So why am I writing this column? Because I believe workplaces need more rebels – people who challenge the status quo, bring fresh ideas, and cross boundaries between disciplines. That’s the magic of being a generalist: you see connections others might miss and ask questions that spark innovation. This column is for anyone who’s curious, whether you’re a project manager looking to shake things up or an employee wondering how to make work work for you. Expect insights from science, psychology, and my own sometimes-hilarious misadventures. Ultimately, this column is about how we can work better (not harder!) and how the answers often lie in the intersections between ideas, disciplines, and people.I’ll explore the quirks of human behavior, the struggles of thriving in modern workplaces, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you’re someone who’s fascinated by how work could be, rather than how it’s always been done, you’re in the right place. I’m here to reflect, share ideas that inspire, provoke, and maybe even make you laugh. Because if we’re going to spend so much of our lives working, shouldn’t it be meaningful, and a little bit fun? And if this column sparks even a small moment of introspection for you, then it’s a start worth making.
A curious mind with a multidisciplinary flair, I’ve journeyed from biotech labs to the world of improvement management. With a PhD in cellular biology, I’ve dedicated years to unraveling scientific mysteries, authoring publications on cellular hypoxia and anti-cancer compounds, and contributing to the discovery of new therapies. Leading a project on motivation and empowerment ignited a passion for exploring how leadership, culture, and creativity influence the way we work. Now, as a PMI volunteer, I’m on a mission to help people and organizations thrive.