Daniel Ting Chong

Has your definition of it changed over the years and if so, why? | Definition of success has changed over years. In younger years, I wanted to be a hero – with 7 billion people, little chance of that! With passing years any desire for fame has receded completely.

Definition of success now a healthy balance between work, play/recreation and rest. To have enough financially to live comfortably and be able to assist others. I do NOT want it recorded on my headstone that I wished I had spent more time at work!

I am driven to do more with Life than the generation before mine. I am driven to be environmentally and socially aware. My definition of success in question 1 gives me plenty to strive for daily.

My magic, I believe, comes from considerable Life experience (much of it unhappy, with the loss of my parents at an early age), limited resources, extensive travels, being unafraid of risk, seizing opportunities, and a deep interest in human beings.

There is magic in entertaining people through storytelling. My magic, if any, would be very difficult to describe or quantify.

Confidence, and the ability to interact well with people.

What do you believe are the characteristics, actions, habits and behaviors that you both have and use, that have helped you achieve what you have been able to achieve?

A very good memory, humility, ability to listen and learn, good work ethic, constant desire to improve my stories and presentation, punctuality and the confidence to do it “my way” rather than mimicking somebody else.

Indecision or hesitation has caused us to get stuck on occasions. With age/experience, seizing opportunities not as easy as it was 20 years ago. The longest, darkest hour is only 60 minutes.

Remaining stuck is not an option! Being self-employed forces one to respond swiftly. Evaluating priorities, for me, usually solves these situations, and ensures they don’t keep recurring.

Honesty, integrity and transparency. In our industry, reputations are built over years and smashed in seconds. Be as good as your word (in 13 years of intensive UK lecture tours, we have never once entered into a contract), never over-promise and under-deliver. Be authentic, always. Communicate with clients, don’t leave them hanging or guessing.

Establishing my worth, still cannot believe people will pay me to tell a story. Afraid to push my rates up.

That our business may not survive Lockdown and beyond.

Try to get enough rest and exercise. Regular mountain bike rides are a wonderful time to be creative, and clear the noise from one’s mind.

Step up to the responsibility of performing for an audience – it is a show/performance.

Absolutely. When is enough, enough? If one is constantly wanting to improve one’s offering, surely one can never be fully content with it? I think most human beings struggle with being completely happy with what they have – difficult aspect of human nature. Desiderata is often referred to in these instances, for me.

Essentially I am a loner, and very happy with my own company. Storytelling/performing is not my usual comfort zone. I have a large Bonsai tree collection.