Redefined by Resilience: A Journey of Purpose and Reinvention

Sue Singh
Aug 20
4 min read

Life rarely unfolds according to plan, often presenting its greatest challenges when we least expect them. Yet, it is within these very disruptions that we discover untapped strength and the courage to pursue meaningful transformation. I have come to understand that every setback holds the potential to become a stepping stone toward an extraordinary comeback. My professional journey has been anything but linear, shaped not only by ambition but also by resilience, strategic recalibration, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.

A Bold Step into the Unknown

In 2016, after 16 years with an organisation that had become my second home, I reached a turning point. The organisation was evolving in ways that made me reflect on my values and aspirations. With gratitude for all I had learned, I made the daunting yet necessary decision to opt for voluntary retrenchment. With cautious optimism, I registered my own consultancy in labour relations and stepped into entrepreneurship, trading stability for purpose.

As Jonathan Goldberg writes in The Business of Adaptation, Lesson 22: "Sometimes, the best decision you can make is to walk away… Recognising when something no longer serves your purpose or aligns with your values is the first step to finding something better." [1] This insight echoes my journey; it took courage to move on, yet in doing so I opened the door to purpose-driven growth.

Education, Setback, and Resolve

Driven to deepen my expertise and broaden my impact, I enrolled for an LLB at UNISA, despite being considered a “late starter”. Returning to academia in my 30s was exhilarating but demanding. Balancing studies, consulting, and motherhood tested my resolve. There were moments of doubt, but I came to realise that growth often emerges from discomfort.

In 2019, I faced an unexpected setback. A serious accident left me temporarily immobile and even confined to a wheelchair for a period. The physical recovery was long and painful, and emotionally, the toll was immense. The timing was brutal, my academic progress stalled, and COVID-19 added further uncertainty. Financial pressures mounted. My confidence wavered.

Yet, amid the darkness, I discovered the depth of my resilience. Each day was a battle to regain mobility, focus, and hope. Though delayed, I never abandoned my goal. That season taught me that resilience is not innate, yet forged through adversity.

Strength Through Support

I have come to value the strength found in others. My family became my foundation. My children, in their own quiet way, were my constant motivation. Juggling school runs, emotional needs, and daily responsibilities while studying was no small feat. Their presence kept me grounded and anchored in purpose.

Family and friends offered practical help and vital encouragement. Research affirms that supportive relationships are a cornerstone of personal resilience. I experienced that truth. That season reinforced the power of community and the strength drawn from those who walk beside us.

Renewal and Realignment

By 2021, with limited resources but renewed determination, I resumed my LLB studies, and in 2023, I was appointed as a Risk and Compliance Officer at an organisation whose values aligned with mine. The role allowed me to contribute meaningfully and grow professionally.

However, in September 2024, my journey took yet another unexpected turn. Due to broader organisational restructuring, I was retrenched. While the experience echoed earlier setbacks, I approached it with greater clarity and resilience. As Goldberg aptly notes, “Reinvention is not about discarding the past but rather using it as a foundation for future growth.” [2] I took time to reflect, recalibrate, and remain optimistic.

Shortly thereafter, I achieved a long-held goal: I completed my LLB degree in 2024. This was not a triumph of intellect or talent; it was a triumph of perseverance, bolstered by support and a deep-rooted determination. Finishing my degree after years of disruption was profoundly affirming, as through the journey, I had become more resilient, more adaptable, and more assured in my purpose.

Embracing Reinvention Embracing a New Chapter

In July 2025, I began a new chapter with Global Business Solutions (GBS), a turning point for me. The transition was made possible by the unwavering support of exceptional mentors and a values-driven team. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to embrace the unfamiliar, apply my legal foundation in new ways, and continue evolving as a professional committed to inclusion, integrity, and impact.

Lessons in Adaptation

Each chapter of this journey has imparted enduring lessons:

Values matter more than titles. Purpose-driven work outlasts any job title.
Growth often requires discomfort. Meaningful growth happens beyond your comfort zone, so don’t fear the discomfort; work through it.
Support systems are vital. No one achieves greatness alone; lean on your community.
Resilience is built, not born. Adversity cultivates strength and clarity. Every setback equips us with boundless emotional strength.
Reinvention is courage. Starting over is not failure; it is an act of self-respect. Never be afraid to rewrite your story.

Honouring Resilience This Women’s Month

My story is not unique. Many women walk parallel paths, balancing ambition, adversity, and duty. Behind every achievement lies a quiet journey of sacrifice, resolve, and courage.

This Women’s Month, let us not only celebrate success but also the trials and transformations that made it possible. Let us foster spaces where women are seen, heard, and valued not only for their titles, but for their tenacity.

Let us uplift one another, share our stories, and inspire the next generation to face their own challenges with courage.

Because when women rise, entire communities ascend with them.

Reference

Jonathan Goldberg, The Business of Adaptation (Harry’s Printers, December 2024).

As a 53% women-owned QSE, this Women’s Month, we're proud to announce that most of our articles feature the brilliant women of GBS- trusted experts and inspiring thought leaders in the workplace and beyond. Reach out to the right consultant for your needs via their profiles here.

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