Hong Chun Shen – Technical Manager, Porsche Centre Shanghai Minhang
The road to success, they say, is never easy. It is often uncomfortable, requiring tons of hard work and persistence. Fortunately, this journey, although paved with challenges, becomes a place of joy and enduring strength when shared with people who believe and support you.
No other experience comes close to this truth than my participation in the MoonTrekker race, a 30km overnight running event in Hong Kong, which I have been part of three times since joining Jebsen Motors in 2006. Every year, teams of four Jebsen employees from different business units come together to participate in this extremely challenging course along the Lantau Island.
The confidence I have received from my Jebsen colleagues on and off the trail has been extremely moving. Since joining the annual event, my colleagues and supervisors have been immensely supportive, cheering me on for every race. When I suffered severe and immobilising knee pain on the trail, my teammates stayed with me and helped me through the hike, while colleagues outside of the race extended urgent medical care.
Knee pain aside, the race is a perfect breather from my typical work day because of the people I get to meet. I work each day inside the Porsche workshop, and mostly interact with my immediate team; outside of work I spend my time reading, working out, riding bikes and spending time with my two children. It is not every day that I get to spend time with other colleagues across borders, so when I do, I make sure to make the most of it. The race gives me a chance to get to know them, and share a part of myself – including cooking a hearty breakfast for them!
Knowing that you are surrounded with a friendly support system is truly a gem. It reminds me of why I signed up for the MoonTrekker challenge, and why I would give a resounding “Yes!” when given the chance to do it again.
Apart from feeding my curiosity and desire to be part of a fund-raising activity for the environment (through The Nature Conservancy), the journey patiently instilled in me a personal pursuit to continuously improve myself–a mission that I get to apply day by day in my work. As part of one of the largest Porsche dealers in the world, the commitment to keep getting better at my craft–much like the hours of training we allotted for the race –is valuable in pushing the boundaries of service excellence.
Speaking of commitment, the drive to succeed that I saw from my teammates was highly contagious too! Their positive spirit and the generous time they took to impart running tips made the physically and mentally demanding race more manageable and enjoyable. With their support, I am happy to report that I have been recording improving results with each race!
When asked what kept me going in the long and grueling run, I always say this: the cool breeze against my skin under the moonlight, the sunrise nearing the finish line, and the thought of how blessed my life has been with my family back home, and with my Jebsen family who always has my back.