5 Things Hichem Says About Success That Everyone Should Know
Have you ever studied the meaning of colors?
Hichem, who has two daughters, often says, “I think in pink! Because my daughters love the color.” That’s awesome.
But what does it mean to think in pink?
According to Color Psychology, pink stands for things like love, calmness, and optimism. The stronger the shade of pink is, the more it’s linked to energy, passion, and confidence.
For Hichem, thinking in pink is more than just a fun way to describe his life. It’s also a creative way to approach everything he does.
“When I tell people that I think in pink, it means I live in the moment and let my imagination run wild. This is what my daughters have taught me to do.”
Clearly, you should be thinking in pink, too.
During our talk with Hichem, who is the director of internal control and risk management at Djezzy, we get more insightful tips like this.
1. Do more when life throws you lemons
You’ve probably read your fair share of motivational quotes. Some are corny, some are wise, and some just get old after a while.
While you’re thinking about all those quotes, consider this one: “When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.”
Other than making you want some lemonade, this quote promotes having a can-do attitude when you encounter misfortune or adversity. That’s certainly encouraging.
But what perhaps is more inspirational is that countless people have tweaked this quote to their own liking. What this shows you is that you have options when life throws you lemons (aka challenges). You don’t just have to make lemonade.
This idea is something Hichem follows in his work and life. His career path truly proves the value of embracing challenges.
After working at a bank, Hichem joined Djezzy in 2002 as a bank relations manager. In 2013, as Djezzy began speeding up its digital transformation, Hichem got the opportunity to create and run a new department: internal control and risk management.
“It was a big challenge and I had to learn a lot of new techniques and skills. But I just dived right in. You only progress with challenge,” attests Hichem.
Do you see why challenges should be viewed as an opportunity?
It’s because overcoming challenges is how you grow and improve. Using the lemon quote logic, this translates as: When life throws lemons, you can accomplish more.
2. Prepare for “accidental” discoveries
Back in school, teachers probably told you stories about accidental inventions. Perhaps you thought something so amazing or lucky would never happen with you.
Think again.
Since we’ve been talking about colors (think in pink!), let’s tell a quick story about how mauve, that cool pale purple color, was discovered.
In 1856, William Henry Perkin, a British chemist, was trying to replicate quinine, the only viable treatment for malaria at the time. During his research, Perkin accidentally stumbled across mauve and quickly saw that it could be used as a commercial dye. And the world’s first synthetic dye was born.
That’s wild, isn’t it?
Now, every time you see mauve, you should be reminded of the importance of thinking on your feet and learning from experiences (i.e. think in pink). This is how Hichem approached building a whole new department at Djezzy.
“I had knowledge from my studies. But I did a lot of learning on the go. What really helped me create the department from scratch successfully was actively studying others and listening to them. Learning from experiences with other people is essential,” notes Hichem.
Part of learning on the go involves communication and collaboration with others. After all, you grow when you share knowledge and skills. If you ask Hichem for career advice, he’ll tell you something similar.
“I tell younger workers to always have your eyes open. Learn to listen. You need the right mix between theory and experience. This is how you make big discoveries,” states Hichem.
So, let’s get back to talking about mauve for a second. This great color wouldn’t be here if a chemist wasn’t so good at learning from the moment. Remember that.
And remember to combine what you learn from books and life, as Hichem suggests. You’ll be in a better position to succeed.
3. Learn to shapeshift
Let’s start with the bad news. You can’t literally shapeshift yet. But the technology to make it happen is in the works. Wrap your head around that.
Now, let’s get to the good news. You can already figuratively shapeshift. Or, in plain terms, you can teach yourself to be adaptive and flexible in work and life. That’s what Hichem advocates.
“There is sometimes resistance to change, especially if you’ve been having success. Remember that success is temporary, though. Djezzy is undergoing this digital transformation because we realize that we must adapt!” explains Hichem.
So, as Hichem describes, learning to shapeshift is the only way you’ll be able to survive. But what do you do if there’s resistance to change?
“You push through it. Never give up. Change is necessary. Your life depends on it,” stresses Hichem.
In this context, I would really like to thank my team from the bottom of my heart for their professionalism, their positive attitude and just for being their and being so amazing as part of this journey”.
To be a true shapeshifter, you need resilience and an open mind. That’s what will enable you to do things that wow others (which could include literally shapeshifting in the future).
4. Create a cool Kronkiwongi!
Wait. What?
A Kronkiwongi!
This seems appropriate to talk about since we just covered shapeshifting. After all, you want to create things that wow people. Your Kronkiwongi could wow.
According to LEGO®, a “Kronkiwongi does not come with instructions. It is anything that you can imagine and build with LEGO® bricks.”
A simple yet powerful marketing campaign, the LEGO® Kronkiwongi project garnered interest around the world, raising awareness about the importance of freedom of expression. Not only did it promote the LEGO® vision of inspiring the builders of tomorrow, the campaign celebrated the creative power of children. It reminded people that imagination is limitless.
That’s pretty profound stuff, right? When Hichem talks about what he’s learned from his daughters, he discusses similar ideas.
“My daughters have shown me that imagination has no limits. They’ve proved that there are many ways to look at a problem — and there are many solutions for those problems. It’s crucial to think differently and cherish and utilize our imagination and creative power, especially as we grow up,” notes Hichem.
Hichem makes a great point about paying attention to our creative power and imagination as we get older. Because it can be lost.
Think about this fascinating research: When three-year-olds are tested on their ability to brainstorm ideas, 98% score as “creative geniuses.” By the time they’re 25, only 2% score as “creative geniuses.”
What happens to us?
Evidently, we’re not practicing our Kronkiwongi making skills. Or, as Hichem would express, we’re not thinking in pink!
Get back to doing that.
5. Find inspiration in conversations
Have you ever had a bad day that was turned around by a random conversation? Maybe the cashier at your local market made a funny joke about the horrible weather, and you just started laughing uncontrollably (yes, there are weather jokes that good).
If you think about it, such experiences really highlight the power of making connections with other people. That’s why, when Hichem isn’t busy at Djezzy, he’s spending time with others.
“I love spending time with family and traveling to see other cultures. I love reading, as it feels like you’re having a talk with the writer. And I just enjoy thought-provoking conversations with anyone. I get inspiration from connections with people,” describes Hichem.
That last point about getting inspiration is key. That’s how you stay motivated to do great things. As Hichem suggests, finding inspiration isn’t a solo endeavor. You need to make connections with other people.
