Finding Purpose in Transition: How Founder of The Gain Lab Discovered His Ikigai Through Education (Career Transition)

A speaker addressing a diverse audience, embodying his ikigai through education.

In a world where career transitions can feel daunting, Martin Li stands as a testament to the power of courage and purpose. Just over a year ago, the former corporate marketing professional took a bold step into uncharted territory, leaving behind the familiarity of his full-time role to embrace a new chapter—as an adult educator. Today, with more than 1,600 learners impacted, 150 workshops conducted, and partnerships forged across esteemed institutions like OOm Institute, ASK Training Centre, RMIT, and Vertical Institute, Martin’s journey is not just one of personal growth but also of inspiration for anyone contemplating change.

A Leap of Faith

For many professionals, stepping away from the security of a structured corporate environment requires immense resolve. For Martin, it was no different. “Making the switch takes courage,” he reflects. Yet, what propelled him forward was not fear or uncertainty, but rather a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives.

Since April last year, Martin has dedicated himself to empowering individuals through learning—facilitating programs that span soft skills development, strategic thinking, generative AI, digital marketing, and beyond. His classrooms are diverse melting pots, welcoming participants ranging from eager students in their twenties to retirees in their eighties, spanning various races, occupations, and walks of life. What unites them all? A shared goal: to learn.

“It’s humbling to see people come together with such openness and eagerness,” says Martin. “Whether they’re PMETs navigating workplace challenges, senior leaders honing their strategies, housewives seeking new opportunities, or retirees pursuing lifelong passions, every learner brings something unique to the table.”

Witnessing Growth, Inspiring Change

What makes this role particularly fulfilling for Martin is the opportunity to witness tangible transformation. Through personal coaching and interactive workshops, he has seen countless learners grow—not just in knowledge but in confidence and perspective.

“Martin is highly knowledgeable in the field and shared valuable insights to help us business owners navigate the ever-changing digital landscape,” shares Alyssa Choo, a business owner who attended one of his digital marketing workshops. “I was able to apply what I learned to fine-tune my social media marketing strategies effectively.”

Another participant, Shirley Chong, a HR manager exploring Generative AI, adds, “Martin is a great trainer, very knowledgeable, clear explanation and makes the lessons very interesting.”

These testimonials speak volumes about the impact Martin has had on his learners. “Seeing someone evolve before your eyes is incredibly rewarding,” he shares. “One moment, they might be struggling to articulate their ideas; the next, they’re presenting with clarity and conviction. That’s when you know you’ve made a difference.”

This sense of purpose—what the Japanese call ikigai or ‘reason for being’—has become the cornerstone of Martin’s work. In helping others find their footing, he has discovered his own.

Partnerships That Propel Success

Martin attributes much of his success to the strong partnerships he has cultivated along the way. Institutions like OOm Institute, ASK Training Centre, RMIT, and Vertical Institute have provided platforms for him to expand his reach and impact. These collaborations underscore the importance of community and support in achieving meaningful milestones.

“I’m deeply grateful to my partners for believing in me and giving me these opportunities,” Martin says. “Their trust has been instrumental in making this journey possible.”

A Celebration of Career Transition Milestones—and Looking Ahead

As Martin marks his first year in the education industry, he does so with humility and gratitude. Reflecting on his achievements thus far—facilitating over 20 distinct programs, reaching thousands of learners—he acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without the encouragement of peers, partners, and most importantly, the learners themselves.

But this milestone is not just about celebrating past successes; it’s also about embracing the future with optimism. With plans to continue expanding his offerings and impacting even more lives, Martin looks ahead to another exciting year filled with possibilities.

An Invitation to Embrace Change

Martin’s story serves as a powerful reminder that transitions, though challenging, can lead to profound fulfilment. To those considering a leap into the unknown, he offers this advice: “Trust yourself and lean on the support of those around you. When you align your work with your passion and values, the rewards will follow.”

His journey exemplifies how finding purpose doesn’t always mean starting from scratch—it’s about recognising where your strengths meet the needs of others. And sometimes, that realisation comes when you least expect it.

As we celebrate Martin’s remarkable first year in education, let us take inspiration from his courage, resilience and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. After all, in a world hungry for connection and growth, there’s no greater gift than the ability to inspire change—one learner at a time.

Here’s to many more years of impactful teaching, transformative learning, and discovering the infinite potential within us all.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If Martin’s story resonates with you, whether you’re considering a career transition or simply looking to up-skill, now is the time to take action. To help you navigate your journey, The Gain Lab is offering complimentary career coaching calls. During these sessions, our qualified coaches will provide personalised insights and actionable advice tailored to your goals.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this chance to gain clarity and direction. Book your complimentary session today.

About the Founder of The Gain Lab

Martin Li is the founder and principal consultant of The Gain Lab, a Singapore-based consultancy specialising in AI, digital marketing, and leadership development for SMEs. With almost 20 years of experience guiding businesses through digital transformation, Martin has helped organisations—from startups to MNCs—unlock sustainable growth through strategic innovation. A sought-after speaker and ICF coach, he is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and human-centric leadership. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn or visit The Gain Lab to learn more about his work.