When I was young, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist.
That was the label given to me when I said, “I want to work with whales and dolphins.” I envisioned saving them, protecting them, and studying their behaviors to better understand them.
It all started after watching a movie about a man befriending a whale trapped in the bay of a small fishing village. The villagers wanted to kill the whale for meat, but the man wanted to save her. The story left such an impression that the next day, I woke up with a mission: I wanted to be the person saving the whale.
For years, that dream fueled me. Yet deep down, I didn’t want to become a scientist in the traditional sense. I wanted to be a generalist – someone who could observe, learn, connect, and advocate. I read books, signed petitions, watched documentaries, and learned to scuba dive. Over time, I realized that this passion was more of a hobby than a career path.
The Journey to Finding My Path
After high school, my interests evolved. I considered banking, but when I was labeled as “too ambitious,” I drifted, waiting for inspiration while enjoying the process of learning. I spent time as an Executive Assistant working in different industries, and enjoyed the diverse work it offered. I moved into the learning and development field, first teaching people how to use their computers and Microsoft Office, and then setting up internal L&D teams.
When I moved to Hong Kong, I felt lost. I was curious about so many things – business, technology, spirituality, the opportunities of the Internet. The sheer number of possibilities was both exhilarating and overwhelming. Then I discovered Barbara Sher’s book, Refuse to Choose!
Sher introduced me to the concept of being a Scanner – someone with intense curiosity about a wide range of topics, thriving on learning, exploring, and starting new projects. For the first time, I realized it was okay not to follow a single, linear career path.
Exploring my next steps led me to becoming a Virtual Assistant. It was a role that allowed me to utilise my existing skills, support business owners in diverse ways, and continuously learn. I became a “Jill of all Trades” – a title I once viewed with hesitation but now embrace. As I settled into supporting clients, my curiosity led me to reading business books, including Becoming an Online Business Manager by Tina Forsyth – a book that ultimately set me up for where I am today.
17 Years of Growth and Evolution
Today, I celebrate 17 years in business, and the launch of a new venture here in America this past April.
In 2007, I started as a sole proprietor. By 2009, I knew I didn’t want to work alone and envisioned a business that could grow beyond just me. In 2010, I rebranded to Bauhinia Solutions, and by 2012, I registered as a limited company. My first employee joined in 2013, and from there, I built a team to offer clients reliable, well-rounded services.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve made mistakes in managing my team, over-diversified services, and grappled with identifying our ideal clients. But I’ve also reaped incredible rewards – supporting women who want work flexibility, traveling while working, meeting inspiring people, and relocating to a new country while maintaining my business.
Yet, as my team grew, I realized I had created a job for myself. Some days, I felt like a wallflower; other days, a hamster on a wheel.
Rediscovering My Strengths
Building my team meant stepping back to let them shine. While intentional, this shift left me feeling underutilized and out of touch with our clients.
I’m a strategist at heart – an ideas person who thrives on thinking ahead, solving problems, and creating systems that empower others. Working behind the scenes in my business is something I can do, but it doesn’t light me up. What truly excites me is connecting with clients and collaborating with them to grow their businesses at a strategic level – far beyond the day-to-day tasks that my capable team expertly handles.
Working with Janine Manning, I was able to realign with my strengths and define a clear vision for my future. Together, we created a plan that allowed me to continue to grow my business and explore new possibilities.
Owning My Identity as an Expert-Generalist
Years ago, my first employee, Elizabeth, jokingly called me our “Resident Polymath.” Little did I know how much that title – and TEDx talks like All Power to the Polymath and Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling – would influence my professional identity.
Today, I embrace the term Expert-Generalist.
An Expert-Generalist is someone with the curiosity and capability to master multiple disciplines and connect the dots across diverse areas. It’s about recognizing patterns, synthesizing knowledge, and applying it strategically.
Instead of staying behind the scenes in my business, I’m stepping forward. I’m leveraging my curiosity, passion for learning, and ability to create clarity from complexity, while utilizing my skills to support clients in transformative ways.
In Closing
Hello, I’m Nicole, and I’m an Expert-Generalist.
I am also a Certified Online Business Manager, Certified Dashboard Designer, and Certified Digitial Business Consultant. I hold a Bachelor of Adult Education, a Diploma in Management, a Certificate in Marketing, and a Certificate in Small Business Enterprise. I’m a Reiki Master and studied Siekham Healing and Ka Huna Massage. I’m a Goddess Playshop Faciliator, a Soul Coach and studied as a Spiritual Life Coach. I’m also the Co-Creator of two Guided Writing Journals each with a companion Meditation CD.
Thank you for being here and reading my story. If you’re curious about how I can help your business with my unique blend of skills, let’s connect.
Nicole