Virtual Coffee Interview by Dizery

The latest handshake style was not too popular

1. Is it possible to love two girls at the same time?

Before I go any further, I want to clarify whether the context of love in this question is about being inlove. Because there is a difference. And because if you ask whether it is possible for me to be inlove with two girls at the same time, which I think is what you are asking, I will say no. I don't think the romantic part of my heart can ever that big for more than one person. Plus, I have never been good at multitasking, so when it comes with being inlove, well, there can only be one at one time.

(Because when you meet and have the one, why would you ever want more?)

2. In the late 90s, it used to be that if your neighborhood dry-cleaner had a website, you laughed at him for being pretentious. But now, you would laugh at him if he didn't have a website. Similarly, in 2006 I think personal blogs are something of a novelty for many people, but by 2010 everyone will have a blog. And they won't be anonymous, they'll have their names on it. First of all, do you like this vision of the future, and would you be prepared for it?

This is tough to answer.

If I interpret this correctly, you are suggesting that my future blog will have my name and identity clearly revealed for the world to see, to read, and to dissect. I don't like the sound of this, nor am I prepared. But, to be really honest, when I say that, I am being hypocritical here because I do have a Friendster page up with my pictures, my likings, and whoever is linked to me for the world to see, to read and to dissect. And the funny thing is, I really don't mind. So there lies the contradiction.

But the thing is, I like the fact that at this one public place known as the blog, my honest feelings on any valid or rubbish subject matter can be shared without any limits. I do agree there is a degree of self-cencorship (because I have learnt there are good ways and bad ways to say things), but it is virtually the best place for me to express ideas and share stories. Without feeling embarrassed or afraid.

I applaud those (particularly you babe) for being able to go, this is me, these are my ideas, there's no hidden anything via blogs. But at this moment, I like my secret tree house, with having interesting readers come visit without me fully being there, and with just traces of my thoughts for them to discover. I enjoy the mystery. Don't you?

3. What percentage of people working in consulting firms know what they're doing, and what percentage are just making it up as they go along?

I like the fact that you want me to gauge this with a numerical value. Ok, let's see. At any occupation you are in, whether you deem yourself a specialist or not, it is healthy to say that you will need to know atleast 60% of what you are doing. The other 30%, I believe, is the gap needed to be filled with new ideas, concepts, procedures etc, which is crucial since so you don't want to become the dinosaur of your times. So the remainder 10% is the ability to bullshit. Studies have shown that this ability is what differentiates the winners from the losers. Sometimes appearing to know what you are doing is enough to capture the deal.

Therefore, my marshmallow formula for any career, more particularly in consulting, is :

60 % experience/gathered knowledge + 30% new tricks + 10% bullshit = success at your career

4. Do you have an exercise regimen, and if so, what kind of exercise do you do?

Since enrolling into an expensive gym in April last year, I have forced myself to exercise. Initial gym sessions were hell. I remember almost passing out after just running six minutes on the treadmill. But after a good and dedicated year, I have seen results and that is what keeps me grounded at the gym three times per week.

My exercise regimen starts with running a mile (which is 1.6 kilometers) as fast as I can on the treadmill. The best time I clocked was at ten minutes. But ever since my bad back incident, I have been walking instead on the treadmill for the same distance.

After that, I do weights for my upper body and some for my legs for a good 45 minutes. My regimen ends with me doing 500 sit-ups. Overall, I want to look like Usher. Let's just say I am not there just yet.

5. If you could borrow money without interest, which part of KL would you choose to buy an apartment in?

When I think apartments, I think urban living. And what better way to do that than to live right smack around the KLCC area. There is this new luxurious apartment being built along Jalan Binjai call the Troika. The project, built by the renowned Foster and Partners, is currently being considered as the tallest, residential development in Malaysia. And based on artists' impressions, it looks so dark and evil, I love it.

But if we were to think in financial terms, even when the money I borrow from Lala Bank is without interest, I cringe. One standard unit, ranging from 2,142 to 3,336 sq. ft, will easily fetch for a cool RM3mill. So, that means monthly payments for the next twenty years is at an estimated rate of RM12,500. That's gila at this point of time.

If realistically speaking, I can only afford the new developments around the Kota Damansara area. A good quality apartment around KD can be priced around RM250,000 to RM450,000. That means monthly payments of around two grand. That's extremely reasonable, since the infrastructure around the area is not bad. Plus Ikea is situates there, so anything around Ikea must be good.

But I prefer to buy grounded properties instead. One simple reason is that I hate carrying my groceries, what more via elevators and staircases. Bah!