Summary
AI Cedric
In this engaging conversation on Seriously Bud, Lesley Sim delves into her experiences with Ultimate Frisbee, a seven-aside game combining elements of American football and netball, played with a Frisbee aiming to score points by catching it in the end zones. Lesley provides insights into both the game’s dynamics, including specific rules around movement and passing, as well as its origins and growth, especially mentioning its roots in the US and linking it to her personal connection in Singapore. She also reminisces about her global travels connected to Ultimate Frisbee, from places like Bangkok and Hong Kong sharing the community spirit and camaraderie fostered by the sport.
Transitioning from sports, Lesley recounts her educational journey from Singapore to Sydney, Australia, where she pursued a business degree due to a lifelong interest sparked by influences, including her father’s law practice. Despite a clear career path in mind, Lesley faced initial uncertainties upon graduation that led her through various jobs before finding her niche in WordPress. She candidly speaks about the entrepreneurial challenges she encountered and overcame, such as venturing into creating WordPress plugins like Newsletter Glue and Event Koi without personally enjoying coding but relying on a co-founder for development.
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Lesley then gives a detailed comparison between Singapore’s authoritarian-like governance and her experiences abroad, highlighting Singapore’s strict regulations and controlled press environment contrasted with her appreciation for the cosmopolitan vibe of cities like New York. She describes the implicit self-censorship in media and society in Singapore, driven by an acute awareness of what is deemed acceptable without direct governmental intervention. This narrative offers a nuanced understanding of her life and environment in Singapore, framed against her global experiences.
Lesley also explores her diverse interests beyond work, such as her newfound passion for pickleball, influenced by her mother, and her adventurous foray into free diving, where she achieved depths of 50 meters purely on breath-hold. These personal pursuits demonstrate her enthusiastic embrace of varied activities, balancing her professional life with recreational and leisure engagements. From playing extensive hours of pickleball to challenging herself in extreme sports, Lesley showcases a multifaceted character with a deep appreciation for both adventure and community.
The conversation wraps up with Lesley discussing her current work on WordPress plugins while projecting her aspirations for the future which, interestingly, do not center around work. Her goal is to retire early and focus on personal passions like pickleball and pottery, emphasizing the value she places on hobbies and personal fulfillment. Additionally, Bud’s genuine interest in Lesley’s journey and suggestions for future guests like Zach Katz and Anil Gupta underscores a broader narrative on the importance of personal stories and connections within the WordPress community and beyond.