Do your values align with your career goals?

Victor Klap is the CEO of the Outward Bound Trust of NZ, which helps unlock the potential of New Zealanders of all ages through challenges in the outdoors.

Welcome to my regular series entitled "My Light Bulb Moment".

This column highlights a 'blinding flash of insight' that business, cultural and sports leaders have experienced and how this changed their lives forever.

Victor Klap

Victor Klap is the CEO of the Outward Bound Trust of NZ, which helps unlock the potential of New Zealanders of all ages through challenges in the outdoors.

Victor was born in Wellington to immigrant parents from the Netherlands. He moved with his family to Australia when he was 14, where he gained an economics degree. Victor started a successful career but felt the need to return to New Zealand and complete an MBA at the University of Otago. His career has mostly been in chief executive, senior management and advisory roles within the health sector.

Light-Bulb Moment - Have a meaningful career

"In 1998 I was diagnosed with cancer and four days after surgery I had my lightbulb moment," Victor remembers. "I thought about a potential future conversation with my specialist at which he would tell me my cancer had metastasised, and how I would feel if I hadn't lived my life in a meaningful way."

After some thought, Victor realised: "This meant family first, and that work should be fun and fulfilling and align with my personal values."

Moving forward with a new purpose

This cancer scare completely changed Victor's career from one of "climbing the corporate ladder", to becoming more focused on roles in which he could make a contribution to the lives of others. "My first post-cancer role was as CEO of a small national organisation that provided support to local GP organisations." Ever since, he made it a priority that all his work would continue to be in alignment with his values.

As a career specialist, I understand that it is so important to take the time out to think about the values you hold. What do you want to be known for as a professional in your industry, and what are the things you won't stand for in your workplace and career? When you know what these are, you are in the position to make quality values-based career decisions, and set a path for a fulfilling and meaningful career.

Make wise choices

"I think it's important for people to think about their values and try to ensure that their choices are not simply driven by status or money but more by their values. In my experience, it is this values alignment that makes work fulfilling and enjoyable. At Outward Bound, we try to show people their full potential through challenge in the outdoors," Victor says. His team are rewarded with letters from people who tell them how their programmes have improved their lives.

"By helping to create better people, we can create better communities and a better world." Living your values indeed!

Tom O'Neil is an award-winning business speaker, best-selling international author and MD of CV.CO.NZ and TomONeil.com