Meet Jack Paduntin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jack Paduntin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jack with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic was deeply shaped by my early experiences moving to the U.S. As a minority and non-native English speaker determined to build a career in higher education, I felt a profound need to prove my ability to succeed in an exceptionally competitive and highly educated field. Adding to the challenge was the lack of representation and role models from Thailand in this career path. This absence of visible examples motivated me to work even harder, knowing I needed to carve out a space not only for myself but also for those who might one day follow a similar journey.

I have always believed that standing out requires going above and beyond—whether by taking on additional responsibilities, refining my skills, or consistently striving for excellence. I am driven by a persistent belief that I must push myself to do more than others to succeed. Over time, this determination evolved into a resilient work ethic that helped me overcome the self-doubt tied to my minority status and fueled my passion for creating representation for other underrepresented individuals.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an educator, my greatest excitement comes from witnessing the professional growth of my students. Each individual success brings back memories of my own journey—it’s like a personal retreat. I love seeing students walk into their first class feeling unprepared, nervous, and full of self-doubt, only to fast forward to their commencement day when they graduate, surrounded by their families, celebrating a milestone they once thought impossible. It’s a scene I watch unfold over and over, and it never loses its impact.

Of course, I also enjoy the process—the journey from start to finish, which is often not smooth or enjoyable. The growing pains of academics and professional development are unique to each student, and I learn just as much from their stories as I strive to guide them toward their goals. Recently, I joined the California Institute of Advanced Management, where students hail from over 70 countries. I’m excited to help them grow, and even though I’m not teaching at the moment, I actively seek opportunities to engage with students and support them through their challenges using my own experiences.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful factors in my journey were:

Formal Education: A solid academic foundation has been critical in making me competitive in my field. It not only provided the necessary skills and knowledge but also empowered me with the credibility to stand out in a competitive landscape.

A Dynamic and Ambitious Career Plan: Having a career plan that is both adaptable and forward-thinking has been essential. It allowed me to embrace change, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and continuously seize new opportunities, ensuring ongoing professional growth.

Passion and Relentless Self-Improvement: My passion for my work, coupled with a commitment to never stop improving, has driven me through obstacles and fueled my desire to excel. This continuous drive for growth has been the engine for all what I do.

For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: never give up. Invest in your future by working harder, advancing your education, and consistently pushing yourself beyond your limits. Manage self-doubt—don’t let it hold you back from seizing opportunities that can propel you forward. Be resilient, stay committed, and remember that success comes not from avoiding setbacks, but from persevering through them and always striving for more.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe in amplifying strengths to fuel personal and professional advancement. Focusing on what you’re already good at can create a more positive and empowering path, increasing your chances of success. Strengths can be further developed, becoming key competitive advantages. However, it’s important not to completely overlook areas for improvement—sometimes, those weaknesses can be transformed into strengths with the right focus and effort.

One of my strengths is strategic thinking. I often find myself planning ahead and thinking futuristically. For example, during the pandemic, when many were bogged down by the immediate challenges and uncertainty, I found myself focusing on long-term opportunities and what the future could bring. While others were stressed by the present, I was looking for ways to emerge stronger post-crisis. This mindset not only minimized my stress but allowed me to take advantage of opportunities that others might have missed. There is a unique positivity when you combine a future-focused mindset with hope—it gives you the drive to navigate through tough times with a sense of purpose and vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ciam.edu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jack.paduntin.5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-paduntin-b4534813/