On the global stage, it is uncommon to see someone of Nepali heritage spotlighted in the prestigious “Business 40 Under 40” list. Nick Shrestha, a vibrant and dynamic student with entrepreneurial qualities and spirit, has made a significant impact with his influential presence. With a solid educational foundation in management and certification as a career coach, Nick’s journey is both inspiring and exemplary.
Nick arrived in Australia in June 2013 as an international student and faced numerous challenges before being honoured as Nepal’s first “40 Under 40” awardee in Australia in 2023. His entrepreneurial venture, Career Panacea, is driven by a vision to make a difference and impart valuable career and life lessons to the younger generation in the digital age.
Nick emphasises that there has never been a more opportune time to become a business owner. He launched his business with just $100, relying on a registered business name and an affordable website. Remarkably, he proved his business’s viability even during the COVID-19 pandemic while far from Australia. Nick’s ability to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection underscores the modern entrepreneurial spirit. According to him, all one needs to start today are the internet, a phone, a laptop, and a determined mindset. His journey and insights testify to the boundless possibilities available to aspiring entrepreneurs in the modern era.
Nick believes that those who say, “I love my work” are the ones who truly make a difference in the world. He asserts that what you do matters less than how happy you are doing it. While work is not the entirety of life, Nick advocates that it is a crucial aspect of growth, success, fulfillment, and well-being. He aims to educate as many young people as possible about the importance of enjoying their work rather than merely surviving it.
Nick quietly launched his business from a bedroom and a couch; it has since grown to encompass a supportive team that shares his vision. He sees himself as a distinct thinker, change-maker, and visionary. As his business continues to build a strong foundation, Nick plans to empower others through writing, speaking, and sharing his wisdom with a unique audience that has yet to be fully tapped. He aspires to create a platform or initiative that is unprecedented, driven by powerful ideas that need to be carefully executed and implemented over time to make a significant impact on a higher level.
Nick observes that one of the greatest sources of confusion for many individuals is determining what to seek and how to seek it in life. This period often brings a reevaluation of goals and aspirations, prompting many to question their purpose and direction. Nick believes that this confusion can be navigated by focusing on personal fulfillment and happiness rather than societal expectations. He seeks to fill this gap by encouraging people to pursue work that aligns with their passions, values, and consciousness, asserting that true success is measured by satisfaction and joy in one’s work, where money is merely a symptom of the level of one’s work happiness.
Mr. Shrestha’s enthusiasm also extends to exploring and comprehending the fundamental aspects of human behaviour, psychology and activities. He has formulated the Shrestha’s PITS Model that outlines human’s work life phases succinctly.
Preparation Work Phase: During this phase, individuals focus on education, skill development, and preparing for future careers, navigating adult responsibilities and exploring the workforce.
Intense Work Phase: In this phase, people work hard to build a strong foundation while feeling financial pressure. They begin to question whether they should keep working intensely forever or seek more job satisfaction and meaning. Financial security becomes a major priority, along with mid-life crisis thoughts.
Transition Work Phase: Individuals transition from full-time work to preparing for retirement or semi-retirement, focusing on succession planning, financial readiness, and balancing work with personal and family interests.
Survival Post-Work Phase: In retirement and beyond, the focus shifts to enhancing quality of life, pursuing personal fulfilment, and adjusting to aging dynamics, prioritizing family, self-realization and embracing the natural process of mortality.
