The Path of My Life

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I’ve always believed that life is about balance; between ambition and presence, work and family, striving and reflecting, speaking and listening. My journey has been one of intentional choices, shaped by a love of learning, the joy of connection and a drive to grow and contribute meaningfully. At the heart of it all is my family; the anchor that has kept me grounded through every twist and turn.
 

I grew up with a natural curiosity, constantly questioning the world around me. In middle school, I discovered my love for table tennis and competed in interschool tournaments. Sports gave me focus, discipline and an appreciation for the thrill of competition. Later, during university, I found myself on the basketball court as a semi-professional player for Ankaragücü. The camaraderie of the team, the rush of the game and the roar of the crowd made me feel alive. Yet, life presented me with a choice. I could pursue basketball professionally or step into the world of business. I chose the latter, though even today, I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I had stayed in the game.
 

University also opened the door to another passion: folk dancing. Performing with the Anatolian Folklore Foundation, I brought Turkey’s rich cultural heritage to life on stage. Those performances weren’t just about dance; they were about storytelling, connection and celebrating the rhythms of life. Looking back, those experiences taught me as much about leadership and teamwork as any classroom ever could.
 

My formal education began with a degree in Political Science and Public Administration at Gazi University, where I not only honed my understanding of systems and leadership but also delved into courses that shaped my perspective on human life and society. I immersed myself in psychology, philosophy, sociology, history, economy, finance, management and law, each course opening a new window into understanding people and the systems they create. These subjects ignited a lifelong passion for learning and planted the seeds of curiosity that continue to grow to this day.
 

I later pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) at İstanbul Bilgi University, which deepened my strategic thinking and further prepared me for the challenges of the professional world.
 

Beyond formal education, I developed a deep love for books. Over the years, I’ve devoured works on philosophy, psychology, history, leadership and coaching, each enriching my worldview and helping me connect the dots between personal growth and societal evolution. Books have been my greatest teachers, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to think beyond conventional boundaries.
 

Balancing Career and Family

My professional journey began in the IT industry, a field that excited me with its constant innovation. Over the years, I held leadership roles at global companies like Cisco, Juniper Networks and Trend Micro. These roles were opportunities to push boundaries, solve complex problems and lead incredible teams. But they also required extensive travel, which often kept me away from home. I loved my wife, Ulku, whom I married in 1999 and our two children, Can (born in 2000) and Ece (born in 2004). Being away from them wasn’t easy. I dedicated my weekends to being fully present for my family and I prioritized rest during my travels to keep my energy balanced. It wasn’t perfect, but it was the best way I knew to honor both my career and my loved ones.
 

One of the most significant decisions I made was leaving Juniper Networks to join Trend Micro. It wasn’t just a career move—it was a choice to be closer to my family. Looking back, it remains one of the best decisions of my life, a reminder that success isn’t just about professional achievements but about the relationships we nurture.
 

Discovering Coaching and The Book

In 2004, I began formal coaching training, becoming one of the first members of the International Coach Federation (ICF) in Turkey. Coaching wasn’t a departure from my career; it was an extension of it. It taught me to listen deeply, ask better questions and empower people to find their own answers. These principles transformed the way I led my teams and approached challenges.
 

In 2011, I wrote "Sihirli Adımlar'la Satış" (Steps of Magic in Sales). The book captured my insights into sales, leadership and personal development and allowed me to share my journey with a wider audience. Writing it was deeply rewarding, a chance to reflect on everything I’d learned and to contribute to the growth of others.
 

Move & Family Business

In 2017, my family and I moved to Dubai, a decision that brought new opportunities and adventures for all of us. Around the same time, we rebuilt Taş Konak (https://en.taskonakeskidatca.com), a beautiful hotel in Eski Datça that had been a labor of love for my parents, Latif and Sündüs Aydın. My father opened and operated the hotel for many years, with my mother supporting him through the bustling summer seasons. While it became overwhelming for them, the hotel remains operational today under professional management, standing as a testament to our family vision and dedication.
 

Sports and Personal Growth

Sports have continued to be a significant part of my life. I’ve played tennis for most of my professional career and recently, I’ve taken up padel, which has reignited my passion for competition and strategy. To balance body and mind, I’ve embraced Qigong, a practice that helps me align my energy and find peace amid life’s demands.
 

Learning has been a constant in my life. My education and reading habits have taught me to see the world holistically, connecting dots between individual growth and societal impact. Whether through coaching, leading or simply mentoring, I strive to use these insights to empower others and make meaningful contributions.
 

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As of today, I feel immense gratitude for the life I’ve built. From the basketball courts of Ankara to the boardrooms of global corporations, from the dance floors of Anatolia to the tranquil gardens of Taş Konak, every step has shaped me into the person I am today. My family, my friends, my career, my passions; they’re all intertwined, forming a life that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
 

I’ve learned that success isn’t about titles or accolades. It’s about the connections we make, the lessons we share and the love we give. My story is still being written and I look to the future with open arms, knowing that the best chapters are yet to come.