The Panamera Is Something Special

The Panamera is an incredible car. It has power, acceleration, and is an absolute joy to drive. But what truly makes the Porsche Panamera special, I think, is its ability to make seemingly contradictory qualities work together.

Luxurious yet sporty.
Big, yet surprisingly nimble.
Comfortable on the highway, fun on mountain roads.
A thrilling escape from the everyday that still works for everyday driving.

Bringing together opposing qualities and apparent contradictions is no easy feat. How much trial and error did the designers and engineers go through to make it happen?

Forging a path where none exists is rewarding, but it also means facing one obstacle and setback after another, with no precedent to follow. You may think, “We’ve got it!”—only to see the whole plan fall apart the next day and have to start over from scratch. Then the doubts begin: “Can we really pull this off?” Before long, even the team may start to wonder if it’s time to give up.

And yet the Porsche team kept going, with its leaders refusing to give up hope—and ultimately delivering results. I have nothing but respect for them.

Life on My Own Since Going Independent

Personally, I think there’s something wonderful about making your own way instead of being just another employee at a company. It’s exciting. Anything feels possible, and you’re free to decide what to do, how to do it, and who to do it with.

But having a great deal of freedom also means taking full responsibility for yourself. Whatever happens, whatever the outcome, no matter what storm hits, you’re the one who has to face it head-on.

Every now and then, I find myself thinking, “It would be so much easier if I had a boss backing me up…” (Though I’m sure that would come with its own headaches… lol.) I have to take responsibility and deal with things myself; there’s no boss who’s going to swoop in and fix everything. So I have to think hard, get creative, set my pride aside, face myself, and ask the people around me for help… I like to think that, through that process, I’m gradually growing.

After eight years of living this way, I still often get frustrated with myself and think, “Why am I making such slow progress?” A tortoise could move faster.

If only I were smarter, more strategic…

But when I recently told a senior colleague I really look up to about this, he said:

“I feel the same way. I’m always thinking, ‘Why am I such an idiot? If only I were smarter and better at getting things done, the company would grow even more.’”

I was relieved to hear that even the president of such an impressive company has the same thoughts I do. Somehow, it also helped me accept myself a little more. (Of course, the gap between his level and mine is like night and day.)

Porsche Really Is Something Special

And so, time and again, I find myself thinking, “Porsche really is something special.”

Never resting on its laurels, always taking on new challenges, staying true to its principles, and bringing excitement and joy to so many people.

May Porsche always remain Porsche. (-_-)/

All right, time to get back to work! (And once again, this had nothing to do with cars.)