Empowering brands worldwide to launch and scale immersive experiences through spatial computing & XR analytics engine/ Founder & CEO / Advisory Board / Published Author / Keynote Speaker / Angel Investor
What Cancer Taught Me in My Startup Journey A year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within 24 hours, I had a full medical team ready to fight. Months of doctor visits, surgeries, and recovery followed. Only eight people knew—my closest friends and angel investors. And yes, my startup Chateauz™ is still very much alive and we are growing steadily. 1. Lessons of Humility and Gratitude I knew I would beat cancer, but I wasn’t prepared for the pain or its impact on my boys. As a single mom, I came to understand the weight I bore alone. I learned to lean on friends and my sister. They cared for my boys and me, cooking, taking the boys to school, and even bathing me. It was the most humbling experience of my life. Now, I try not to sweat the small stuff, often joking, “Hey, I’m just happy I can wipe my own arse!” 2. Tough Conversations are Necessary The cancer journey impacted my loved ones deeply. My nine-year-old wouldn’t look at me for two weeks after my mastectomy, and my 12-year-old took on adult responsibilities, which made his grades suffer. My sister became both mom and caretaker. I had a heart-to-heart with my boys about life’s fleeting nature and appreciating each day. This taught me the value of tough conversations, which I also applied to my business, asking for help when necessary. 3. Set the Right Mindset Daily affirmations kept my spirit strong: “Today is the perfect day for me to live in passion.” Reframing my mindset was crucial. Inspired by Dr. Joe Dispenza, I believed my future-healed self was my present self, refusing to let cancer define me. I pushed forward as if I never had cancer. Four days after my first surgery, I pitched at a startup competition. I continued taking investor calls and doing podcast interviews. Chateauz™ came out of stealth in Oct 2023—a month after my double mastectomy.* *Please don't interpret my recovery as advice that applies universally. How my family and I coped was our journey.* 4. Prioritize, Believe in Yourself, Surround Yourself with Good People During my recovery, prioritizing became a critical challenge. With guidance from my mentor and support from advisors, I shifted focus to two essentials: customers and product development, recognizing that long-term success hinges on sales and delivering excellent customer experiences. 5. The Great Change—The Great Lessons Cancer gave me clarity and a deep appreciation for life. My tolerance for BS took a deep dive. I now take advice only from those who have been in the arena: people who build with deep conviction and integrity. These rare folks inspire me. They know what matters— that life takes work and effort, not all money is good money, and time is precious. I am now fully recovered, cancer-free, and living fully. I share these lessons with my boys: “Trust that you are a miracle and a gift to this world. Decide the life you want to build, live your purpose, and choose your companions wisely.” My name is Mel Lim and I'm a #cancersurvivor.
Charles Tang
2w
That's very inspiring, Mel Lim. Very glad that you're all ok now. Life is indeed so uncertain. We can't choose what happens but we can choose how we face it 💪💪💪
Incredibly moving Mel, your boys are so lucky to have you as their mom and leader ❤️
Mel, your journey and resilience are truly inspiring. Your positivity and determination through such challenges are remarkable. As an investor in you and a friend, I couldn't be prouder of your accomplishments and how you've prioritized what truly matters in your recovery and business journey. Your story is a powerful reminder to embrace life fully and surround ourselves with what truly matters. You are my ride-or-die! Here's to your continued success and strength! 🙌💪
Susan Oppelt
2w
Hi Mel, it’s been years since we worked together. I’m so happy to read you are cancer free, and had close loved ones support you. As a single mama myself every mammogram and MRI (twice yearly due to fam history), I hold my breath a little in this regard until I get the results. While you are a great creative talent, for me you are an inspiration most importantly for the relationship you have with your boys in your journey. ☀️☀️
Thank you for sharing, dear Mel. You continue to inspire me in new ways.
With tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing so bravely and brilliantly who you are, you didn’t have to & I see your courageous spirit. Thank you for the deeply genuine & honest reminders of what’s truly valuable in our lives: health, connections, purpose and love. I love you Mel Lim ❤️ Now let’s take the world by its balls and make dreams happen! 💋 #teammel
Rob Sobers
2w
Thanks for sharing, Mel. You are one of the most powerful and inspiring people I know, so it's no surprise that you handled this gut-wrenching situation with grace and strength. I'm reminded of a Kobe Bryant quote: "If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear." I'd never bet against you!
Hey Mel, I am so happy for you, I knew you were a tough woman when I met you at a conference a few years ago. I am super glad that you are doing well and are ok. I know you have been through a lot which I won't be able to fathom!!! Let's catch up sometime soon!!!
Laura Cho
2w
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story Mel. Glad that you are fully recovered.
Brand Strategist, Sr.Lecturer, Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Senior Contributor, Forbes.com
2wMel, life is so full of twists and turns and none of it makes sense at times. My wife had a crazy type of stroke six years ago and its humbling to see her strength all through rehab..over three years. We have met a few times so I feel I know what drives you but I am guessing your biggest concern once you received the news...was your boys. Glad you are fighting the fight, have a good network of support and will keep on keeping on...because that's who you are.