The photo above was not taken on a private jet charter (obviously) but was on a business-class flight in 2019, the pre-pandemic era. Looking out that window, I think I was dreaming of taking the private jet, next!
Growing up, I think it's safe to say that we all aspire to fly commercial in economy class, and then once we get a taste of that, we want to fly in business or first class. And then, once we get a taste of that, we want to fly private, even if it's only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But for the elites, it is a way of life, partly for convenience and speed, partly for safety, and privacy, and mostly for prestige.
My Vision Board
The year was 2013 when I was first invited to Formula 1, where I got to be at the VIP areas and the racers' paddock, rubbing shoulders with the who's who. It was also the year I was introduced to private jet chartering, as one of the tag-along passengers. It has remained on my vision board since, that one day, private jets would be easily accessible for me when I would be the one hiring the jet and hosting loved ones, bringing along family, and friends, and not just as a tag-along passenger. Of course, a vision board will remain just a vision board, which may end up at the back of your closet if you don't take realistic steps and purposeful actions toward manifesting it. And so, unbeknownst to me, the path I had chosen in the last 10 years, albeit a bit bumpy and bruising, was taking me in the right direction.
Fast forward to April 2024.
I had just signed on as a full-time employee at a Global MNC when someone asked me if I had time to help build a website for a mutual contact and to get it done within five days because it was urgent. Since I have about 2 weeks before I start my new role, and without knowing anything about the website or the business, I said yes, sure. I guess you can say, as an experienced founder myself, having gone through the hoops and daggers of building a startup, and having to ask a village for help, I have a soft spot for other founders who are trying to make a difference, and that's why I said yes without thinking much about it. My instant instinct of "How can I help?" kicked in.
Introducing desajet
desajet is revolutionizing the way people travel by making empty-leg flights a go-to choice in the world of private jet traveling. It is the next-gen empty-legs private jet booking marketplace. Upon reading their tagline, Fly Private for Less? There's a Jet!, I quietly said to myself, "Yes, please!" and immediately thought about that vision board I made over 10 years ago.
After the initial call with one of the founders of desajet, I got working on the website. The first draft was out for their review in 1.5 days for the desktop version, and then it was 1.5 days of back-and-forth reviews, feedback, and tweaking. On the 4th day, once the desktop version was good to go, I adapted it to a mobile responsive site, and on the 5th and final day, I worked with their CTO, who is based in Cambridge, UK for the DNS propagation to publish and live the website on desajet.com
Fresh off the oven, the team attended the KL20 Summit 2024, with a brand-new website!
In summary, while the booking platform is underway by their technology team in the UK, this was what I did for them:
I built their responsive website, in desktop and mobile versions with basic SEO, in record time! Turn-around time was 5 days from ground zero to going live.
I advised them on strategic branding and communications throughout the website development.
I set up their Beta Tester sign-up form on their website.
I offered the founders some tips on high-level social media management and content strategy.
I also recommended they kick start their Sustainability initiatives on carbon offsetting through programs with the Government Ministries and Yayasan/Foundations focusing on two areas, (1) tree replanting and (2) ocean cleanup or conservation.
desajet.com in multi-device formats
Features comparison between regular and empty-legs charter
Photos courtesy of desajet
Vision Board Manifestation
So, did I manifest my vision board? Well, not yet, almost. But I can say for sure that the "book a private jet" part of the vision board which was a long (long) shot for me, is now a realistic possibility - thanks to desajet’s marketplace business proposition of flying private for less on empty-leg flights, with up to 70% off the price of regular charters. With higher accessibility to fly privately soon because of these lower prices, manifesting booking a private jet flight in my name is perhaps a few steps away from making it a reality.
Flying private for me is not just about the privacy and prestige it offers, because it also represents achieving financial freedom and enjoying life’s pleasures with loved ones.
Speaking of financial freedom, if you're feeling behind just remember this:
Average business founder is 42.
Average millionaire is 57.
Average billionaire is 67.
You have time.
I believe anything is possible with the power of manifestation, gratitude, and prayers!
Thank you to the desajet founders for this opportunity to work on your cool project.
Video courtesy of desajet
~M
Read more at my Consulting portfolio page, here.
Please check out their website at desajet.com