In this special in-studio episode of The Adrian Tan Show, I sit down with Sarah Wong, a former Silicon Valley professional, now a podcast host, a consultant, and a mom of two.

Sarah shares her personal journey from experiencing career burnout, transitioning to motherhood, and shifting to a portfolio career. She also talks about her podcast ⁨@makeitwork.podcast⁩ which focuses on inspiring stories of modern working moms in Asia.

Sarah covers her work as a venture partner, a real estate licensee, and her heavy involvement in mentorship programs aimed at helping women in tech and leadership.

Tune in to discover her strategies for balancing professional and personal life, her insights on overcoming career transitions, and her unique approach to integrating rest into her busy schedule.

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Sarah Wong is a mother of two and the host of Make It Work, a podcast sharing honest, inspiring stories of modern moms in Asia who have redefined success on their own terms. The show was born after Sarah’s return to Singapore from Silicon Valley, where she experienced burnout after six fast-paced years in tech. It is now one of Singapore's top podcasts for working mothers.

Today, she leads a portfolio career as a Venture Partner at Heal Venture Lab, a regional health tech accelerator, while also supporting her family’s real estate business.

Sarah is a long-time advocate for women’s mentorship, having founded the RockIT Women Mentor Program in the U.S., and currently mentors mothers returning to work through Return Ready.

She holds an MBA from INSEAD and has lived and worked in Singapore, the U.S., and India. Some fun facts: Sarah is married to a pastor (could be a podcast on its own!) and she loves both heights (rock climbing) and depths (swimming).

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ ‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠⁠.

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00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

01:15 Welcome to the Adrian Tan Show

01:44 Meet Sarah: A Modern Working Mom

02:39 Sarah's Career Journey and Portfolio

04:30 The Shift to a Portfolio Career

06:50 Balancing Career and Motherhood

13:39 Starting the Podcast: Make It Work

17:27 Podcast Production Insights

22:57 Exploring the Power of AI

23:04 Mentorship for Women in Tech and Leadership

25:00 Starting a Mentorship Program

26:19 Motherhood and Career Mentorship

27:49 Networking and Career Advice

33:37 Managing Time and Energy

43:37 Advice to Younger Self

46:52 Where to Find More

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Where to find Sarah Wong:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/swongx/

Youtube: ⁨Make It Work Podcast⁩

⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be

⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠⁠

In this episode, Adrian brings you an unmissable conversation with Jason Ong, a Singaporean who has been living and working in China for the past 18 years.

Tune in as Jason shares his captivating journey from studying in the United States to navigating the corporate world in China.

Hear about the jaw-dropping tale of firing a Deputy GM while dealing with the local mafia, and the rigorous challenges of running a startup.

This episode is jam-packed with insightful advice for companies looking to explore the Chinese market, especially regarding the importance of company seals, trademarks, and choosing the right partners.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business professional, you won't want to miss this one! 🔥

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Jason is a pragmatic and results-driven international executive with 20 years of expertise in digital strategies, business growth, and operational improvement.

His leadership experience spans start-up, scale-up, multinational corporation, and global consulting firms, with a strong working knowledge across functions in diverse sectors such as retail, consumer products, medical devices, consumer health, and offshore & marine.

Jason is currently founder and Managing Director at LION Advisory, a cross-border advisory firm helping companies navigate the China market while helping Chinese companies expand globally.

He is also the COO of a multi-family office as well as a mentor with Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN). Jason embraces challenges and relishes operating in new environments. He is also an aspiring author and baking enthusiast.

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This episode is brought to you by Deel‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠⁠.

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:47 Jason's Background and Journey to China

02:56 Life and Challenges in the US

04:49 Transition to China and Early Experiences

09:50 Consulting and Career Shifts in China

11:11 Managing a Manufacturing Plant in China

14:13 Startup Ventures and Consulting Return

21:11 The Importance of Company Seals in China

24:29 Reflections on Management and Business Practices

27:57 Going Independent and Writing a Novel

29:24 Challenges of Going Independent in China

30:10 Starting a Cross-Border Advisory Firm

30:42 Navigating the Chinese Market

34:44 Core Services for Companies Entering China

37:34 Opportunities and Challenges in the Chinese Market

43:06 Protecting Your Brand in China

47:30 Daily Life of an Independent Consultant

49:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

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Where to find Jason Ong:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonong24/

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adrian Tan Show, we dive deep into the world of creativity and imposter syndrome with acclaimed creative director turned conversation director, Jorge Thauby.

Jorge has worked with global brands and won prestigious awards like the Lion Award, yet he still struggles with feeling 'not good enough.' Watch as Jorge shares his journey from Chile to Dubai and finally Singapore, discussing how he helps unlock creativity and leadership potential in others.

Don't miss his insights on the importance of separating oneself from their work, the transformative power of play and meditation, and the critical role of emotional awareness in creative processes.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation that might just change how you view creativity and leadership forever!

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Jorge Thauby is a seasoned creative professional and ontological coach with over two decades of experience in advertising and human-centred design. Currently based in Singapore, he is the Founder & Director of The Coach for Creators and a Senior Associate at Studio Dojo, where he focuses on nurturing creative talent and facilitating team growth.

Previously, Jorge held executive creative director roles at leading agencies such as VMLY&R and Geometry Global, where he led high-impact, award-winning campaigns for global brands including Qatar Airways, Ford, and Unilever, earning recognition at prestigious festivals such as Cannes Lions and the Effies.

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ ‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

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00:00 Opening

01:12 Introduction to the Guest: Jorge

01:45 Jorge's Career Journey and Achievements

04:48 The Role of a Creative Director

09:13 Transition to Coaching and Personal Growth

15:52 Challenges and Insights in Creative Leadership

25:53 The Importance of Meditation and Self-Reflection

29:39 Diving into Deep Reflections and Spirituality

31:58 Shifting Strategies: Working with Smaller Agencies

33:21 The Role of Creativity in Various Industries

35:10 The Power of Play in Creativity

37:17 Creating Sustainable Creative Dynamics

38:31 The Importance of Fun and Play in Daily Life

46:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Where to find Jorge Thauby:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgethauby/

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠

In this special episode of The Adrian Tan Show, I sit down with Michael Chua⁩ - a seasoned technologist and award-winning actor.

Michael shares his unique journey from studying civil engineering in Australia, working as a programmer in London, to becoming a consultant in cybersecurity across 19 countries.

Along the way, he discovered a passion for acting which led him to win multiple awards and captivate millions of viewers with viral videos.

Tune in to hear how Michael navigated the challenges of freelancing, the importance of recognizing opportunities, and the pivotal moments that sparked his multiple successful careers.

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Michael Chua is a Singaporean actor, director, and casting director who made a remarkable career transition from technology consulting to the performing arts at age 50. He has appeared in over 400 productions, including the viral short film "Gift" and award-winning features like "Ilo Ilo," which won the Camera d'Or at Cannes and a Golden Horse Award. Chua has earned multiple accolades, such as Best Actor and Best Film at the Singapore International Film Festival, and is recognized by younger audiences for his roles in popular YouTube series like Titan Academy. His acting is noted for its depth and authenticity, drawing on his rich life experience and global perspective.

Before his acting career, Chua spent decades as a technology consultant, working across Europe, Asia, and Australia, and managing high-profile cybersecurity incidents. He has founded successful tech businesses in the Asia-Pacific region and continues to advise startups and companies on digital security and cloud management. Currently, he is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s Singapore campus, teaching acting and media while also serving as a trainer and coach in both educational and corporate settings.

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ ‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

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00:00 Introduction

01:27 Welcome to the Adrian Tan Show

02:03 Meet Michael Chua: Actor and Technologist

02:52 Michael's Journey: From Civil Engineering to Cybersecurity

05:32 The Challenges of Freelancing Abroad

12:24 Transitioning to Acting

14:42 The Spark of Opportunity

19:34 The Evolution of Freelancing

28:34 The Decision to Return Home

29:21 Advice for Aspiring Freelancers

30:51 Opportunities and Challenges in Singapore

34:28 Balancing Multiple Roles

36:47 Navigating the Freelance Market

44:55 Handling Office Politics as a Freelancer

50:04 The Importance of Emotional Resonance

52:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Where to find Michael Chua:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jupilier/

Hentak Kaki: https://youtu.be/Dh2ormh7Oic

Gift: https://youtu.be/1DUYlHZsZfc

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠

Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of Gareth Llyod, a former global DJ turned entrepreneurial powerhouse.

Discover how he transitioned from spinning records in 17 countries to revolutionising the garlic and Brazil nut industries in Peru. Gareth shares insights into overcoming major setbacks, like losing a container down a 500-meter ravine, and the importance of innovation and disruptive technology.

Learn about ⁨Truly Nuts , his latest venture in the healthy snack market, his strategies for business growth, the significance of employee benefits, and his commitment to sustainability and making a positive planetary impact. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in the intersection of music, food distribution, and ethical business practices.

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Gareth Lloyd has carved a formidable path in the world of international entrepreneurship. With a portfolio spanning over two decades and 30 entities in 18 countries, Gareth's expertise encapsulates an array of sectors, from commodities to tech, recruitment to agriculture, and consumer goods to Agri-tech.

Gareth's journey began at the University of Manchester in 1997, where he met friend and business partner Greg Vickers as two DJs in Manchester’s legendary electronic music scene. After graduation, he moved into recruitment, eventually starting a consulting and staffing business in 2006. Gareth's role as Co-Founder and Director propelled the Amoria Group into a global leader in consulting, staffing, and human capital, serving the technology, engineering, and energy sectors across 40 countries.

In 2012, Gareth and Greg embarked on a ground-breaking venture by co-founding White Lion Foods, a global Agri-tech group headquartered in Singapore. Under his and Greg's leadership, White Lion Foods swiftly became the world's leading processor of Brazil nuts, exporting to over 50 countries. From White Lion Foods, the wild new healthy snack company Truly Nuts! was born. The business offers the world's first savoury flavoured Brazil nut snacks as well as allocating 25% of its profits to the planet, marking a significant step toward creating positive change in the world.

Having co-founded Amoria Bond Charitable Trust in 2009, a registered charity dedicated to alleviating child poverty and enhancing education, Gareth's business philosophy can be encapsulated in a single, powerful statement: "Make humanity healthier, bring wealth to the communities we serve, and leave Earth in better shape than we found it."

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

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00:00 Intro

01:25 From DJing to Garlic Farming

03:36 Challenges in the Garlic Business

05:20 Transition to Recruitment

06:46 Building a Diverse Business Portfolio

10:32 Launching Truly Nuts

20:17 Health and Wellness Insights

26:44 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

28:52 Conclusion

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Where to find Gareth:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amoriabondgarethlloyd/

Truly Nuts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulynuts_sg/
Truly Nuts website: https://sg.trulynuts.com/Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠

In this episode, we welcome Jaslyin Qiyu, a spiritually driven entrepreneur empowering others, especially women, by exploring fractional work opportunities. Jaslyin shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder, working at major companies like Citibank and JLL, to navigating the challenges of a remote work environment during the pandemic. She outlines her definition of fractional work and the struggles she faced transitioning from a corporate employee to a full-time entrepreneur. Jaslyin also reveals the strategic steps she took to establish her own marketing consultancy, its evolvement over time, and her experiences with managing work-life balance as her own boss. Tune in to hear about her transformative journey, key insights, and valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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With over 20 years of B2B and B2C brand, marketing and communications regional experience in various industries, Jaslyin specializes in brand building, client experience management, change management, MarTech strategy, content strategy, multi-channel performance marketing, and mobile engagement and optimization strategies as the Founder and Managing Director of a boutique Marketing Consultancy called Mad About Marketing Consulting.

In her previous corporate life, she has managed regional marketing teams across the Asia Pacific in global MNCs including Citibank, EY, JLL, Kantar, Credit Suisse and State Street, driving marketing transformation, building go-to-market strategies and setting up high-performing marketing teams from ground-up.

On the academic front, Jaslyin has a Master's in Management, a Bachelor's in Marketing & Communications and post-grad certifications in Digital Business Strategy and Artificial Intelligence - Implications for Business Strategy from MIT Sloan School of Management. She was recently conferred the Doctor of Professional Studies D.P.S. (Honorary Dr. Title) in Marketing by Azteca University - International Programmes.

On the industry front, Jaslyin is the Advisory Board Member for Customer Experience (CX) Networks and an Industry Consultation Board Member for University College Dublin. She is also listed as an Independent Consultant in Veritux, an Umbrex Community for top-tier consultants globally. She's an avid mentor for young to mid-career entrants, especially in the marketing field and is a volunteer at the ACE Women Entrepreneurship Committee (ACE-WEC).

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This episode is brought to you by Deel‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

00:00 Intro

01:01 Meet Jaslyin: A Spiritually Driven Entrepreneur

01:26 Understanding Fractional Work

02:21 Jaslyin's Corporate Journey

05:07 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Life

07:36 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

11:02 Building a Marketing Consultancy

21:59 Challenges of Being a Solopreneur

29:04 Balancing Work and Personal Life

31:57 Current Projects and Future Plans

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Where to find Jaslyin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaslyin/

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠

In this episode, we delve into the incredible journey of Julie Lee, a former corporate HR director who faced three retrenchments over her 30-year career. Julie shares her challenging yet inspiring story of how she transitioned from a software engineering career to HR, only to be retrenched multiple times.

Despite these setbacks, she launched her own business offering fractional CHRO services and HR consulting. Julie also discusses the emotional toll these events took on her, including seeking therapy, dealing with burnout, and the lessons learned from her experiences.

This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, career pivoting, and the importance of mental health.

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A Corporate, Big 4, and start-up HR Director turned Portfolio CHRO and HR Consultant, Julie helps businesses transform and thrive with progressive talent strategies that strengthen capabilities, boost productivity and improve employee experience.

She has 30+ years of human capital experience spanning Asia Pacific where 5 years were spent in Shanghai.

Julie holds a master degree in human capital leadership and is a certified IHRP-Senior Professional and Prosci Change Practitioner.

Beyond her professional life, she is part of the Remarkable Women Asia committee and mentor a diverse group of women across generations.

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ ‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

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00:00 Introduction

01:34 Julie Lee's Journey

02:53 First Retrenchment Experience

04:28 Navigating Career Changes

12:17 Second Retrenchment and Recovery

23:26 Third Retrenchment and Mental Health

36:15 Meeting Inspiring Gen Z and Millennials

37:41 Discovering Potential Side Hustles

40:27 Realizing Strengths and Weaknesses

48:29 Facing Retrenchment and Ageism

51:58 Launching a Fractional HR Business

59:46 Networking and Building a Portfolio Career

01:08:07 Overcoming Challenges and Learning Investments

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Where to find Julie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lee-ihrp-sp-mhcl/

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠

In this episode, we dive deep into Ratna Juita's transformative journey from battling burnout to becoming the founder of a successful business. Ratna shares her struggles with childhood trauma, fear of public speaking, and the mental toll of her corporate job.

Learn how mindfulness and personal branding were pivotal in her recovery and entrepreneurial success. Ratna also offers valuable insights on navigating LinkedIn, maintaining work-life balance, and having a strong 'why' in personal branding.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation full of actionable tips and heartfelt experiences.

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Ratna Juita is an Indonesian-born, Singapore-based personal branding and well-being coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of The Mindgem. With a background in business (University of London) and certifications in training, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness, she specialises in empowering individuals and organisations to build resilience, avoid burnout, and develop authentic personal brands. Ratna has facilitated workshops for leading companies and universities, and her expertise has been recognised by media outlets such as Channel News Asia and The Asian Entrepreneur.

A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Ratna volunteers as a mentor and recruitment director with the Young Women Leadership’s Connection in Singapore. She is also a LinkedIn Top Voice and co-author of “Women Empowered: Personal Journeys to Become Empowered Women,” using her own journey of overcoming self-doubt to inspire others toward growth, confidence, and well-being.

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This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ ‬, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at ⁠https://deel.com/adriantan⁠.

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00:00 Intro

01:09 Who is Ratna Juita and The Mindgem

02:05 Journey Through Burnout

04:55 Facing Childhood Trauma

09:19 Starting The Mindgem

15:40 Challenges of Running a Business

18:14 The Power of Persistence

22:16 The Significance of Red

24:17 Balancing Multiple Roles: A Day in the Life

26:33 Preventing Burnout as a Solopreneur

29:25 The Journey into Personal Branding

30:48 Leveraging LinkedIn for Business Growth

34:14 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Branding

34:49 Adapting to Changes on LinkedIn

40:07 Common Mistakes in Personal Branding

43:07 Reflecting on the Two-Year Experiment

43:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Where to find Ratna:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jratna/⁠

Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/⁠

Website: ⁠adriantan.com.sg⁠