You Never Know with Nicole Lee

Born with cerebral palsy, Alan Pek beat all odds to survive and build a meaningful life when so many people expected less of him. He has spent nearly three decades at Deutsche Bank, serves as President of HWA (formerly Handicaps Welfare Association) in Singapore, and received the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award in 2024 for his work in disability inclusion. In this episode, Nicole Lee sits down with Alan to talk about the discrimination and doubt he's faced, why we should look at ability before disability, and the unconditional love of his foster mother and family that carried him through.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introduction

1:54 – Growing Up with Cerebral Palsy: Childhood & School

4:58 – Motor Skills, Health Challenges & Surviving a Stroke

6:33 – Dealing with Discrimination & Being Doubted

8:20 – A Foster Mother's Unconditional Love

9:41 – Living with Purpose, Not Just Surviving

12:48 – Looking at Ability Rather Than Disability

14:39 – The Chicken Rice Story: Persistence When No One Understands You

18:01 – How to Support People with Disabilities

21:47 – Building a Career at Deutsche Bank for Nearly 30 Years

26:45 – Workplace Inclusion: Culture, Mentors & Support

28:58 – Marriage & Family: What People Don't Expect

31:22 – Life Advice for Everyone: Smile, Reflect, Believe

33:20 – What "You Never Know" Means to Alan

TODAY'S GUEST

What do the most successful people in their careers actually have in common? It's not luck — it's headhuntability. In this episode, Nicole Lee sits down with headhunter Paul Quinn to expose what really happens behind the scenes of hiring: why most advertised roles are already filled, why recruiters give your LinkedIn less than six seconds before deciding you're worth a second look, and why not every headhunter has your best interest at heart. Whether you're actively job hunting or thinking about how to progress in your career, this is a conversation about what it actually takes to be chosen.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction

01:38 — How Paul Became A Headhunter

04:09 — Is Today's Fear Around Job Security Justified?

05:34 — Why Just Applying For Jobs Doesn't Work Anymore

08:42 — He Applied To 1,000 Jobs And Got Nothing 

10:07 — Recruiters Spend Less Than 6 Seconds On Your LinkedIn

16:45 — How To Become "Headhuntable"

19:50 — Why Most Advertised Role Are Already Filled

21:57 — The Secret Power Of A Referral

24:54 — How To Protect Your Confidentiality During A Job Search

28:49 — Should You Stay Loyal To One Company, Or Move?

34:20 — Does Being Unemployed Actually Hurt You?

35:52 — How To Negotiate Salary Without Underselling Yourself

40:44 — Do Career Breaks Really Hurt Your Career?

44:49 — The One Thing That Rules Candidates Out Without Them Knowing

48:18 — The One Trait Paul Sees In Every Successful Person

49:01 — What Does "You Never Know" Mean To Paul?

TODAY'S GUEST

What do great actors know that the rest of us don't? According to Kristina Pakhomova — Russian actress, filmmaker, and founder of the Authentic Transformation Academy — the answer is simple: themselves. In this episode, Nicole Lee sits down with Kristina to explore how acting isn't about pretending to be someone else — it's about understanding yourself so deeply that pretending becomes impossible.

From the red carpet at Cannes to the golden cages of expat life — this is a conversation about self-awareness, authenticity, and what it really means to stop performing and start living.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction

00:47 — Who Is Kristina Pakhomova?

01:26 — From Russia To Singapore: A Journey Of Rediscovery

06:53 — Making "Regina": Turning Self-Doubt Into Art

12:28 — Expat Life: The Hidden Emotional Cost Nobody Talks About

32:37 — Getting Featured In Vogue & Why It Still Wasn't Enough

20:08 — How Acting Teaches You To Stop Pretending

20:56 — We're All Acting. The Question Is — Are You Aware?

24:50 — The Psychology of Villains

26:01 — What Great Actors Know About Human Behaviour That Most People Don't

26:47 — How To Communicate With Presence, Body & Voice

36:39 — One Acting Tip That Will Change How You Show Up

39:51 — What Does “You Never Know” Mean To Kristina

TODAY'S GUEST

What does the Iran war reveal about the current world order? What are we underestimating about China? Is AI as revolutionary as people think? Meng Keet Wong, Head of Managed Products and Alternative Investments at UOB Private Bank, discusses what most people don't see about what's happening in the world — and what history is actually telling us right now.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:49 Iran, US & Israel: What’s History Showing Us

04:38 The Limits Of Superpowers

10:30 Can We Still Trust Mainstream Media?

13:14 Ray Dalio's Big Cycle — Does It Hold Up?

16:35 When A Hegemon Starts To Lash Out

21:16 The Rot Is Always Internal

22:36 What We Underestimate About China

28:55 Is AI As Revolutionary As People Think?

32:25 Does Your AI Platform Have An Agenda?

33:46 US & China: Two Different AI Ecosystems

34:49 Investing For Profit vs Investing With Purpose

36:46 History or Markets — Which Taught Him More?

37:02 What Does You Never Know Mean To You?

TODAY'S GUEST

Maaike Steinebach, former CEO of Visa for Hong Kong and Macau, walked away from 25 years of financial services and tech to found FemTech Future — an advisory platform closing the gender health gap through women's health innovation. Because even though women make up half the world's population, the products, services, and systems we rely on every day were never really designed with us in mind. How much do we really know about women — what it even means to be one, and what we actually need?

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:29 From Visa CEO to FemTech Founder

04:31 Why We Put Ourselves Last

10:19 Only 10% in Hong Kong Show Up for Their Mammogram

12:54 Do We Have to Become Men to Succeed?

15:02 The Cost of Wearing a Mask at Work

16:21 Why Leaders Need to Be More Vulnerable

18:39 What Healthcare Got Wrong About Us

24:05 I'm Successful. Why Do I Know So Little?

25:07 Is Sexual Health Still Taboo in Asia?

29:18 Is Sex Education in Schools Broken?

37:09 Do We Resist Talking About Our Own Health?

42:47 The Hardest Thing to Unlearn as a Woman

45:36 Why We Stay Silent About Our Health

47:44 What Do Men Really Need to Know?

49:16 What You Never Know Means to Maaike

TODAY'S GUEST

Max Chernov built a YouTube channel interviewing expats, entrepreneurs and billionaires across Asia. Born in Russia, lived in eight countries, and now calls Singapore home. We talk about living in Singapore, what it really costs to be a full-time creator, what billionaires actually teach you about success, and why so many foreigners never leave the expat bubble.

TODAY'S GUEST

Most people think they own gold. They don't. I discuss all things gold with Christophe Numa, Founder & CEO of Gauld — who spent over a decade building businesses around physical gold, from running a multi-million dollar trading platform backed by global hedge fund Millennium, to now making physical gold ownership accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world. Enjoy!

TODAY'S GUEST

If you could live anywhere in the world, would you actually know where to go? I speak with global mobility entrepreneur and CEO of Multipolitan, Nirbhay Handa, about how cities are evolving, why global mobility is becoming more nuanced, and how Millennials and Gen Zs are shaping a more borderless way of living.

We explore why cities are increasingly becoming “pseudo-states” where talent and capital concentrate, the three types of cities that will thrive — financial centres, nomad-friendly cities, and startup-friendly cities — and why “builder cities” like Singapore and Dubai are rising while legacy titans risk falling behind.

We also dive into digital states, AI, sovereignty beyond geography, and what people often get wrong when choosing where to live.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:10 Millennials & Gen Z: Redefining Success

04:18 What Wealth Means Today: Optionality, Frictionless Living, Well-Being

06:31 Decoupling Identity From Your Birth Certificate

08:44 Why Cities Are Becoming “Pseudo-States”

09:28 The 3 Types of Cities That Will Thrive

10:30 Builder Cities vs Legacy Titans

12:09 Why Singapore and Dubai Are Rising

17:15 How to Choose Where to Live Today

24:37 Alternative Residencies & Hedging Your Life

33:30 Digital States

37:00 One Underrated City to Watch

38:00 The Future of Global Mobility

39:12 What Most People Get Wrong About Choosing Where to Live

40:14 What “Home” Means in a Borderless World

TODAY'S GUEST

Your headaches, pain, and illness aren't random — they're your body telling you something. Sufen Paphassarang reveals how your body stores every suppressed emotion — knowing exactly where, what caused it, and how it manifests as pain, disease, or chronic conditions — to get your attention.

We explore the three brains — head, heart, and gut — what your 3am insomnia is really telling you, what the left and right sides of your body reveal about your past and future, and how men and women store emotions differently, and where it shows up physically.

Sufen is an advanced BodyTalk practitioner, instructor, and owner of The Body Talk Center in Singapore, and helps people decode the deeper intelligence stored in their bodies to heal and thrive. She began her journey after fully recovering from Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition many consider incurable.

If you've ever pushed through pain, or wondered why your body keeps breaking down in ways that don't make sense — this episode is a must watch. Your body never forgets. And it never lies to you. It's time to start listening.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction

02:50 — What Is BodyTalk?: It’s Never Just About The Headache

05:00 — The Three Brains: Head, Heart & Gut Explained

09:10 — What Your Insomnia Is Telling You About Your Decisions

14:00 — Why Food Intolerance & Poisoning May Not Be About Food

18:20 — Why We Forget We're Even In Pain

22:00 — How Sufen Reads & Communicates With The Body

26:00 — How Men & Women Store Emotions Differently

33:00 — Resentment, Anger & Disease

43:50 — Where Emotions Live In The Body & Why You Wake Up Stiff

51:00 — What Pain In The Left & Right Sides Of Your Body Reveal About You

56:40 — Why Anger Is Good For You

57:40 — The One Question That Could Change Everything

TODAY'S GUEST

Why do some rich people still feel poor? When is enough money, enough? Kees Stoute, former CEO of EFG Bank for Hong Kong and Singapore, and author of the book Help! I’m Rich!, believes the biggest challenge of wealth isn’t financial. It’s psychological.

In this episode of the You Never Know Podcast, we explore why some of the wealthiest people still struggle with the idea of “enough”, how self-worth is often tied to net worth, and why money can create pressures and problems most people never expect.

Kees also shares his unconventional journey from accidental IT programmer to bank CEO — and why sometimes the best opportunities appear when you stop trying to control every step of the way.

What does wealth mean to you? And what actually makes your life feel rich? If you're curious about the psychology of wealth and investing, this conversation is for you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Introduction

02:00 — The Hidden Problems of Being Rich

03:28 — The Biggest Mistakes Rich People Make

06:15 — Why Money Attracts the Wrong Crowd

07:00 — How to Spot a Bad Banker

09:30 — What a Good Wealth Manager Actually Does

12:10 — Why the Best Bankers Challenge Clients

16:30 — Why Money Stops Making You Happy

18:45 — When Is Enough Money Enough?

21:00 — Are Private Banks Losing Relevance?

22:35 — The Best Kept Secret in Investing

25:00 — From IT Programmer to Bank CEO

31:00 — Why Losing Your Job Isn’t the End

34:00 — What Wealth Really Means

34:45 — What “You Never Know” Means to Kees

TODAY'S GUEST

Many investors say they want to “make a lot of money.” But that’s not a strategy. Sameer Deshpande, Head of Wealth Management for Asia Pacific at Emirates NBD, reveals the investing mistakes that most people don’t realise they’re making.

From turning short-term trades into long-term investments, to chasing yield over total return, to holding on to losing positions out of hope — we unpack the psychology that quietly erodes performance.

We also explore investor behaviour in Asia, the evolution of digital wealth platforms and offshore wealth management, and why adaptability — and going beyond your specialization — will define long-term success in modern finance.

If you care about thinking more clearly about money, risk, and long-term financial decisions, this conversation will change the way you invest.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:09 How to Anchor Investments to Clear Goals

04:16 Review Your Portfolio — But Not Every Day

05:48 Investing Mistake: Turning Trades into Investments

08:37 Investor Psychology in Asia: Yield, Loss Aversion & Concentration Risk

11:34 Yield vs Total Return: What Most Investors Get Wrong

13:44 The Truth About Digital Wealth Platforms

16:55 Will Human Advisors Become Obsolete?

18:04 What Is Offshore Wealth Management?

23:38 How to Choose the Right Financial Centre for Your Wealth

25:25 The Capability Wealth Managers Will Struggle to Build

27:11 Why Going Outside Your Comfort Zone Is Now a Necessity

29:52 What the Next Generation of Leaders Underestimate

32:09 The Most Underrated Leadership Skill: Adaptability

33:52 Why Skill Sets Matter More Than Titles

35:58 What “You Never Know” Means to Sameer

TODAY'S GUEST

We all trust hospitals with our lives — but what if the future of healthcare isn’t in hospitals at all? Dr. Timothy Low, former CEO of Gleneagles Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital in Singapore, joins me to explore what’s really changing in healthcare — and what most patients never see.

We talk about what goes on behind the scenes of running a hospital, why hospitals will get smaller, the differences between Western and Eastern medicine, alternative therapies like phototherapy, and how AI is reshaping the future of healthcare.

If healthcare innovation, regenerative health, and investing spark your interest, I hope you enjoy this episode and share it with someone who needs it today.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

03:10 – From GP to Hospital CEO

04:15 – What a Hospital CEO Actually Does

07:20  – What Patients Never See

09:10 – Why Hospitals Are Always Short of Nurses

13:50 – “Not Many Leaders Love Their Staff”

20:00 – The $1 Million Decision

23:50 – Why Healthcare Costs Keep Rising

26:25 – Can AI Replace Doctors?

30:45 – From Sick Care to Well Care

31:50 – What Is Phototherapy?

39:00 – How to Spot Real Healthcare Innovation

45:00 – Western vs Eastern Medicine

46:20 – Hospitals Will Get Smaller

50:10 – The One Thing Every Doctor Should Remember

50:50 – What “You Never Know” Means to Dr. Timothy

TODAY'S GUEST

What does the world feel like to a 15-year-old today?

In this episode, host Nicole Lee speaks with Joshua Goh, a student from National Junior College in Singapore, about growing up in a time of rapid technological change, rising competition, and the pressure to figure out the future earlier than ever.

They talk about AI, school, emotional intelligence, and career paths — and the deeper tension between wanting to enjoy being a kid and feeling the need to prepare for what lies ahead.

This isn’t a conversation about having all the answers at 15. It’s a conversation about curiosity, self-awareness, and how the next generation is making sense of the world around them.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

03:20 Networking as a kid & caught between worlds

05:10 Questioning life at 13

06:15 Life is like playing Minecraft

08:00 Balancing being a kid vs staying ahead

10:40 AI and a more competitive future

13:20 What school really means today

14:40 Does the education system prepare kids for the future?

17:20 Losing a carefree childhood

18:25 Emotional awareness at a young age

22:10 Understanding insecurities and healing

24:10 What success means to the next generation

28:30 One subject that should be added in school

30:10 What adults should know about kids today

TODAY'S GUEST

Sales is like dating. You read the signals. You invest the time. And sometimes, you get ghosted.

In this episode of the You Never Know Podcast, host Nicole Lee sits down with Jahnavi Bhagwati, founder of Koka Capital, as she shares candid insights on sales and private markets in Asia from over a decade in finance and deal-making at Goldman Sachs, Nomura, and Bank of Singapore.

From learning how to set boundaries as a young saleswoman, to why investors in Asia are increasingly drawn to private equity despite illiquidity and risk, this conversation unpacks the realities behind headline-grabbing returns, why AI continues to dominate attention in private markets, how investors can better discern quality investment opportunities, and what it really takes to build a business when income is uncertain and rejection is constant.

If you’re interested in sales, finance, private markets, or entrepreneurship, this one’s for you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:35 From modelling & acting to banking

03:55 What being a woman in finance really means

05:50 Sales, boundaries & self-respect

11:35 Femininity, power & how to show up at work

13:30 Leaving banking & building Koka Capital

16:55 Entrepreneurship, runway & surviving the early years

20:55 Trust, relationships & how deals really work in Asia

23:30 Why checks move faster in Asia

25:40 Why investors in Asia are drawn to private markets

27:15 Illiquidity, exits & managing private equity risk

29:20 Do brand names matter more than fund performance?

31:20 How investors decide where to allocate

34:35 US vs Asia: where capital is flowing

36:30 AI investing: hype, momentum & discernment

39:40 Advice for entrepreneurs starting out

44:30 Rejection, ghosting & why sales is like dating

46:35 What modelling taught her about rejection

47:30 Motherhood, ambition & balance

TODAY'S GUEST

Veteran banking leader Philip Kunz dismantles the biggest myths about rising in banking — from promotions and politics to influencing people who don’t report to you.

Across 40 years in wealth management, Philip held senior leadership roles at UBS, ABN AMRO, and Credit Suisse, led Global Private Banking for South Asia at HSBC, and is now Senior Advisor & Group Head Southeast Asia at Nomura International Wealth Management.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to rise — and stay — at the top of global financial institutions: how to navigate complex matrix organizations, what to do when politics and perception turn against you, and the real responsibilities that come with senior leadership beyond the title.

If you work in banking, finance, wealth management, or any large matrix organization, this episode will reshape how you think about career growth, influence, and leadership.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:50 – Can you be “nice” and still make it to the top?

05:18 – Kind vs soft: authenticity, respect & tough conversations

06:48 – Navigating complex matrix organizations

08:32 – Influencing without authority: why peers matter most

11:30 – Standing out among ambitious peers

14:28 – Promotions: merit, perception, relationships

19:25 – Pay, entitlement & sustainability in private banking

24:10 – Promotion frameworks, transparency & manager responsibilities

28:25 – What is politics in the corporate world?

33:28 – How to recover when perception turns against you

37:45 – At the top: does it get easier or harder?

40:25 – Tough decisions: retrenchments & impact on people

42:12 – The privilege and burden of senior leadership

44:50 – From apprentice to MD

46:40 – What keeps Philip going

48:28 – Traits of the most respected senior leaders

50:05 – What “You Never Know” means to Philip

51:45 – Closing

TODAY'S GUEST

Former Singaporean hedge fund executive Pei Chan opens up about her addiction to corporate burnout, the shock of being made redundant, why she transitioned to teaching breathwork full-time — and how success without self-awareness can quietly destroy you from the inside out.

After nearly two decades in London at some of the world’s top hedge funds including Millennium, UBS O’Connor, and Balyasny, Pei had everything she thought she wanted — until redundancy and emptiness forced her to face what she’d been running from all her life: her unprocessed childhood grief.

Now a certified Transformational Breath® and Rapid Transformational Therapist, she helps others reconnect with themselves through the power of the breath — guiding high achievers to feel again, become more self-aware, and achieve success more sustainably.

TIMESTAMPS

02:10 — Intro

03:00 — Leaving Singapore for London at 22

03:50 — Climbing the world’s top hedge funds

05:40 — What makes an overachiever?

06:10 — Redundancy to losing self-identity

08:00 — Filling the void through sports and achievement

10:30 — Asian expectations, grief, and therapy taboos

15:30 — Many high achievers are addicted to burnout

19:00 — Holidays and success are an escape?

22:00 — Signs your body is asking you to stop

23:00 — Why people cry during breathwork

27:00 — Breathwork vs. meditation

31:30  — How to know you have “the overachiever’s breath”

34:40 — Overachievers don’t trust themselves?

40:00 — Depression after leaving finance to help people breathe

TODAY'S GUEST

Former Political Secretary to then–Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Ei Sun OH, shares his honest reflections on what it was really like working inside Malaysia’s seat of power — and why he eventually chose to walk away.

From the early days of 1MDB to the 2018 elections that ended Barisan Nasional’s 61-year rule, Ei Sun opens up about the realities of politics and leadership — and weighs in on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s challenges today, Malaysia’s evolving identity, and what ASEAN’s future might look like amid rising China–U.S. tensions.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Becoming Najib’s Political Secretary

05:30 — What a Political Secretary Actually Does

08:45 — Inside Najib’s Office & Cabinet Dynamics

10:30 — Working in a Racially Charged Environment

12:30 — The Art of Political Mediation

17:10 — Why Ei Sun Left Government

18:50 — The Original Vision of 1MDB

22:00 — What Malaysia Learned (and Hasn’t) from 1MDB

25:50 — The 2018 Election That Changed Everything

29:30 — Mahathir’s Return at 92

31:30 — Malaysia Under Anwar Ibrahim

33:30 — Reform vs Religion: The Country’s Biggest Tension

36:00 — What Outsiders Misunderstand About Malaysia

38:00 — Malaysia & Singapore: Siblings or Rivals?

44:20 — Can ASEAN Stay Neutral Between the U.S. and China?

55:30 — Advice for Southeast Asian Leaders

58:00 — If You Could Change One Law in Malaysia…

59:40 — Malaysia vs Singapore: Who Does Chicken Rice & Char Kway Teow Better?

TODAY'S GUEST

Is there still job security in a bank? That's the question Urs Brutsch, Founder & CEO of HP Wealth Management, explores in this episode.After decades leading private banking in Asia across Credit Suisse, ABN AMRO, and Clariden Leu, Urs left the banking world in 2009 to build his own firm — now one of the largest Independent Asset Managers in Singapore.

In this conversation, we unpack what exactly an Independent Asset Manager (IAM/EAM) is, how the model and relationship manager incentives differ from banks, and why honesty, transparency, and consistency are key to helping investors build and preserve their wealth.

We discuss fees, retrocessions, business challenges, and the biggest mistakes investors make — along with what it takes for relationship managers to truly work for their clients, not for the bank.

Plus, Urs shares his thoughts on Singapore’s rise as a global wealth hub vis-à-vis Hong Kong and Dubai, and the lessons football and leadership have taught him along the way.

This episode is a must-watch for career professionals, or anyone wanting to understand the financial industry, and to explore alternative business models outside of big banks.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Intro

01:00 — No such thing as job security in a bank

04:30 — Is the financial industry honest?

07:40 — What are Independent Asset Managers vs Banks?

10:20 — Relationship manager incentives: loyalty to banks or clients?

13:00 — Inside the compensation model of an IAM & EAM

16:00 — Why more bankers don’t make the leap to independence

19:40 — Retrocessions, transparency & doing what’s right for clients

23:00 — IAM vs Multi-Family Office: what’s the difference?

25:30 — Urs’ biggest lessons on starting HP Wealth Management

29:30 — You eat what you hunt: mindset shifts that must happen

32:40 — Biggest mistakes investors make

36:00 — How to invest in today’s environment

38:40 — Future of wealth: Singapore, Hong Kong & Dubai

41:00 — Advice for young bankers & future relationship managers

43:20 — Football, teamwork & leadership in life

TODAY'S GUEST

Plastic surgery. Is it vanity or empowerment? What if it helps give you back what you lost after childbirth, illness, or the hectic demands of life? And the question everyone asks: is it safe?

In Episode 29 of the You Never Know Podcast, host Nicole Lee sits down with Dr. Michelle Ho — plastic surgeon & founder of Plastic & Aesthetics Practice @ TDP, mother of five, former breast reconstruction lead at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, and Program Director of the National Healthcare Group's residency program.

Together, they break down the myths, stigmas, and realities of plastic surgery today, why it’s more than just aesthetics, the biggest misconceptions, and what every patient needs to know about safety, motivations, and honest conversations.

Whether you’re curious about mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, vaginal rejuvenation, gynecomastia (“man boobs”), tummy tucks, liposuction, Botox, or simply want to understand the different sides of plastic surgery — this episode will change the way you see it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Meet Dr Michelle Ho: surgeon & mother of five

05:30 – Mommy makeover explained: tummy tuck, breast lift & liposuction

10:00 – Plastic surgery safety & risks: what every patient should know

13:30 – Gynecomastia (man boobs) surgery: causes, treatment & recovery

18:00 – Stigma of plastic surgery in Asia: why patients stay quiet

22:30 – Botox vs Fillers: what’s the difference & when to choose surgery

25:30 – Vulva rejuvenation: postpartum, menopause & functional health

30:00 – Overseas plastic surgery: Korea vs Singapore (pros & cons)

34:00 – Motivation matters: doing it for yourself, not others

37:00 – Final thoughts: why plastic surgery isn’t vanity but empowerment

TODAY'S GUEST

If you're applying to U.S. universities from outside the U.S. — especially from Asia — this episode reveals what it really takes to break in.

In this insightful episode of the You Never Know Podcast, host Nicole Lee speaks with Joash Lee — a former polytechnic student in Singapore who made it to Columbia University, one of the top Ivy League schools.

But his journey wasn’t typical — and that’s the point. Joash pulls back the curtain on the costs, stress, and strategy behind U.S. college admissions, especially for international students. From admissions consulting firms charging tens of thousands to millions of dollars per student, to what most students (and parents) get wrong about the process, Joash shares both personal experience and industry insight.

He also dives into why he co-founded Sedifly, a startup designed to help “missing middle” students — those who are neither privileged nor struggling — get access to the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

If you’re a student, parent or educator involved in applying to U.S. universities—or just curious about what it takes—this episode is packed with value.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

01:45 – Why Joash Chose Polytechnic Over Junior College

04:55 – Becoming Valedictorian of Ngee Ann Polytechnic

07:20 – Deciding to Apply to U.S. Universities

09:30 – The Application Process: Essays, Requirements & Strategy

12:10 – Biggest Mistakes Students Make in U.S. Applications

14:35 – Are All Colleges the Same?

17:25 – Joash’s Transfer Journey into Columbia

20:00 – What Consultants Don’t Tell You About Ivy League Admissions

24:15 – Consulting Industry: The Cost of Getting In

27:50 – Trump Clampdowns & Visa Challenges for International Students

31:20 – Starting Sedifly: Solving the Access Gap

42:00 – How to Apply Without Losing Your Soul (or Money)

45:10 – Advice for Students Who Think They Can’t Make It

49:00 – What He Would Change About The Singapore Education System

TODAY'S GUEST

Could your anxiety, fatigue, or arthritis actually be coming from your gut?

In episode 27 of the You Never Know podcast, Nicole Lee sits down with functional medicine coach Jo Brownlow to explore the link between gut health, hormone balance, autoimmune conditions, and emotional well-being.

Jo shares her personal journey healing from Hashimoto’s disease, quitting alcohol, and transforming her son’s focus and neurodivergence through gut repair. They dive deep into the misunderstood symptoms of autoimmune disorders, and how stress, toxins, mold, food, and even botox, affect you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

01:10 – What is functional medicine?

02:30 – The bloodwork & intake process

06:15 – Perimenopause and hormones

10:50 – Cortisol, stress & progesterone

15:20 – Autoimmune disease: Hashimoto’s, psoriasis, arthritis

17:30 – Leaky gut and what causes it

22:15 – How Jo manages Hashimoto’s

26:20 – The gluten and mold connection

29:00 – Quitting alcohol and its impact on healing

34:00 – Over-exercising and adrenal fatigue

37:20 – Jo’s son’s healing journey

41:00 – Gut-brain connection: serotonin, dopamine, ADHD

43:00 – Best tips for gut health

46:00 – Anxiety isn’t just in your head

47:20 – Final thoughts on listening to your body

TODAY'S GUEST

Many investors obsess over numbers, charts, earnings, and market noise. But what if the real edge came from something far less obvious?

In this episode, I speak with Nirgunan Tiruchelvam — Head of Consumer and Internet at Aletheia Capital, and author of Investing in the COVID Era — about seeing equity markets in a completely different way.

We dive into why strong financials don’t always mean a strong stock price, what coffee prices tell you about perceptions of value, and why gold and oil prices sometimes tell a different story when compared to their equities.

From Singapore’s quietly performing equity market to the rise of stablecoins, and how to cut through the noise when choosing a digital wealth platform, this is a conversation that might just change how you see investing.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Why markets need a new language

04:33 From movie critics to equity analysts

06:45 Trade wars, tariffs, and investor fear

10:50 The #1 factor that can beat a company’s financials

14:10 Public vs private companies today

16:50 Gold, crypto, and oil — prices vs equities

23:00 Coffee prices and value perception

27:07 Singapore’s quietly performing equity market

30:30 India’s emerging consumer boom

33:13 Singapore as a growing stablecoin hub

36:07 Choosing the right digital wealth platform

40:50 The secret sauce of sustainable companies

41:50 ETFs vs stock picking for everyday investors

43:57 Final advice for equity investors

TODAY'S GUEST

Michele Ferrario, CEO of StashAway, didn’t set out to build a fintech company because it was trendy.

He built it because the banks didn’t align with the kind of investment approach he wanted for his hard-earned money—and he believed there had to be a better way. Nearly a decade later, StashAway is now one of CNBC’s Top Fintech Companies in the World—for the third year running.

In this episode, Michele shares what it really takes to build a business that lasts in the face of intense competition in the financial and banking world, and why people are everything.

We talk about founder–market fit, scaling without shortcuts, choosing co-founders and partners you deeply trust, and why passion isn’t just a cliché—it’s the thing that keeps you going when everything else gets hard.

From his early days at McKinsey to leading Zalora, to building StashAway from scratch, Michele opens up about the lessons that shaped him as a CEO, father, and founder who’s still in the arena.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

02:41 – The letter he wrote for his MBA application

07:20 – From McKinsey to Rocket: a path shaped by pivots

10:12 – Did he always want to be a founder?

14:14 – How Zalora prepared him for StashAway

17:48 – Lessons from McKinsey, private equity, and Rocket

23:00 – Knowing what really matters when building a business

24:30 – Passion vs profit: why you need both

30:00 – The personal frustration that sparked StashAway

33:45 – How he found his co-founders (over coffee)

37:53 – Trust, conflict, and co-founder chemistry

40:43 – Scaling a fintech in a competitive financial industry

45:48 – Leading teams across Asia as an Italian

47:38 – Fatherhood, focus, and redefining social life

50:55 – What he’s proudest of 9 years in?

51:59 – Grit, longevity, and the compounding effect

52:41 – What his team might not know about him

54:35 – Advice for aspiring founders

TODAY'S GUEST

What if gold could pay you like rent, without you having to sell it?

In Episode 24, Eren Zekioglu returns to talk about one of the most important forces shaping the global economy—and one that powers how we live: commodities.

From oil and agriculture to gold, we explore how everything around us is ultimately a derivative of crude oil—and how this often-overlooked sector is entering a new chapter through tokenization.

We dive into why commodities are more relevant than ever, how tokenizing gold and other assets could open the door for investors to earn income without owning the entire asset, and how players in the supply chain can access alternative financing.

Eren also reflects on his calculative career path—from trading to hedge funds, to the world’s largest commodity trading houses like Glencore and Gunvor, co-founding the world’s first blockchain platform for post-oil trade settlements, VAKT, to founding his own venture, Kommoditize.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Intro

00:56 — Why Commodities Power Everything

02:15 — From Hedge Funds To Glencore & Gunvor: A Culture Shock

03:55 — The Paper Problem in Commodities Trading

08:00 — Building Blockchain for Oil Traders

11:30 — Tokenizing Real-World Assets Explained

12:50 — How Gold Can Generate Income

16:30 — Alternative Financing Beyond Banks

22:15 — Funding the Commodities Supply Chain

23:55 — Can Investors Own a Slice of Oil, Ships, or Refineries?

26:30 — Lessons in Discipline, Macro Thinking, and Action

31:35 — Why Sporty Traders Are Less Corrupt

32:45 — The Mariah Carey of Commodities

33:05 — Advice for Young People Entering the Industry

TODAY'S GUEST

Did you know buying property in Singapore is a 5-move strategy—and most people stop at move one?

In Episode 23 of the You Never Know podcast, I sit down with Farhan Adenan, a proud Malay-Singaporean who’s helping everyday people rethink what property really means—and how it can help them build long-term financial freedom.

We talk about what it’s like growing up Malay in Singapore, breaking out of cultural expectations, and how he’s reshaping the way his community sees ambition, ownership, and wealth.

He also opens up about the realities of being a new real estate agent—the stigma, the pressure, and why choosing purpose over transaction has not only elevated his chances of success, but also changed his life.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro 

01:32 – Growing Up Malay in Singapore 

04:20 – Breaking Cultural Norms & The "Comfort Trap" 

09:45 – Choosing to Dream Bigger 

13:30 – Starting A Business & Taking Risks 

17:50 – Why He Entered Real Estate 

20:10 – Stigma of Real Estate Agents & Earning Trust 

24:15 – Property As A 5-Move Strategy 

28:05 – How To Plan Beyond Your First Home 

30:40 – Common Property Mistakes 

35:20 – Advice For Young Malays & New Home Buyers 

38:45 – Wealth, Self-Belief & Life Lessons 

42:00 – Final Message: You Can Break The Mold 

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 Instagram: @farhan_adenan & @hefireplan_sg

CONNECT WITH ME

He told his wife he wasn’t straight. Then became a father. Then came out as pansexual and gender-fluid. At 34 years old, Shawn Lim spent most of his life taking the arduous journey of navigating sexuality, gender, identity, marriage, and the emotional toll of suppressing who he truly is.

From gang fights and getting arrested twice as a young teen, to building a new path forward as a husband, father, and now starting his own company—this isn’t just a story about coming out. It’s about courage, self-love, redemption, and choosing to live with truth.

What ultimately pushed him to stop hiding? His daughter. Because if he wanted to raise her to be confident, authentic, and free—he had to first give himself that same permission.

If you’re curious about what the journey can be like for someone who is LGBTQ+, the struggles they face, and what it takes for someone to embrace their inner truth despite the odds—this episode is for you. I hope it finds you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 How are you feeling today? 

03:12 What is pansexual and gender-fluid? 

06:45 Hiding his truth 

10:00 Gangs, rebellion, and getting arrested 

14:15 Growing up under strict control 

19:10 What if you never rebelled? 

22:45 The wake-up calls 

26:20 Starting over by leaving his secondary school

29:40 Meeting his wife 

33:10 Becoming a father 

36:55 Coming out publicly 

41:30 Honest conversations in marriage 

46:15 Faith, freedom, and authenticity 

51:00 Choosing truth and showing authenticity for his daughter 

TODAY'S GUEST

From studying theatre to landing a job on Citi’s trading floor, building a hedge fund backed by Glencore, and running operations at Gunvor—one of the world’s largest independent commodity trading houses—Eren Elvis Zekioglu broke into finance without a degree, armed only with a bold letter, acting experience, and a lot of hustle.

In Part 1 of Episode 21 of You Never Know, we talk about how he navigated his way through Citi, Credit Suisse, UBS, and Glencore, what it really takes to thrive in the high-pressure world of trading, why emotional discipline and personality sometimes matter more than a CV, and how the brands you work for shape the doors that open for you.

From stories of mentorship, reflections on career pivots, and the moments that led him to the world of commodities—this episode is for anyone curious about the world of trading, hedge funds, commodities, and breaking into finance in unconventional ways.

Today, Eren is based in Singapore, where he is pioneering the tokenization of real-world assets like oil, gold, and coal through his new venture, Kommoditize—reimagining how global commodity trade flows in the digital era.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – From Theatre to Trading: Eren’s Unlikely Start

06:00 – The Bold Letter That Landed 18-Year-Old Eren an Interview at Citi

10:30 – Learning from the Ground Up: Trade Tickets & Coffee Chats

17:00 – The Mindset of a Trader: Emotional Discipline & Focus

24:00 – From Equities To Bonds: Building a Cross-Asset View

29:00 – Mentors, Lessons, and Building a Persona

39:00 – The Role of Big Brand Names in Your Career: Citi, UBS, Glencore, Gunvor

44:00 – Starting a Hedge Fund Backed by Glencore

49:00 – What It’s Really Like Inside a Hedge Fund

54:00 – The Transition into Commodities

57:00 – Wrapping Part 1: Reflections and What’s Next

TODAY'S GUEST

You’ve seen it on screen. But what’s it really like in the real ER? Dr. LIEW Wai Wai shares the raw, unfiltered truth about life as an emergency doctor—what it takes, what people don’t see, and why being an ER doctor is actually easier than being a mom.

We dive into the most surprising cases ER doctors have to face (cockroaches included…), the reality of working in the ER—shift work, emotional tolls, and what it demands from your life, and how different personalities fit different medical specializations. We also talk about why doctors can cry too, plus what happens when you’re forced to make life-or-death decisions… sometimes at 40,000 feet.

This was the funniest podcast I’ve ever recorded—but also one of the most real.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro: What’s It Really Like in the Real ER?

02:00 – Meet Dr. LIEW Wai Wai

04:00 – Do You Drive an Ambulance to Work?

06:00 – From Malaysia to Australia to Singapore: Wai Wai’s Journey

09:00 – Why Emergency Medicine?

15:00 – The Reality of Working in the ER

20:00 – The Cockroach in the Ear Story

29:00 – Doctors Can Cry Too

35:00 – Personality Types in Medicine

40:00 – The A380 Emergency Landing Story

54:00 – Why Being an ER Doctor Is Easier Than Being a Mom

57:00 – Lessons from the ER and Beyond

59:00 – The Funniest and Most Real Podcast I’ve Ever Recorded

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 Instagram: @wai_m_i_here?

Have you ever felt like your life was a movie? One minute, you’re in a romantic comedy. The next, a drama with a plot twist no one saw coming.

But what if life isn’t just a movie? What if it’s a whole cinema?

You get to choose which movie to be in. Write it. Rewrite it. I know—it sounds crazy. But what if it’s real? What if you’re more powerful than you think?

I hope this episode finds you exactly when you need it.

CONNECT WITH ME

You shouldn’t need a bank — or 4x your country’s GDP per capita — just to buy a government bond. But in many parts of the world, that’s still the reality. And for Aaron Gwak, it was a problem worth solving.

Born in Korea, raised in Ghana, and shaped by two decades in investment banking, Aaron spent years helping governments and financial institutions raise capital through bonds. From UBS to Standard Chartered, he saw how the system worked — and who it left behind.

Today, he’s the founder of Libeara, a platform using blockchain and tokenization to create greater access to government bonds and funds — making finance more inclusive, transparent, and human.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro

01:38 – Growing up in Ghana as a Korean kid

06:14 – Learning about income disparity, possibility & belief

09:47 – Culture shock returning to Korea

13:25 – The accidental e-sports pioneer

17:43 – Entering finance by fluke: UBS & Standard Chartered

20:27 – Behind the scenes of investment banking

23:56 – What led him to found Libeara

27:19 – Why buying government bonds is so difficult

31:47 – Living abroad but shut out from investing at home

33:21 – The role of blockchain in increasing trust and access

36:36 – Building “proper” tokens vs synthetic wrappers

42:47 – How tokenization changes the way we interact with wealth

44:32 – Regulated Web3 and taking the long road

46:08 – Money, mindset & reclaiming ownership in investing

47:06 – DJ Aaron, music moods & fatherhood

48:06 – Advice to his daughters

49:32 – What he’d do a TED talk on (hint: not finance)

TODAY'S GUEST

Men don’t talk enough about the failure, burnout, or mental toll of running a business or leading in the workplace — but perhaps they should.

In this episode of You Never Know, Neil Patwardhan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes — from working in the corporate world at Dell and Accenture to becoming an “accidental founder,” and learning the sometimes-dark lessons of entrepreneurship.

Growing up as an immigrant kid in the U.S., Neil had to learn how to fit in, fail fast, and find his way out of deep loneliness — which allowed him to hone valuable skills in networking, leading to sales roles, including the one he has today as Chief Sales Officer APAC at Sinch.

We talk about sales as a life skill regardless of your role, the stigma in Asia around failure, and why vulnerability — especially for men — is often the missing piece in both business and life.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:22 Feeling Alone Growing Up as an Immigrant Kid in the U.S.

06:08 You Can’t Wait Around to Make Friends or Fit In

10:29 Going Through Depression as a Teenager

12:20 Becoming a Chameleon to Survive — Early Lessons in Networking

15:06 The Truth About Networking — And Why People Overthink It

17:25 You’re Constantly Selling Yourself — Even If You’re Not in Sales

19:06 10 Years at Dell — Telling Stories with Data & WIIFM

21:43 Using Human Psychology to Influence at Work

24:29 Becoming an Accidental Founder — And Learning the Hard Way

27:04 The Darker Sides of Entrepreneurship

30:06 Startup Funding — Can You Do It Without Investors?

32:23 What Neil Would Do Differently as a Founder

35:56 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship — Especially for Men

38:58 Why Failure Needs to Be Talked About More in Asia

42:09 Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health

45:26 How Vulnerability Builds Stronger Connections

50:17 Leading with Vulnerability — Sales’ Hidden Superpower

57:58 A Message for Men — And Anyone Building Their Career or Business

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 Instagram: @neileyo

Your voice is your personal brand. And your brand is your biggest asset. Not your knowledge. Not your picture-perfect image. Not even your business card.

In this episode of You Never Know, I sit down with Own Your Voice coach, speaker, and emcee, Rae Fung for a real conversation about what it means to find — and own — your voice.

From starting out as an emcee at 15, to navigating the raw hunger for validation, battling the complexities of unhealthy mentorship, and discovering the power of her inner and outer voice, Rae's journey is a strong reminder that personal branding isn’t something you build — it’s something you uncover from within.

If you’re learning to find your voice, and wondering where to start on building your personal brand, this episode is for you. I hope it finds you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:50 Starting Out as an Emcee at 15

06:24 The Deep Craving to Be Seen and Heard

10:45 Living on External Validation: The Raw Truths

17:33 Chasing Freedom: Joining a Multi-Level Marketing Company

21:11 When Mentorship Becomes Toxic

30:22 Trusting Your Inner Voice Over More Experienced People

34:43 How “Successful” People Lose Their Voice Too

37:46 Self-Doubt Never Leaves Until You Do the Inner Work

40:51 How to Start Owning Your Voice Today

43:46 Why Personal Branding Is Your Greatest Asset

49:16 A Personal Branding Case Study: Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco

52:23 Rae’s Advice on Unconventional Careers and Finding Your Path

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 Instagram: @raematrix

What if winning awards doesn’t mean you’ve truly succeeded? What if purpose matters more than, and can even lead to, success?

In this episode I speak with Anser Aly, an award-winning "accidental marketer" who spent nearly two decades at Unilever leading campaigns at global brands — including three Cannes Lions wins.

But despite all the accolades, something was missing. And that something was purpose.

That was when Anser found his why, transitioned into learning and leadership development, and committed to helping others find theirs too.

Whether you’re winning on paper or wondering what’s next, this episode is your reminder that purpose is so much more than success — it leads to real success. I hope this inspires you and finds you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

02:50 – Anser’s Cultural Roots, Name & Identity

07:55 – From Accountant to Accidental Marketer

13:47 – Entering Marketing at Unilever

19:30 – Running Award-Winning Campaigns

25:04 – Marketing Today: The New Finance?

27:23 – The Shift: From Marketing to Leadership Development

30:50 – Discovering Purpose and Taking Action

36:03 – What Makes a Good Leader

39:51 – The Role of Purpose in the Workplace

45:50 – Embracing Change Because You Never Know

46:40 – Human Relationships in Leadership

50:44 – Magic Moments & Gut Instincts

52:21 – The One Message Anser Would Put on a Billboard

TODAY'S GUEST

From teacher to CEO of a dental practice and health & wellness group, DP Healthverse, Louisa Lee’s career journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of You Never Know, Louisa opens up about the internal struggles many don’t see behind the teaching profession, why she left it to build a business with her husband, how she grew it without being a dentist herself, and the surprising truths about oral health.

If you’re curious about what goes into running a health-related business, and want tips on improving your health, this episode is for you. I hope this conversation finds you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:58 A Master's in Linguistics and Speaking & Thinking in Mandarin

06:00 Why She Started Her Career as a Teacher

09:03 The Sides We Don’t See About Being a Teacher: Rethinking Education

13:16 How Louisa Went from Teaching to Running a Dental Practice

16:13 The Push Factor to Leave Teaching at a Top Girls’ School

20:44 Building a Dental & Healthcare Business from Scratch

27:21 Being Progressive & Pushing the Boundaries of Dentistry

34:30 Biggest Challenges & Lessons Running Her Business

38:22 Mouth Breathing & Tongue Positioning: How They Impact Your Teeth?!

41:36 How to Have Better Teeth & Oral Health

44:15 Partnering with Her Husband to Build the Business

48:33 Balancing Being a Mom and an Entrepreneur

50:42 The Most Common Bad Habit People Have with Their Teeth

51:13 The One Person Louisa Would Like to Have Dinner With

53:24 One Lesson Working with Her Husband Taught Her

TODAY'S GUEST

At just 21, Jeraldine Phneah started speaking out online about things that mattered to her and her millennial generation — even when many of her peers didn’t.

In this episode of You Never Know, she opens up about why social issues have always interested her, the emotional cost and personal growth of speaking out, and her experiences from investing to dating in her 30s.

For anyone who’s ever struggled with using their voice or creating content in public — this one’s for you. I hope this episode reaches you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:01 Jeraldine's Childhood and Family Influence

04:24 Early Advocacy of Social Issues: Why She Started

10:44 Equal Opportunity, Career Fulfilment & Elderly Care

14:02 The Importance of Self Belief

16:49 Navigating the Public Scrutiny of Speaking Out

21:58 The Real Value of Content Creation

24:32 Biggest Lessons from Writing in Public

26:56 Investing Early and Being Financially Independent

33:28 Dating and Relationships in Your 30s

36:43 The Surprising "World Figure" She’d Want to Meet

40:14 The Common Misconception People Have About Her

42:20 Message for the Millennial Generation

TODAY'S GUEST

If you want to thrive in banking and finance, this episode is for you. Finance veteran, Paul Hodes, shares about the key moves that shaped his long-standing career, including experiences at Fidelity, more than 25 years at senior positions in Citi, and his transition to fintech at Privé Technologies, where he is now CEO.

We dive deep into what really makes a difference in your career — how networking and corporate dynamics shape success, why mindset shifts are essential when moving from banking to fintech, and the impact of AI and digital solutions on the industry.

If you’re navigating the finance industry or simply looking to elevate your career in a big corporation, this episode will help you gain some valuable insights. I hope this finds you exactly when you need it on your journey.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction
01:56 Paul's Career in Finance & His Drive to See the World
05:19 Biggest Lessons from More Than 25 Years at Citi
07:02 Building a Career at a Big Bank & Changing Roles Internally
10:44 Navigating Complex Dynamics at a Big Corporate
16:05 The Importance of Building Your Internal & External Network
19:02 Recognizing & Responding to Reorganizations
31:02 Transitioning from Banking to Fintech: Biggest Surprises
40:13 Learning Through Doing in Fintech
42:21 The Role of AI in Wealth Management & Wealth Tech
49:53 The Human Value in AI-Driven Finance
52:32 Advice for Transitioning Careers
54:59 One Game-Changer for Financial Investors
55:54 Favorite Song & One Thing He Would Swap Between SG & HK

TODAY'S GUEST

Most people wait until they’re fully ready to start a business. 23-year-old Amanda Cua didn’t.

At 19, she skipped university and launched Backscoop, a media startup covering Southeast Asia’s startup scene. No degree, little experience—just an idea, a problem to solve, and the determination to make it work.

Now, at 23, she’s a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia entrepreneur. But her biggest challenge? Managing herself.

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to start a business, the hardest lessons in entrepreneurship, and how she’s navigating identity, growth, and being enough.

I hope this reaches you exactly when you need it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:53 Amanda's Early Life In The Philippines & Exploring Identity

08:47 Understanding Her Heritage: What It Means To be Chinese Filipino

13:11 The Birth of Backscoop: Taking Risks

16:18 "The Third Door" In Life & Not Going To University

21:48 Going From Rejecting To Embracing Her Young Age

24:52 The Biggest Challenge As An Entrepreneur Is Yourself

25:57 Her Observations Dealing With VCs & Founders

31:06 Evolving Business Perspectives: At 23 vs. 19

34:20 Advice To Someone Thinking Of Starting A Business

36:09 3 Biggest Lessons From Running Her Own Business

41:10 Facing Insecurities, Disconnection & Feeling Not Enough

44:03 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: A Needed Recognition & Validation

47:03 Why Amanda Moved To Singapore

49:58 Living In Singapore vs. Philippines: Reconstructing Her Life

53:01 What She'd Tell Herself At 19

55:21 If Someone Is Thinking Of Starting A Business

56:00 The One Thing That People Get Wrong About Her

57:03 The Song That Best Describes Amanda

58:02 Favourite Foods After A Long Day In Singapore

 TODAY'S GUEST

Let’s face it. We all want and need money, but most of us don’t like to talk about it. I speak with Crystal Chow, a Money Consciousness Coach, as we dive into her transformative journey—from abuse to abundance, banking to crypto, and starting her own business.

We go deep into how scarcity beliefs and self-doubt block wealth, the powerful role of self-worth in shaping our financial reality, and how healing your relationship with money and people can unlock true freedom.

If you struggle with talking about money, how relationships show up in your life, or feel like one or both have been a source of stress, guilt, or discomfort — this episode is for you. I hope this podcast reaches you whenever you are meant to find it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

02:48 Crystal's Early Influences and Money Philosophy

04:10 Lessons from Managing Money for Wealthy Clients

06:45 Transitioning from Banking to Crypto

09:35 The Living Hell of an Abusive Marriage

11:59 Attracting a Partner That Reflects Your Low Self-Worth

13:57 When Enough Was Enough

18:13 Inner Work & Building a Financial Lifeline Before Walking Away

22:15 The Importance of Financial Education: Start Simple

25:00 Biggest Money Blocks vs Enablers: Scarcity vs Abundance

28:10 Scarcity Consciousness and Self-Worth

30:02 The Challenge of Receiving Repels Givers

34:49 Understanding Trust & Control Issues; Setting Boundaries

37:52 Redefining Abundance Beyond Money

41:18 The Meaning of Money Consciousness

45:02 Leaving a Salaried Job for Solopreneurship

49:41 Money Advice to Your Younger Self

50:38 How to Unblock Your Money Block

52:22 You Are The Creator of Your Reality

TODAY'S GUEST

Have you ever felt like you needed to be "perfect" to be enough? I have.

For years, I thought I had to be in control. I thought I could. I planned everything. I strived to meet every expectation. I anticipated people's needs.

In this special edition of You Never Know, the mic gets turned on me! Guest host Daria Huck leads a deep and honest conversation about my journey as a woman and a mom with a career, my move from a top bank to a startup, and the pressure to be perfect.

If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, fear of the unknown, trusting yourself, or navigating life as a woman, man, mom or dad — know that you are not alone.

Know that perhaps it's time to stop surviving and start thriving. To take a chance on yourself.

I hope you find this podcast meaningful and helpful for you wherever you are on your journey, and that it reaches you whenever you are meant to find it.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro: Podcast Takeover

03:22 Embracing Vulnerability & Facing the Belief of Perfectionism

05:48 Cultural Expectations & Realizing Perfection is a Myth

10:38 Motherhood, Career & The Pressure to Be the "Perfect Woman"

15:55 Rediscovering Identity Through Change & Pain

17:56 The Key Moment That Prompted Nicole’s Self-Discovery Journey

22:07 The Meaning Behind You Never Know

27:03 Choosing Power Over the Fear of Uncertainty

28:54 We Sometimes Overplan To Have an Illusion Of Control

31:47 Daria’s Identity Crisis of Being a Russian Immigrant in Germany

35:29 Inclusion Over Exclusion Creates Cohesion

37:09 Accepting Ourselves & Addressing the Parts We Don’t Like

40:26 Moving from a Life of Lack to a Life of Abundance

43:07 Mistakes are Essential for Growth

44:32 Learning to Connect Back to Your Heart

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 Website: www.dariahuck.com

🌐 Instagram & TikTok: @dariahuck

🌐 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daria-huck

CONNECT WITH ME

Everyone talks about their wins, but not many talk about their failures. Ned Phillips spent 8 years building Bambu, a prominent robo-advisory fintech firm based in Singapore. Then one day, he had to face the brutal truth – they ran out of money. And it was over.

Shutting it down wasn’t just a business decision. It was an emotional toll, a hit to his identity, and a reckoning with what it really means to give it all up and accept “failure”.

In Episode 8 of You Never Know, Ned and I talk everything under the sun – from the raw truths about being a founder, to the importance of sales, and the power of bouncing back from failure - whether in business, in life, or in a 100km race.

At 57, he’s now taking everything he’s learned about business and sales, and helping startup founders get better at it through his new venture, The Sales Movement.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

02:49 Where Ned Grew Up

06:05 The Unforgettable Journey Of His Startup, Bambu

13:12 The Emotional Toll Of Being A Startup Founder

15:02 What Ned Would Tell Himself If He Could Start Again

17:58 Lessons From A "Failed" Business

21:10 Winning Deforms You, Loss Creates You

25:30 Real Friends Matter

28:19 Most People Don't Know How To Do Sales

30:45 The Art of Relationship Building in Sales

34:26 Listening & Understanding Your Customers Are Key

37:14 Why Many Startup Founders Aren't Good In Sales

38:38 Can Everyone Be Good At Sales?

41:00 Ultra-Endurance Sports At Age 57 & What It Taught Him

49:55 Be Kind & Not Worry About What Others Think

52:51 5 Things You Didn't Know About Ned: Songs, Entrepreneurship & More

TODAY'S GUEST

Sometimes, the hardest moments in life are the ones that bring us back to who we truly are.  For Will Finn, that moment came when he was diagnosed with cancer.

It wasn’t just a health battle — it was a wake-up call.

A moment that forced him to step back and ask: Am I living in alignment with who I truly am? Or am I just following a path that was expected of me?

For years, he was a lawyer at top-tier law firms and big corporations across the world until cancer made him rethink everything. It made him stop and realize that he needed to stop caring what other people think.

Life’s challenges, no matter how big or small, come into our lives for a reason. And if we allow it to serve us in the best way it can, we can choose to confront the parts of ourselves we’ve ignored for most of our lives.

And maybe, just maybe—that’s the point and journey of life.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

04:56 When Cancer Entered Will's Consciousness

10:51 The Eventual Diagnosis & Health Checkup That Saved His Life

12:49 When Disease May Be A Manifestation of Our Unhealed Traumas

17:15 Cancer Cracked Open His Authenticity

21:41 When Being A Lawyer Is No Longer His Identity

25:49 Reframing What Your Job Means To You & Ways To Fill Your Cup

33:44 Being Lost Is A Necessary Part of Life's Journey

35:25 The Courage To Face Yourself & Ask The Hard Questions

40:19 Growing Up In New Zealand & No Two Children Are Alike

44:03 Moving From Legal Private Practice To Advertising Then Sports

48:53 The Power of Living Authentically & Not Caring What People Think

TODAY'S GUEST

🌐 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/williamfinn

CONNECT WITH ME

Like many of you, I never believed in astrology.

I thought it was just something fun for magazine editors to write about, or for us girls to get to know each other a little quicker. I thought it can’t be real.

But what if our stars and planets in the universe are telling us part of our story? WHAT IF they could guide us on some of our biggest decisions in our lives?

A little more than a year ago, this ancient and fascinating realm entered my life when I needed it most. Little would I know that one year later, I would actually meet a REAL astrologer in Singapore who I would then interview for my podcast.

In Episode 6 of YOU NEVER KNOW, I sit down with Nivas, a Vedic astrologer who walked away from a stable corporate career to pursue his passion and calling.

His journey was anything but linear — moving to a new country, landing in a shockingly unexpected job, and facing uncertainty at different turns. But through it all, he trusted himself, was “blindly” bold, and knew that astrology was what he had to do in his life.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

01:02 What does a Vedic Astrologer Actually Do?

05:53 How Do Astrologers Read Birth Charts?

08:48 Differences Between Vedic & Western Astrology

14:56 The Role of Rahu and Ketu in Vedic Astrology

17:49 Astrology as a Tool for Guidance: Importance of Planets & Placements

24:05 The Commercialization of Astrology & Not Knowing Too Much

27:42 Historical Context of Astrology

30:08 The Role of Intuition vs Knowledge

33:12 Nivas's Journey into Astrology

37:39 Navigating Career Challenges in Singapore: The Job He was Shocked to Have

44:46 Transitioning from Corporate to Starting a Business

52:59 Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Success

55:25 Boldness and Authenticity in Pursuing Dreams

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Would you take a pay cut to do something you love? Frank Koo reveals that’s what he did. And he never looked backed since.

Many of us were raised to believe that Success = Earning more money + More social status.

But what if true fulfilment comes from something bigger than yourself? Something bigger than material pursuits?

In Episode 5 ofYou Never Know, I speak with Frank Koo, who has navigated major career transitions in life — from leaving a senior executive position in a Fortune 500 tech company, pivoting into education, to venturing into the world’s largest professional networking platform, LinkedIn.

Now at Nextplay, Frank is on a mission to transform the way people see work — not just as a means to an end, but as something that brings fulfilment and joy.

Join us as we talk about how you can reinvent your career at any age, why your job isn’t your identity, and why money does not equal happiness and success.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction: Career is Not a One-Way Street

02:06 Frank Koo's Career Journey

10:33 Resilience and Relationship Building

14:34 The Search for Fulfillment

18:43 Transitioning from Tech to Education and LinkedIn

20:38 Intentionality vs. Serendipity in Career

24:40 Changing Industries: Lessons Learned

29:03 Life Stages and Career Aspirations

34:41 Finding Values and Purpose

39:36 How Much Money is Enough?

43:30 Self Identity and Interests Beyond Your Job

50:08 Evolving Leadership Styles

55:20 Career Advice for Frank's Younger and Future Self

TODAY'S GUEST

“Gen Zs are strawberries -- they bruise easily and don’t want to work hard.”

That’s what the media and many others have to say about the generation who’s now in their late teens to mid-20s.

But honestly, that’s completely opposite to my experience with these bright, young sparks of light whom I’ve had the chance to work and interact with.

They dare to think different and believe different. And I completely resonate with that.

In Episode 4 of my podcast, You Never Know, I speak with 21-year old student from the National University of Singapore, Glen Chan, who opens up about the constant pressure of keeping up on social media, including LinkedIn, why not all Gen Zs are strawberries, and the challenge between chasing likes versus chasing purpose and passion.

Join us as we talk about the dreams, thoughts and concerns of Gen Zs, and how they see the world today.

TODAY'S GUEST

From growing up with an abusive father to starting out as a nightclub bouncer, my first podcast guest, Keith Power, rose to lead multimillion-dollar businesses across the globe, before stepping into another uncomfortable phase of his life — retirement. 

In Episode 3, I speak with Keith Power, an executive coach and soon-to-be host of the podcast, The Power Within, whose journey of life is both inspiring and deeply human.  

Join us as we talk about the importance of making things happen, addressing our past, what bouncing taught him about people and sales, getting in touch with emotions as men, corporate leadership, relationships, and so much more. 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction  

02:58 Keith's Early Life and Background 

05:46 Transition from Bouncer to Corporate Life 

09:02 The Impact of Upbringing on Career Choices 

12:06 The Journey to Education and Self-Discovery 

14:52 Overcoming Depression and Setting Goals 

17:45 The Importance of Personal Planning 

21:00 Navigating Life Changes and Relationships 

23:50 Empowerment Through Decision-Making 

27:08 Choosing the Right Influences in Life 

29:23 Navigating Cultural Expectations and Personal Identity 

32:40 Men's Emotional Health and the Impact of COVID 

35:32 The Journey Through Depression and Seeking Support 

36:32 The Power of Manifestation and Life Changes 

39:56 Leadership Lessons and Achievements 

46:04 The Role of Ego in Personal Growth 

48:53 The Importance of Self-Driven Change 

52:07 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Coaching 

56:25 Key Takeaways for Personal Empowerment 

TODAY'S GUEST

It's amazing how life can change so much in a year, a month, or even a day.

The only power we have is in the now, not in the past or the future. But we MUST learn from our past and our experiences to help us move forward with clarity, to know ourselves better, and to learn to align our actions more closely with our truer selves.

Before we leave 2024 completely behind, here are 5 BIG LESSONS I’m taking with me into 2025 and beyond for a more conscious, mindful, and abundant life.

Join me in Episode 2 of my new podcast, You Never Know with Nicole Lee, as I talk about the unexpectedness of life, why we always have a choice, and why it’s so powerful to live the life we want to live.

I hope you find it meaningful and helpful wherever you are on your journey, and whenever you are called to receive this message.

 ❤️Nicole

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It feels so unreal filming and launching the first solo episode of my new podcast, You Never Know with Nicole Lee.

It started with an idea. A dream. A vision of a part of me I’m meant to be amid the depths of my reflection more than a year ago.

A calling for me to share my truth, and those of others, with you and the world. To talk about things we don’t normally talk about, especially in this part of the world here in Asia.

In this first official episode, I talk about why I’m starting my very own podcast, what it was like for me growing up in Singapore, why I left a top bank after more than a decade for a fintech startup, how it changed my life, and where I’m at today.

Join me as I breeze you through my journey over the past few decades, and why I’m now rewriting my life story and walking into my own unknown.

Welcome to the first drop of my new podcast, YOU NEVER KNOW, where we talk about life, career, change, and the stories of people who have taken the unconventional road and embraced life’s unknowns.

Wherever you are in the world, thank you so much for coming with me on my journey, and letting me be a small part of yours too.

I’m Nicole Lee and This. Is. Me.

❤️

Nicole

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