In this episode, we delve into the incredible journey of Julie Lee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lee-ihrp-sp-mhcl/], 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.



---



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.



---



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 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



---



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 [https://adriantan.com.sg⁠]

156 - Overcoming Adversity: Julie Lee's Journey Through Retrenchments and Career Pivoting

In this episode, we dive deep into Ratna Juita [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jratna/]'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.



---



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.



---



This episode is brought to you by Deel⁩ [⁠https://deel.com/adriantan]‬, 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 [⁠https://deel.com/adriantan].



---

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



---



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 [https://adriantan.com.sg⁠]

155 - From Burnout to Business Owner: Ratna Juita's Incredible Journey 🔥

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Daniel Sim [https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldengooseproperty/], a former Army Major who transitioned into a successful property investor specializing in the UK market. Daniel shares his motivations and challenges in climbing the corporate ladder and discusses his decision to leave the military for a career that offers more flexibility and fulfillment.



He reveals key insights into building a passive income stream through property investment, debunking the common myth that millions are needed to retire comfortably. Daniel also provides valuable tips on how to discern legitimate investment opportunities and avoid scams.



This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in achieving financial freedom through smart property investments.



---



Daniel Sim is a Singaporean property investor specializing in UK real estate, focusing on generating passive income through strategic investments.



With over a decade of experience in public service, including roles in the Military and the Prime Minister's Office, Daniel transitioned from investing in stocks, bonds, forex, and options to property, which he found provided greater security, peace of mind, and time freedom.



He has been involved in property transactions worth millions of pounds and has developed projects such as converting office blocks into residential apartments. Daniel manages a portfolio of over 50 units across 15 properties in the UK, creating substantial monthly passive income. He is also the founder of Born Poor Die Rich (BPDR), an education and coaching platform launched in 2018 in Singapore that helps individuals invest in UK properties to maximize financial resources and focus on what truly matters in life.



Daniel is known for advocating investment in "ordinary properties for ordinary people" to ensure sustainable rental demand and cash flow, emphasizing financial education and long-term stability in property investing.



---



This episode is brought to you by Deel [https://deel.com/adriantan⁠]‬, 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 Introduction

01:23 Who is Major Daniel Sim

01:43 Balancing Family and Career

02:28 Journey in the Army

05:32 Realizations and Career Shifts

09:31 Pursuing Passive Income

18:11 Exploring Property Investment

22:58 Lessons from Investment Mistakes

24:07 Building a Sustainable Income

27:18 The Reality of Property Investment Losses

27:41 Teaching Stable Returns During Covid

28:32 Balancing Education and Retirement with Passive Income

29:41 Debunking the Million-Dollar Retirement Myth

30:23 Strategies for Generating Passive Income

32:51 Spotting Legitimate Property Investment Opportunities

36:51 Why the UK is Ideal for Property Investment

46:22 Daily Routine of a Property Investor

51:27 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information



Where to find Daniel:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/goldengooseproperty [https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldengooseproperty/]

Website: goldengoosepropertyuk.com [https://goldengoosepropertyuk.com/]



Where to find Adrian:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adrian [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/]

154 - From Military Major to Property Investor: Daniel Sim's Journey to Passive Income in the UK

Sugasini Kandiah [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sugasini-kandiah/] is the founder of Hidden Gems Talent, a platform that helps Singapore startups tap into top-tier remote talent from Malaysia and Indonesia. She is passionate about helping young professionals across the region build rewarding careers while enabling startups to scale with the right people.



Before launching Hidden Gems Talent, Suga spent a decade in private equity and impact investing, working as an investment officer at EMIA, a Mekong-based development fund, and Creador, a leading regional private equity firm. She partnered closely with founders to scale their businesses, gaining firsthand insight into what drives growth.



Suga holds a degree in Economics from Yale University.



00:00 Introduction

01:12 Career Beginnings and Journalism Aspirations

02:46 Transition to Investments and Private Equity

04:19 Becoming an Entrepreneur

07:35 Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

12:03 Building a Business and Team Culture

21:29 Importance of Numbers in Business

25:59 Navigating the Hiring Landscape

27:37 Targeting the Malaysian Market

30:57 Cost Comparison Across Countries

32:26 Effective Recruitment Strategies

39:16 Setting Clear KPIs for Remote Employees

47:01 Working with Different Generations

50:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information



The Hidden Gems Talent https://www.hiddengemtalent.com/

153 - Why Sugasini Kandiah Left a High-Paying Job to Start Her Own Business

Benjamin Loh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminlohcoach/] is an award-winning professional speaker, executive coach, and the founder of Flare Communications Coaching. Recognized as one of Asia’s youngest Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP)—a distinction held by the top 12% of professional speakers worldwide—Benjamin has empowered over 55,000 executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs across nine countries to communicate with impact and authenticity.



This episode is brought to you by @getdeel ‬, 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.



Timestamps

00:00 Intro

01:48 Journey from Offline to Online Branding

03:11 Transition from Accounting to Sales

05:15 Building a Social Media and Branding Business

05:38 Challenges and Family Conversations

09:18 Early Career Struggles and Financial Management

17:31 Finding Mentors and Seeking Advice

26:08 Early Failures and Lessons Learned

27:41 The Importance of Saying No

28:28 Finding Your Niche

30:02 Challenges in Financial Advisory

39:55 The Evolution of Insurance Sales

41:48 Building and Managing a Team

45:40 The Value of Mentorship

47:41 Advice to My Younger Self



Connect with Benjamin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminlohcoach/

Find Benjamin on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/benjamin_loh/

152 - Unlocking Success: From Accounting to Personal Branding with Benjamin Loh

Loh Kai Ying [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiyingloh/] is an Ontological and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) coach and co-host of The Curious Co. Podcast.



Over the past 8 years, she held roles in organisational development (OD), L&D, investment facilitation and geopolitical research in various ministries and statutory boards in Singapore's public sector.



As a coach, Kai Ying has a wide clientele of all ages and professions, from countries including Singapore, the US, the UK, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Kai Ying was a former table tennis player in Singapore's National Training Team.



She studied linguistics at the National University of Singapore and speaks English, Mandarin, German and Indonesian.



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.



Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Understanding Ontological Coaching

02:08 The Role of Body Language in Coaching

06:21 From Competitive Table Tennis to Coaching

14:26 Dealing with Grief and Depression

17:48 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Young Coach

21:22 Navigating the Coaching Industry

39:26 Balancing Coaching and Therapy

42:23 Conclusion



Connect with Kai https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaiyingloh/

Learn about Daesin Partners https://daseinpartners.co/

The Curious Co. Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/4KgjtfgfGrHyZ9UI3YfZqy?si=b6ed29c4a17042f5

151 - From National Athlete to Ontological Coach: Kai Ying's Unbelievable Life Journey

Mark Mullinix [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmullinix/] is a former American Express corporate executive. He has been following a less conventional career path since 2013. After founding a loyalty consulting company, which was acquired in 2018, he has been focused on working with startups as a growth advisor and fractional executive.



In 2024, he founded the Fractional Directory Singapore, a resource connecting fractional leaders and companies looking to hire flexible talent, featuring more than 300 profiles of fractional leaders across all functional areas.



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.



Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:34 Guest Background and Career Journey

02:34 Challenges and Lessons Learned

07:52 AI and Efficiency in Work

24:05 The Concept of Fractional Work

41:25 Future of Fractional Work

47:03 Conclusion



Reach out to Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmullinix/

Learn more about The Fractional Directory https://www.thefractionaldirectory.com

150 - Navigating Fractional Careers: Insights from Mark Mullinix on the Future of Work

Audrey Low [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreylowhx/] is the Producer and Co-Host of The Curious Co. Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4KgjtfgfGrHyZ9UI3YfZqy?si=c130e80ae8a842d9], an ICF—PCC Performance Coach, and the Founder of Designing Trust [https://www.designingtrust.co/]. With a decade of facilitation experience, she helps high-performance teams and managers elevate trust and strengthen relationships at home and at work.



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 ⁠deel.com/adriantan⁠.



Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:53 Audrey's Background and Life in China

01:50 Influence of Chinese Culture and Education

02:52 Practical Life Skills and Resolute Attitude

05:03 Radical Generosity and Personal Growth

09:47 Career Journey and Early Quarter-Life Crisis

11:58 Transition to Coaching and Entrepreneurship

19:09 Importance of Trust in Relationships

23:08 Measuring and Building Trust in Organizations

28:24 Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations

43:48 Advice for Aspiring Solopreneurs

47:15 Conclusion

149 - Building Trust: Audrey Low's Journey from Corporate to Coaching

Wong Su-Yen [https://www.linkedin.com/in/suyenwong/] is a distinguished international leader who serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman in various global public, private, and not-for-profit organisations.



She has held directorial roles in Australia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, and the United States, spanning industries such as telecommunications, media, professional services, agriculture, real estate, education, and FinTech/HRtech.



As the founder and CEO of Bronze Phoenix, Su-Yen helps organisations navigate transformation at the intersection of technology, strategy, and people.



She is an Adjunct Professor of Leadership at the National University of Singapore Business School and a member of the Executive Education Faculty at Duke University. Su-Yen is a sought-after keynote speaker who addresses topics such as the future of work, global leadership, diversity, and governance.



Her insights have been featured in prominent media outlets like CNBC, Channel News Asia, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. She holds a B.A. in music and computer science from Linfield University and an M.B.A. from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina.



Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Who is Wong Su-yen?

01:24 Su-Yen's Career Journey: From Music to Marketing

02:00 Transition to Consulting and Leadership

02:45 The Decision to Pursue Board Roles

04:17 Balancing Parallel Careers

07:09 The Reality of Board Directorship

11:38 First Board Role and Challenges

13:54 Responsibilities and Risks of Board Membership

19:06 Managing Multiple Board Roles

22:19 Diversifying into Speaking and Teaching

23:56 Balancing Multiple Domains

24:44 Discovering Your Superpowers

27:04 The Importance of Trying New Things

29:38 Challenges and Advantages of Self-Employment

30:21 Building a Supportive Community

34:26 Preparing for Self-Employment

40:00 Managing Time as a Solopreneur

43:03 The Value of Hiring Support

44:29 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Events



Su-Yen website: www.suyenwong.com

Su-Yen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suyenwong/

Voices of Reinvention event: http://www.bronzephoenix.com/remarkablereinventorscommunity/voices-of-reinvention



148 - Navigating Board Directorships and Self-Employment: A Conversation with Wong Su-Yen

Nancy Lai [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lnancy/] is a Singaporean mumpreneur, educator, and designer who has successfully launched two businesses inspired by her experiences as a mother. Her entrepreneurial journey began when she faced challenges finding suitable furniture for her eldest daughter, Kayleen, who has allergies prone to severe nosebleed episodes.



In response to this personal need, Nancy designed Playand [https://www.playand.store/], a line of multi-functional foam furniture consisting of six modular pieces. The furniture is safe, low in height, free of hard wooden or metal parts, and made of certified, stain-resistant, and machine-washable materials.



As her first venture grew, Nancy launched a second business called A Mighty Mum [https://www.amightymum.com/], a functional nursing clothing line. This brand was born out of her own struggles with limited public nursing rooms and lack of suitable clothing options for nursing.



00:00 Introduction

00:29 Meet Nancy: The Mompreneur

01:25 Nancy's E-commerce Brands

03:27 Nancy's Startup Journey

06:47 Transition to Teaching and COVID-19 Impact

08:52 Starting New Businesses During COVID-19

13:28 Balancing Family and Business

15:52 Product Development and Solving Parenting Problems

22:04 Business Philosophy and Prioritizing Family

26:44 Time Management Strategies

27:20 Balancing Business and Family

28:30 Choosing the Right Tools

29:40 Challenges in Starting a Business

30:26 Innovative Solutions for Cash Flow

31:52 Bootstrap Success Stories

38:40 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt

46:33 Advice for Aspiring Mompreneurs

51:24 Final Thoughts



Seedly Personal Finance Festival 2025 [https://personal-finance-festival.seedly.sg/]: Use code ADRIANPFF100 for 100% off (limited supplies) or ADRIANPFF20 for 20% off

147 - Navigating Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Nancy's Journey

This is my podcast, where I speak with folks to explore the nuances of modern work and its idiosyncrasies. Beyond just the enablers and vendors who are transforming this space, I will also include intimate conversations with people navigating newfound career pivots. They have successfully transitioned to their new careers, and I hope to distil their ups and downs in this unstructured journey so the rest of us can learn from their best practices.

Adrian Tan

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