How to Live

02/07/2024

Ever blanked during a crucial presentation, your mind suddenly empty? The panic, the embarrassment, the self-doubt that follows... Sound familiar?

Welcome to midlife, where this happens more often. But here's the twist - it's not a downward spiral, it's an evolution.

Our brains start changing in our late 30s, with the prefrontal cortex slowing down. We can't process information as rapidly as before. Clinging to our younger cognitive patterns only makes us brittle, like someone stubbornly insisting they're right when everyone else sees otherwise.

But here's the silver lining: while we may not be as quick as we once were, we're developing new superpowers. The hemispheres of our brains are communicating more, enhancing our ability to connect dots and recognize patterns far better than in our 30s.

This can become our secret weapon as leaders in our 40s and 50s.

We delve into this and more with Aneace Haddad, a former tech CEO who pivoted to C-Suite Executive Coaching at 47. After selling his multinational tech company spread across 30 countries, Aneace reshaped his career and now guides executives through midlife leadership evolution. He's also a Senior Advisor to McKinsey and facilitator at Deloitte University.

Thank you Ravi Patel and Mateen Kirmani for this wonderful introduction.

A profound, insightful conversation that anyone in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s should hear. It's not just about adapting - it's about unleashing potential you never knew you had.

Link in the bio.

25/06/2024

18/06/2024

Does efficiently clearing tasks bring you peace or just create more busyness? 🤔

We've all tried countless time management hacks to regain control of our schedules. But ironically, the more we optimise, the busier and more stressed we become.

The root issue isn't the technique - it's the concept of time management itself.

Why? Because the supply of potential tasks is infinite, while our time is painfully finite. There's simply no way to ever "get it all done."

This realisation is unexpectedly liberating. By accepting we can't do everything, the things we choose to prioritise become deeply meaningful - since we're consciously rejecting other options.

This radical perspective comes from Oliver Burkeman's groundbreaking book "Four Thousand Weeks" - hailed as "the most important book ever on time management" by Adam Grant, a "much-needed reality check" by Mark Manson, and a prompt to "rethink our worship of efficiency" by Daniel Pink.

A New York Times bestseller praised by the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Atlantic, and more, the book is making waves. Oliver studied at Cambridge, was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize, and won the Foreign Press Association award.

In our compelling chat for the How to Live Podcast, the award-winning journalist challenges efficiency worship and positive thinking tropes. Instead, he offers logical, actionable insights into:
✨ Why time management fails us
✨ Embracing our finitude
✨ Finding true meaning amid rejection
✨ Patience, fun, and freedom

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that will reshape how you view your limited weeks on Earth. Link in the bio!

04/06/2024

🌟 Imagine being 30, the youngest on your team, and stepping into the CEO role. How would that feel?

Karen Kim, the dynamic CEO of a self-funded disruptive tech startup with a footprint across ASEAN, knows this feeling well.

When Karen first took on this incredible responsibility, she experienced the same doubts many of us would: hyper-awareness of others' perceptions, self-doubt, fear of disappointment, and overthinking.

But soon, Karen shifted her focus from internal worries to the external challenges and opportunities in the business. By concentrating on the problems at hand, the self-critical voices began to quiet down.

Then, she harnessed her core skills to solve problems, motivate her team, and build systems, ultimately becoming the innovative leader she was destined to be.

In the latest episode of the How to Live Podcast, Karen shares her inspiring journey from Seoul to Hong Kong, learning English at 11, studying at the University of Cambridge, working with BT Group and LinkedIn, and finally, becoming a Millennial CEO of Human Managed.

As Karen takes us on this journey, she openly shares her fears and drops deep wisdom that will be applicable to all of us.

🔗 Link to the episode in the bio.

Join us as we explore Karen Kim's remarkable story. 🌍

21/05/2024

“When I went bankrupt, I begged a friend who had built a unicorn for a meeting. He promised me 30 minutes. The minute we met, I could tell he didn’t want to be there.

Six months later, after processing all the difficult emotions and working on myself, I went back to him and said, 'Hey, this is what I want to do.' He responded by introducing me to people and offering support.

I learned a valuable lesson: If you go to people and whine about your problems with negative energy, you bring them down. But if you approach them with passion and excitement, they will go out of their way to help.”

This story shared by Marc Nicholson in the latest episode of the How to Live podcast hit home hard. Marc is the founder of 1880, a private club in Singapore that brings creatives and intellectuals together.

Originally from Montreal, Canada, Marc’s journey has seen him living in Haiti, being a child actor, volunteering in Indonesia, coaching the Cyprus National Squash Team, earning a Master's in Human Rights in The Hague, working at the Middle East Council of Churches, and obtaining an MBA from London Business School.

At the age of 47, the dots connected as he founded 1880, the first-of-its-kind premier social club in Singapore, which now also has locations in Hong Kong and Bali.

Listen to Marc’s raw and insightful conversation on finding purpose. Thank you to Juliana Chan for recommending and making this conversation possible.

Link to podcast episode in the bio.

07/05/2024

Is meditation tapping out from a high-achieving lifestyle?

Stress often drives high performers to explore meditation. After years of relying heavily on their intellect, they find themselves burnt out. Meditation does more than offer a break—it rebuilds and rejuvenates.

Regular practice not only improves sleep, gut health, and energy levels but also fosters the creation of new neural pathways in the brain—confirmed by fMRI studies. These changes enhance problem-solving abilities, conflict management, and deepen connections with personal purpose.

Far from being an exit from high achievement, meditation opens the door to new levels of performance.

In our next episode, we dive into these topics with Danielle Van De Velde—a former finance industry leader turned meditation teacher, keynote speaker, and spiritual healer. Dani has influenced global leaders, authored an incredible book, and hosts 'The Modern Crone,' ranked #1 in Singapore’s spiritual category.

Tune in for enriching insights and the soothing wisdom of Dani. You won't want to miss this episode. Link in the bio.

22/04/2024

When you hear the word “trauma,” do you think, “That’s not me. I haven’t experienced any major tragedies”?

However, trauma doesn’t always stem from monumental events. Sometimes, it’s the smaller, seemingly insignificant experiences that leave us with unresolved feelings, subtly shaping our behaviours in ways that may not serve us well.

Imagine a high-performance workplace bustling with diverse personalities. It’s likely that many colleagues carry hidden traumas. Think about the potential impact on team dynamics and overall productivity.

We dive deep into this topic in our latest “How to Live” podcast episode featuring Natalia Rachels, a trauma-informed therapist and an award-winning Learning & Development Educator. Natalia is a renowned author, keynote speaker, and social entrepreneur, widely recognized for her efforts to weave trauma and relationship management into mainstream conversations. Honoured with the Women Icons Asia Award for her societal contributions, Natalia also writes for SheWorld and advises companies on nurturing healthier workplace cultures.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how trauma can surface in professional settings, discuss pathways to healing, and highlight the crucial roles of authenticity and belonging.

Link to episode in the bio

12/04/2024

“Don’t simplify. Delete.”

As business leaders, when we’re overwhelmed, our go-to questions often revolve around simplification—can we find a simpler way, eliminate steps, or use fewer resources? However, a more fundamental question to ask might be: Is this task necessary in the first place?

It’s a common belief that entrepreneurs excel at solving problems, but the most successful ones are those who sidestep problems altogether. This is a significant lesson that we could adopt more widely in the corporate world.

In the latest episode of the How to Live Podcast, 🌀 Arjun Purkayastha (普艾君) shares potent insights on integrating entrepreneurial thinking into the corporate sphere. As the Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Reckitt, and a dear friend, Arjun brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at leading MNCs like Procter & Gamble, across diverse regions including Singapore, South Korea, India, the UK, and China.

What truly distinguishes him in the corporate landscape is his entrepreneurial mindset—a skill I’ve had the privilege of observing firsthand. His approach has been continually refined through his engagements with startups, and today, he serves as a Board Director and Strategic Advisor to multiple acclaimed ventures, including the Bombay Shaving Company.

Arjun’s notable achievements include winning 7 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, 6 Effies, and being recognised as one of the UK’s top 50 customer experience professionals.

During our conversation, we explore bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to the workplace, discussing topics like the fine line between intelligence and arrogance, when to make quick decisions and when to wait, having a bu****it detector, and the fundamental qualities of courage and credibility, among other insights.

Check out the link in the bio.

This episode is filled with wisdom and practical advice that will undoubtedly enhance your leadership skills.

26/03/2024

"The rich can't buy it. The impatient can't rush it. The privileged can't inherit it. And nobody can steal it.
You can only earn it through hard work. Mastery is the ultimate status.”

Take a moment to let this profound insight from Derek Sivers sink in.

In a world filled with easy, superficial pleasures, dedicating five hours a day to hone our skills seems unimportant. Yet, this commitment is not just fulfilling—it's a rare and strategic way to differentiate ourselves and achieve the highest status.

We delve into topics such as mastery, creativity, independence, and entrepreneurship with Derek in the latest episode of our podcast.

If you're not yet familiar with Derek Sivers, he's the mind behind CD Baby, once the globe's largest online distributor of independent music. His decision to sell the company and donate all the proceeds to charity—USD 22 million in 2008—captured hearts worldwide. A best-selling author and a speaker renowned for his TED Talks, Derek is a celebrated guest on leading podcasts, including the Tim Ferriss Show, Shane Parrish, and Mark Manson.

Don't miss this exceptional episode where Derek shares insights from his book 'How to Live,' a work he considers his finest achievement.

12/03/2024

Have you ever felt that "Nice guys finish last"?

We've all rooted for the underdog. The hero who helps others but is always left behind. However in the end, against all odds, finishes on top.

This happens only in the movies right?

When we look around, especially in the competitive business world, the reality seems grim. We see good people who give without expecting, being overshadowed by those who master the art of taking credit.

I noticed this in my early career but with time a fascinating shift occurred - the power of reputation took control. People began to recognize who puts in the effort and who free rides. Givers start emerging on top.

This revelation was solidified when I read Adam Grant's "Give and Take," thanks to a recommendation from my speaking mentor Avi Liran. Adam’s research showed that takers may have short-term gains, but it's the givers who truly come out on top. There’s a caveat though.

In the latest episode of the How to Live Podcast, I build on Adam’s theory and introduce my thesis around meaningful and desperate giving, examine the dynamics of the asking-giving relationship, and yes reveal the caveat for thriving as a giver.

Discover why not all forms of giving are created equal, and how to ensure your generosity leads to success.

Link in the bio.

12/02/2024

🌟 What saps your energy the most? Is it your diet, lifestyle, bosses, or relationships? There's another significant factor that often flies under the radar:

Purpose.

Lack of Purpose can be the ultimate energy drain. When our days are filled with uninspiring tasks and we feel like we're constantly swimming against the tide, our energy reserves are depleted the most.

Join us for an insightful discussion with Energy Optimisation Coach Elika Tasker. Elika, the founder of Health Concierge, empowers ambitious leaders to thrive personally and professionally through her holistic program.

Elika emphasises that discovering purpose isn't solely about western science focusing on the brain. By integrating eastern wisdom that tunes into our body's wisdom, we can uncover our purpose and harness our energy optimally.

Elika's journey has taken her around the globe, from the shamans in Central America to indigenous communities in Australia, New Zealand, and the profound realms of Ayurveda in India. With over 7 years of profound learning, Elika has merged ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science to support her clients' thriving journeys.

In our latest episode, we delve into the intricate world of energy—identifying leaks, resetting, and understanding the synergy between ancient traditions and modern science. We unravel the root causes of burnout and anxiety, culminating in a profound exploration of purpose—what it entails, how to discover it, and ultimately, how to thrive.

🎧 Dive into our latest episode for an enlightening discussion on reclaiming your energy and purpose!

29/01/2024

Meet , a trained psychotherapist who initially believed business and psychology were separate realms. 

As she scaled up her ventures, she maintained a clinical psychology practice to make ends meet. They were always separate till she Co-Founded She Loves Tech.

She Loves Tech is the world’s largest startup accelerator, catering to women-led tech startups. Operating across 72 countries, they’ve kickstarted over 13,000 startups, raising a whopping $350 million in the process. 
Leanne herself boasts accolades as an Obama leader, inclusion in the 40 under 40 list, and a recent Woman of the Year special award from Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II in Monaco.

Throughout her journey working with founders and business leaders, Leanne discovered a magical overlap between the worlds of business and psychology. This synergy led to the creation of courses and workshops tailored for entrepreneurs, emphasising the powerful role psychology plays in the business realm.

Today’s discussion zooms in on that: leveraging psychology to elevate oneself as an entrepreneur and business leader. We’re diving into topics like identity, limiting beliefs, imposter syndrome, and the entire spectrum of emotions—a holistic exploration of the entrepreneur’s psyche.

Join us in exploring the transformative power of psychology in entrepreneurship and business.

16/01/2024

Ever feel restless? It’s not a bad thing.

Restlessness often signals a dream yet to bloom. Embracing that longing can unlock boundless creativity.

🎙️ Wise words from Eshan Ponnadurai, Vice President and Global Head of Marketing at Meta. Eshan's career spans top companies like Google, Uber, Airbnb, and P&G, across continents from Australia to Asia to America.

🏆 Recognized as one of the world's Top 50 CMOs by Forbes (twice) and among the Top 30 by Adweek, Eshan's marketing prowess is legendary. Notably, he orchestrated Google's inaugural brand campaign in India, a triumph honoured with two Cannes Lions.

🤝 Eshan, a cherished friend, graced our How to Live Podcast, sharing insights on workplace creativity, the power of visionary concepts, storytelling, stakeholder management, content consumption, and much more.

🌟 Join this episode for an inspiring dive into fostering workplace creativity and invaluable guidance on nurturing that spark within. Link in the bio.

01/01/2024

Looking to make 2024 a little more purposeful without a major overhaul of life?

Amidst the busyness of life, finding purpose seems daunting. Yet, within our daily hustle, purpose hides in plain sight.

It's not complex — it's the simplicity of solving a problem, connecting with friends, or lending a helping hand.

By becoming aware around these seemingly ordinary activities, we can infuse more purpose into our lives without an extensive overhaul.

Why not add a bit more fulfillment in 2024?

Join me in the latest short podcast episode, where I delve into uncovering purpose in everyday life. Drawing from insights and stories shared by thousands, I'll guide you through this transformative journey.

Link to the episode in the comments.

04/12/2023

Do you ever find yourself compartmentalising emotions to be more effective at work? According to a Harvard Business Review article, a staggering 60% of employees never express their emotions in the workplace. But how effective is this approach, really?

Masking our emotions takes a toll—it saps our energy and can hinder rather than enhance our productivity. Beyond that, it can dull the very emotions that drive us—passion, charisma, genuine appreciation—all crucial elements not only for personal fulfilment but also for elevating our professional performance.
So, how can we bring emotions into our work lives in a positive and constructive manner?

Join me in a thought-provoking conversation with Mollie Rogers Jean De Dieu, General Manager of the esteemed French fashion house, Longchamp, a TEDx speaker, and an author. Mollie is also the visionary behind Emotional Inclusion, a nonprofit organisation championing humane work environments.

Her insights, featured in prestigious publications like Vogue, Grazia, and Tatler, and endorsed by Harvard Professor Dr. Amy Edmondson—an authority on psychological safety—are invaluable.

Together, Mollie and I explore the delicate balance between professionalism and humanity in the workplace. We delve into strategies to integrate emotions positively, discussing spirituality and much more.

Don't miss this enriching conversation! Link in the bio.