Avsnitt
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What if your greatest strength is the very thing that once made you feel like you didn't belong?
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Belinda Esterhammer, CEO of The DO Asia, social innovator, educator, and community leader, to explore what it means to be a bridge between different worlds.
Growing up in Austria with Chinese roots and building a career across cultures, Belinda shares her experience of navigating life between identities, languages, expectations, and communities. Together, we unpack the invisible emotional labor of being the person who connects people, translates perspectives, and creates understanding across differences.
We discuss:
• The hidden costs of constantly adapting to others
• Why bridge-builders often carry unseen emotional labor
• How living between cultures shapes identity and leadership
• The opportunities and tensions that come with being "in-between"
• How to stay true to yourself while connecting with different worldsIf you've ever felt too much of one thing and not enough of another, this conversation is for you.
Because sometimes the people who don't fit neatly into a box are the ones uniquely positioned to bring others together.
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What does it really mean to lead across cultures, identities, and expectations?
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Vanessa Iloste shares her journey from France to Asia and the lessons she’s learned about connection, creativity, and the hidden work of bridging different worlds.
A powerful conversation on leadership, belonging, and thriving beyond labels.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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What does it really mean to lead across cultures?
In this episode, Fuji Sartono shares how growing up as a diplomat’s child shaped his perspective on identity, adaptability, and leadership. Moving between countries and cultures, he learned early on what it feels like to belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. That experience now informs how he leads diverse, global teams with empathy and nuance.
Fuji reflects on the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities, and how those moments of discomfort built resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to connect across differences. Rather than seeing adversity as a setback, he reframes it as a foundation for growth both personally and professionally.
At its core, this episode is about rethinking leadership not as a fixed style, but as something shaped by lived experience, cultural awareness, and the willingness to embrace complexity.
A thoughtful listen for anyone leading across borders, cultures, or perspectives.
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Most leadership advice is built on Western norms but what if Asia’s real leadership power has been overlooked all along?
In this bold Season 3 opener of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong sits down with Desmond Chan - Head of Business Partnering for SEA at Arup - to challenge conventional leadership thinking and reframe what it means to lead in Asia today.
Together, they unpack why Asian leaders are often misunderstood, the invisible pressures they navigate, and how cultural strengths like harmony, context, and collective trust can become a competitive advantage.
From breaking the bamboo ceiling to embracing “yin-yang leadership", this episode sets the tone for a season that reimagines leadership through a distinctly Asian lens.
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For the grand finale of Season 2, Fyiona sits down with Mary Oxley, Vice President at DHL, for a heartfelt conversation on what true sisterhood in leadership really means.
Mary shares powerful insights on the impact of women supporting women by lifting each other higher, creating space for vulnerability, and standing stronger together through every chapter of growth and challenge.
Filled with warmth, wisdom, and real talk, this episode celebrates shared strength and the kind of authentic connection that makes us all better leaders and better humans.
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In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Mel Leow, Master Certified Coach and founder of Catalyst Coach, about what truly defines success in coaching.
They explore whether credentials still matter, how coaches can stay authentic in a changing world, and why courage and consciousness often matter more than certification. A candid, future-focused conversation for coaches and leaders ready to evolve with purpose.
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In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Paul Morris, VP of Learning at Eagle’s Flight and a global facilitator with over 20 years of experience shaping leaders and cultures around the world.
Paul shares his remarkable journey of reinvention in his 40s—from confronting burnout and depression to facing his paralyzing fear of flying and ultimately discovering freedom as his core value. He opens up about the lessons learned through sabbaticals, self-discovery, and the courage to realign his life with purpose and happiness.
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In this episode, host Fyiona Yong sits down with Jackie Dela Cruz, Managing Director of SmartAge Solutions and one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” recognized by FWN.
With a 20-year career at Shell and now shaping the future of smart living through innovation and technology, Jackie brings a wealth of leadership wisdom. She shares why compassionate leadership is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a business imperative.
Tune in as Jackie unpacks how leading with heart inspires teams, empowers women, and drives meaningful impact and without losing the human touch.
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Today’s guest is Kai Ng, Bar Manager at Hong Kong’s award-winning Quinary. Born in Germany but quick-witted like a true Hong Konger, Kai has hospitality in his blood and a natural gift for blending showmanship, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind the bar.
In this episode, he shares his journey through some of the world’s top bars, his observations on drinking culture across different countries, and how he leads his team in an industry where alcohol is ever-present. Plus, why a classic Martinez remains his go-to after a long day.
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In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona sits down with Mary Foxworth—an inclusive intimacy educator and founder of the Foxworth Institute.
Mary opens up about her bold journey from corporate life to pioneering conversations around sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Together, they explore why intimacy education matters, the unspoken challenges couples face (especially around parenthood), and how embracing diversity in relationships can lead to deeper connection.
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What happens when you begin to question the emotional safety of your childhood—and start the work of healing? In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by Sian Crossley, a UK-qualified psychotherapist, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Break the Cycle Coaching.
Sian supports adults who grew up with emotionally immature, unavailable, or self-absorbed parents—helping them unlearn survival patterns, reconnect with their authentic selves, and start reparenting from a place of compassion and clarity.
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Welcome to The Thriving Misfits—a podcast that celebrates those who don’t fit the mold.
In this episode, Fyiona Yong speaks with Chris, Co-Managing Director at NovAzure, about his journey from Shell to sustainable entrepreneurship. Born to German and Chinese-Brazilian parents, Chris shares how navigating identity, culture, and career transitions helped him turn being a ‘misfit’ into a superpower for leadership and innovation.
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Host Fyiona Yong sits down with Vicky South: solo traveler, entrepreneur, and community builder who has lived and worked across Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and now Argentina.
Vicky shares powerful stories about cultivating courage through solo travel, redefining professional identity, and creating community wherever she lands; from immersive wine events to supporting those in need. She reveals what it takes to face fear, find belonging, and grow through curiosity.
Whether you’re dreaming of your own adventure or navigating life’s changes, this episode is filled with insights to inspire your journey.
Listen now and remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
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Part 2:
In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness.
Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and navigating life’s hardest transitions with emotional intelligence and grace.
Connect with Qi on LinkedIn
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Part 1:
In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness.
Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and navigating life’s hardest transitions with emotional intelligence and grace.
Connect with Qi on LinkedIn
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In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by The Brand Coach, Caleb Low—founder of the #RippleEffectMethod. Caleb shares his deeply personal journey of leaving behind his established reputation in Singapore to support his wife’s career in Malaysia, and what it took to rebuild his brand and identity from scratch in a new market.
We dive into topics like ego, reinvention, redefining masculinity, and creating real influence without the spotlight. Caleb offers candid reflections, practical branding wisdom, and inspiring advice on how to make a lasting impact—no matter where you are or what stage you’re in.
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In this episode, host Fyiona Yong speaks with global leader Jane Ngugi, whose dynamic career has spanned Kenya, Geneva, Dubai, Korea, and Singapore.
Jane shares how her multicultural journey shaped her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the personal lessons that helped her thrive through change. From childhood values to leading global teams, Jane offers powerful insights and advice for anyone feeling like a misfit in their professional journey.
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What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay? In this episode, Fyiona Yong sits down with Sam Lau, founder of Total Loyalty Company (TLC), to explore the power of employee engagement, wellness, and building loyalty from within.
With over 30 years of experience and a pioneering approach to staff rewards and workplace culture, Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey, the growing pains of scaling a purpose-driven business, and why personal wellness should never be sacrificed for success.
From humble beginnings to leading one of Asia’s top engagement companies, Sam’s story is a masterclass in integrating passion, purpose, and people-first leadership.
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In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits, I am sitting down with Janet Ledger, CEO of Community Business, to explore the power of social mobility.
From her working-class roots to executive leadership, Janet shares her journey, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and her mission to create inclusive, high-performing workplaces.
Tune in for powerful insights, practical advice, and a heartfelt conversation about breaking barriers and building a more equitable future.
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In this episode, I welcome Jeff Rotmeyer, founder of ImpactHK and Love 21 Foundation, who has dedicated his life to empowering individuals facing homelessness, Down syndrome, and autism.
Jeff shares his inspiring journey, the challenges of driving social change, and the power of community in transforming lives. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on leading with compassion, resilience, and purpose.
Want to make a difference? Support Jeff’s incredible work:
👉 ImpactHK – Helping the homeless in Hong Kong: impacthk.org
👉 Love 21 Foundation – Empowering individuals with Down syndrome and autism: love21foundation.com - Visa fler
