From saving $20,000 on a $2,000 salary to making work optional while raising two young boys, Dawn Fiona Cher—better known online as SG Budget Babe—has spent the last decade helping others take back control of their money and mindset. A mom, author, Director of Government Affairs , and financial educator, Dawn continues to work in both corporate and content creation—not because she has to, but because it fuels her purpose.
In this episode, I sit down with Dawn to talk about what it really takes to grow your wealth while juggling motherhood, ambition, and a life you actually want to live. She shares the turning point that made her chase financial freedom harder than ever (hint: it happened mid-breastfeeding), the unglamorous truth of building a side hustle, and how she successfully negotiated for flexibility at work after proving her worth.
Dawn opens up about how her own childhood struggles with money shaped her, why time-blocking (not 5AM routines) keeps her grounded, and the life lessons she’s deliberately modeling for her kids. Her practical, no-nonsense wisdom is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t about balance—it’s about clarity, discipline, and alignment.
In this energizing conversation, we explored:
📈 How Dawn reached financial independence in slightly over a decade (and still works by choice)
👶 The raw truth about managing work while mothering two young kids
🧠 Why “imposter syndrome” is actually a signpost—not a dead end
🗂️ How she schedules her chaotic week using time-blocking, not rigidity
💡 What it means to be visible, credible, and irreplaceable at work
✍️ Her journey from corporate employee to trusted voice in finance—and what’s next
Checkout:
💻 Dawn’s 7-Day Investing Challenge (Discount code: MIW) →https://nas.io/budgetbabe/challenges/investing-101-crash-course?discountCode=MIW
📘 Take Back Control of Your Money by Dawn Fiona Cher → https://www.amazon.sg/Take-Back-Control-Your-Money/dp/9815323075
🎤Sarah’s interview with Dawn on The Financial Coconut: I Left My Job to Care for My Family - Was It Worth It? [W&S 144]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6p3G4lZjBk&list=PLpo30qPT9yc6yAyrtqz7506sfiYaorR8Z&index=6
—-----------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:07 Meet SG Budget Babe: PI, Mom, Finfluencer
02:08 From $2K Salary to Financial Freedom
05:39 How She Actually Juggles It All
13:26 The Call That Changed Everything
25:50 How She Earned Trust at Work
26:26 Are You Invisible at Work?
31:06 How She Negotiated Flexibility
34:09 The Rule Behind Her Side Hustle Growth
42:31 How She’s Raising Money-Smart Kids
—-----------------------------------------------
Connect with Dawn here:
👋 Website: https://sgbudgetbabe.com/
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionacher/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgbudgetbabe/
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community to find a group of like-minded mommas:
—-------------------------------
➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙
🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏
💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment
#WorkingMom #FinancialFreedom #SGbudgetbabe #CareerTips #InvestingForBeginners #ProductivityForMoms #MakeItWorkPodcast #WomenWhoLead #SideHustleSuccess
From a 15-year career at Procter & Gamble to taking a 4 year career pause to be a stay-home-mom to building ConnectOne, a company that helps high-growth startups find and develop their teams — Elena Chow has spent decades helping others build meaningful careers, all while raising four children and navigating her own seasons of work and motherhood.
In this episode, I sit down with Elena, who shares her rare honesty about the paradox of being around but not present, what “balance” really looks like in different seasons of life, and why sometimes, the bravest thing a woman can do is pause.
Elena opens up about stepping away from corporate life, starting over as an entrepreneur in her 40s, and how faith, community, and purpose guided her through each transition. As a recruiter and pioneer member of the Portfolio Careers Asia group, she also shares her candid advice for mothers today — whether you’re taking a break, returning to work, or exploring a more flexible, fractional path.
As a mother, founder, and mentor to many, Elena reminds us that having it all doesn’t mean doing it all — it means understanding the season you’re in, and choosing what matters most in it.
In this heartfelt conversation, we explored:
💼 How Elena pivoted from corporate to entrepreneurship — and built Connect One from scratch
🧭 What it means to “fake it till you make it” with courage and humility
👩👧👧 The hardest lesson about being present as a working mom
💬 Why there’s no such thing as perfect work-life balance — only shifting seasons
✨ How women can thrive in today’s world of fractional work, portfolio careers, and flexible opportunities
—-----------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Debunking Work-Life Balance Myths
01:01 Introduction
03:14 How She Knew It Was Time to Leave Corporate
07:56 The Hardest Part of Being a Mom-Entrepreneur
16:08 What She Wishes She Knew Earlier
24:52 The Unexpected Way Her Kids Learned
26:25 Why Volunteering Changed Everything
27:16 The Trips That Shifted Her Family’s Worldview
31:06 The Truth About Career Pivots for Moms
42:21 The One Thing Moms Returning to Work Must Hear
—-----------------------------------------------
Connect with Elena here:
👋 ConnectOne: https://www.connectone.com.sg/
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenachow/
👋 Join Portfolio Careers Asia group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14287306
Watch more:
When You Show Up Anyway: A Mother’s Story of Loss and Leadership - Maria Li: https://youtu.be/Pwv8XfGJp9A
Navigating Life's Transitions With Belief - Sarah Wong | On The Soft Power Project: https://youtu.be/H2Lb05Awnm8
Parenthood Across 10 Countries: The Village Every Parent Needs - Marina Lopes: https://youtu.be/hDMbVn725uA
29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=srWjlnBhnBKuqZ9o
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community to find a group of like-minded mommas:
—-------------------------------
🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏
💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment
#WorkingMoms #CareerTransitions #FractionalCareers #WomenInLeadership #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMom #FutureOfWork
What happens when a tech leader, mother of two, and expat in Singapore decides to redefine what “having it all” really means? From leading one of Asia’s most prominent startup platforms through an acquisition — to navigating miscarriage, maternity, and mom guilt — Maria Li, COO of Tech in Asia, has lived through the highs and heartbreaks of making both career and motherhood work.
In this episode, I sit down with Maria Li, who moved from Silicon Valley to Singapore eight years ago, expecting to stay for a year or two. But somewhere between building a company, building a family, and building a village, Singapore became home. 🇸🇬
Maria opens up about the reality behind the title — what it means to lead through loss, to parent with purpose, and to show up authentically at work when life feels anything but perfect. She shares how community support, flexible work, and honest leadership helped her find balance in the chaos.
As a mother and leader, Maria is rewriting the playbook for working women everywhere — reminding us that “having it all” isn’t about doing it all, but about choosing what matters most.
In this heartfelt conversation, we explored:
💼 How motherhood reshapes your leadership and priorities at work
💬 Why being authentic at work makes you a stronger, not weaker, leader
👩👧👦The tradeoffs she has had to make to prioritize family in this season
💔 How Maria navigated a miscarriage while leading her company through an acquisition
✨ Why redefining “having it all” starts with owning your trade-offs and your truth
—----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:23 Meet Maria Li: COO and Mom of Two
03:05 How Singapore became home in ways she never expected.
06:46 What Maria learned about asking for help.
10:41 How becoming a mom reshaped her work — and herself.
23:27 Why stepping away might be the smartest move you make.
24:16 What employers really think about moms returning to work
27:59 How Maria learned to trade perfection for peace.
32:21 The surprising lesson her kids taught her about leadership.
37:20 The advice every ambitious woman needs to hear.
—--------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Maria here:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasli/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marialiiiii/
Get to know Maria Li and her work:
👉 https://share.google/AQD31CHB0ZBiPJpzZ
👉 https://share.google/tdvJ2FIGP206UK7mG
👉 https://share.google/37LILv0l0Vdj39KXd
👉 https://www.techinasia.com/video/unfiltered-maria-li-coo-tech-asia
Watch more:
29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=srWjlnBhnBKuqZ9o
From Stay-At-Home to Single Working Mom: What Divorce Taught Me with Sherry Fang: https://youtu.be/pw6r_MizOuI?si=Ykt0wLV_YBToMWdhHow This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo: https://youtu.be/Gz0dPLB74BM?si=9OpJFlCE-AAy0rFy
SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee: https://youtu.be/7pSNn8KZMZ0?si=Y2vWnNJrSvobwpdE
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community to find a group of like-minded mommas:
—-------------------------------
#MakeItWorkPodcast #WomenInLeadership #WorkingMoms #WomenInTech #FemaleLeaders #WomenEmpowerment #SingaporeMoms #CareerMoms #CareerGrowth #LeadershipJourney
Working mothers, career transitions, and the power of becoming — Sarah Wong joins Sherry Fang on the Soft Power Project for an honest conversation about navigating uncertainty, motherhood, and identity. 🌱
In this special episode, the mic flips — and this time, I’m the one being interviewed. 🎙️ Sherry invited me to open up about the messy but transformative seasons of my life: moving countries while pregnant, juggling family responsibilities with career shifts, and rediscovering who I was when nothing seemed stable. These were the moments that looked like chaos on the outside — but in hindsight, they were shaping me from the inside out. And also laid the foundation for the Make It Work podcast!
In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about:
👩👧👦 How becoming a mum shook up everything I thought I knew about who I was and what mattered most.
🌊 The shaping role of my faith in a season of uncertainty
💡 Why feeling “lost” can actually be the most powerful season of growth.
❤️ How I’m reshaping the way I speak to my children about who they are, not just what they’ll do.
🕊️ The surprising truth about boundaries, Sabbath, and modeling rest for the next generation.
This episode is for anyone balancing career transitions, family life, and the constant juggle of being a working mom — or anyone who’s ever looked around at the chaos and wondered if it could lead to something more. If you’ve ever felt caught between roles, pulled by change, or unsure of your next step, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone.
—------------------------------------------
Chapters:00:00 Introduction
01:58 Welcome to Soft Power Project
02:58 When Life Changes Direction
14:08 The Therapeutic Power of Podcasting
21:29 How Do You Create When Life Doesn’t Slow Down?
22:08 Why Your Wins Matter More Than You Think
23:34 Why Soft Power Matters More Than Ever
26:24 Are Your Boundaries Helping or Holding You Back?
35:12 The Next Chapter: Letting Go to Move Forward
—------------------------------------------
Follow Sherry here:
👋 Executive Plus Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA
👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community:
—-------------------------------
#MakeItWorkPodcast #TheSoftPowerProject #WorkingMoms #MotherhoodJourney #CareerTransitions #Identity #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PodcastGuest #FutureOfWork #Inspiration
From Stay-At-Home to Single Working Mom: What Divorce Taught Me (That I Never Saw Coming): https://youtu.be/pw6r_MizOuI?si=tjv3ApPNuKX5B3E5Parenthood Across 10 Countries: The Village Every Parent Needs - Marina Lopes: https://youtu.be/hDMbVn725uA?si=rOV7qljsePBkfWKZ29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New - Luanne Poh: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=KVPYE4CBI9IQPBjd
What happens when a journalist travels to 10 different countries, across cultures and continents, to gather the best lessons about parenting? From the way Swedish parents share the mental load, to the way Brazilian grandmothers descend on a new mother’s hospital room, to the way Mozambican villages raise children as a community — each culture holds a piece of wisdom that challenges how we think about raising the next generation.
In this episode, I sit down with Marina Lopes — longtime journalist, foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, and most recently the author of Please Yell At My Kids. In her book, Marina does just that: capturing stories and insights from around the world to reframe how we think about parenting and community.
For Marina, this journey began with her own contrasting experiences: an emergency C-section in Brazil, surrounded by forty relatives and neighbors in the hospital room… and later, the complete isolation of raising her second baby during COVID in the United States. 🌍💔
As a Brazilian-American married to an Asian-American diplomat, Marina has witnessed how families around the world nurture children, share responsibility, and create belonging. Her book reminds us that parenting was never meant to be done alone — and that building our “village” may be the most important parenting skill of all.
In this intimate conversation, we explored:
👶 Why the “rosy” picture of motherhood can leave first-time moms feeling broken
🌍 What cultures from Brazil to Mozambique can teach us about raising children together
💡 How to split the “mental load” in marriage without resentment
🤱 Why your second child can sometimes heal the traumas of the first
💛 Why building your “village” might be the most important parenting skill of all
—-------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Welcome to Make It Work
03:12 Covering Headlines While Navigating Home Life
06:03 Motherhood Struggles No One Talks About
13:25 What Parenting Across 10 Countries Taught Me
26:13 Why Moms Get Stuck in the Cycle of Frustration
27:23 Marriage Isn’t 50/50 — So What Works Instead?
29:13 Is Modern Life Killing Our Sense of Community?
37:51 Working Mom or Just Mom? The Identity Tug-of-War
48:25 Why Parents Can’t Survive Without a Village
—-----------------------------------
Connect with Marina here:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinalopes1/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalopesauthor/
👋Purchase Book ‘Please Yell At My Kids’: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marina-lopes/please-yell-at-my-kids/9780306834417/?fbclid=PAT01DUANAssdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp63kJM3AhmsWu96m7Y6kf4eAaOxsqIUe6gauPOSkRvyry4jrZLv_OVfU_rlV_aem_7Zz03NqkzG-UImCA6Y03pw
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community to find a group of like-minded mommas:
—-------------------------------
Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟
➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙
#MillennialParents #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingCommunity #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #MotherhoodStories #MakeItWorkPodcast #ModernMotherhood
A pregnancy loss after a long journey of fertility struggles. And then her twins were born at just 29 weeks. And all this whilst building Singapore’s first of its kind artspace for children.
Luanne Poh, co-founder of The Artground in Singapore and mom to twin girls, has lived through the quiet struggles that many working mothers never speak aloud.
For years, she juggled a high-pressure career in the arts at the Esplanade 🎭 while enduring the heartbreak of fertility challenges. A single pink line on a test changed everything—forcing her to confront the question: Was the way she was working destroying her dreams of building her own family?
Leaving behind a decade-long career, Luanne stepped into the unknown - eventually co-founding Singapore’s first multidisciplinary children’s arts center and embracing a different kind of leadership: one shaped by motherhood, creativity, and resilience. All while parenting premature babies born at 29 weeks. If you’re juggling the balance between ambition, identity, and parenting, this episode is for you.
In this intimate conversation, we explored:
👩👧👧 What if you’ve only been a mom for as long as your child has been alive?
💔 How do you navigate the guilt, anger, and heartbreak of fertility struggles?
⚖️ Can you really walk away from a dream career for the chance at motherhood?
😰 Why does parenting feel more precious—and yet more pressurizing—than ever before?
🎨 How can creativity and art become bridges between parents and children?
—----------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 “Mommy, you’ve only been a mom for 6 years”
01:30 Welcome to Make It Work
04:39 What happened after that pink line?
08:26 Why we started The Artground (and what it means to families)
14:58 How do you parent with love and limits?
24:01 Screen time rules: what works (and what doesn’t)
26:02 The unexpected rule that replaced screen time
30:15 What balance really looks like behind closed doors
33:47 Parenting preemies: the hardest and most precious lessons
39:26 The secret every flexible mom knows
—----------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with Luanne here:
👋 Website: https://www.theartground.com.sg
👋 The Artground Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartground/
------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community to find a group of like-minded mommas:
—-------------------------------
Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟
➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙
#MillennialParents #FertilityStruggles #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #ParentingCommunity #MakeItWorkPodcast #FertilityJourney
Sherry Fang, mom to an 11-year-old and based in Taiwan, has worn many hats—from stay-at-home mom to single mom, executive coach, podcaster, and brand specialist. At 35, her life was turned upside down by a painful divorce and the bold decision to start her own consultancy. Despite experiencing what she called a “violent year”, Sherry pushed forward with no formal business plans or prior experience to launch her consultancy and two impactful podcasts: The Executive Plus (Apple & Spotify Top 50 podcast with >1.3 million downloads), and The Soft Power Project, which explores the powerful transformations women undergo when they combine strength with softness.
In this intimate conversation, we talked about:
👥 Can you build a career from nothing
💔 What if divorce and launching a company in the same year was the breakthrough you didn’t see coming?
👩👦 Is time the only measure of motherhood—or is independence the gift we don’t talk about?
😢 What changes when you stop hiding and let yourself feel everything?
🎨 What if the “right path” never felt right—because you were meant to create something entirely your own?
—-------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 What divorce taught me (that I never expected)
01:21 Welcome to Make It Work
01:59 Is life truly "starting over again and again"?
03:58 The "violent" year: Divorce, business, and transformation
07:39 What coaching revealed to me (it’s not what you think)
24:40 Why believe less, celebrate less?
25:16 How I juggle motherhood/career
30:08 Being a top podcaster:: lessons learnt
36:54 What is Soft Power all about?
—------------------------------------------------------------
Follow Sherry here:
👋 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA
👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/
Watch more:
Unexpectedly Flourishing: The Unforeseen Benefits of a Career Downshift with Sharon Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtoRL21T2vc
How This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo: https://youtu.be/Gz0dPLB74BM?si=9OpJFlCE-AAy0rFy
SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee: https://youtu.be/7pSNn8KZMZ0?si=Y2vWnNJrSvobwpdE
Children' s Book Author: Why The Stories We Tell Our Kids And Ourselves-Matter: https://youtu.be/PhWeM3XZQC0?si=WS3Emu0XroWHfQ4g
How to Design a Calm Home (And Life) That Actually Works for Your Family! - Winnie Tam : https://youtu.be/iPBCdz6oq74?si=U5DAaa27SjMFumNE
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community:
—-------------------------------
Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟
➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙
🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏
💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment
(stay-at-home mom, working mom, single mom, divorce, executive coach, communications coach, podcaster, personal branding, motherhood and career, work-life balance, female leadership, parenting tips, women entrepreneurs, career transition, branding strategy, mompreneur)
#MakeItWorkPodcast #Divorce #WorkingMomLife #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #SingleMomJourney #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoach #PodcastInterview #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #MomReinvented #BossMomLife
In this special episode, the tables were turned and the mic was on me this time, as I joined career coach and HR guru Adrian Tan on The Adrian Tan Show to unpack the messy, beautiful journey that led to my own personal and professional transformation as well as the birth of the Make It Work Podcast. 👩👧👦✨
In this raw, honest conversation, I dive into:
🎙️ Redefining Purpose: How becoming a mum reshaped everything I thought I knew about success
🔄 The Pivot Point: Why the biggest career shifts often begin with deep personal transformation
🎨 Portfolio Life: My journey into crafting a career that’s part-time CEO, part-podcaster, part-community-builder
🤝 Power of Community: Real strategies for leaning on your tribe when everything feels up in the air
💌 Letter to Younger Me: The advice I wish I’d had before those first steps into motherhood and entrepreneurship
Tune in for unfiltered reflections, actionable insights, and the reassurance that none of us have it all figured out—and that’s exactly where the magic happens. I hope it inspires you in your journey!
Connect with Adrian here:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-adrian-tan-show/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanadrian18/
👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianTan18
—-------------------------------
Chapters
01:55 What’s This Interview All About?
02:36 Introduction To The Adrian Tan Show
03:02 Who is Sarah Wong, Really?
03:56 Sarah's Portfolio Career
04:38 Can You Truly Be Present at Work and Home?
05:24 What Snapped Sarah Onto a Different Path?
13:16 Starting the Podcast Journey
16:37 What's the Real Grind of Podcasting?
21:22 Why is Mentorship Crucial for Women in Tech?
23:03 How Do You Launch a Successful Mentorship Initiative?
24:12 What Support Do Mothers Truly Need?
25:28 What Are the Hidden Rules of Effective Networking?
30:36 How Do You Master Personal and Professional Demands?
31:02 Is 'Sabbath' the Ultimate Productivity Hack?
34:01 What Fuels Daily Energy and Focus?
39:20 What Would You Tell Your Younger, Ambitious Self?
—-------------------------------
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community:
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
—-------------------------------
💙 You can help us make another new video by leaving a comment
Keywords:
(Working mothers, Women in leadership, Flexible work, 4-day work week, Mompreneur, Female co-founder, Rediscovering identity, Motherhood and career, Personal growth, Empowering women, Small business journey, Balancing family and business, Purpose-driven leadership, Self-worth and confidence, Podcast for Moms, Portfolio Careers Asia, Career Journey, Motherhood)
#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMom #WomenInBusiness #MomBoss #PurposeDriven #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodUnfiltered #LeadershipJourney #FemaleFounder #FlexWork #BuildYourVoice #EmpoweredWomen #OwnYourStory #FromSupportToLeader #RedefiningSuccess #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms #inspiration #Healthcare #Podcasts #Portfolio #Career #CareerJourney #job
🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all products from iAM health! Just use the code “MAKEITWORK10” at checkout.
Listen to the remarkable journey of Dr. Cheryl Yeo, who transitioned from a stable career in a lab to building a thriving health supplement company while navigating the complexities of motherhood, (mostly) solo parenting, and personal growth.
We talked about:
👩👧 The health scare with her child that sparked a bold career shift
🚗 Hustling through side gigs (including Grab Hitch!) to fund a dream from the ground up
📉 Facing rejection, failure, and zero business background—and pushing through anyway
🧠 Why probiotics are misunderstood—and how iAM Health is changing the game with science-backed strains (especially for Asians!)
💬 Her honest advice for working momsDr. Cheryl Yeo, a mom of two with a PhD in Cellular Biology, worked in a lab before starting her company, iAM Health. Her decision was driven by the need for flexibility for her children and her passion for helping others through nutritional supplements. Without family in Singapore and a husband who traveled frequently, she lacked a traditional "village" support system. A scary incident involving her young son's seizure made her confront the conflict between her demanding job and her family's needs, solidifying her decision to make a change.
Today, Dr. Cheryl leads iAM Health, an award-winning health supplement company known for its high-quality, research-driven probiotic products tailored to specific health needs. Despite starting with minimal marketing expenditure, the company experienced significant organic growth, now boasting revenue over a million. Her journey highlights the power of resilience, conviction, and finding balance in the challenging intersection of entrepreneurship and motherhood.
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Chapters:
01:08 Welcome to Make It Work Podcast
01:34 Dr. Cheryl Yeo: From PhD Lab to Probiotic Powerhouse
02:03 Why a Mother Left Her Stable Lab Job for Zero Income
02:45 The Pivotal Moment That Sparked Change
03:50 Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of Solo Parenting
07:08 How a Birthday Party Taught Cheryl to 'Let Go'
10:33 Strategic Side Hustles Paved the Way to Entrepreneurship
11:03 The Humble Beginnings of iAM Health
13:06 When Rejection Hit Hard (and 4-Star Grab Ratings Hurt More!)
15:33 Why Your Gut is the Key to 90% of Your Health
17:06 The Science Behind iAM Health's Probiotics
19:32 How iAM Health Tailors Formulas for Asia's Hidden Deficiencies
22:16 How a Celebrity Testimonial Exploded iAM Health's Growth
27:44 Life-Changing Lessons (and Tough Love Advice) for Every Working Mom
—-------------------------------
Connect with Cheryl here:
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhealth.live/
👋 Website: iamhealth.live
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity
In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to grow a business, raise a family, and reclaim your identity along the way.
We talk about:
🌱 Raising children and a business at the same time
💡 Why workplace flexibility isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for working moms
💼 How a 4-day work week can support mothers returning to work
🧭 The years she felt like a “vice captain” in her own business—and how she reclaimed her voice
😮💨 The power of learning how to breathe right (yes, really!)
👶🏼 How motherhood shaped her leadership in unexpected ways
🌟 Why Louisa believes you can do it all—and do it well
For over a decade, Louisa Lee worked quietly behind the scenes of her husband’s dental practice DP Dental —never calling herself a co-founder, even as she helped build the business from scratch.
A trained teacher by background, she didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur. But life had other ideas. While raising two boys and helping run the clinic alongside her husband, Louisa also carried the emotional load many working mothers know all too well: invisible labor, guilt, and the tension between being there for others and showing up for yourself.
That all changed the day she stopped seeing herself as the “vice captain” and stepped fully into her role as co-leader.
Today, Louisa is an award-winning entrepreneur (Entrepreneur of the Year 2017), advocate for working mothers, and champion of the 4-day work week—a structure she believes is game-changing for women navigating motherhood and career.
00:52 Welcome to Make It Work
01:03 Meet Louisa Lee: Teacher to Titan
04:27 The 4-Day Work Week: Built on Trust
09:33 Return to Work Advice for Moms: Hire for Will, Train for Skills
12:35 Find Your Fit: Why SMEs Might Be Your Best Bet
14:52 Is This Company Real? Aligning Values with Work
18:23 Myofunctional Therapy: Breathe Right, Sleep Right?
20:28 Practical Tips for Better Health
23:15 The Importance of Proper Breathing
25:50 The Dreamer, Doer, and Village: Juggling It All
28:06 When I Stopped Dimming My Light
37:27 Raising Healthy and Independent Children
39:32 Can We Have It All?
40:55 Special Offers and Promotions
Connect with Louisa here:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisalee/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisalee/
👋 Website: www.dpdental.com
Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
If you’ve been following Make It Work, you’ll know I usually bring you stories from other mothers and other women — their pivots, their resilience, their brilliance.
But for this Mother’s Day, I did something a little different.
This episode is a poem I wrote — a slice of my heart, and an honest tribute to what motherhood has been for me. It’s about the mess, the detours, the ups and downs… and the quiet, sacred work of becoming someone new.
To every mother on that journey: this is for you. 🧡
Chapters
00:35 My Poem
#MakeItWorkPodcast #MothersDay2025 #SpokenWord #ModernMotherhood #MakeItWork #SarahWong #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingPoetry
🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all children’s titles by Ames Chen at https://graceworks.com.sg/store/ for the entire month of May 2025! Just use code “MAKEITWORK” at checkout.
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She didn’t set out to be a children’s author. She just wanted to survive motherhood.
After being told she might never conceive, Ames Chen’s entry into motherhood was already complicated. A difficult pregnancy followed. Isolation crept in. So she started writing letters—first, just to her daughter. What started as a private act of reflection became the early beginnings of writing for thousands of other children.
Today, Ames is a mother of three and the author of over 10 children’s books—many of which explore themes of social inclusion, empathy, and the stories we often overlook. (Fun fact: several are personal favorites in my own home!)
A true multi-hyphenate, Ames is also a communications trainer for youth, and member of a church missions team.
Ames, who is also my childhood friend, shares a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to mother with purpose—and live with conviction.
In this episode, we talk about:
🌱 Why writing through pain can unlock your purpose
📚 How real conversations with migrant workers shaped a children’s book series that’s now read in schools
🌍 What happens when your kids witness humanitarian work firsthand
🛠️ The small, old-school parenting hacks that build real independence
💬 How her family lives by the motto: “Live simply to love generously.”
While many of us talk about juggling the different parts of life, Ames’s story is about convergence—how she brings together her work, her faith, and her family in intentional, deeply connected ways.
Why not also consider supporting Ames’ then 8 year old Mya’s work “The Runaway Dream” , an e-book about “her beloved refugees” after visiting a refugee centre. All proceeds go towards the centre. More here -
Connect with Ames:
📧 Email: ameschenjie@gmail.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameschen/
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Chapters
00:45 Intro to Make It Work
00:59 Intro to Ames Chen: She Never Thought To Write Books. She Was Just Trying To Breathe.
01:55 “I Was Alone and Overwhelmed”: The Hardest Part of Motherhood
03:20 Parenting Hacks That Actually Build Independence
05:50 Mother. Author. Trainer. Missions Worker.
10:39 The Journey of Becoming an Author
14:41 When Kids See the Invisible: The Birth of One of Us
15:02 Mya's (Amy's Daughter) Quest
16:39 Why Teaching Empathy Starts with a Dishcloth and a Dustpan
18:59 When Kids Witness Humanitarian Work Firsthand
22:19 The Annual Family Tradition That’s Not About Holidays
23:06 How to Raise Children Who Love Generously
25:06 Are Today’s Youth Lost… or Just Misunderstood?
27:10 This Is What I Want My Kids To Learn From Me
29:12 The Final Word—and a Gift for Families Who Read Together
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Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
#MakeItWorkPodcast #ChildrensBookAuthor #EmpathyThroughStorytelling #MotherhoodJourney #RaisingEmpatheticKids #ParentingWithPurpose #CompassionateParenting #AuthorMom #KidsWhoMakeADifference #FamilyValues #LivingSimply #IntentionalParenting #KidHacks #MomsWhoLead #RealMoms #EmpoweredMoms #ParenthoodReflections #WritingForSocialChange #ImpactfulStorytelling #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms
Winnie Tam is a designer-architect and a mom of an almost 2-year-old, based in London, UK. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she moved to the United Kingdom for college and launched her career at globally renowned architectural firms. In 2022, she founded 14 AM, an architecture and interior design studio focused on creating restorative spaces for city dwellers.
Blending her Eastern upbringing with a Western lifestyle has shaped the way she approaches both design and motherhood—sometimes challenging societal norms and even making her question whether she was "doing the right thing."
In this special episode, Winnie takes a hands-on approach, personally analyzing my living room setup (!!) and sharing expert insights on how to improve it. If you love what she does, great news—she's offering a masterclass for anyone looking to design their own restorative spaces at home.
🎟️ Use code “MIW25” for £25 off her two-hour live course with Q&A: "Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide" (Regular price: £150) 👉 Sign up here : https://www.fourteen-am.com/course-1
In this episode Winnie and I also talked about:
🌟 How becoming a mother reshaped her approach to designing restorative spaces for city dwellers.
🌟 How cultural differences in motherhood shaped her experience, from Hong Kong to London, and influenced her career.
🌟 The challenges she faced while building her business and becoming a mother, and the key realizations she gained along the way.
🌟 How to design child-friendly, restorative spaces that are both practical and calming for busy families.
🌟 How motherhood and career enriched each other, providing unexpected lessons and growth in both areas.
Connect with Winnie:
👋 Email: winnietam@fourteen-am.com
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniewingyitam/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourteen.a.m/
👋 Website: https://www.fourteen-am.com/
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Chapters:
00:44 Intro to Make It Work
00:56 Winnie’s Intro
02:16 Winnie's Background and Studio
04:33 Balancing Motherhood and Career
06:35 Challenges and Realizations
11:49 Cultural Differences in Motherhood
16:24 Designing Child-Friendly Spaces
23:27 Hands-On Design Session
31:05 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion
—-------------------------------
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
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#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #InteriorDesigner #designer #journey #tips
Almost every working mom has, at point, wondered about the elusive work-life balance, wondering if there's a way to find true flexibility at work. That’s why we brought together this amazing panel of experts to share their stories, insights, and advice as we dive into fresh, game-changing ideas on how to juggle career and motherhood—whether you're exploring portfolio careers, solopreneurship, job sharing, or planning your return to work. 💡💪🔗 Check out the highlights of our oversubscribed virtual event - Innovative Work Strategies for Modern Moms.
Speakers are incredible former podcast guests:
🌟 Niti Nadarajah - Freelance legal counsel, coach and speaker.
Check out our previous episode with Niti - Why We Get Stuck In Life And How To Get Unstuck!
🌟 Khatija Aslam – Founder of Moxy, a platform for workplace equity, and marketing job-sharer at Zespri.
Check out our previous episode with Khatija - Job Sharing Saved My Career! Why Women Should Question The Feedback They Receive!
🌟 Sara Pantry – Workplace leader at LinkedIn, community leader, and matrescence practitioner.
Check out our previous episode with Sara - On Matrescence: The Transformations of Motherhood
🌟 Karen Tay - Founder of Inherent Journey, Fractional C-suite & Coach
Check out our previous episode with Karen - On Limits, Burnouts, & Workplace Adversity
Get ready for real stories, real struggles, and real solutions for making work work alongside motherhood.
Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:02 Episode Introduction - What is This Event All About02:19 Start of Event 03:26 Our Guests & Answering "One Thing They Wished They Knew Before Becoming A Working Mom"13:20 3 Big Questions14:24 Qn 1: How Do You think About Your Both/And of Career & Motherhood26:33 Qn 2: How Do You Find Flexibility At Work - In Corporate34:08 How To Find Flexibility At Work - Outside Corporate47:26 Qn 3: How Do I Stay Relevant During A Career Break52:49 Last Words
—-------------------------------
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
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#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling
This International Women’s Day, we at Make It Work are excited to support @summerwine.shop, a female-founded, innovative and socially conscious period lingerie brand!
SummerWine is all about making periods sustainable, stylish and stress free.
🌸 Say Hello to Effortless Periods with SummerWine! 🌸
Busy moms, we get it—your period shouldn’t slow you down! That’s why SummerWine, a female-founded brand, has created period wear that keeps you looking and feeling amazing, even on your heaviest days. 💃✨
💡 Why You’ll Love It:
Stylish options, from chic underpants to lingerie-inspired designs, perfect for women always on the go.
No more dealing with fussy pads, tampons, or cups—just wear, feel safe and dry, wash, and reuse.
Anti-UTI coating and fabrics blends that are moisturizing, summerwine lingerie is hygienic, sustainable, and designed to make your life easier (and comfier!). 🌍
💖 Your Purchase Makes a Difference:For every pair of SummerWine underwear you buy, a portion goes toward alleviating period poverty for women in rural communities, in support of NGO @theskyisthelimit. Together, we’re making periods more sustainable and impactful! 🙌
🛒 Shop Now:Visit @summerwine.shop or SummerWine.shop to place your pre-order today!
🎁 Special Offer:20% off for 2 pieces and more with the code MIW20!
Let’s revolutionize periods—because they can be sustainable, sexy, and stress-free! 💕
#makeitworkpodcast #perios #periodunderwear #leakproof #nopads #notampons #mensuration #mensurationcup #business #video #pomote
May Buendia Palabrica is a mom of 3 based in the Philippines with 15 years of experience in human resources. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of HR Relationship Management at Citibank. May’s career journey is unique, taking an unconventional path that included stepping away from her corporate career after 8 years to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She successfully runs her own kids' gown business, even designing for high-profile clients in the Philippines. However, the pandemic posed a challenge for her business, prompting her return to the corporate world in 2020. Today, May is also a coach for moms who are re-entering the workforce, helping them navigate career transitions while balancing family responsibilities. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the top 20 Filipinos on LinkedIn for her impactful content and professional contributions.
In this episode, May and I discuss:
🌟 How she made bold career pivots from corporate to entrepreneurship and back.
🌟 Advice for those pursuing a non-linear career path
🌟 What the Philippine work environment for moms looks like and how it’s changing.
🌟 How she built her personal brand and used LinkedIn to grow professionally.
🌟 The LinkedIn strategies can boost your profile and create engaging content.
Connect with May on:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maypalabrica/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/may_palabrica/
👋 Website: https://linktr.ee/maypalabrica
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Chapters
00:51 Welcome to Make It Work
00:57 Hello May Buendia Palabric
02:31 May's Return to Corporate
04:54 Challenges During the Pandemic
05:52 Support Systems and Resilience
06:47 Navigating Career Pivots
09:01 Balancing Family and Career
11:00 Advice for Working Mothers
12:34 The Philippine Work Environment for Moms
14:47 Coaching and Career Guidance
19:43 Building a Personal Brand
23:37 LinkedIn Strategies and Content Creation
29:14 LinkedIn Strategies and Content Creation
30:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell
—-------------------------------
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
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#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling
Hello mommas ⭐
Ever wondered about different working arrangements beyond the full time hustle?💻 💼
It's a little bit of a different episode today because I wanted to introduce our first-ever virtual session on Innovative Work Strategies for Modern Moms! This means so much to me because I’ve been there. Becoming a mom can feel so overwhelming that figuring out how to thrive at work again just gets pushed way down the list (that was me 🙈).
Truth is —almost every working mom has, at point, wondered about alternatives to their pre-mom work life. That’s why I’m beyond excited to bring together this amazing panel of experts to share their stories, insights, and advice as we dive into fresh, game-changing ideas on how to juggle career and motherhood—whether you're exploring portfolio careers, solopreneurship, job sharing, or planning your return to work. 💡💪🔗
Register here - https://lu.ma/fh14fmpq
🎤 Our incredible speakers:
🌟 Niti Nadarajah – Freelance legal counsel, Coach & Speaker
🌟 Khatija Aslam – Founder of Moxy & Marketing job-sharer at Zespri
🌟 Sara Pantry – Workplace leader at LinkedIn & Matrescence practitioner
🌟 Karen Tay - Founder of Inherent Journey, Fractional C-suite & Coach
📅 Monday March 3, 2025 | 8:00 PM (GMT+8) SG time
#iwd2025 #acceleratingaction #workingmoms #event #work #job #career
Niti Nadarajah is a mom of 2 based in Melbourne, Australia. Born to Indian migrant parents, she nailed it in school, earned herself a law degree, and climbed the corporate ladder to become Senior Counsel at a big multinational. But despite all that, she felt stuck and uninspired. So, she took a leap and stepped off the corporate treadmill. Today, she is a freelance legal counsel, coach, and passionate advocate for empowering women, helping them "to get unstuck". She is passionate about DEI work, supporting moms returning to work, as well as those who have suffered pregnancy loss.
In this episode, Niti and I chat about:
🌟 How Niti transitioned from a full-time legal career to freelance counsel and the trade-offs she had to accept while building a business to empower women.
🌟 How her Asian upbringing impacted her parenting and how this shapes her advice for other women.
🌟 How Niti helps women get "unstuck" and her number one advice for those feeling stuck in their personal or professional lives.
🌟 The power of sharing personal stories and vulnerability to empower women and create meaningful change.
Connect with Niti on:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niti-nadarajah/
👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesbyniti/
👋 Website: https://www.coachingbyniti.com/
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Chapters
00:49 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:45 Hello Niti The Multi-Hyphenate!
02:42 Transformational Journey That Brought Me To Coaching
07:04 Early Motherhood & Possible Postpartum Depression
14:20 Advice on Navigating Back To Work Transitions
19:59 Influences of My Asian Upbringing
23:08 Leaving a Legal Career To Coach: Was It Worth It?
25:13 Being My Boss Was Harder Than I Thought!
29:41 How Sharing My Own Stories Online Grew My Business
31:46 How Do Women Get Stuck?
34:28 Advice for Those Feeling Stuck
36:53 Through The Eyes of My Child…
—-------------------------------
Join our free Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GYQ1x8UIBSZFw0ftoBUv0A
Follow and connect with us! https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast
We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you.
💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast
🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085
🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be
📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
—-------------------------------
#MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #lawyer #law #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling #freelancing
Highlights of our episode “Ep 23: How To Turn Your Career Pause Into Your Greatest Advantage! - Anh Bourcet":
🌟 How to handle career transitions and rediscover your professional identity after leaving a senior role.
🌟 What it takes to build a personal brand and leverage your network for career growth.
🌟How to navigate between corporate life to being self-employed and back to corporate
🌟 What the HOPE framework is and how it helps women navigate career-life integration with flexibility.
🌟For a special 20% discount on Anh’s book “Journeys of Women Leaders Pushing Boundaries in Asia and Healthcare”, use the code hFA84rLzMNKpGb at this checkout page https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-97-0009-7. Valid till Feb 17, 2025!
About Anh….
Anh Bourcet is a Vietnamese-French mother of two teenagers, currently based in Dubai where she has called home for a year now. With a career in healthcare that spans continents, Anh has lived in Europe, Asia, and now - the Middle East.
She has spent years as a Market Access leader in the healthcare industry, working on patient access to health care innovations. As a female leader in an environment that’s still largely male-dominated, particularly at the senior levels, she has also co-authored a book on Women Leaders in Healthcare In Asia. Look out for her very personal chapter on her motherhood experience and how she struggled with her own biases at work!
After spending nearly a decade climbing the corporate ladder, Anh made a difficult choice to halt her progression to accommodate a global move for the family. After a confronting period of self-discovery, she started freelancing as a healthcare market access consultant. Today, she is also a speaker, and university lecturer, specializing in healthcare market access.
Connect with Anh on:
👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anh-bourcet
👋 Website: https://www.has4p.com
👋 Email: anh.bourcet@has4p.com
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📥Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com
Chapters
00:36 Intro
02:50 Introduction to Anh Bourcet
04:32 My Constants In A Life Of Change
08:00 How I Rediscovered Myself During My Career Transition
08:54 Who Was I Without A Business Card Anymore?
16:04 Returning to Corporate Life: WHY??
18:22 Navigating Family Decisions and Career Moves
22:31 Insights from the Book: Women in Healthcare
31:07 HOPE Framework for Career and Life Balance
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