Comfort & Growth with Crystal Lim-Lange
Crystal Lim-Lange
Comfort and Growth is the podcast for people who are passionate about personal growth and productivity! Hosted by your work life bestie, leadership expert Crystal Lim-Lange, with regular guest clinical psychologist Dr. Gregor Lim-Lange, this podcast will delve into topics such as how to have your best day ever, overcome anxiety, how to level up in your career, and many more. Join us for weekly podcasts on how to optimise your life, unlock your potential and connect with meaning and purpose!
Comfort and Growth is the podcast for people who are passionate about personal growth and productivity! Hosted by your work life bestie, leadership expert Crystal Lim-Lange, with regular guest clinical psychologist Dr. Gregor Lim-Lange, this podcast will delve into topics such as how to have your best day ever, overcome anxiety, how to level up in your career, and many more. Join us for weekly podcasts on how to optimise your life, unlock your potential and connect with meaning and purpose!
Ep 70 - The Airport Test: How to Make Senior Leaders Actually Enjoy Talking to You
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Ever freeze up in front of senior stakeholders? Don't worry, I've been there too! In this solo episode, I'm sharing the 7 principles I've learned from interviewing ministers and senior leaders about how to show up with confidence, break the ice, and make senior stakeholders genuinely enjoy talking to you. We'll cover: The three modes of persuasion (logos, ethos, pathos) and why emotion matters most The Airport Test: why likability beats logic every time How to do your homework so you can put it away and be present The difference between confrontational and curious when pushing back How to follow up in a way that actually leads to relationships If you've ever felt like you dim your light in front of senior people or struggle to be yourself in high-stakes conversations, this episode is for you. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Deep Human Training events - https://www.deep-human.com/events Lee Kuan Yew's speeches (available online) QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "The airport test is really a test of likability, of pathos, of connection. Out of the three modes of influence—logic, credibility, and emotion—emotions are the strongest." "Your job in the first few minutes is to signal: hey, this is gonna be a real conversation with a real person." "People confuse gravitas with being very serious. Some of the most senior people who have the most influence are genuinely fun and energetic." "Specificity creates intimacy. I cannot emphasize this enough." "From confrontational to curiosity. Don't be confrontational, be curious." "The follow-up opens the door to a real ongoing relationship and makes the other person feel that this wasn't just one transactional slice."
What does it mean to build a meaningful career in a world filled with endless choices? And how do we make decisions with clarity when the pressure to choose perfectly can leave us feeling stuck? In this episode, I’m delighted to speak with Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, about leadership, decision-making, and the mindset shifts required to navigate an increasingly complex world. Minister Ong reflects on his unconventional career journey from receiving a Public Service Commission (PSC) scholarship and serving in the Administrative Service, to roles in the labour movement, the private sector, and eventually politics. Rather than following a meticulously planned path, he shares how many of life’s opportunities have unfolded through circumstance, responsibility, and a willingness to learn along the way. His story challenges the modern idea that careers must be perfectly engineered to be successful. We also explore how modern-day abundance of choice can make decision-making harder rather than easier. We discuss how today’s generation faces far more options than before - in career, relationships, and personal paths, yet often experience greater anxiety and dissatisfaction as a result. Minister Ong also shares his own philosophy for navigating difficult decisions: “Focus on what truly matters, avoid unnecessary regret, and accept that not every choice needs to be optimised. By resisting the temptation to endlessly analyse every option, we create space for greater clarity and forward momentum.”
In this episode, I’m delighted to speak with Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, on youth wellbeing, balancing authority and humanity in leadership, and what civic responsibility looks like in Singapore’s digital age. MOS Rahayu shares her journey from legal practice and long-standing volunteer work to being invited into politics, a path she never actively sought but gradually stepped into as her advocacy for people and the community deepened. Her reflections reveal a leadership philosophy grounded in service, empathy and authenticity. We also unpack the psychological and social implications of growing up online and discuss rising mental health concerns among the youth, the role of government in setting guardrails, and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, from legislation to grassroots networks in shaping a healthier digital culture. This conversation is also deeply personal. MOS Rahayu reflects on the realities of being a woman in leadership, navigating high-stakes decision-making while also being a mother and partner. Rather than framing it as “having it all,” she acknowledges the trade-offs, the inevitable imperfections, and the ongoing negotiation between competence and vulnerability. Resources Mentioned: Predictors of screen viewing time in young Singaporean children: the GUSTO cohort - A longitudinal Singapore study tracking child development and health outcomes from birth, providing insights into early influences on wellbeing. https://rdcu.be/e5WwU Mind-set Matters: Exercise and the Placebo Effect by Alia J.Crum and Professor Ellen J. Langer - Research demonstrating how identity beliefs influence behavioural change https://dash.harvard.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/7312037c-7142-6bd4-e053-0100007fdf3b/content Guidance on Screen Use in Children by Ministry of Health Singapore - National guidelines offering recommendations for healthy digital use among children and adolescents. https://isomer-user-content.by.gov.sg/3/dc21db37-3dde-4cdb-9b9f-773d93c93f93/Guidance%20on%20Screen%20Use%20in%20Children%20(18%20Jan)-clean.pdf Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act (Singapore) – Legislation aimed at providing victim-centric recourse against online harms. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/OSRAA2025/Uncommenced/20260221020925?DocDate=20251208 Touch Community Services – A community agency supporting families and individuals, including digital parenting and youth wellbeing initiatives. http://touch.org.sg/ Where to Find MOS Rahayu Mahzam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahayumahzam/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RahayuMahzamSG/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Threads: https://www.threads.com/@rahayumahzam?xmt=AQF0_0FwsovncTXuYjn31kJnoQwKkFftUNgQisdHxuJjZW0
In Part 1 of our conversation with Jutka Freiman (Ep 66) , we explored yin and yang energy, soul maintenance, and what it means to slow down without panic. In Part 2, we go deeper—into the Enneagram, one of the most powerful tools for self-understanding you'll ever encounter. Crystal and renowned therapist Jutka Freiman break down the Enneagram not as a personality quiz, but as a map of your unconscious patterns—the strategies you developed early in life to feel safe, loved, or in control. And here's the thing: Those strategies worked when you were seven. They might be running your life now. Jutka explains why the Enneagram shows you how to move from compulsion (from I have to, I must, I can't help it) to choice (I'm aware of the underlying pattern, and I'm choosing something different). This conversation will help you see yourself more clearly than you ever have before. And once you see the pattern, you can't unsee it. That's when real transformation becomes possible. Extra resources: The Nine Enneagram Types (Overview) Type 1 – The Perfectionist: Fear of being wrong or bad; driven by the need to be good and right Type 2 – The Helper / Giver: Fear of being unloved or unwanted; driven by the need to be needed Type 3 – The Achiever: Fear of being worthless; driven by the need to succeed and be admired Type 4 – The Individualist: Fear of being ordinary or without identity; driven by the need to be unique and authentic Type 5 – The Observer / Investigator: Fear of being incompetent or overwhelmed; driven by the need to understand and conserve energy Type 6 – The Loyal Skeptic: Fear of being without support; driven by the need for security and guidance Type 7 – The Enthusiast: Fear of being trapped in pain; driven by the need for freedom and stimulation Type 8 – The Challenger / Protector: Fear of being controlled or vulnerable; driven by the need for autonomy and strength Type 9 – The Peacemaker: Fear of conflict and disconnection; driven by the need for inner and outer peace Compulsion vs. Choice: The Heart of the Work Compulsion: "I have to, I must, I can't help it" (autopilot, driven, no agency) Choice: "I see the pattern, and I'm choosing something different" (awareness, agency, freedom) How to Use the Enneagram for Growth Step 1: Identify your type (and be honest—it's the one that makes you uncomfortable) Step 2: Notice your pattern in real-time ("Oh, there I go again...") Step 3: Name the compulsion ("I'm feeling the need to fix/control/prove/escape...") Step 4: Choose wisely ("What would it look like to not do the thing I always do?") The Enneagram doesn't change your type—it gives you freedom within your type Common Misconceptions About the Enneagram It's not about putting yourself in a box—it's about seeing the box you're already in Your type doesn't limit you—it shows you where you're already limited You don't "become" another type—you integrate the healthy parts of other types The goal isn't to transcend your type—it's to be the healthiest version of your type How to Find Your Type (If You're Not Sure) Read descriptions and notice which one makes you defensive (that's probably it) Ask: Which core fear feels the most uncomfortable to admit? Pay attention to what you do under stress—that's often the tell Work with a qualified Enneagram coach or therapist (don't self-type based on internet quizzes alone)
What happens when the women who "have it all" realise that somewhere along they way, they’ve won but also lost themselves? In this deeply nourishing conversation, Crystal sits down with Jutka Freiman, a renowned therapist based in Sydney, Australia, who's spent decades helping high-achieving women rediscover what's been missing: their yin energy, their capacity for rest, and their ability to simply be instead of endlessly do. Jutka challenges everything we've been taught about success, productivity, and feminine power. She explains why the most accomplished women are often the most disconnected from their souls, why slowing down triggers panic (and what that panic is really about), and how to shift from hunting energy to attracting energy without sacrificing your ambition or effectiveness. This episode is about soul maintenance;- learning to feed the part of you that gets depleted when life becomes nothing but achievement, execution, and performance. This episode is for you if: You're successful by every external measure but feel spiritually depleted You struggle to slow down without feeling guilty, anxious, or "behind" You've been told you're "too masculine" in how you approach work and life You're curious about what it means to reclaim your feminine energy (without the woo-woo) You want to understand how to maintain your soul the way you maintain your body, career, or finances For more information about Jutka’s work, visit her website http://www.jutkafreiman.com.au/
What does it mean to truly serve a community? In this powerful conversation, Crystal sits down with Dr. Hamid Razak, Member of Parliament and passionate advocate for migrant workers' rights, mental health, and creating a more joyful Singapore. Dr. Hamid shares why he's dedicated his political career to championing those often invisible in our society;- the migrant workers who build our homes, care for our loved ones, and keep our city running. He opens up about what the COVID-19 pandemic was like for him as a doctor, his experience with migrant workers and their mental health struggles, the philosophy behind creating a "happy and joyful Singapore," and what it really takes to serve with authenticity and heart. Whether you're navigating your own career in public service, searching for more meaningful work, or simply wondering how to contribute to your community, this conversation will remind you that impact isn't about grand gestures, but rather it’s about seeing people, listening deeply, and showing up with humility. Dr. Hamid Razak is a Member of Parliament representing Jurong Spring division in West Coast-Jurong West Group Representation Constituency. A passionate advocate for social justice, he has dedicated his political career to championing the rights of migrant workers, advancing mental health awareness, and building stronger, more compassionate communities. Known for his empathetic leadership style and hands-on approach to community service, Dr. Hamid has been a vocal voice in Parliament on issues often overlooked, from improving living conditions for foreign workers to destigmatising mental health challenges. His vision of a "happy and joyful Singapore" goes beyond economic metrics to embrace the human dimensions of wellbeing, belonging, and dignity.
What does it take to lead with both warmth and competence in one of the most demanding roles in public service? In this deeply personal conversation, Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling opens up about her journey from investment banker at Deutsche Bank to Temasek to becoming one of Singapore's most beloved politicians. We explore her unique leadership style that combines rigorous data analysis with genuine empathy, her experience thriving in male-dominated environments from Deutsche Bank to Parliament, and the honest realities of being a working mother who juggles elder care, two young daughters, and the demands of public service. This conversation goes beyond politics into the psychology of identity, the concept of "ghost ships" (the lives we didn't choose), and why she spends her Sundays reading children's books to help both kids and adults discover their worthiness. If you've ever struggled with FOMO, mother's guilt, or finding your authentic leadership voice in spaces that weren't designed for you, this episode is a masterclass. Resources mentioned: Prof Martin Seligman’s PERMA Model of Wellbeing - Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment - https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/ Writer Cheryl Strayed’s essay on Ghost ships https://cherylstrayed.substack.com/p/the-beauty-of-what-is Follow SMS Sun Xueling on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/sun.xueling/
The festive season can be Overachiever hell! In this episode, Crystal shares her therapist-office breakdown and the 7 changes she made this year to stop being the "complaints department for the whole world." This isn't a prescriptive playbook—it's permission to choose what actually works for you. KEY TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Cold open: "I feel like the complaints department for the entire world" [02:00] Why the festive season is a mental health hazard for overachievers [05:30] The therapist conversation that changed everything [08:45] "You're treating everyone like you're their line manager" [12:00] Change #1: Outsourcing the cooking (hello, private chef!) [16:30] Change #2: The Christmas Day shopping trip tradition [19:00] Change #3: Renting the Christmas tree [21:30] Change #4: The "no gifts" conversation with extended family [24:00] Change #5: Pre-briefing family like a CEO [28:00] Change #6: Disconnecting the wiring behind your buttons [32:00] Change #7: Resourcing yourself (sleep, self-care, massages!) [36:00] The invitation: You get to choose QUOTABLE MOMENTS: "The more you do, the more you get. You've trained everyone that you're the go-to person." "You're treating everyone like you're their line manager. You're taking responsibility for outcomes that aren't yours to own." "You can participate without orchestrating. You can show up without sacrificing yourself." "Family will always push all your buttons. They know which combination activates the nuclear sequence. But you are the one who can disconnect the wiring behind the buttons." "The festive season doesn't get to steal your sanity. Not this year." RESOURCES MENTIONED: Chef Danny Tan – Private chef for festive gatherings (Christmas, CNY, and more) Instagram: @craftandfood
"Failing is an option but fear is not!" Christel Quek Buchanan is the founder of one of SG's hottest startups - ChatandBuild, a AI super-app that has signed an MOU with OpenAI, and empowers anyone to build apps and games just by chatting. Christel is one of the most innovative, humble and intelligent friends I have, and I'm so happy to have her share her super interesting career with us. She shares stories from the Twitter early days, meeting Elon Musk, choosing curiosity over fear, and the essential ingredients for anyone who is interested in the path of entrepreneurship. Check out ChatandBuild and build your own app instantly for free! https://chatandbuild.com/
Caitanya Tan, better known as Cait of All Traits, is a magnetic storyteller, self-professed Professional Explainer of sometimes very random things, & your unofficial ‘JieJie’ (big sister!) with over 500K followers on Tiktok and IG. I love her videos where she breaks down the idiosyncrasies of Singlish, English and why we speak the way we do. This week's ep is super fun and chaotic because you have 2 neurodivergent people having a free ranging conversation about unconventional careers, ADHD, being authentic, and always choosing to speak your truth! Get your Pointy Rice Cai Fan stickers here: https://pointyrice.com/ Follow Cait here: https://www.instagram.com/caitofalltraits/ https://www.tiktok.com/@caitofalltraits
Happy Season 3 everyone!!! I'm so happy to be back and I have so much to catch up with all of you about! Sharing some very personal life updates, existential questions, productivity tools and hacks as well as a sneak preview of what you can look forward to in Season 3 of Comfort and Growth! Resources mentioned: https://notebooklm.google.com/
I am thrilled to share one of my favourite people and also an amazing, super well respected relationship expert with you on the pod today! My dear friend (and ex-Sydney neighbour) Craig Tunnell is someone who I can always count on for funny, frank and practical relationship and love advice. Craig has worked helping people create transformation, healing and positive change in their lives for over 25 years in Australia and internationally. He also runs his own renowned Love Code relationship workshops around the world. As the Senior Supervising Facilitator and Director of Teacher Training of the Hoffman Process, Craig has been teaching and training internationally for 25 years. In the corporate arena he works with organisations helping leaders become more skilful, empowered and self aware and works extensively with creating stronger and aligned teams. Craig studied counselling with the Australian College of Applied Psychology and has studied many other modalities along with this. These include the Hoffman Process Facilitator Training, Essence Psychology, Relationship Training, Trauma and Attachment Training, Family Constellations, and Bioenergetics to name a few. You can find Craig here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/craigtunnell Craig's website: And please join our special Deep Human collab LoveCode workshop with Craig https://www.deep-human.com/events
Singapore’s General Election 2025 took the nation by surprise—unexpected swings, shifting loyalties, and a brand new Cabinet lineup. In this candid fireside chat, Crystal Lim-Lange sits down with political scientist, podcaster and bestselling author Prof Walid Jumblatt Abdullah to unpack the shocks, surprises, and silent messages behind the vote. We talk about : What were the most unexpected outcomes of GE2025? Is the new Cabinet a sign of real change—or business as usual? How do we elevate civil discourse in a polarizing climate? What does this election say about the maturity of Singapore’s electorate? And why is Walid’s new book, Why Palestine, flying off the shelves? Walid is an associate professor at NTU, political commentator, and author of the bestselling book Why Palestine. Known for his sharp analysis and refreshing candor, he is a rare voice of reason in Singapore’s political discourse. 🔗 Follow Walid here: - Buy Walid's bestseller Why Palestine https://www.ethosbooks.com.sg/products/why-palestine - Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@tehtarikwithwalid - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walidj.abdullah - Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=oLLVN-QAAAAJ&hl=en
Zachary Young is an empire builder whom I nicknamed the "Scaling King", and if you're a founder or in sales or marketing, you will not want to miss out his invaluable business advice! As the Founder of Foundry & Co., Zach helps scale startups and SMEs into industry leaders. He is also the author of the Amazon bestseller The Slingshot Maneuver, a strategic playbook for business acceleration, and an active angel investor in the AI and Web3 space, backing next-gen technologies and founders. Currently, Zachary serves as Chief Growth Officer at Cryptoknight Academy, where he's leading the charge to make crypto education simple, practical, and profitable for everyone. Get Zach's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Slingshot-Maneuver-small-businesses-competitors-ebook/dp/B09Y5D8SYX Follow Zach: IG: @thisiszachyoung Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/thisiszachyoung Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thisiszachyoung
Recorded live at Deep Human Club, Crystal has a frank, funny and inspiring conversation with new opposition politician-activists, Ariffin Sha from the Singapore Democratic Party, and Jeremy Tan, Independent Candidate for Mountbatten in the GE2025. Follow Ariffin on IG at https://www.instagram.com/ariffin_sha Follow Jeremy on IG at https://www.instagram.com/jeremytan.sg
By popular request from our community - Crystal shares about her top psychology-based fengshui tips for positive energy, more harmony in the bedroom and more success in life! Some resources: Find fengshui master community recommendation in Crystal's IG profile "Fengshui" highlights - @crystallimlange and my fengshui friend Jason who was mentioned is at jasonwee8@gmail.com Examples of space clearing and healing frequency music https://youtu.be/RmJUuorNtDE?si=uMS44zoI-i0_xOU6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uR5yfLkxjA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys-1ae9YWcI My fave modern fengshui youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thetaoofdana
How do you keep your passion and creativity alive through major career transitions? In this inspiring and insightful episode, we chat with Jon Max Goh, an award-winning Design Manager who has spent years crafting compelling visual stories for renowned brands. With deep experience in the fast-paced fashion and creative industry, Jon has successfully navigated multiple pivots in his career, each time emerging more resilient and inspired. Jon shares practical advice and wisdom on: How to recognize when it’s time to move on and embrace new challenges The power of cultivating a flexible mindset to adapt to industry changes Staying creatively energized and avoiding burnout in demanding environments Building and leveraging your personal brand beyond any one role Balancing ambition with authentic living and self-care Tune in to discover Jon’s journey, his design philosophy, and valuable insights for anyone facing professional change or seeking fresh inspiration in their careers. Whether you’re at a crossroads professionally or simply looking to maintain your creative spark, Jon’s thoughtful approach to life and career is sure to resonate deeply. Connect with Jon Max Goh: Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Comfort & Growth—your support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations and insights your way!
This week, we speak to James Cheo, banking veteran and my fellow LinkedIn Top Voice, about his career choices, approach to social media, and candid advice for working professionals. James Cheo is the Chief Investment Officer, Southeast Asia for Private Banking and Wealth Management at HSBC. Prior to re-joining HSBC Private Banking, James was Senior Investment Strategist at Bank of Singapore, responsible for asset allocation and thematic research. James has also served as Senior Economist at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, where he was part of the team that formulated policy actions for Singapore during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. With his knowledge and wealth of experience, his investment views are frequently sought after. James graduated with First Class Honours in Finance from Nanyang Technological University. Follow James on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cheo-cfa-caia-frm-9677031/
This week, Adrian Williams-Brett shares his wisdom on speaking in public with courage and authenticity, drawing on his experience from being in the performing arts for 30 years as an actor, director and trainer, and now working as a counsellor, facilitator, executive coach and voice coach. Adrian is a Hoffman Process teacher and as a facilitator in presentation and communication skills with organisations across Asia-Pacific. You can find out more about Adrian’s work from his website: https://www.bravespeaking.com.au/
This week, we have a fascinating guest on the pod - Anna Haotanto, the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women's empowerment. Anna's personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. Anna is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment, and you can follow her on Linkedin or Instagram. Resources: https://zorahealth.co/ Zora Health is Asia’s leading fertility, reproductive and family health platform.
This week, I'm coming to you from Japan with 11 tips for how you can slow down and use a vacation to recharge and connect to your sense of deep joy. These techniques and tools can also be applied to your daily life, so have fun experimenting. Wishing you soulful adventures! Show notes: My Kyoto Photographer @rio.jportraiture
In this episode, Lennard Yeung, shares about how he overcame his “extreme introvert” tendencies to become one of the most well known Singapore content creators. We talk about his unconventional career from engineer to celebrity chef. In this episode, we discuss unconventional life choices and leaving the “safer path” behind, the courage to be different and to back yourself. Lennard also shares his best advice for life, including cooking, health and mindset tips! Follow Lennard at: https://www.instagram.com/lennardy https://www.tiktok.com/@lennardy
Coming to you on the road from Thailand, this week's ep is all about Crystal's insights from the start of 2025, how to do a monthly review, and some powerful small hacks and recommendations to change up your routine for more success, growth and productivity in 2025!
In this candid and engaging episode, I speak to Tjin Lee, a trailblazer in the luxury and lifestyle sector, who founded Mercury Integrated, an award-winning PR and marketing agency that was later acquired by Gusto Collective . Tjin is not only an accomplished entrepreneur, but also a devoted mother and philanthropist, empowering women entrepreneurs through her not-for-profit social enterprise, CRIB. Tjin is known for her frank views and engaging content, and can be found on Instagram at @tjinlee
One of my best friends Lisa is joining me on Comfort & Growth to share her life as a creative entrepreneur, fashion designer and founder of Lisa Von Tang. We talk about finding our way out of our "wilderness eras", learning valuable life lessons, empowerment and authenticity. We also share what we appreciate about being older and wiser, and our personal growth journey together! Lisa Von Tang’s website https://lisavontang.com/ Lisa’s favourite skincare https://warew.it/products/trattamento-doppia-detersione Find Lisa on Instagram at @myessentialself
Recorded live on New Year's Day 2025, join us for our annual meditation and visualisation, and set up your 2025 for an abundance of love, growth and success!
Sorry for the delayed upload! Come on a car trip with us from Switzerland to Italy as we give you a life update, talk about relationship tips and how to keep your love alive!
the time. A highly sought after expert in voice, accents and public speaking. Well known in Singapore as a veteran radio broadcaster, Petrina followed her curiosity and passion for unlocking people’s voices and became the first Singaporean certified with the Fitzmaurice Voicework® and Knight Thompson Speechwork® voice and speech training. In this podcast, Petrina shares her philosophy and approach towards unlocking your voice and showing up as the best and most authentic version of you. Ironically, a few years ago whilst teaching voice work, Petrina was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), is a rare type of head and neck cancer. She candidly shares why she saw that cancer diagnosis as a gift, and took the opportunity to reshape life on her own terms. Find Petrina at https://petrinakow.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @petrinakow You can find join Petrina’s super popular Inspired Speaking workshops at Deep Human here www.deep-human.com , 2025 dates available now!
Dr. Hira Singh is a dear family friend and pioneer of integrative medicine, with more than 45 years of experience working with patients in Singapore and Australia. After graduating from RI and NUS Medical School, Dr. Singh took a different route from his peers, deciding to move to Kalgoorlie, a small mining town in Australia, and started his journey from mainstream medicine to integrative health. He believes that Western medicine is not the only available path to better health care, but that we also need complementary care for our mind, emotions, body and spirit. In this fascinating episode, we talk about his views as a trusted advisor to patients, on how we can empower ourselves on our health management, rather than be passive recipients of a paternalistic medical culture, and change our lifestyle to make simple and healthy choices with a huge multiplier effect on our happiness and wellbeing. Buy his book Healing The Whole Person here: https://www.drhirasingh.com/
Your brain is a precious instrument that is super hardworking but often gets overlooked when it comes to self-care! In this solo ep, Crystal shares her take on how to maximise your smarts including: developing relentless curiosity how to push yourself the importance of reading good thinking prompts daily brain exercise and the best apps for your mind supplements good habits for brain care Some resources mentioned: Search "Dual N Back" on your phone's app store for brain training The Way App for meditation https://www.thewayapp.com/ The Hoffman Process retreat for personal growth https://hoffmanprocess.com.au/
Joining us this week is Angel Killian, a career coach and senior leader, who is passionate about helping people make big and bold life and career transitions so they can really flourish in their lives. Angel Killian is a senior leader in the consulting world, working with Fortune 500 companies and C-suite leaders to build inclusive organisations and helping hundreds of women make successful career moves and grow with her proven framework. An active contributor on Linkedin and two-time “Linkedin Top Voice” for Gender Equity and Company Cultures, Angel has also been recognised for her thought leadership in creating awareness for inclusive workplaces and career empowerment among today’s new business leaders. Check out Angel’s work at her website: https://www.careerinfocus.co/
I'm so delighted to have a personal hero of mine on the podcast this week! Laura Vanderkam is the author of several time management and productivity books, including the new Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters, along with Juliet’s School of Possibilities, Off the Clock, I Know How She Does It, What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast, and 168 Hours. Her work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Fortune. She is the host of the podcast Before Breakfast and the co-host, with Sarah Hart-Unger, of the podcast Best of Both Worlds. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and five children, and blogs at LauraVanderkam.com
Crystal & Greg are fresh from coming out of a retreat with Zen master Henry Shukman, and in this episode they talk about their reflections on the importance of taking a break to reconnect to themselves, the power of non-doing, and the wisdom that Henry shared at the retreat. They also share about Go energy vs Flow energy, how to embrace all aspects of your being, and practical tips on how to come home to yourself. Filmed live in the middle of their roadtrip from a motel in New Mexico and with no edits!
Returning this week is the ever popular Volker Krohn, my OG mentor, and Director of personal growth retreat the Hoffman Process for Asia-Pacific! In Volker's last Episode 6 on the podcast, he spoke about what it means to do “Inner Work”, and now he takes questions from our community about parenting, healing from intergenerational conditioning, forgiveness and having better boundaries. If you’re interested in checking out the Hoffman Process, please check out https://www.hoffmanprocess.com.au/ Volker has a team which covers Singapore, Australia and the Asia-Pacific and you can always book a free consult at this website. This is not sponsored, I am sharing this as a resource that has been truly life-changing for myself and so many hundreds of my clients and friends. Resources: https://www.hoffmanprocess.com.au/
Join us for a candid conversation with my friend Yvon Bock, an "ordinary" stay-at-home mother who unlocked her full potential and built a hundred-million-dollar global business. Yvon is the Founder and CEO of Hegen, an award-winning baby bottle brand that is the leading bottle brand in global markets Yvon’s entrepreneurial achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Class of 2024, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 (Consumer Products & Overall Singapore Winner), Fortune Times Asia's Women Empowerment Award 2021 and the Stevie Awards for Women in Business 2020. In this episode, a death-defying moment propelled her into action, inspiring her to pursue a greater purpose: empowering 100 million mums worldwide with her brand, Hegen. Now, relying on her breastfeeding experience and expertise as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant as well as her innovative spirit, she shares a message of hope, urging us all to embrace the extraordinary within ourselves. Through the voice of a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and visionary entrepreneur, Yvon embodies the essence of human potential and the transformative power of intention. Order ExtraOrdinary by Yvon Bock on www.yvonbock.com or find it at all major bookstores in Singapore and on Amazon. Follow Yvon on Instagram and Linkedin @yvonbock
Calling all therapy-curious people! This week Greg and I share our own personal stories and experiences with therapy, and talk about the differences between a mentor, coach, counsellor and therapist. I pepper my clinical psychologist and psychology academic husband Greg with your burning questions and he gamely tries to answer them. Hope you enjoy this one!
Christine is a powerhouse and one of the most positive and charismatic superconnectors I know. She is also an unapologetically feminine force in the world of leadership, and one of the friends I trust to give me her candid, unfiltered feedback always! Her diverse career spans roles at McCann Erickson in Tokyo, Nike across four continents, and leadership in Marketing & Communications at Temasek Trust—the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Temasek Holdings. A true global nomad, Christine was raised in Philippines with a Filipina mother and a French and Swiss father. She speaks six languages, has called four continents and seven cities home, traversing close to 80 countries and currently resides in Singapore, with her husband and four children. She is a a dedicated social entrepreneur, driven by a passion for philanthropy, community building, climate and gender-lens investing, and has founded two impactful NGOs, Women on a Mission and HER Planet Earth, using the power of expeditionary travel to support vulnerable women. These organisations raise awareness about critical issues disproportionately affecting women such as violence, economic crisis and climate change. Through the education and entrepreneurship initiatives, climate resilience programs, agriculture and wildlife conservation efforts that we fund, she aims to empower women across Asia and Africa. Christine's links https://www.christineamourlevar.com/ https://www.herplanetearth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-amour-levar007/ https://www.instagram.com/christineamourlevar/
Meet my wellness secret and the go-to TCM expert for celebrities in Singapore, Victoria Tan, founder of Common TCM Medical. In this episode, we talk about the importance of self-care and what TCM can teach us, including practical tips for every day stress reduction. Victoria is a highly accomplished TCM physician who graduated as Valedictorian with a 1st Class Honours (Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences) and Bachelor of Medicine (Chinese Medicine) from NTU and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. She holds a Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology from NUS, where she was a recipient of the post-graduate scholarship from Academy of Chinese Medicine, Singapore. Throughout her academic journey, she is a two-time recipient of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Foreign Student Scholarship and the Ngee Ann Kongsi Tertiary Scholarship Award. Being the youngest clinical mentor incorporated by the Singapore TCM Academy, Victoria has given talks to both local and international audiences on TCM and its role in managing various health conditions, and has various media appearances and articles. Find out more about Common TCM: Instagram: @common.tcm Website: www.commontcm.sg
This is a truly special episode with Henry Shukman, one of my personal heroes, a poet, author and Zen master in the Sanbo Zen lineage. Henry is deeply wise and shares his practical insights on the path of personal growth and awakening. A teacher's teacher, he is respected and loved by many. Tim Ferriss has interviewed him many times, and was an investor in Henry's single-path meditation app The Way. Henry is the founder of the Original Love meditation program, and spiritual director emeritus at Mountain Cloud Zen Center. His most recent books are Original Love: the Four Inns on the Path of Awakening (HarperOne) and the Zen memoir One Blade of Grass. He has taught at Google and Harvard Business School, the Institute of American Indian Arts and Oxford Brookes University, and is the author of several award-winning books of poetry and fiction. His poems have appeared in the New Yorker, Sunday Times and Financial Times. Henry has an M.A. from Cambridge and an MLitt from St Andrews. Henry’s website: https://henryshukman.com/ Original Love book: https://henryshukman.com/writing/original-love The Way app: https://www.thewayapp.com/ Henry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henryshukman/
This week I'm thrilled to have my friend Sarah Samuel, a veteran leader and Head of Airport IT APAC at Amadeus, to share her candid insider views on the leadership game, career visibility, speaking up at work and being a working mom! Sarah has over 25 years of industry experience, having worked on airport projects such as KL International Airport. Sarah is a prominent voice within the Airport IT industry. As a leader, Sarah is passionate about diversity in the workplace. Both within her team and in the wider industry, she is an advocate for all people in aviation and ensuring they have the confidence and opportunity to pursue career exceptionalism. Follow Sarah on Linkedin here and enjoy the ep! Sarah Samuel | LinkedIn
I know so many of you have been waiting for the start of season 2 and in this special episode, I give you all a life update, talk about my birthday blues, the reality of being a working parent, and share my intentions for a very real and authentic season 2 of Comfort & Growth!
Have you ever wondered how some people seem to bounce back from hard knocks or cope with so many challenges without letting it get them down? In this mini-workshop episode, Crystal shares some science-based strategies, tips and practices to optimise your grit and inner strength. Using her 5 Gardens of Resilience methodology, which she has taught to tens of thousands of people, we will go on a journey to discover how we can grow a bumper crop of resilience resources so that when life hands us hard things, we feel prepared to face them with confidence. Highlights ————— 00:00 Intro 02:07 Resilience definition 05:00 5 Aspects of Resilience model 05:00 Mental resilience 10:30 Emotional Resilience 14:25 Emotional expression + how to deal with emotional flooding 17:42 Physical resilience 23:00 Spiritual resilience 26:00 Wonder and awe 27:50 Social Resilience 33:30 Switching gardens Useful links —————— Negative thinking styles article https://www.psychologytools.com/articles/unhelpful-thinking-styles-cognitive-distortions-in-cbt/ Self-love and self-compassion https://open.spotify.com/episode/44QKP5kfI0or1kex6rrZ1W?si=8dd529aacfe546fe (Book) Awe - Dacher Keltner https://www.amazon.sg/Awe-Science-Everyday-Wonder-Transform/dp/1984879685
This week, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Jianhao Tan, Singapore’s OG YouTuber superstar and founder of Titan Digital Media. Despite his introverted nature, Jianhao has amassed a staggering 7 million devoted fans, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and relatability. Jianhao reflects on his remarkable rise to prominence, shares his origin story about growing up in Cambodia and Vietnam, and then returning home to Singapore and discovering a passion for making videos. With candor and insight, Jianhao shares the challenges he encountered along the way, from overcoming self-doubt to navigating the complexities of fame in the digital age. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jianhao provides a heartfelt glimpse into his personal life as a devoted family man sharing poignant anecdotes about balancing his career aspirations with the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. Join us as we embark on an inspiring journey with Jianhao! Highlights ———— 02:56 Jianhao’s origin story - growing up in Cambodia and Vietnam 07:20 150 million views per month 0830 Starting a business at 21 from the piano room 1100 Adversity bonds people 1200 Balancing advertising and being a creative 1300 How to price yourself as a creator 1455 Mentoring other influencers 1700 Becoming a parent 1735 Buncha and meeting his wife 1900 Navigating boundaries between public and private life 2226 On Oversharing 2400 Managing different types of people 2615 Titan Academy hits 100 episodes and the importance of celebrating 2812 Milestones that matter and balancing act 2934 Working with a PA 3100 Being a stoic and stoicism 3230 The self-awareness deficit Find Jianhao at: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@jianhao Instagram instagram.com/thejianhaotan TikTok tiktok.com/@thejianhaotan Facebook Page facebook.com/thejianhaotan Twitter twitter.com/thejianhaotan Twitch twitch.com/thejianhaotan And check out https://thestarry.co/ Debbie’s jewellery line of high quality diamond simulate pieces for everyday wear!
This week we are going to take a practical and insightful deep dive into difficult conversations and storytelling at work with regional communications expert Shruti Bose, Head of Communications and Public Affairs Asia Pacific for Roche Diagnostics. Shruti shares real life stories of influencing stakeholders using empathy and storytelling as a secret weapon, not taking conflict personally, and her tips for having difficult conversations at work. I also loved her groundedness and attitude of gratitude, and hope you are inspired by her story too! Shownotes On the National Women’s Checkup Week with Singapore Cancer Society https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rochediagnosticsasiapacific_sgcheckup-xproject-everywoman-activity-7064820493081608192-OM52?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Get screened - link to Singapore Cancer Society https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/get-screened/breast-cancer/mammogram.html Highlights ======== 01:00 How we met in the Biopharma industry 03:20 Shruti’s childhood and how it shaped her 03:52 The Fs of Life challenges - Fairness, Failure, Fear 06:00 On losing her voice 08:43 How she came to work for the Biopharma sector 13:20 Intellectual vs social friction and not personalising 15:30 - reading too much into a situation 18:00 - On asking for support 18:55 - Her difficult conversation at work with her stakeholders 20:00 - Don’t be married to an idea 21:58 - What you can and can’t control 22:54 - On our unconscious bias 23:58 - Gratitude Quotient GQ 25:00 - The worst time to be grateful is after you lost it 26:25 - Happiness, freedom and courage 27:43 - Launch of National Women’s Checkup Week 30:30 - Not every conflict needs to be resolved 31:00 - Storytelling model - CAP - Connection, Appeal, Proof 33:00 - The power of storytelling at work - examples in real life, Jack Ma, Indra Nooyi 35:00 - Creating demand for what we need 36:40 - Word of the year!
Want to be a luckier, calmer, more productive person in 2024? You’ve come to the right place! Join Crystal and Dr. Greg as they share their best little mindset hacks and rituals for success and positivity! In this episode, we’ll talk about developing a lucky identity, arigato in and out (or the joy of spending money), “off gassing walks”, magic sleep music and much much more! Enjoy this fun episode and let us know what you think! Resources: The “Arigato In Arigato Out” book we mentioned on money is Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money Kindle Edition by Ken Honda The amazing deep sleep music is https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vJYui0LnaQQEK8PamfKrp?si=93c3a1fa13c14161
We are super privileged to have with us Elaine Yew, one of the world’s most respected leadership advisors, making a rare appearance on social media! Although Elaine prefers to shun the spotlight, she is very well known to industry insiders as the go to person for advice on senior leadership, succession planning, board advisory and any sort of problem that keeps powerful organisations and leaders up at night. In this episode, we cover practical advice for anyone who wants to develop more gravitas, confidence and impact at work, and also delve into deeper topics such as developing your own leadership identity and how to navigate a bicultural Asian and Western context, especially for Asian women! Hope you find this episode as engaging and practical as I did :) 00:00 Introduction 1:40 Elaine’s career 4:49 On having a unrelated career to what you studied and unfair advantages 5:55 Passion and originality 6:13 Egon Zehnder’s research on what the 4 factors of potential in people - Curiosity, Insight, Engagement, Determination 9:00 Navigating male dominated workplaces 13:12 Leadership styles - embracing the range and the “AND” 14:50 Jo Chew’s Masters thesis on how Asian women in Singapore and Malaysia make it to the top of their careers in a bi-cultural context 16:00 Tea Pouring Boss B*tch story 21:33 On the quality of energy in leadership 24:00 Developing your own identity at work - defining who you are, not who you are not 25:15 Being realistic about whether you can bridge the gap or not 25:35 On dealing with people dehumanising or objectifying you the workplace 27:00 Consciously conveying to other who you are about and sharing about yourself 29:25 How to develop gravitas 30:55 The importance of arriving and connecting in the boardroom 32:05 On not rushing yourself - Crystal’s childhood story 35:49 Setting the tone of a meeting 37:00 The ability to adjust to different time parameters, prioritise and synthesise important points Resources: Jo Chew’s thesis on female Asian leadership https://flora.insead.edu/fichiersti_wp/InseadEMCtheseswave34/98788.pdf Call number link on the Insead catalogue: https://librarycatalogue.insead.edu/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=98788
Settle in for the ride of your lifetime with our signature power visualisation exercise and be treated to the tools and inner technology that I use with my coaching clients. If you haven't done the prep work in Ep 23 - please listen to that first! After this episode, journal, write and draw the most important and meaningful images, words and phrases that came to mind and share them with me on IG! Wishing you so much love and light! Thanks for being with me on this journey and I hope you slay all your 2024 goals with self-love, grit and resilience! Much love, Crystal
Learn how to use a powerful visualisation technique to envision and prepare yourself for success in 2024! This was one of the most popular tools from our recent round of sold out workshops on Manifesting Success, and Crystal takes us through some of the biggest misconceptions about visualisation, and how high-performers use the tool to create the conditions of success. Prep exercise Do this exercise before you go on to the Time Episode visualisation exercise in Ep 24 First write down a goal. Then write down 3 most likely obstacles or challenges that will derail you. For each of those 3 challenges, come up with 1-3 action plans to overcome them. E.g. I want to be a mindful person and practice 30 mins of mindfulness every day. 3 likely challenges - I may forget, my kids may yell and disrupt me, I may get bored with this Action plans - I will set a timer on my phone, I will have a backup plan to do a body scan at night before sleeping if I don’t get to practice, I will do my mindfulness in the shower if my kids are yelling, I will find an alternative way of practicing mindfulness with my children, I will switch to mindful listening at work, I will try a different type of mindfulness every month etc. Inspirational Quote (applies to men too!) “The women I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because shit worked out. They got that way because shit went wrong and they handled it. They handled it a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it. Those women are my superheroes.” ― Elizabeth Gilbert Resources: Watch these videos of high-performance athletes at the Winter Olympics sharing about their visualisation process How Conquer an Olympic Biathlon https://youtu.be/uzpOFOjbkBw?si=mylyTbJsJjyNgoQ9 Before the Start of an Olympics Doubles Luge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDmRwjBryu0 Before She Skis the Cross-Country Course https://youtu.be/pZf24MEemKI?si=I52BpK8bb_RAMy8X Olympic Athletes - Mental Imagery - Before The Snowboard Cross Gates Open https://youtu.be/pZf24MEemKI?si=I52BpK8bb_RAMy8X
One of our favourite podcast guests - Juliana Chan, Very Cool Scientist and Queen of LinkedIn, is back again in this episode to discuss 2 major life crises that changed her life - her dad’s illness and her miscarriage. *Content warning- We discuss the details of miscarriage and processing grief in this episode In this candid and very real chat, we delve into how how we dealt with these confronting times, and what we chose to learn from them. We also explore how we can move from Victim mindset to Responsible Mindset and own our narrative. Juliana is also starting a new Find Your Superpower Linkedin Bootcamp! For more details see the link below: https://www.julianachan.org/find-your-superpower-community Highlights: ————— 1:41 Juliana’s 2 big life changing experiences 03:00 Juliana’s relationship with her dad 05:00 On helplesslessness 07:00 Post Traumatic Growth 09:09 Walt Disney’s 3 chairs 11:10 Processing her father’s illness 12:00 The power of awe & Dacher Keltner 13:00 On moving from control to surrender 16:46 Sending our daughters to girls schools vs mixed schools 21:00 Juliana shares about her miscarriage 26:41 Ambiguous loss 27:45 Crystal shares about her miscarriage. 28:55 On shame 31:30 On victim mindset vs responsible mindset (*I learned this exercise originally from Gareth McIlroy) 35:20 Juliana’s LinkedIn Bootcamp Resources: --------------- Juliana’s Find Your Superpower Linkedin Bootcamp! https://www.julianachan.org/find-your-superpower-community Dacher Keltner’s book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life Hardcover – January 3, 2023 https://www.amazon.com/Awe-Science-Everyday-Wonder-Transform/dp/1984879685
The iconic Daniel Priestley is back for part 2! The bestselling author of several of How to Raise Entrepreneurial Kids, Oversubscribed, Become a Key Person of Influence and Entrepreneur Revolution, Dan Priestley shares his candid views with us on thinking like an entrepreneur and preparing your mindset for the future of AI We discuss - Why SG's youth are less likely to want to become entrepreneurs compared to other countries - How to encourage kids to be entrepreneurial thinkers - Dan's childhood entrepreneur origin story - 3 essential mindset shifts you must have for the future of AI - Dan's latest projects Find Daniel’s work at: https://danielpriestley.com/ Daniel’s Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Priestley/author/B00699HDBA?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeyPersonOfInfluence/videos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/ We discuss: - Why SG's youth are less likely to want to become entrepreneurs compared to other countries - How to encourage kids to be entrepreneurial thinkings - Dan's childhood entrepreneur origin story - 3 essential mindset shifts you must have for the future of AI - Dan's latest projects Find Daniel’s work at: https://danielpriestley.com/ Daniel’s Amazon author page https://www.amazon.com/stores/Daniel-Priestley/author/B00699HDBA?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeyPersonOfInfluence/videos LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpriestley/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/DanielPriestley Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dpriestley