Podcasts

“The most important quest of an entrepreneur is to focus on your customers,” says Caecilia Chu, the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based fintech company YouTrip, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses building Southeast Asia’s first multicurrency mobile wallet, nailing product market fit, perseverance as a business non-negotiable and the thought of her kids following in her footsteps.

“To do something great, you need to have focus, discipline and consistency,” says Mathew Leong, executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Re-naa, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Stavanger-based Singaporean chef opens up about moving to Norway with just $500 in his pocket, how competition is key to being your best self and why he rarely cooks at home.

“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.

“You have to know yourself well,” says Tim Yap, the co-founder and CEO of events and PR agency, Yaparazzi, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino Chinese shares his incredible career through showbiz to events and PR, why he’s passionate about putting the Philippines on the world stage and why knowing yourself is key to being a better networker.

“I wanted to do something so hard that people could not ever talk shit to me ever again,” says Gene Yu, co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Blackpanda, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Taiwanese American shares the scary hostage rescue of a family friend that got him into cybersecurity, why military school was more traumatising than war and why Asian founders should holiday in Europe if they really want a break.

“Innovation is supposed to be fun,” says Vince Siu, founder and CEO of Press Start Academy and Press Start Studios, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Siu shares why education needs a shake up, how his business started as “board game socials” he hosted for friends and how he navigates being an introverted CEO.

“We want them to be masterful, to look like superstars,” says Tryke Gutierrez, the co-founder and CEO of Tier One Entertainment, an esports and entertainment company, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Gutierrez shares why he’s inspired by the K-pop business model, how leadership is the only truly scalable element in business and how his approach to life is a blend of Japanese and Filipino cultures.

This week, we pick out five inspiring quotes from the guests of season nine of Crazy Smart Asia. From being at peace with fear and failure to how to create viral social content, these insights can help you build a better world, better business or better you.

“There are many kinds of people in the world. And you don’t have to change yourself to fit in,” says Cheryl Wee, founder of CW, the Company of Wellness. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on Crazy Smart Asia, the former Singaporean actress shares the harsh reality of being a young starlet in Taiwan, how she navigates working in her family business and what’s next for body confidence in Asia.

“You need to be clear-headed during a mission, both as a humanitarian and in space,” says Kristine Jane Atienza. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the Filipina shares how she balances being a space nutritionist with her work in public health, what it’s like training for a mission to Mars and why crumbs are a big no no in space.

“I don’t think you can ever guarantee that your video will go viral, but you can definitely control the factors to increase the chances,” says food content creator Abi Marquez, who has millions of followers on social media.

"So few people are trying to build markets for essential health products," says Edward Booty, the founder and CEO of reach52, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T's Chong Seow Wei, Booty shares how we can transform the global healthcare system to boost access, why he doesn't believe in generic startup advice, and the terrifying experience that left him locked in the back of a van for 48 hours.

"Every esports game might have a million-dollar price tag," says Tiffani Lim on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T's Chong Seow Wei, Lim shares her journey from pro gamer to team manager and athletes committee chair at the International Esports Federation, navigating family estrangements as a result of her career choice, advocating for female gamers to receive equal opportunities and not being adept at mobile gaming.

"I'm just another human when I don't play badminton," says Penang-born Singapore-based badminton champion Loh Kean Yew on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T's Chong Seow Wei, the 27-year-old Olympian shares how he balanced training and education at the Singapore Sports School, persevered through injuries and setbacks to make the Olympics, and deals with pressure and losses.

“Go where the opportunity is, even if it scares you,” says Ramona Pascual, who was Hong Kong’s first and only female UFC fighter, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she shares what it takes to fight in the UFC, why you should never underestimate a good night’s sleep and dealing with life-changing curve balls.