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Category: Before We Get There

  • Vivian Lim on Building Communities, Courageous Conversations, and Continuous Growth

    Vivian Lim on Building Communities, Courageous Conversations, and Continuous Growth

    Intro

    Vivian Lim is a community builder, storyteller, and the driving force behind TEDxSingapore and Gen, a project exploring diversity and inclusion from an Asian lens. For over a decade, she’s helped shape how people in Singapore come together to share ideas and stories that matter.

    In this conversation, Vivian and I talk about her philosophy of community building, what she’s learned from a decade of volunteer-led work, and how she balances vision, leadership, and personal growth. We also discuss the role of discomfort in creating meaningful change and how Singapore’s ideas landscape compares with others across Southeast Asia.

    Story Highlights

    • How Vivian started her TEDx journey as a student at NTU
    • What makes community-building both inspiring and challenging
    • Why she believes culture must be “caught, not taught”
    • Insights from creating Gen and turning research into children’s books
    • The differences she’s observed in creativity and storytelling across the region

    Quote

    “I believe that humans celebrate for that sense of connection and sense of belonging. That’s why all of us are drawn to this community, or the idea of having a group of like-minded people that can understand you, that can grow with you, that can evolve with you.”

    About Vivian Lim

    Vivian Lim is a Singapore-based community builder and curator who leads programs for TEDxSingapore and co-founded Gen, a platform dedicated to diversity, equity, and intergenerational storytelling in Asia. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Vivian found her calling in bringing people together to share ideas that inspire action. Her work spans event curation, youth engagement, and creative education initiatives.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Vivian’s journey reminds us that communities don’t just happen — they grow through shared effort, trust, and time. Her reflections on discomfort and openness show how building spaces for honest, sometimes sensitive conversations is essential for progress. At its heart, her work is about rethinking what it means to belong.

    Turning Points

    From her early days at NTU organizing student-led TEDx events to leading one of Singapore’s most active idea communities, Vivian’s career has been built on curiosity and courage. She’s navigated burnout, shifting team dynamics, and evolving personal priorities, yet never lost her commitment to connection. Her next chapter with Gen marks a turning point — expanding from ideas on stage to storytelling that reaches families and children, proving that the language of community can start at any age.

    Key Lessons

    • Community is an organism. It evolves and grows in ways you can’t control.
    • Culture is caught, not taught. Real engagement happens through experience, not hierarchy.
    • Discomfort drives growth. Sensitive conversations are often the most meaningful.
    • Focus changes with seasons. Hustle gives way to clarity over time.
    • Shared purpose sustains. Optimism and collective energy keep communities alive.

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  • 5 Powerful Lessons from a Successful Serial Entrepreneur

    5 Powerful Lessons from a Successful Serial Entrepreneur

    On a recent episode of my podcast, Before We Get There, I had the privilege of chatting with a truly inspiring serial entrepreneur. Her journey, packed with diverse experiences and profound insights, offered so many takeaways. It’s always fascinating to delve into how people get to where they are, what drives them, and the wisdom they pick up along the way. I wanted to share five lessons from our conversation that particularly resonated with me, and I believe they’ll offer you some valuable perspective too.

    Here are some of the key insights my guest shared:

    1. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

    We often get laser-focused on the next big goal, the next milestone. But my guest beautifully articulated the importance of finding joy in the “everyday. The really little moments, the kind of quiet joys of it all, because that’s essentially what life is made of”. She reminded us that “life is actually happening while all of that is going on”, not just when we hit those major targets. This really hits home for me. It’s easy to get caught up on the next milestone or promotion. But taking a moment to appreciate the small wins, the learning process, and going through the process, that’s where so much of the richness lies.

    2. Redefine Failure: You Either Win or You Learn

    This is a common saying, but it’s not often people embody it as much as my guest. She has founded numerous businesses, and by her own admission, “maybe more than half have failed” in the conventional sense. But instead of seeing these as absolute failures, she views them as redirections and crucial learning experiences. It makes you think, doesn’t it? How often do we let the fear of failure prevent us from trying something new or ambitious? Shifting our mindset to see setbacks as lessons can be incredibly empowering. It’s easier than ever to start something without a lot of investment. That might be making a video on YouTube or TikTok, writing on Medium, starting a club or community Telegram channel, or building an app with the help of AI. If you have an idea, take the leap without worrying if it will work out, and you’ll reap the benefits no matter the outcome.

    3. Authenticity and Self-Belief Are Your Superpowers

    A consistent theme throughout our conversation was the power of self-belief and authenticity. My guest’s mission is partly about “letting people know that they already are enough”. She emphasized that when you “show up exactly as you are”, you not only find your own footing but also create a space where “people will feel like they can show up exactly as they are”. This is so relevant, whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader in a tech company, or building your personal brand. Genuine connection stems from authenticity. As the world get’s more and more noisy, both with more people putting themselves out there, and content easier than ever to create with AI, authenticity is what will set you apart and make you attractive to your audience. You can see this with how Gen Z posts on socials vs. the highly curated feeds of millennials, but this applies to other areas as well. Don’t be afraid to show your true self, that’s what makes you unique.

    4. The Untapped Potential of Diverse Experiences

    It was fascinating to hear that my guest had over 50 different jobs before she was 22, ranging from tutoring to working behind the scenes at major concerts. She discovered that “all the skills I gained, I could really see how they came up, and all these other different life experiences”. She fully embraces being “multi-passionate”, and encourages others to explore their varied interests. This really challenges the traditional idea of a straight, narrow career path. As someone who also explored a few different avenues before diving deep into marketing, I found this incredibly validating. Those diverse experiences often equip you with a unique lens and a surprisingly versatile skillset. Until recently, I felt like my varied start to working life set me behind others who kept to their chosen path from the start, but recently I’ve started to realize how valuable those experiences actually were.

    5. Act Now, Live Your Values Today

    One of the most actionable pieces of advice was about embodying the person you want to be, right now, rather than waiting for some future point. My guest passionately stated, “You are ready now and you are more than enough now, and you don’t need to wait to be everything you want to be”. If you aspire to be more generous, for example, find ways to give with what you have currently, even if it’s your time and not vast sums of money. The idea is to “embody that and you can find ways of making that version of yourself a reality right now”. This is a powerful call to action. Instead of just dreaming about our “future self,” what small, concrete steps can we take today to live more in alignment with our core values and aspirations?

    These are just a few of the gems from what was a truly enlightening conversation. My guest’s outlook on life, business, and personal growth was both refreshing and packed with wisdom. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration to help you navigate your own journey with more intention, resilience, and authenticity, I highly recommend tuning into the full episode of Before We Get There here.

    You might just find the spark you need for your next step.

  • Sarah Choo Jing on Stillness, Observation, and the Honest Work of Being an Artist

    Sarah Choo Jing on Stillness, Observation, and the Honest Work of Being an Artist

    Sarah Choo Jing is a multidisciplinary artist from Singapore whose work spans photography, video, and installation. Her pieces explore isolation, memory, and the subtleties of human connection through quiet, cinematic scenes. Her acclaimed project Accelerated Intimacy captures vignettes of strangers in hotel rooms — evoking themes of loneliness, voyeurism, and fleeting encounters in contemporary life.

    In this conversation, we talk about Sarah’s creative process, how she knows when a work is “done,” and how she balances honesty and control in her art. We also explore her views on generative AI, the realities of building a career as an artist in Singapore, and how she’s learned to teach creativity without losing curiosity herself.

    Story Highlights

    • How Accelerated Intimacy emerged from conversations with strangers in hotel rooms
    • Why she says, “change is the only constant” in an artist’s career
    • The tension between perfection and honesty in her creative process
    • What isolation means in her work — and in her life
    • How she approaches teaching and redefining art education in Singapore

    Quote

    “Actually, very honestly, I don’t know when an artwork is actually done. I suppose I get quiet enough to hear when it stops asking questions.”

    About Sarah Choo Jing

    Sarah Choo Jing is a multidisciplinary visual artist based in Singapore whose practice spans photography, video, and installation. Her work has been shown at the Venice Biennale, Photo London, and the Singapore Art Museum. Often exploring themes of solitude and observation in urban life, Sarah’s art examines how people connect — or fail to — in modern spaces. She also teaches art and photography, mentoring young creatives on how to balance craft and reflection in a fast-changing world.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Sarah’s reflections remind us that creativity is rarely about confidence — it’s about attention and honesty. Her process, built on observation and patience, shows how art can mirror the quiet questions we all carry. This conversation opens a window into what it means to create work that asks rather than answers, and why embracing uncertainty can be the truest form of expression.

    Turning Points

    From painting to photography to immersive video installations, Sarah’s artistic evolution mirrors her fascination with human stillness. She learned to treat doubt not as weakness but as part of her craft. While studying and teaching both locally and abroad, she has continued to refine her voice — one grounded in empathy, discipline, and slow observation. Her approach to technology, from digital compositing to generative AI, reflects the same curiosity: using new tools to extend, not replace, human feeling.

    Key Lessons

    • Stillness has power. Pausing creates room for both artist and viewer to feel.
    • Doubt is honest. Quiet uncertainty keeps the work alive.
    • Foundation first. Technology matters less than understanding craft and intention.
    • Education is influence. Shaping young minds starts with teaching curiosity, not perfection.
    • Art is contribution. The goal isn’t visibility — it’s expanding understanding.

    If You Enjoyed This Episode

    You might also like:

    • Mathew Yuhico on Design, Discipline, and Finding Artistic Voice — exploring creativity through structure.
    • Vivian Lim on Building Communities and Courageous Conversations — how openness drives connection and growth.

  • From Classical Perfection To Authentic Expression With Heema Izzati

    From Classical Perfection To Authentic Expression With Heema Izzati

    Intro

    Heema Izzati is a Singaporean musician, songwriter, and cellist who began performing at a young age. She has played at the National Day Parade, released two solo singles on Spotify, and is preparing to debut her first EP. Her work blends classical training with modern storytelling — music that moves between perfection and vulnerability.

    In this conversation, we talk about her creative process, how she handles writer’s block, and the ongoing shift from technical precision to emotional honesty. Heema shares what she learned from years of competition as a classical musician, how she healed her relationship with music, and what it feels like to finally write songs that sound like herself.

    Story Highlights

    • How studying classical cello taught her discipline and perseverance
    • Why her early training sometimes made creative expression harder
    • The lessons she carried from competition to songwriting
    • How she navigates writer’s block as a skill, not a crisis
    • Why performing her own songs feels more personal than perfection

    Quote

    “When I was younger, I did want to quit classical music, and that took me quite a while to get over and reach the age that I’m at now where I’m like, classical music is always a part of me.”

    About Heema Izzati

    Heema Izzati is a Singapore-based singer-songwriter and cellist whose work bridges the worlds of classical performance and contemporary songwriting. After years of competing as a young musician under NAFA’s School of Young Talents, she began teaching herself guitar and bass while writing original songs inspired by her own experiences. She has performed at national events and is currently studying music full-time while preparing her debut EP.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Heema’s story captures what happens when technical mastery meets creative freedom. Her reflections on burnout, discipline, and joy show how musicianship is about more than skill — it’s about rediscovering love for your craft. For anyone trying to balance ambition and authenticity, her journey is both a caution and an inspiration.

    Turning Points

    From competition cellist to singer-songwriter, Heema’s evolution wasn’t a rejection of her past but a reunion with her passion. The structure and discipline of classical music shaped her, but the freedom of songwriting reminded her why she started. As she moves into a new phase of her career — releasing original music and performing live — Heema continues to merge precision with personality, proving that growth can honor every version of who we’ve been.

    Key Lessons

    • Discipline builds foundations. The habits of classical music translate into creativity.
    • Expression matters more than perfection. Authenticity connects deeper than flawless technique.
    • Nerves are energy. The butterflies before a show are proof that you care.
    • Collaboration brings clarity. Producers and peers can help you know when a song is finished.
    • Keep evolving. Each stage of music — from practice rooms to EPs — teaches something new.

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  • Jingjin Liu on Leadership, Womanhood, and Redefining Power

    Jingjin Liu on Leadership, Womanhood, and Redefining Power

    Intro

    Jingjin Liu is an entrepreneur, investor, and women’s empowerment advocate who has spent her career building companies and communities that help women rise. She’s the co-founder of ZaZaZu, Asia’s first sexual wellness company for women, and now leads Elevate, a platform supporting professional growth and leadership among women across industries.

    In this conversation, Jingjin shares her journey from growing up in Beijing to moving to Germany as a teenager, to finding her voice as a founder in Singapore. We talk about entrepreneurship, parenting, gender expectations, and what she’s learned from helping women navigate ambition, confidence, and change.

    Story Highlights

    • Moving from Beijing to Germany at sixteen and learning individuality
    • Starting her first company while working full-time
    • Why she believes women struggle to self-advocate in corporate environments
    • How ZaZaZu broke taboos by centering women’s sexual wellbeing
    • The realities of balancing motherhood, business, and identity

    Quote

    “If women would have wives, they will be so much more successful than men. The reason that the men are there, where they are, is because someone else took care of everything else.”

    About Jingjin Liu

    Jingjin Liu is the founder of Elevate Group, a platform helping women grow through coaching, courses, and community. Previously, she co-founded ZaZaZu, Asia’s first sexual wellness company for women, and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and angel investor. Originally from Beijing, Jingjin has lived and worked across Germany, Singapore, and Australia, blending East and West perspectives in her leadership approach.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Jingjin’s story is one of contrast — between cultures, expectations, and identities. From being a rebellious student in Beijing to leading empowerment programs across Asia, she embodies what it means to evolve while staying grounded in purpose. Her insights challenge traditional notions of success and remind us that leadership is deeply personal.

    Turning Points

    Jingjin’s path from China to Germany reshaped her understanding of individuality. What once made her an outsider became her strength — curiosity, boldness, and authenticity. Her decision to leave corporate life and start ZaZaZu was less about risk and more about necessity: creating what didn’t exist. Through building, failing, and reinventing, she learned that power doesn’t mean control — it means alignment. Today, through Elevate, she’s helping women define success on their own terms while advocating for systemic change in how organizations view gender and flexibility.

    Key Lessons

    • We make our own luck. Serendipity matters, but effort makes it real.
    • Empowerment starts within. Confidence comes from understanding yourself, not external validation.
    • Flexibility is strength. Both small businesses and families thrive when people can adapt.
    • Redefine success. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s alignment with your values.
    • Collective growth matters. Progress happens when women support one another.

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  • Ariff Zin on Heritage, Reinvention, and the Future of Nasi Padang

    Ariff Zin on Heritage, Reinvention, and the Future of Nasi Padang

    Intro

    Ariff Zin is the executive chef and third-generation owner of Rumah Makan Minang, one of Singapore’s most iconic nasi padang restaurants. What began as his grandmother’s humble eatery on Kandahar Street has grown into a brand that’s lasted more than 70 years — now with new outlets and a loyal following across generations.

    In this episode, Ariff shares what it means to grow up in a restaurant family, how studying at the Culinary Institute of America changed his view of food, and why preserving heritage cuisine requires constant adaptation. We talk about waking up at 3 a.m. to cook 40 dishes, introducing modern systems into a family business, and why he believes traditional foods deserve the same respect as fine dining.

    Story Highlights

    • Growing up in his family’s nasi padang restaurant on Kandahar Street
    • Studying at the Culinary Institute of America and interning in New York
    • Learning from Michelin-starred kitchens and adapting lessons back home
    • Modernizing tradition through technology and discipline
    • Why he believes home-based businesses are Singapore’s new hawkers

    Quote

    “To be honest, if I travel, I miss my food. But if I’m still in Singapore, I don’t eat as much as people thought, because every day I have to do food tasting in the restaurants. So sometimes I just feel like eating another cuisine rather than nasi padang — but it’s comfort food. I love rice so much.”

    About Ariff Zin

    Ariff Zin is a Singaporean chef and restaurateur, best known as the executive chef and third-generation owner of Rumah Makan Minang, a heritage nasi padang brand established in 1954. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Ariff worked in New York’s catering scene before returning to Singapore to modernize his family’s business. He has since expanded Minang’s reach through innovations such as vacuum-packed meals, centralized kitchens, and digital ordering — all while keeping its traditional recipes intact.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Ariff’s story embodies what heritage cuisine can become when tradition meets innovation. His journey from engineering student to chef reveals the resilience behind Singapore’s food culture. Through family, faith, and experimentation, he’s redefining what it means to honor the past while cooking for the future.

    Turning Points

    From carrying plates as a child to leading one of Singapore’s most recognized Malay restaurants, Ariff’s career has been shaped by reinvention. His time in the U.S. taught him about hierarchy, workflow, and precision — lessons he brought home to transform his family business. Introducing systems and new technology wasn’t easy, but over time his team embraced change. During COVID-19, his earlier decision to vacuum-pack dishes kept the restaurant thriving. For Ariff, adaptation is about respect: respecting the craft enough to help it survive another generation.

    Key Lessons

    • Heritage evolves. Tradition only stays alive when it adapts.
    • Discipline matters. Kitchens run on structure, not ego.
    • Innovation protects legacy. Technology can preserve, not replace, authenticity.
    • Respect the craft. True nasi padang takes hours — and generations — to perfect.
    • Community defines success. Feeding people well is both purpose and pride.

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  • Joyce Harn on Acting, Rejection, and the Journey Toward Self-Belief

    Joyce Harn on Acting, Rejection, and the Journey Toward Self-Belief

    Intro

    Joyce Harn is a Malaysian actress known for her roles in Fly by Night and Budak Flat, along with appearances in television dramas and reality competitions. She’s also a judo practitioner and pageant finalist who’s carved her own path in an unpredictable industry.

    In this conversation, Joyce talks about chasing her childhood dream of acting while balancing family expectations and financial reality. She shares the emotional toll of auditions, how she built resilience through constant rejection, and why she continues to choose authenticity over certainty. From jumping off buildings on set to competing in judo tournaments, Joyce’s story is about finding confidence through action — literally and figuratively.

    Story Highlights

    • How Disney and Lizzie McGuire inspired her to act
    • Navigating family expectations and choosing broadcasting over performance arts
    • Learning to handle rejection through hundreds of auditions
    • Competing in judo and discovering strength through discipline
    • Why she dreams of directing films about family, values, and emotion

    Quote

    “People ask me if I regret it, but I don’t regret anything because I never make a decision that I don’t want to do.”

    About Joyce Harn

    Joyce Harn is a Malaysian actress and model whose credits include Budak Flat, Fly by Night, and numerous short films and television projects across Malaysia and Singapore. A graduate in broadcasting, she began her career through beauty pageants and reality shows before moving into film. Outside of acting, Joyce practices judo and advocates for persistence and self-growth in creative careers. Follow her on Instagram at @joyceharn.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Joyce’s story highlights the unseen side of acting — the rejections, the pauses, and the quiet perseverance between projects. Her candor about failure and self-doubt gives a rare glimpse into how artists build resilience. It’s a story about choosing courage again and again, even when no one is watching.

    Turning Points

    From early extra roles to leading parts, Joyce’s journey has been a decade-long balancing act between practicality and passion. She’s experienced burnout, office jobs, and countless rejections, yet each setback deepened her self-belief. Discovering judo later in life became another form of storytelling — one rooted in movement, trust, and discipline. Whether on set or on the mat, Joyce continues to test her limits while staying grounded in curiosity and craft.

    Key Lessons

    • Rejection builds resilience. Every “no” becomes part of your training.
    • Authenticity beats perfection. Staying true to yourself outlasts trends.
    • Passion needs patience. Success in film takes time — and faith.
    • Movement heals. Physical discipline like judo strengthens mental focus.
    • Keep learning. Each project, big or small, is another step forward.

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  • Yeo Min on Food Heritage, Creativity, and Preserving Tradition Through Pastry

    Yeo Min on Food Heritage, Creativity, and Preserving Tradition Through Pastry

    Intro

    Yeo Min is the author of Chinese Pastry School, founder of Pastories Bakery, and co-founder of the Museum of Food Singapore, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and educating the public about local food heritage.

    In this conversation, we explore how Yeo Min left her career in social work to study pastry, what drew her to traditional Chinese pastries, and how she’s balancing creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. From her “cool aunt” sneaking her to McDonald’s as a kid to writing one of the first English-language cookbooks on Chinese pastries, Yeo Min’s story is both deeply personal and profoundly local — a look at how food can connect past, present, and identity.

    Story Highlights

    • The accidental journey from social worker to pastry chef
    • How she met her mentor, Chef Pang, and fell in love with heritage baking
    • Why she wrote Chinese Pastry School to document disappearing crafts
    • The challenge of pricing and sustaining heritage food businesses
    • Building the Museum of Food Singapore to preserve culinary memory

    Quote

    “I feel like we need to be more proud of our food heritage, like our food heritage, and just, just sell it. Don’t be shy about it and just be proud of it like any other person.”

    About Yeo Min

    Yeo Min is a Singapore-based pastry chef, author, and food heritage advocate. After working in social services, she pursued pastry school and discovered her calling in traditional Chinese pastries. She later founded Pastories Bakery, co-founded the Museum of Food Singapore, and published Chinese Pastry School — a first-of-its-kind guide to the craft, science, and stories behind Asian pastries. Her work bridges research, education, and entrepreneurship, bringing forgotten food traditions to a new generation.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Yeo Min’s story captures what it means to redefine heritage in modern Singapore. Her reflections on craft, pricing, and pride shed light on how traditions survive only when they adapt. In a city obsessed with innovation, she reminds us that preservation is also progress — that being proud of where our food comes from is the first step toward keeping it alive.

    Turning Points

    From making dumplings in a London dorm room to studying pastry in Singapore, Yeo Min’s evolution was sparked by curiosity. Meeting Chef Pang shifted her direction from Western-style baking to heritage pastries, and the closure of old pastry shops deepened her resolve to document traditional techniques. Writing Chinese Pastry School became both a research mission and a love letter to her culture. Through the Museum of Food, she’s extending that mission — teaching children, families, and visitors that food is not just flavor but history.

    Key Lessons

    • Heritage evolves. Tradition survives through adaptation, not imitation.
    • Pride is preservation. Value comes from seeing local food as craft, not commodity.
    • Education drives change. When people know the story, they’re willing to pay for it.
    • Mentorship matters. Knowledge must be passed down to stay alive.
    • Creativity can serve culture. Innovation and respect can coexist in the kitchen.

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  • Opera Tang on Authenticity, Artistry, and Building a Life You Believe In

    Opera Tang on Authenticity, Artistry, and Building a Life You Believe In

    Intro

    Opera Tang is a Singaporean drag artist, creator, and storyteller whose work blends advocacy with authenticity. Known for her signature look inspired by Chinese opera aesthetics, Opera has become a voice for creative freedom and self-expression in Singapore’s growing drag scene.

    In this conversation, we talk about how Opera went from working in tech sales to performing drag full-time, how she found her artistic identity through heritage, and what it takes to balance art and commerce as a queer creator. She also shares lessons from her grandmother, the person who taught her how to sew and remains her creative mentor, and how she’s using her platform to bring joy and connection to others.

    Story Highlights

    • Getting laid off from a tech job and taking the leap into full-time drag
    • Discovering her creative identity through Chinese opera and cultural heritage
    • Balancing personal expression with commercial collaboration
    • The role her grandmother plays in her creative process
    • How drag can build bridges between generations and communities

    Quote

    “I live by this quote, which is fake it till you make it, because no one knows what they’re doing at the start. No one knows 100% what they’re set out to do and what they want to achieve. Maybe they know what they want to achieve, but they don’t know how to get there. So just do the things that you think that will help you achieve whatever objective.”

    About Opera Tang

    Opera Tang is a Singapore-based drag artist known for her unique blend of Chinese opera aesthetics, fashion, and performance art. Formerly a tech sales professional, she began performing during the pandemic and has since collaborated with brands like Netflix, MTV, and Carlsberg. Beyond performing, she designs her own costumes, runs her social channels as a one-woman creative team, and frequently collaborates with her grandmother on new designs. Opera continues to advocate for representation, creativity, and intergenerational connection within Singapore’s queer and artistic communities.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Opera’s story is a testament to authenticity — how embracing your identity, even when it doesn’t fit the mold, can lead to freedom and purpose. Her journey from corporate retrenchment to creative independence shows how art can be both personal and political. This conversation is about courage, reinvention, and the joy of showing up as yourself.

    Turning Points

    From her first performance at a post–Pink Dot party to becoming one of Singapore’s most recognized drag artists, Opera’s path has been shaped by risk and reflection. Getting retrenched from her corporate job pushed her to pursue drag full-time, and with her grandmother’s support, she built her brand from the ground up. What began as a love for costume design evolved into storytelling through performance. Now, Opera is channeling her energy into giving back — volunteering with senior communities and dreaming of creating inclusive spaces where drag and social connection meet.

    Key Lessons

    • Authenticity builds connection. People respond to honesty more than perfection.
    • Adaptation creates opportunity. Every pivot, even unexpected ones, can lead to purpose.
    • Heritage can inspire innovation. Identity and culture are sources of strength.
    • Rest fuels creativity. Taking time off sustains longevity in artistic work.
    • Kindness multiplies. Using art to uplift others creates lasting impact.

    If You Enjoyed This Episode

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    • Nuray Istiqbal on Faith, Reinvention, and Life After Rae Lil Black — about transformation and identity.
    • Jingjin Liu on Leadership, Womanhood, and Redefining Power — exploring authenticity and ambition.
    • Vivian Lim on Building Communities and Continuous Growth — about connection and purpose.

  • Rob Lilwall on Adventure, Resilience, and the Courage to Keep Going

    Rob Lilwall on Adventure, Resilience, and the Courage to Keep Going

    Intro

    Rob Lilwall is a British-born adventurer, author, and motivational speaker known for his three-year cycling expedition from Siberia to London — a journey that spanned over 50,000 kilometers and reshaped his understanding of fear, resilience, and transformation. He has since walked across deserts, written two books, and spoken to audiences around the world about courage, change, and perseverance.

    In this episode, we talk about Rob’s early life as a shy schoolteacher, what led him to take a one-way flight to Siberia, and how adventure became both his career and his classroom. He shares stories from the road — from being robbed in Siberia to camping at minus forty degrees — and the lessons that continue to guide his life as a husband, father, and speaker.

    Story Highlights

    • How a friend’s invitation to “just say yes” changed his life
    • Why facing fear became the foundation of his growth
    • What three years of cycling taught him about adaptability
    • How setbacks turned into the start of a speaking and writing career
    • The turning point in the Taklamakan Desert that reframed his idea of success

    Quote

    “When you’re having a really bad day, whether it’s in the office or in the middle of your three-year bike ride and you think, ‘What am I doing? Why don’t I just fly home?’ Never quit on that day, because that’s the wrong day to quit.”

    About Rob Lilwall

    Rob Lilwall is a professional adventurer, author, and keynote speaker based in Singapore. He has cycled from Siberia to London, walked across China’s Gobi Desert, and trekked the edges of the Taklamakan — expeditions that have been turned into National Geographic TV shows and bestselling books. Today, Rob speaks to corporate and global audiences about adaptability, resilience, and courage in times of change. His TEDx talks and corporate programs have reached audiences across more than 30 countries. Learn more at roblilwall.com.

    Why This Conversation Matters

    Rob’s story isn’t just about adventure — it’s about learning to keep going when things get hard. Whether navigating subzero nights in Siberia or personal struggles after success, he’s discovered that the greatest growth often comes through failure and persistence. His lessons on resilience and agility apply far beyond expeditions — to careers, relationships, and everyday life.

    Turning Points

    From teaching in the UK to biking across continents, Rob’s life has been defined by leaps of faith. His decision to say yes to a friend’s challenge led to a journey that changed everything — from his worldview to his work. Later expeditions tested him in different ways, pushing him through burnout, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. It was only after failing to complete a record-setting desert crossing that he found peace — realizing that life’s value lies not in achievement, but in doing your best every day.

    Key Lessons

    • Never quit on a bad day. Rest, recover, and make decisions with clarity, not exhaustion.
    • Fear is a teacher. Growth starts where comfort ends.
    • Resilience and agility go hand in hand. Adaptation is the key to endurance.
    • Failure can heal. Sometimes we find peace by letting go of the outcome.
    • Adventure is internal. The hardest journeys are the ones within ourselves.

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