Come Unprepared

When a distant war sends shockwaves through energy prices and supply lines, do Singaporeans know why it matters to them? Marcus Loh, a director at Temus who leads marketing, communications and public affairs and helps shape the Step It Up program, joins Come Unprepared with no script. He picks geopolitics, and what it means for Singapore. The conversation starts with AI. Marcus warns that handing...

What if the "good girl" you've always been isn't really you? Sha-En Yeo is a positive psychology practitioner, founder of Happiness Scientists, and often described as Singapore's first happiness scientist. She picks identity as the topic, because she's writing a book and misses "feeling like me." She explains why being the good girl has real upsides. You're responsible, reliable and always show up...

In this episode of Come Unprepared , Haoming Lee, CEO of Singapore-based venture builder Louken Group, joins the show with no script and no prepared topic. He brings a question he has been turning over for months: why do so many entrepreneurs keep choosing a path that weighs on them? Haoming describes loving what he does while carrying a constant, quiet pressure. He talks about the "empty&quo...

What if the most powerful thing a founder can do is not bring their whole self to work? Karina Kady, CEO of Nandina REM, reveals why the pressure to be publicly "authentic" can collide with privacy, leadership, and even fundraising. From turning retired aircraft components into high-performance carbon fiber for aviation and AI infrastructure to building a company culture shaped by real-l...

Could your mindset about control really be shaping your success—and your happiness? Goh Shi Song shares a raw, candid exploration of whether life happens to you or for you, a question that could change how you see yourself and your journey. After leaving a thriving family business, he dives into the deep end of control, purpose, and resilience—challenging assumptions and revealing surprising insig...

Most of us believe aging is a steady decline, but what if it's actually a series of ups and downs—managed intentionally? Patrick Chan, former CEO turned longevity advocate, reveals how shifting perspectives on aging can unlock energy, relevance, and resilience at any age. His journey from leading a thriving F&B empire during Singapore’s pandemic boom, to embracing vulnerability and continu...

Most entrepreneurs and professionals aim for impact, but few understand what true purpose-driven success really looks like. Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin, CEO of Quantedge Capital, reveals how blending high finance with high-impact philanthropy creates a life of authentic fulfillment—and why your definition of giving might need a radical shift. This episode dives deep into the mindset of a leader who mana...

In this revealing conversation, Daren Teo, also known as thepantryboy, challenges the common narrative that suffering is the secret ingredient for authenticity, especially in food and life. We explore how effort, not pain, often holds the real key to genuine fulfillment. From the meticulous hours a chef dedicates to a perfect sauce, to the personal struggles that make our achievements meaningful,...

Many of us have been called lazy at some point in our lives, but what does that really mean? Fariza Salleh shared her experience with this label, recounting a time when she took long naps during the day due to chronic kidney disease. While her motivation to work was still present, her body needed rest. This lead to her being labeled as lazy, which struck a deep, deep chord with Fariza. In this epi...

Are we living in a validation economy where likes, shares, and social approvals are shaping our very sense of worth? Edo Lio, TikTok creator known as Mozzarella Papi, dives deep into how validation has become the currency of modern life—and why it’s slowly eroding our authenticity, moral compass, and genuine connections. From the snares of social media metrics to the dopamine rush of likes, he unp...

Today, entering the job market can be daunting, especially for young professionals. With rapid changes and disruptions in the world, many find themselves, unsurprisingly, anxious about their future careers. In this conversation, Matin Mohdari, founder of School of Day One, offers actionable insights and encouragement for those stepping into the workforce, particularly in today's tenuous and un...

Not everyone views birthdays as a time for celebration. Some individuals, like Fauzi Aziz, prefer to keep the day low-key or even ignore it altogether. For Fauzi, all this fuss around birthdays and its celebration sound like... well, a big fuss. In this episode, he noted how, in his childhood, birthdays felt more like a formality than a genuine celebration. "It was like, because it's your...

Quality of life is a concept that often eludes definition. During our conversation, Jean shared her thoughts on this topic, sparked by a recent personal experience with her aging dog. "What is quality of life?" she pondered, recognizing that this question extends beyond pets to our own human experiences.

In recent years, the relationship between humans and pets has evolved significantly. Many people now consider their pets as family members, deserving of love, care, and protection. But why should pets receive the same legal protections as children? In this episode, we explore insights from Dr. Samuel Ravi Chowdhury, a family physician and medical content creator, who passionately advocates for the...

At a conference in Hanoi, John met a Singaporean founder who shared a bold observation: "Look at these young people—they're hungrier than our next generation." This got him thinking about what fuels our drive and ambition. In a time when opportunities can feel abundant, John questions if we risk becoming complacent. And while some may argue that a safety net keeps us secure, do we re...