Finding Common Ground w/ Shiao-Yin Kuik

In a neurotypical dominated society, the way attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traditionally presents itself is often deemed as lazy, inefficient, naughty, unmotivated. But what can we do more of in our communities, schools, workplaces, families and friendships that can help bring out the many superpowers of an ADHD-er? We talk about: What is ADHD and what are some symptoms and misc...

Here in Singapore, we “pledge ourselves as one united people regard-less of race, language or religion”. But can unity truly exist without us acknowledging the many differences that set us apart? We talk about: why it’s important for us to define our own identities and what happens when other identities are being ascribed to us; what using the right terms can do to support complex conversations; a...

It’s the Season 3 opening! We put out another call for an Ask Me Anything. We answer your burning questions: How do you play? How can we practise sensemaking in an information-heavy world? How can we connect with our feelings in the moment (as a thinker and a feeler) and how can we practise sharing that with others? What is one big takeaway from the year? Who are some female leaders you’ve felt in...

"Continue on with the attitude and mindset that you feel will bring you far. And with lived experiences, you'll then take off."   In this episode, we chat with Kun Liang to hear what he’s learning about finding his thrive so early on in his career. Currently the Lead of Communications, Marketing and Partnerships at Playeum , Kun Liang has been an early childhood education and commun...

"Remove any assumptions, take some calculated risks, and just go with it. you never know what's going to pan out of it.” In this episode, we chat with Brendan, Manager of the Partnerships and Operations team at Daughters of Tomorrow .  Brendan is a community builder who started out with an engineering background. He’s made transitions across different sectors, working with different team...

"Recognise that not every single individual is the same. We have different styles and habits." In this episode, we talk to Li Seng, founder of Green Nudge . Since starting Green Nudge 5 years ago, Li Seng has worked with more than 300 companies, schools and community groups. With all the individuals that he comes across, Li Seng meets with many differences and is continuously learning ho...

"I’m in the middle of something flat." In this episode, we talk to Nabilah, Editorial Lead at Kontinentalist . She’s not only finding her footing in a new role, she's also finding her footing in a new world of data visualisation. Nabilah also shares what she's learning about building a team; putting her worth on the table; and also helping her team put their worth on the table....

“Am I willing and ready to let go of what I once was?” In this episode, we talk to Afzal, an Associate at Studio Dojo . He has made a couple transitions before landing at Studio Dojo, in pursuit of figuring out not only what he wants and doesn’t want, but also his own personal values and purpose. - Leading from the Messy Middle is a 6-part series unpacking the highly complex world of the middle ma...

“I’m either an imposter or a failure.” In this episode, we talk to our teammate, Camillia, Senior Executive of Consultancy & Community Research here at Common Ground . As Azrin’s fellow middle, they are both learning how to be kinder with themselves and each other as they deal with their imposter syndrome every single day. - Leading from the Messy Middle is a 6-part series unpacking the highly...

It’s the finale of Season 2! We decided to shake things up by putting out an Instagram poll for an Ask Me Anything. So in this episode, Shiao-Yin answers the top 6 questions you sent in:  What came up for you in that episode where you unpacked with your team about how they were working with each other? What are the 3 most impactful books that you’ve read so far? What was your most transformative e...

How might men help other men rediscover healthy masculinity? How can we hold safe and brave spaces for men to get the support they need to journey towards wholeness and integrity? Meet Hafeez Hassan: a “Renaissance Malay Man” who uses his life experiences and his range of skills in human biomechanics to hold space for men to express themselves and find common ground in their experiences. We talk a...

This episode will involve references to sexual harassment or abuse. It will be a meaningful listen if you’re going through that or supporting someone going through that. But if you’re not ready now to listen to the episode, do come back another time when you feel more ready. There are agencies and communities who can help, and resources available to support you. We’ll list them below. Years after...

What does it take to raise a child into a joyful, purpose-led adult? And can student care centres partner parents and schools to do that work as a whole community of care for the child? Meet Shaina Yu & Chuen-yin Ng, co-founders of Brave Feats: a student care centre that provides a positive and inspiring space for primary school students to come home to after school.  - About Brave Feats Stude...

Everyone seems to be talking about data, capturing data and using data - yet so many of us still feel uncertain about what is data. What’s the big deal about data? How can we work with data in a way that brings us together - rather than tear us apart? Meet Loh Pei Ying: a data story-teller who works with organisations to turn their research into compelling interactive essays that communicate bette...

Ever since the term social enterprise was coined in the 1970s, social entrepreneurship has gone mainstream in Singapore. Is the term still relevant or problematic? How is the Millennial social entrepreneur’s experience different compared to the Gen X experience? How is it getting more challenging or better supported? Meet Kenneth Heng: the Millennial founder of Solve n+1, a Community-Based Managem...

In this follow up to our episode with Lye Yen Kai, we gathered some of us from the Common Ground team to continue the valuable conversation on creating awareness, safety and well-being at work.  We keep it real with some practical sharings about what are some of our own actual practices in the team. We share insights from our own journey of creating safety, supporting each other’s well-being and r...

The pandemic has made mental well-being part of our public conversation. But we may still underestimate how our modern workplace has a huge impact on our well-being and is therefore a strategic intervention point for more of us to give and receive the support we need to feel more seen, secure - and whole. How can more of us colleagues, managers and leaders help create safer and healthier workplace...

How can depth and lightness offer people a surprisingly safe space to reveal different parts of themselves?  I close Season 1 by talking with Azrin, line producer of this podcast series, Lead of Strategic Communications at Common Ground and a creative in her own right. We share our reflections from Season 1 and our hopes for Season 2 of this podcast series. - About the Finding Common Ground Podcas...

Should academics stand apart or stand together with the rest of us? How can political civility and intellectual humility make us more resilient as a people? Meet Dr. Walid Jumblatt Abdullah: academic and host of the popular Teh Tarik with Walid Instagram TV series. We talk about how everything is political and how our honest disagreement can build more common ground than hollow harmony. - About Dr...

How does growing up as a digital native impact your comfort with social media, activism and political conversations? Meet Nur and Anna: Gen Z co-founders of Lepak Conversations. We talk about how they navigate politicised conversations with Boomers, pushback on their use of “Woke Words” and the meaning that can be found in activism. - About Nur & Anna Nur and Anna are two 24-year-old Singapore...

Why must we see ourselves as creative? How does the act of creating help us expand our sense of self and our circles of impact? Meet Hong Khai Seng: UX designer and founding director of Studio Dojo. We talk about how creativity helps us live, lead, evolve and expand our sense of self and community.  - About Hong Khai Seng Khai Seng is founder and director of Studio Dojo, a trans-disciplinary strat...

How do the boundaries and boxes that define our work also confine our work? Why is it worthwhile to question our assumptions? Meet Lim Jingzhou: Gen Z community worker and co-founder of the Cassia Resettlement Team. We explore the differences between social/community work and what it really means for us to take a loving, empowering approach to community concerns. - About Lim Jingzhou Lim Jingzhou...

Can we honour the difficult, uncomfortable parts of ourselves? How would that affect the way we honour people who we see as difficult and uncomfortable? Meet Khee Shihui: a part of Common Ground’s founding team, community facilitator and dear friend. We talk about accepting our wounds, acknowledging our wisdoms and tending kindly to those healing from trauma. - About Khee Shihui Khee Shihui is on...

What is Grief? How can we hold a safe space for pain and loss? Meet Joan and Gracie, Grief Recovery Specialists and Directors of Whispering Hope Singapore. We talk about the meaning of grief and simple, kind ways we can support the grieving process - be it our own or others. - About Joan Swee and Gracie Mak Joan Swee and Gracie Mak are Grief Recovery Specialists and Directors of Whispering Hope Si...

What is the Self? How can we help people bring their best selves to work? Meet Aaron Maniam: civil servant, poet, interfaith facilitator - and leader. We talk about appreciating our multi-hyphenated identity and how to support people’s need to integrate their personal and professional lives. - About Aaron Maniam Aaron Maniam is currently the Deputy Secretary for Industry and Information, Ministry...