The Thriving Misfits

What if the thing that makes you different is exactly what makes you successful? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Charissa Tan, fitness entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of one of Penang's fastest-growing fitness communities. Carissa shares her unconventional journey from social entrepreneurship and corporate life to building a thriving fitness business rooted i...

What if your greatest strength is the very thing that once made you feel like you didn't belong? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Belinda Esterhammer, CEO of The DO Asia, social innovator, educator, and community leader, to explore what it means to be a bridge between different worlds. Growing up in Austria with Chinese roots and building a career across cultures, Beli...

What does it really mean to lead across cultures, identities, and expectations? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , Vanessa Iloste shares her journey from France to Asia and the lessons she’s learned about connection, creativity, and the hidden work of bridging different worlds. A powerful conversation on leadership, belonging, and thriving beyond labels.

What does it really mean to lead across cultures? In this episode, Fuji Sartono shares how growing up as a diplomat’s child shaped his perspective on identity, adaptability, and leadership. Moving between countries and cultures, he learned early on what it feels like to belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. That experience now informs how he leads diverse, global teams with empathy and n...

Most leadership advice is built on Western norms but what if Asia’s real leadership power has been overlooked all along? In this bold Season 3 opener of The Thriving Misfits , Fyiona Yong sits down with Desmond Chan - Head of Business Partnering for SEA at Arup - to challenge conventional leadership thinking and reframe what it means to lead in Asia today. Together, they unpack why Asian leaders a...

For the grand finale of Season 2, Fyiona sits down with Mary Oxley, Vice President at DHL , for a heartfelt conversation on what true sisterhood in leadership really means. Mary shares powerful insights on the impact of women supporting women by lifting each other higher, creating space for vulnerability, and standing stronger together through every chapter of growth and challenge. Filled with war...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , Fyiona Yong speaks with Mel Leow , Master Certified Coach and founder of Catalyst Coach , about what truly defines success in coaching. They explore whether credentials still matter, how coaches can stay authentic in a changing world, and why courage and consciousness often matter more than certification. A candid, future-focused conversation for coaches a...

In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits , Fyiona Yong speaks with Paul Morris , VP of Learning at Eagle’s Flight and a global facilitator with over 20 years of experience shaping leaders and cultures around the world. Paul shares his remarkable journey of reinvention in his 40s —from confronting burnout and depression to facing his paralyzing fear of flying and ultimately discovering fre...

In this episode, host Fyiona Yong sits down with Jackie Dela Cruz , Managing Director of SmartAge Solutions and one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” recognized by FWN. With a 20-year career at Shell and now shaping the future of smart living through innovation and technology, Jackie brings a wealth of leadership wisdom. She shares why compassionate leadership is more than a “n...

Today’s guest is Kai Ng , Bar Manager at Hong Kong’s award-winning Quinary . Born in Germany but quick-witted like a true Hong Konger, Kai has hospitality in his blood and a natural gift for blending showmanship, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind the bar. In this episode, he shares his journey through some of the world’s top bars, his observations on drinking culture across different countrie...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , Fyiona sits down with Mary Foxworth—an inclusive intimacy educator and founder of the Foxworth Institute. Mary opens up about her bold journey from corporate life to pioneering conversations around sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Together, they explore why intimacy education matters, the unspoken challenges couples face (especially around paren...

What happens when you begin to question the emotional safety of your childhood—and start the work of healing? In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by Sian Crossley , a UK-qualified psychotherapist, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Break the Cycle Coaching . Sian supports adults who grew up with emotionally immature, unavailable, or self-absorbed parents—helping them unlearn surviva...

Welcome to The Thriving Misfits —a podcast that celebrates those who don’t fit the mold. In this episode, Fyiona Yong speaks with Chris, Co-Managing Director at NovAzure, about his journey from Shell to sustainable entrepreneurship. Born to German and Chinese-Brazilian parents, Chris shares how navigating identity, culture, and career transitions helped him turn being a ‘misfit’ into a superpower...

Host Fyiona Yong sits down with Vicky South: solo traveler, entrepreneur, and community builder who has lived and worked across Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and now Argentina. Vicky shares powerful stories about cultivating courage through solo travel, redefining professional identity, and creating community wherever she lands; from immersive wine events to supporting those in need. She reveals what...

Part 2: In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness. Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and navigating life’s hardest transitions with emotional intelligence and grace. Connect with Qi on  LinkedIn

Part 1: In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness. Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and navigating life’s hardest transitions with emotional intelligence and grace. Connect with Qi on LinkedIn

In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by The Brand Coach , Caleb Low—founder of the #RippleEffectMethod. Caleb shares his deeply personal journey of leaving behind his established reputation in Singapore to support his wife’s career in Malaysia, and what it took to rebuild his brand and identity from scratch in a new market. We dive into topics like ego, reinvention, redefining masculini...

In this episode, host Fyiona Yong speaks with global leader Jane Ngugi , whose dynamic career has spanned Kenya, Geneva, Dubai, Korea, and Singapore. Jane shares how her multicultural journey shaped her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion , and the personal lessons that helped her thrive through change. From childhood values to leading global teams, Jane offers powerful insights and ad...

What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay? In this episode, Fyiona Yong sits down with Sam Lau , founder of Total Loyalty Company (TLC) , to explore the power of employee engagement, wellness, and building loyalty from within. With over 30 years of experience and a pioneering approach to staff rewards and workplace culture, Sam shares hi...

In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits , I am sitting down with Janet Ledger, CEO of Community Business, to explore the power of social mobility. From her working-class roots to executive leadership, Janet shares her journey, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and her mission to create inclusive, high-performing workplaces. Tune in for powerful insights, practical advice, and a heartf...

In this episode, I welcome Jeff Rotmeyer , founder of ImpactHK and Love 21 Foundation , who has dedicated his life to empowering individuals facing homelessness, Down syndrome, and autism. Jeff shares his inspiring journey, the challenges of driving social change, and the power of community in transforming lives. Tune in for an uplifting conversation on leading with compassion, resilience, and pur...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , host Fyiona Yong sits down with Dr. Wanjiku Gichohi, a public health nutrition researcher whose career spans eight countries and countless impactful projects addressing food insecurity. Wanjiku opens up about navigating her career as a minority and an introvert, sharing insights on resilience, diversity, and inclusion. She reflects on her childhood in Keny...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Michelle Mah , a mindfulness practitioner whose journey began through her struggles with disordered eating and corporate burnout. Michelle shares how she broke free from the cycle of excessive ‘doing’ and embraced mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation to reclaim her well-being. We explore the connection between perfectionis...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Michelle Mah , a mindfulness practitioner whose journey began through her struggles with disordered eating and corporate burnout. Michelle shares how she broke free from the cycle of excessive ‘doing’ and embraced mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation to reclaim her well-being. We explore the connection between perfectionis...

In this powerful episode of The Thriving Misfits, host Fyiona Yong speaks with Emily Tan, a wellness visionary and cancer survivor, about the often-overlooked journey of recovery after treatment. Emily shares her personal experiences with early menopause, resilience, and redefining wellness on her own terms. We explore the role of social support in cancer recovery, how loved ones can offer meaning...