The Thriving Misfits

Join The Thriving Misfits as host Fyiona Yong chats with Marga Laurel, a leader in employer branding at Ciena and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Marga shares her journey with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, her efforts to foster inclusive workplaces, and tips for thriving as a neurodiverse professional. Embrace your strengths and create a more inclusive world—listen now!

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Helen Corke, a seasoned recruiter and passionate DEI advocate, to explore the intersection of intuition, leadership, and diversity. Helen shares her journey of blending energy work with business strategy, insights on hiring for inclusive cultures, and practical tips for trusting your gut in personal and professional life. If you’ve ever fel...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we are speaking with Brian Henderson, an award-winning advocate for mental health, wellness, and DEI. Brian shares his journey of creating safe spaces for emotional vulnerability, especially for men, and fostering empathy, inclusion, and psychological safety in the workplace. As the founder of Whole Business Wellness, Brian integrates wellness and leaders...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," host Fyiona Yong chats with Anja Elstner, a global leader and artist. Anja shares her journey from leading multinational teams to rediscovering her passion for art during the pandemic. Tune in to hear how she turned recycled cardboard into creative masterpieces and how her global experiences shaped her views on culture, identity, and resilience.

In this episode of *The Thriving Misfits*, I’m joined by two inspiring women making a difference in the world of rare diseases. Nadiah, with over 20 years of experience in corporate, NGO, and humanitarian work, is a passionate advocate for sustainability, social impact, and human rights. As President of the Malaysian Rare Disorders Society, she is a force for positive change, advocating for nation...

In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, we sit down with Tina Arcilla, a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in APAC. Currently driving DEI initiatives at Manulife, Tina's career has spanned over a decade, including her impactful role at Community Business' Diversity and Inclusion in Asia Network (DIAN). Tina shares her inspiring journey of shaping inclusive work e...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," I welcome Greg Solomon and his daughter Natalie. Greg, an actuary and consultant in insurtech and healthtech, shares his journey from South Africa to Hong Kong, highlighting his diverse heritage and global career. Natalie, at nearly 8 years old, impresses with her love for languages, literature, and music. Together, they discuss their unique pro...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we delve into the transformative journey of Eugene Seah, who transitioned from a corporate career to becoming an Abundance Coach after a personal crisis. Eugene shares how his setback led him to discover his life's purpose and how he now empowers others to live abundantly. Connect with Eugene on LinkedIn Connect with your host Fyiona on Link...

This week, we’re excited to feature Jessica Chan, a seasoned Dietitian from Vancouver with over 8 years of experience in nutritional therapy and education. Jessica’s approach challenges the one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing personalized, sustainable health solutions. In this episode, Jessica discusses her journey, the impact of cultural values on nutrition, and how she promotes body positivity...

Join us as we explore Nikki's inspiring story and her mission to build a truly inclusive and sustainable workforce. From navigating intercultural dynamics to championing transgender professional leadership, Nikki shares invaluable tips and strategies for turning differences into strengths. Listen now to discover how Nikki's efforts are reshaping DE&I landscapes and learn how you, too,...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we delve into the remarkable journey of Liz Bradford, whose life has spanned from humble beginnings on a UK farm to influential leadership roles across three continents. Liz shares her insights on leadership, resilience, and thriving in a rapidly changing world, with a particular focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in global corp...

Our guest today is AJ Kulatunga. Born and raised in Australia to Sri Lankan parents, AJ brings a uniquely diverse global perspective, enriching his approach to leadership and innovation. As a former Young Achiever of the Year with an entrepreneurial career spanning two decades in business and technology, AJ has observed that those who truly change the world do things differently. Whether presentin...

This episode features Mukta Arya, CHRO at Société Générale, who brings extensive leadership in Human Resources to the conversation. Mukta's strategic initiatives have significantly shaped organizational culture, fostering environments where individuality is celebrated and nurtured. Tune in as Mukta shares her journey, insights, and strategies for creating inclusive workplaces that empower indi...

Today we're joined by Lyn Lee, a collaborative and forward-thinking professional renowned for her unique perspective and objective mindset. With a background spanning government and private sectors, Lyn leads global diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for a FTSE 100 company, making her a seasoned expert in navigating diverse cultural landscapes. As a change-maker and advocate for incl...

In this episode, I am joined by Debbie Mannas, an award-winning HR strategist and diversity advocate. From her childhood as a Third Culture Kid to her leadership in DEI, Debbie's journey is marked by innovation and empowerment. Tune in as we explore her insights on navigating cultural complexities, fostering inclusion, and how her passion for music informs her DEI work, using her art to addres...

In this episode, we'll explore Ray Liew's journey, his approach to integrating data and AI into everyday solutions. We'll also delve into how his "banana" identity has influenced his personal and professional life, providing him with a unique perspective on bridging cultural divides and fostering inclusion. Beyond his professional role, Ray co-hosts the podcast 'Talk Lah,...

In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits", I am chatting with Armando Flores Chiu, a Mexican-born financial advisor with a passion for cross-cultural communication. Armando shares his journey from studying in Canada, Paris, and Hong Kong to working in Shanghai, highlighting how his diverse experiences have shaped his career. The episode covers amusing cultural misunderstandings, and insi...

On this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," I am speaking with Alicia Lui, founder of Women in Sports Empowered Hong Kong (WISE). Alicia is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, gender equality, and sports empowerment, using sports to boost leadership skills for women and girls. Alicia shares her insights on promoting DEI in sports and beyond, emphasizing that we shouldn'...

In this episode, we'll delve into Jimmy's inspiring story, exploring his insights on diversity, inclusion, and the intersectionality of identity in the evolving landscapes of education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Jimmy's journey is marked by his passion for innovation and a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a member of the LGBTQ community, he brings a unique perspec...

In this episode, we explore Janerose's insights on business transformation, her personal journey, and how she leverages her identity to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our paths first crossed when Janerose was planning to organize a Millennial Conference in Kenya and invited me to be one of the keynote speakers. Connect with JaneRose on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with the host Fyiona Yong

In today's episode, we're joined by Stef Teng, a Diversity & Talent Management specialist with extensive experience in financial services, insurance, and entertainment. Stef is a resilient change maker dedicated to fostering inclusion and driving impact through strategic partnerships. Join us as we delve into Stef's journey and uncover the transformative power of diversity and tale...

In our Pilot Episode, I am speaking with Sudesh T, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience across various industries. Sudesh is not just a business and culture change expert; he's a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently leading the DEI global agenda for Asia at Manulife, Sudesh is committed to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and cont...

Join me, Fyiona Yong, your host and fellow misfit, on a journey of resilience, diversity, and empowerment. In each episode, we'll dive into candid conversations with Third Culture Kids, global citizens, and misfits who have turned challenges into advantages. From navigating cultural complexities to defying societal norms, our guests will share their personal stories of struggle, resilience, an...