“In many ways, we are eating ourselves to our own extinction,” says Christophe Bariou, the co-founder of Dehusk, Maison Bukana and Maison Bukana Wines, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino-French entrepreneur discusses overcoming a life-threatening cancer diagnosis in his twenties, living life with no regrets and his passion for veganism. 

00:21 Meet Christophe Bariou: building a sustainable empire

01:08 Quickfire questions

02:28 Christophe's early life and influence

06:52 Building a sustainable resort in the Philippines

08:39 Facing a cancer diagnosis at 26

16:39 Leadership lessons and business insights

22:02 Advocating for veganism and sustainability

25:34 Conclusion and final thoughts

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“The most important quest of an entrepreneur is to focus on your customers,” says Caecilia Chu, the co-founder and CEO of Singapore-based fintech company YouTrip, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, she discusses building Southeast Asia’s first multicurrency mobile wallet, nailing product market fit, perseverance as a business non-negotiable and the thought of her kids following in her footsteps. 

00:27 Meet Caecilia Chu: Founder of YouTrip

01:30 Quickfire questions

04:22 Cecilia's early life and inspiration

10:51 Founding YouTrip

14:54 Challenges and growth of YouTrip

18:52 Navigating COVID-19 and business adaptation

25:06 Future of YouTrip and fintech insights

30:22 Leadership reflections

36:09 Final thoughts

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“To do something great, you need to have focus, discipline and consistency,” says Mathew Leong, executive chef of the award-winning restaurant Re-naa, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Stavanger-based Singaporean chef opens up about moving to Norway with just $500 in his pocket, how competition is key to being your best self and why he rarely cooks at home. 

00:34 Introducing Matthew Leong

01:17 Matthew's early culinary start

02:27 The path to becoming a chef

03:54 A competitive streak

04:42 Working at world-renowned Re-naa 

07:45 Chef life lessons 

11:05 Preparing for Bocuse d'Or

12:56 Future goals 

18:31 Final thoughts

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“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.

Show notes

00:23 Introduction

01:23 Quickfire questions

05:37 Growing up in Kolkata

07:36 The evolution of Validus

13:27 Challenges and strategies in SME lending

19:55 The future of Validas

20:56 Scaling the business

22:16 Doubling down on key markets in Indonesia and Thailand 

23:14 Being an introverted CEO

28:15 Fundraising challenges and triumphs

33:41 How to collaborate with co-founders

38:02 The toll of entrepreneurship

39:33 Final thoughts

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“You have to know yourself well,” says Tim Yap, the co-founder and CEO of events and PR agency, Yaparazzi, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Filipino Chinese shares his incredible career through showbiz to events and PR, why he’s passionate about putting the Philippines on the world stage and why knowing yourself is key to being a better networker. 

Show notes

00:00 Introduction 

02:33 Tim Yap's early life and career

05:09 Journey int theatre and acting

09:20 Transition to hosting and event production

19:28 Building Yaparazzi events and PR

25:00 Tim Yap's networking and party tips

27:34 Challenges and positivity in business

33:03 Final thoughts

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“I wanted to do something so hard that people could not ever talk shit to me ever again,” says Gene Yu, co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Blackpanda, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Taiwanese American shares the scary hostage rescue of a family friend that got him into cybersecurity, why military school was more traumatising than war and why Asian founders should holiday in Europe if they really want a break. 

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction to Crazy Smart Asia

00:22 Meet Gene Yu

01:07 Quick fire questions

04:06 Gene Yu's childhood and early influences

14:48 The West Point experience

22:11 Transition to civilian life

29:45 A life-changing decision

30:30 The rescue mission that changed everything

32:59 From the military to cybersecurity

34:24 Building Blackpanda

36:57 The evolution of cybersecurity

43:16 Setbacks and insights

54:02 The importance of relationships

55:20 Final thoughts

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“Innovation is supposed to be fun,” says Vince Siu, founder and CEO of Press Start Academy and Press Start Studios, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Siu shares why education needs a shake up, how his business started as “board game socials” he hosted for friends and how he navigates being an introverted CEO.

Show notes:

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Vince Siu: gamifying education

01:17 Quickfire questions

02:49 Vince's childhood and early influences

04:24 From business school to board games

07:00 The birth of PressStart Academy

14:19 Challenges and setbacks

20:37 Launching Fiero and future plans

29:11 Reflections on leadership and being a solo founder

34:39 Final thoughts

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“We want them to be masterful, to look like superstars,” says Tryke Gutierrez, the co-founder and CEO of Tier One Entertainment, an esports and entertainment company, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Gutierrez shares why he’s inspired by the K-pop business model, how leadership is the only truly scalable element in business and how his approach to life is a blend of Japanese and Filipino cultures. 

00:00 Introduction to Crazy Smart Asia

00:37 Meet Tryke Gutierrez: from gamer to entrepreneur

01:21 Quickfire questions

02:08 Early life and influences

03:40 Gaming and cultural influences 

06:56 Inspirations and mentors

10:05 Strategic career moves 

16:15 Challenges in managing young talent

17:23 Guiding young talents

18:04 Handling disappointments 

19:23 The free-spirited nature of young talent

19:59 Mental health in esports

21:36 Building a dynasty

22:33 Rest and recovery for players

24:11 Balancing business with passion

25:55 Adapting to changing times

27:10 The K-Pop business model in esports

33:32 The reality behind the scenes

36:20 Final thoughts and reflections

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This week, we pick out five inspiring quotes from the guests of season nine of Crazy Smart Asia. From being at peace with fear and failure to how to create viral social content, these insights can help you build a better world, better business or better you.

If you enjoyed these short clips, why not go back and listen to the full episodes: 

• Fighting fear and finding peace, with former UFC fighter Ramona Pascual 
• How to create viral social content, with TikTok’s “Lumpia Queen” Abi Marquez
• Olympic athlete Loh Kean Yew on his climb to the top
• Life as a space nutritionist and humanitarian, according to Kristine Jane Atienza 
• Bringing healthcare to half of the world without it, with Reach52’s Edward Booty

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