It started with a walk around a Singapore reservoir with a colleague, instead of going to a bar to discuss business over a beer.

Hundreds of loops later, Tom Platts is on track to complete a journey of 4,400 km (equivalent to walking from Singapore to India) within one year, to raise awareness and funds for dementia.

The "Macritchie Challenge" has grown into a journey of discovery--for Tom, for the hundreds of people from over 30 countries who have joined him for a loop, and for Dementia Singapore, the organisation he is supporting through this effort.

Along the way, Tom's deeper path has revealed itself--the power of connection, an appreciation of wildlife, and an understanding that everyone you meet is dealing with things you cannot see.

Hear Tom's story as we walk Loop #276 of the challenge in this episode (with wildlife sightings along the way!).

As the challenge will end in January, Tom invites more people to join him to support Dementia Singapore, and to experience this path to connecting with a cause, and to yourself.

Timestamps:

(01:30) The Challenge: Walking for Dementia Awareness

(01:53) First Steps and Initial Challenges

(04:01) The Personal Impact: Reflections and Insights

(15:21) The MacRitchie Challenge: Rules and Achievements

(23:15) The Impact: Raising Funds and Awareness for Dementia

(30:23) Encounters with Wildlife

(41:14) Looking Ahead and Reflecting on the Journey

(51:51) The Path Reveals Itself

Connect with Tom here to join him for a loop (before January 13th 2024), and to learn more about him:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-platts-18924475

The Macritchie Challenge aims to raise $100,000 for Dementia Singapore:

https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/campaigns_macritchie_challenge_2023

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

Loneliness is an epidemic.

But amongst executives and leaders, it can be even more devastating, because it's a silent epidemic.

Combine a high-pressure environment, professional stigma, and lack of support: it's a recipe for loneliness that can lead to depression, addiction, and even suicide.

But there is hope.

Nick Jonsson opens up with his raw personal journey through loneliness, addiction, and recovery to where he is today--a mental wellness advocate for executives, a successful Ironman triathlete, and the Co-Founder and MD of Asia's largest confidential executive peer network.

Listen in to hear his five steps for executives and leaders to regain their lives if they are suffering from loneliness.

Vulnerability may be hard, but dealing with isolation and depression is harder. Nick chooses his new path every day. Listen in to hear how you can too.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Vulnerability is essential for leadership

(09:44) Nick's story of overcoming addiction and sharing vulnerability

(11:02) Seeking help is essential

(19:07) Exercise for mental and physical health

(22:51) Clean up past, make amends

(25:27) Recovery is finding purpose beyond oneself

(32:33) Break the silence

(35:29) Invest in executive mental health

(40:48) The power of vulnerability

You can connect with Nick here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-jonsson

And Executives Global Network (Asia)::

https://www.egnpeernetwork.com

Nick's book, Executive Loneliness: The 5 Pathways to Overcoming Isolation, Stress, Anxiety & Depression in the Modern Business World, is available everywhere.

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

In the face of loss, individuals navigate their grief in unique ways. Bessie Yang Lewis, confronted with the profound loss of her husband to an ultra-rare cancer, discovered an unforeseen outlet—she turned to blogging.

In this episode, she shares her journey through grief, the shift from caregiver and advocate to widow, the tender remembrances that live on, and how she is now making meaning of her new life.

Bessie is charting her own path, finding joy and beauty in the world, as well as a desire to advocate for rare disease support and those impacted by it.

For our listeners, Bessie articulates helpful tips about how to support those who are grieving, what you need to know as a caregiver for those with rare diseases, and what life lessons she learned along the way to help all of us.

This episode is also a tribute to Scott Lewis, a high school friend of mine, a loving and devoted partner to Bessie, and a dedicated teacher to numerous students. An all-around funny, smart, and caring guy whose big bear hugs warmed our hearts.

Timestamps:

(02:14) Battling a Rare Cancer

(05:24) A Caregiver's Journey

(12:20) Remembering Scott: A Remarkable Friend

(18:50) A Teacher Who Touched Hearts

(24:01) Navigating Loss: A Journey of Love, Grief, and Resilience

(34:47) Every Moment is a Choice: Finding Meaning in Presence

(41:41) The Power of Gratitude and Rediscovering Joy

(49:24) Climbing Without You

(54:22) Leaving a Legacy

(01:02:25) Advocating for Rare Diseases: A Personal Journey

(01:05:07) Finding Hope and Healing After Loss

You can find Bessie's blog about her journey here:

https://scottandbessie.blogspot.com/

And the Pheo Para Alliance:

https://pheopara.org/

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

"It's just a f***ing play."

--James Thoo, award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, and one-time pro boxer, after he'd dedicated four months of his life to writing, directing, and producing what became a sold-out show.

For someone with an exacting precision with words (he gently corrects actors' lines because he can hear that the number of syllables is off) and a creative writing talent that he's honed since childhood, James argues that mental health (his own, and that of his family and colleagues) is paramount.

Join the conversation as James and I explore the intersection of creative ambition and responsibility, the tendency to romanticise "suffering for art", and the choices we make when bringing our visions to life.

Listen to learn more about the choices you have in how you use your talent and its impact on the world, and how to establish your own voice when everyone is trying to capture attention.

(00:02:46) It's just a f***ing play.

(00:04:06) Romanticizing the importance of art.

(00:07:43) Encouraging open-mindedness about mental health.

(00:11:21) Bringing creative control to life.

(00:14:09) The importance of rhythm.

(00:17:27) Envy and social media.

(00:22:04) Marginalized communities and creative expression.

(00:24:19) Supporting underdogs in the arts.

(00:28:04) Finding my strengths in childhood.

(00:32:08) Sarcastic writing and feuds.

(00:34:29) Being unique in a crowded world.

(00:38:11) Personal subject matter and humor.

(00:42:27) About boxing (and not giving up).

(00:44:55) Briefly, you were a pro boxer...

(00:49:38) The changing nature of writing.

(00:51:07) Personal values and creative control.

(00:56:30) What next? Singaporean stories that travel.

(01:00:01) What the world would look like...

You can find out more about James here:

@jamesthooyc

jamesthoo.com

His book, Palooka: 12 Rounds to Fatherhood

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

Hi everyone, this is my 10th episode and I wanted to share why I started this podcast.

Sometimes something happens that shakes your life up; and creates a new canvas on which the rest of your life is written. For me, it was a cancer diagnosis.

I sought to control most things in my life until I realised that we really don't control much. Change, especially abrupt change, shatters that illusion. Seeking meaning, I read Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" after my diagnosis, and within that book, I found the most empowering concept I've ever come across:

What we can control is our response to whatever life throws at us, and in that response is our growth and our freedom.

Understanding that the only thing we can control is the decisions we make in each moment, I wanted to create a space to share the stories of people I know who live their lives with purpose, making courageous choices--big or small--whatever their circumstances.

Sharing their stories, I hope that you, the listeners, are able to find ideas or feelings that resonate and inspire you to seize the power of your choices to make an impact in the world.

Resources:

Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ZKC6bhGhot&rank=1

Tim Urban's "Life in Weeks" post:

https://waitbutwhy.com/2014/05/life-weeks.html

Tim Urban's "The Tail End" post, about the time you have with loved ones:

https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html

And to learn more about me:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

In this episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Joyce Nazario, a pioneer in Patient Experience (PX) in Asia, particularly in the Philippines. Joyce is the first person in Asia to earn the prestigious Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) accreditation, and she is currently Patient Experience Excellence Head at Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, the largest private hospital network in the Philippines.

Joyce's unique perspective is a result of her deep understanding of the cultural context within which healthcare operates. Her expertise extends beyond theory, as she is a sought-after speaker with insight into the intersection of cultural nuances of patient experience, emphasizing the crucial role of family in healthcare decision-making in Asia.

She champions the concept of "culturally competent care," emphasizing the significance of local preferences, traditions, and needs in achieving better patient outcomes across diverse environments.

With a mission to enhance healthcare quality in the Philippines through improved patient experience, Joyce shares her personal journey as well as her expertise in this engaging episode.

Timestamps

(00:53) Introducing Joyce Nazario, CPXP

(02:08) Defining and explaining patient experience

(03:01) Cultural and family context in Asia

(05:40) Patient vs customer service

(06:34) Partnering with family

(08:33) Factors in culturally competent care

(11:58) The benefits of diversity in staff

(17:07) Patient experience as go-between

(19:43) Top skills: communication, empathy, critical thinking

(22:04) Qualifications and Training

(23:17) Rewards and Recognition

(24:05) Being the voice of the patient, service recovery

(25:04) Patient perceptions post-covid and burnout

(26:09) Nursing in the Philippines

(30:57) AI in healthcare

(36:43) Joyce’s Journey

(41:42) Dealing with heavy emotions

(45:33) Switching off

(47:53) Advice to young nurses or patient experience professionals

(50:22) Future of patient experience, at-home healthcare

(52:27) C-Suite buy-in

(53:51) Legacy

You can connect with Joyce here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycenazariocpxp

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

Embark on a journey into the realm of fringe diplomacy, where hidden negotiations and human connections help to secure the release of American political prisoners and detainees across the globe.

Mickey Bergman is the Vice President and Executive Director at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. This nonprofit and NGO has orchestrated the return of more American detainees than any other private organisation, spanning from North Korea and Cuba to Myanmar, Russia, the Middle East, Venezuela, and Africa.

Mickey's efforts have garnered him and his colleagues two Nobel Peace Prize nominations (in 2019 and 2023), alongside a host of other notable distinctions.

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Mickey recounts the intricacies of negotiations, shedding light on the years of dedicated engagement preceding each successful release.

He shares the secrets behind his ability to forge connections, from his personal relationships with the families of detainees to establishing trust with Burmese generals, Russian diplomats, and North Korean officials.

Mickey's personal journey from paratrooper to diplomatic pioneer is recounted with stories of his own moral development and the influences that shaped his worldview.

I invite you to join us as we explore the power of emotional intelligence and its impact on the world with the remarkable Mickey Bergman.

Timestamps

(0:53) Introducing Mickey Bergman

(03:45) Georgetown connection

(05:27) Defining fringe diplomacy

(15:28) The long game of engagement

(21:41) 'Proliferating' vs scaling

(29:08) Emotional intelligence in action--North Korea and Myanmar

(40:22) Quid Pro Quo--Russia

(44:00) Finding humanity in everyone...even those on the other side

(48:00) Negotiating authentically. knowing yourself

(51:30) Relationships with the families..and Mickey's hardest moment

(59:30) Military experience...and choosing non-violence

(1:05:00) Finding your moral compass and developing empathy

(1:11:35) Intentions and 'doing the right thing'--Iran and Russia

(1:24:00) How to expand your horizons and what children already know

(1:30:59) Upcoming book

(1:35:29) There's more to be done...

You can connect with Mickey and learn more about his work here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeybergman/

https://www.richardsondiplomacy.org

Mickey's book, IN THE SHADOWS; True Stories of High-Stakes Negotiations to Free Americans Captured Abroad, is expected in June 2024.

And to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

In this inspiring episode, I'm joined by the exceptional Kamil Haque, founder and Artistic Director of the Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity (HCAC) and Method Productions.

Kamil's journey from Singapore to Los Angeles, where he became the youngest and first Asian teacher at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, sets the stage for an enlightening conversation. Having graduated top of his class at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Kamil's passion for acting and his commitment to his craft shines through.

We discover the heart of The Haque Method, which starts with the workshop "Know Thyself." Delving into the profound connection between self-awareness and acting, Kamil sheds light on the importance of personal storytelling and why many people struggle to share their own narratives.

Throughout the episode, Kamil imparts his wisdom, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong choices, only boring ones. This philosophy applies not only to acting but to all aspects of life, urging us to embrace creativity and make meaningful decisions.

Kamil's breakthroughs in Hollywood and his unique approach to method acting, alongside teaching over 10,000 students at HCAC, unveils a diverse array of individuals pursuing their creative dreams. From corporate employees with a passion for improv to TEDx speakers and startup founders, Kamil highlights that everyone has a story to tell, and empowering them to do so is his mission.

The discussion transcends acting, as we explore the profound significance of telling our own stories in life. Kamil's insights on Lee Strasberg's method and the power of hard work demonstrate that greatness is attainable in any field through dedication.

Join us as Kamil shares the impact of his "firsts" in Hollywood and why he made the pivotal decision to become an acting teacher, dedicating himself to nurturing creative talent.

This captivating conversation with Kamil Haque will leave you inspired to unleash your creative voice and embrace the power of storytelling in every aspect of life. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of acting, creativity, and self-discovery. Let's dive in together and unleash our potential!

Timestamps:

(0:53) A 4-7-8 breathing exercise to centre ourselves

(2:14) Introducing Kamil Haque

(4:24) “Knowing thyself”: why it’s important

(8:05) 4 types of transactions

(10:05) Why do people struggle to tell their own stories? Creating safe spaces.

(17:27) Setting boundaries as self-care

(20:32) Why is method acting misunderstood?

(22:08) From Singapore to LA

(30:00) Breaking barriers

(33:32) The call to teach acting

(35:00) Returning to Singapore to start HCAC

(42:12) There are no right or wrong choices....only boring ones

You can connect with Kamil and learn more about HCAC here:

https://methodactingasia.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamilhaque

And if you’d like to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Laurie Charlés, a renowned expert in systemic family therapy and mental health in conflict zones and violence-affected communities.

With extensive experience working in over a dozen countries, Laurie has dedicated her career to scaling up local family therapy programs for those impacted by war and violence. From supporting survivors of gender and sexual violence to assisting the World Health Organization during the Ebola outbreak, Laurie's work has taken her all over the globe.

In our conversation, we explore the state of global mental health today and delve into the significance of trauma in extreme conditions. Laurie shares invaluable insights she has gained from her extensive work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and prioritizing our own mental well-being. We also discuss the evolving definition of "family" and the elements that contribute to supporting mental health within familial relationships.

Drawing from her personal journey, including her time in the Peace Corps and her decision to pursue an International Relations degree, Laurie reflects on the critical moments that shaped her career and reaffirmed her purpose. Despite the persisting challenges of war and conflict, she discusses her unwavering motivation to continue this crucial work and highlights the evolving approach to mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations.

We then delve into self-care practices and the necessity of maintaining mental resilience when working in challenging environments. Laurie shares her perspective on the ever-changing definitions of "family" across cultures and cultivating supportive family environments for the benefit of our own mental health.

Join us for this thought-provoking and insightful conversation as we explore the vital intersection of mental health and global well-being with Dr. Laurie Charlés.

Timestamps:

(0:00:53) Introducing Dr Laurie Charlés

(0:02:57) Mental health post-COVID

(0:07:56) Defining Family, and its importance in therapy

(0:11:33) What is systemic family therapy

(0:15:33) Was COVID a global trauma?

(0:21:31) Local impact—development work and Peace Corps discussion

(0:28:48) Laurie’s career trajectory

(0:49:14) What keeps Laurie motivated

(0:54:13) What’s next for Laurie?

(1:00:40) Scaling your impact through teaching people to help each other

You can connect with Dr. Charlés here:

https://www.mhinnovation.net/profile/laurie-l-charlés

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurielcharlesphdlmft

And if you’d like to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_

Will Skinner is the CEO of UFIT Health, Fitness, and Sports, Singapore’s leading integrated health and fitness company.

Driven by a belief that everyone has greatness within them, Will has transformed UFIT into a holistic health enterprise that focuses on helping individual clients achieve THEIR goals.

But Will’s career has not always been in the fitness industry. His professional rugby career started at the tender age of 18; he represented England in Under-18 and Under-21 sides and later played for the Leicester Tigers and Harlequins. At 24, he was named the youngest captain in the Premiership.

However, a severe injury cut short Will's career on the pitch. This life-changing event forced him to rethink and pivot his career.

Listen in to Will's fascinating story of overcoming obstacles, and learn about:

• Leading a client-centric business, and the unexpected benefits beyond client loyalty
• The keys to igniting greatness in clients...and yourself
• Embracing the 'uncontrollable' and bouncing back from an unexpected change

Timestamps

(01:00) Introducing Will Skinner and UFIT

(02:59) Shift toward holistic health

(05:34) How can regular people ‘ignite greatness’?

(8:40) UFIT’s evolution and verticals explained

(13:22) Health / Wellness and client experience

(18:45) UFIT strategy rethink after COVID

(30:39) Will’s professional rugby career and leadership philosophy

(40:49) How Will dealt with a career-ending injury

(51:08) Career transitions: controlling the controllable

(55:34) Finding your ‘one thing’ that motivates you

(59:08) The future of UFIT

(01:02:14) Will’s legacy and hopes for the future

You can connect with Will here:

https://www.ufit.com.sg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-skinner-15655932

And if you’d like to learn more about Erika:

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-behl

Instagram

@every_moment_is_a_choice_