Leading From The Middle

Have you ever struggled to speak up in a room, introduce yourself to someone you admire, or feel like your voice isn’t being heard? In this empowering conversation, host Zann is joined once again by Jiezhen, entrepreneur, leadership consultant, and founder of the Mindful Mama Community and Mindful Leadership Collective, to explore how we can find and fearlessly use our voices.

They unpack practical strategies for building confidence, navigating introversion, reframing limiting stories, and creating meaningful connections both professionally and personally. Jiezhen also shares how she’s modelling courage for her children and reclaiming her voice in this new season of motherhood and leadership.

Whether you’re networking with strangers, speaking up at work, or simply trying to express yourself more boldly, this episode will inspire you to build your courage muscle and own your voice.

What does it mean to “have it all” as a modern woman, leader, and mother? In this heartfelt conversation, host Zann sits down with Jiezhen, founder of the Mindful Mama Community and Mindful Leadership Collective, to unpack the evolving seasons of motherhood, identity, and intentional living.

Jiezhen shares candid reflections on navigating identity shifts after childbirth, building rituals that keep her grounded, and redefining what success looks like in each season of life. Together, they explore how clarity, courage, and conscious choices can help women craft lives that feel full, on their own terms.

Whether you’re a parent, leader, or simply navigating a new chapter, this episode will inspire you to reflect on what “having it all” means to you.

Gen Z already makes up a quarter of the workforce—and they’re not here to quietly fit into old molds. Shaped by a different upbringing, they bring confidence, side hustles, and a hunger for purpose into every workplace.

In this episode, Jasbir and Zann dig into the stories, tensions, and breakthroughs of leading Gen Z: why they sometimes clash with authority, why many hesitate to take on management roles, and what it really means to engage a generation that’s rewriting the rules of work.

Fresh, frank, and practical—this conversation will shift how you think about leading the next generation.

In this special International Women’s Day episode of Leading From The Middle, we dive into the gender gap in salary negotiations with Sharon Walker, executive search leader at Korn Ferry. Sharon unpacks why women are less likely to negotiate job offers, the key differences between how men and women approach salary discussions, and what women can do differently to secure the pay they deserve. If you’ve ever hesitated to negotiate or wondered how to advocate for yourself more effectively, this episode is a must-listen!

What really happens to a man’s body and brain after 40?

In this unfiltered episode, we get real about what men face in midlife—from aching joints and shrinking muscle mass to brain fog and burnout. Dr. Michael Netzley breaks down the science of ageing for men and shares powerful, practical strategies to stay sharp, strong, and sane.

We cover:
•What’s going on in your body and brain after 40
•Whether cognitive decline is inevitable—or reversible
•Mental health, stress, and the pressure of being “the provider”
•The best fitness, recovery, and nutrition hacks for midlife
•How to stay employable and confident in your 40s and beyond

🎧 For every man navigating work, family, and health—this one’s for you

What if the biggest threat to your brain health isn’t age—but routine?

In this second episode of our brain health series, Jasbir and Zann sit down with Dr. Michael Netzley, founder of Extend My Runway and Thrive After 45, to explore how we can preserve and strengthen brain health as we age.
The focus this time: nutrition, social connection, and novelty. From debunking supplement myths and unpacking the power of protein, to revealing why friendships and fresh experiences literally rewire your brain, this episode blends science with simple, practical strategies you can start today.
Candid, energizing, and grounded in research—this is the conversation that will challenge how you think about food, connection, and curiosity in your daily life.
🎧 Listen now and ask yourself: am I doing enough today to future-proof my brain tomorrow? 

What if turning 45 wasn’t a sign of slowing down—but a perfect opportunity to reset and thrive? In this energising episode, we kick off our Midlife Brain Reset series with Dr. Michael Netzley, an expert in leadership and neuroscience-informed performance.

Together, we explore:
•Why 45 is a critical age for brain and body transformation
•Whether the brain can truly rewire and grow stronger in your 50s and 60s
•The connection between brain health and dementia — and why prevention starts now
•The three daily habits that help sharpen cognitive performance as we age
•The surprising science behind multitasking, decision fatigue, and mental clarity (yes, we asked about women and multitasking too!)

Mike shares candid insights from his own midlife transformation journey, and we dive into the science that’s giving hope—and power—back to mid-career professionals.

You’re doing more, thinking bigger—but your title hasn’t caught up. In this episode, Zann chats with Eugene, ex-Managing Director of Korn Ferry Consulting Singapore, to unpack the delicate art of asking for a promotion. From feeling pai say to bring it up, to managing the sting of “not yet,” they dive into what really makes a case for promotion—impact, readiness, timing, and mindset. They also tackle tricky questions: What if your manager agrees you’re ready but can’t make it happen? Should you always say yes to a promotion? And what if what you want isn’t a bigger title, but more meaning or growth?

In this episode of Leading From The Middle, we tackle the age-old question: Should you leave your job or stay put? With 30% of Singaporeans considering a move this year, we explore why job-hoppers might actually be playing the game smarter. It’s not just about money—growth, toxic culture, work-life balance, and personal values all factor into the equation. We share personal stories of career pivots, unpack the myth of the job-hopper stigma, and introduce a decision matrix to help you weigh your priorities. Tune in for practical insights on making the best career move for your future!

In this episode of Leading From The Middle, we sit down with Sharon Walker, an executive search leader at Korn Ferry, to uncover the secrets of salary negotiation. Sharon shares practical strategies for negotiating your offer, what to do if you’re unhappy with the package, and whether you really need to disclose your last drawn salary. If you’ve ever wondered how to confidently show your worth and secure the salary you deserve, this episode is for you!