The Dream Catchers Show

At 17, she turned down a marriage proposal to go to university. At 29, she cut her hair just to be taken seriously. And for her first five years in Singapore, she kept trying to leave!

In this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sit down with Yana Adamanta Fry, founder of YanaTV and The Academy of Love™, to discover how a girl who grew up in the chaos of post-Soviet Russia became a Singapore-based media entrepreneur, transformational coach and spiritual teacher.

Yana takes me through her unlikely journey of building a life in Singapore, launching YanaTV in 2015, and working with high-achieving women across 30+ countries to navigate something career success doesn't necessarily prepare you for: love, relationships and self-worth.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 Teaser

00:55 From “No One Will Listen” to Building Her Own Platform

02:07 At 17, She Chose Education Over Marriage

04:13 She Tried to Leave Singapore for 5 Years. Then Everything Changed.

07:20 She Changed Her Looks Just to Be Taken Seriously

10:31 Can Being a Successful Woman Make Dating Harder?

14:45 Why High-Achieving Women Struggle to Let Their Guard Down

18:11 Why Social Media Rewards Arrogance Over Humility

22:46 The Belief That Made Her Feel She Was Never Good Enough

24:10 One Question Your Future Self Wants You to Ask

25:18 The Family Story She May Never Share Publicly

28:14 Why Even Successful Women Feel Deeply Lonely

31:49 The Surprising Dream She's Still Chasing

33:12 Rapid Fire Questions 

Yana Fry | Founder | The Academy of Love

Yana Adamanta Fry is an internationally recognised speaker, transformational coach, spiritual teacher and founder of The Academy of Love™, a platform dedicated to helping high-achieving women thrive in love, leadership and legacy.

With over 15 years of experience and clients across 30+ countries, Yana combines professional coaching, ancient wisdom and lived experience to help women build fulfilling relationships without sacrificing their ambitions. Yana is the creator and host of YanaTV.

Connect with Yana:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://yanafry.com/

LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

YanaTV: https://www.youtube.com/@yanatvsg

Instagram and other links: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

Shalima Motial | Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation.

I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based Events, Theatre & Film Production Company providing a platform to artists, entrepreneurs, and working towards women's empowerment through niche platforms.

Connect with Shalima:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women's empowerment.

Established over 15 years ago, the company has successfully organised numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent.

Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine.

Watch the feature film:

DOMINOES | Full Length Feature Film UHD 4K (Watermarked)

Connect with Dream Catchers:

Website: http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Mandar Padhye | The Resilient Investor

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

Infiniti Jewels

https://www.infinitijewels.com.sg/

RealtybyDeepti

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti/

She came to Singapore looking for acting work. Nearly two decades later, Singapore’s Esplanade came looking for her to create a Hindi production.

In this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sit down with Shalaka Karnik Ranadive, founder of We Can Do It! Productions and festival director of Dastak, to unpack how she built a life in theatre from Mumbai and London to Singapore and India.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 She Arrived in Singapore… And Found Almost Nothing

01:31 The Woman Who Built Her Own Stage

02:41 Why Moving Constantly Became Her Secret Advantage

03:51 The Leap Her Parents Somehow Let Her Take

06:21 Hundreds Auditioned. Then Her Phone Rang.

07:16 “There Was Nothing Happening Here” — So She Started It Herself

08:50 The Stories Singapore Wasn’t Putting on Stage

10:02 What Theatre Can Teach You About Leadership

12:35 Why Language Was Never the Real Barrier

13:36 Think You’re a “Natural” Actor? Not So Fast

14:56 The Part of Theatre Nobody Likes Talking About

18:28 Can You Build Something People Remember You For?

19:04 She Thought Acting Had Passed Her By

20:32 Can Theatre Actually Change You Offstage?

20:58 What Do You Chase When You’re Already Living the Dream?

21:53 What Makes Indian Audiences Feel So Different?

22:56 Why She Walked Away From the Obvious Choice

26:15 From “You Need Tamil” to This Career Milestone

27:09 The Answers She Definitely Didn’t Overthink

29:01 Too Shy to Act? This Might Surprise You

Shalaka Karnik Ranadive

Shalaka Ranadive is a Singapore-based theatre practitioner, producer and cultural entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience spanning theatre, film and arts education across India, the UK and Singapore. An accomplished and award-winning arts practitioner, she is the Founder and Artistic Director of *Wecandoit Productions* and the Founder and Festival Director of *Dastak*, an international arts platform that celebrates creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange.

Over the course of her career, Shalaka has produced and directed more than 70 theatre productions and has worked extensively with artists, communities and young people across diverse cultural contexts. Her work has received recognition for its artistic excellence and contribution to the cultural landscape.Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalaka-kr987/ 

 Shalima Motial | Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based Events, Theatre & Film Production Company providing a platform to artists, Entrepreneurs & works towards “Women Empowerment” through niche platforms! 

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 15 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine.

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti

Most photographers worry about lighting. Gargi Mazumdar worried whether her body would cooperate long enough to finish the shoot.

In this episode, I sit down with the celebrated Singapore photographer who was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at just 30. She opens up about hiding her symptoms, struggling to hold her baby, losing mobility, and continuing to work through it all.

Gargi also takes us inside her life-changing deep brain stimulation surgery, an awake brain procedure that helped her walk, work, and reclaim her independence.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | Meet Gargi: Photographer and Fighter

02:07 | Diagnosed With Parkinson’s at 30

03:19 | What Kept Her Going

04:24 | When Her Body Stopped Cooperating

05:36 | Motherhood, Marriage and Career

06:43 | The Support That Carried Her

07:37 | Discovering Brain Stimulation Surgery

08:58 | The Surgery That Changed Everything

09:29 | How DBS Restores Movement

11:31 | Living With a Brain Device

12:21 | Awake During Brain Surgery

13:38 | Getting Her Life Back

13:44 | When Medication Stopped Working

14:28 | What Parkinson’s Patients Should Know

15:13 | Rebuilding Life Through Photography

15:54 | Why She Chose Portraits

16:17 | Working While Hiding Parkinson’s

17:43 | How Illness Changed Her Art

18:46 | Her Advice to Creatives

19:37 | What Courage Really Looks Like

21:08 | Dreams, Lessons and Rapid Fire

23:19 | Funny Outtakes

23:19 | Blooper

Gargi Mazumdar | Couture Lense

I’m a Singapore-based photographer, wife, and mother who has spent years capturing beauty while quietly living with Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosed in my twenties, I learned to manage tremors, stiffness, exhaustion, and medication side effects while continuing to work and care for my family. But six months ago, my symptoms became harder to control, and even simple daily tasks felt overwhelming.

My husband, Anindya, searched for specialists and treatment options across countries, eventually leading us to Deep Brain Stimulation surgery.

The procedure placed electrodes in my brain and a pacemaker-like device in my chest to regulate abnormal signals. It was frightening, but it changed my life.

When I left the hospital, I no longer saw only a patient in the mirror. I saw a woman finding her way back to herself.

Shalima Motial | Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based Events, Theatre & Film Production Company providing a platform to artists, Entrepreneurs & works towards “Women Empowerment” through niche platforms! 

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 15 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.They have successfully done Theatre Festivals & produced many short films & full length feature film.

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti

I had to ask—what makes someone dedicate their entire life to understanding the human mind? For Saima Salman, it began with one book at just 15 years old.

In this episode, I sit down with Saima Salman, founder and CEO of Rational Living Inc, leading cognitive behaviour therapist, clinical supervisor, motivational speaker, and someone who has spent three decades helping people confront the parts of themselves they thought they had buried.

We get into how a deeply sensitive teenager from Pakistan discovered the work of Dr. Albert Ellis, challenged his psychological model through her own research, and eventually earned a place in his highly competitive postdoctoral training programme—even without a doctorate.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | She Sees What People Don't Say

00:51 | Meet the Woman Behind 30 Years of Therapy

02:05 | A Book Changed Her Life at 15

07:47 | How She Got Trained by Albert Ellis

11:37 | The Problem With Therapy in Singapore

16:06 | Why Young People Are Changing Mental Health

18:08 | Why Smart, Successful Women Stay

20:39 | The Therapy That Changed the Therapist

28:26 | Can Therapists Really Read Your Mind?

33:51 | The Shoes That Exposed Her Trauma

38:50 | Don't Become a Therapist for the Money

40:01 | 2 Exercises Every Woman Should Know

42:33 | What Do You Want to Be Remembered For?

43:24 | Rapid Fire: Chai, Gut vs Logic & Success

44:16 | That's a Wrap

Saima Salman

Founder & CEO, Rational Living Inc Pte Ltd Clinical Fellow, Albert Ellis Institute (NYC)

Saima Salman is the Founder and CEO of Rational Living Inc Pte Ltd and one of Southeast Asia’s leading voices in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and emotional well-being. With nearly three decades of clinical experience across the US, Europe, and Asia, she combines evidence-based psychotherapy with cross-cultural insight to help individuals and organizations build resilience and thrive.

Trained personally by pioneering psychotherapists Dr. Albert Ellis and Dr. Aaron Beck, Saima is the only Cognitive Behaviour Therapist from Southeast Asia to have studied under both. She developed IRECBT (Islamic Rational Emotive Cognitive Behaviour Therapy), an innovative framework integrating Islamic philosophy with CBT.

Connect with Saima — linkedin.com/in/saima-salman-464882b

[email protected]

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Connect with Dream Catchers at http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/home  

https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/ 

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

_____

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti

I had to ask—what does a man who started investing at 18 really know about surviving today’s chaos? Turns out, a lot.

In this episode, I sit down with Mandar Padhye—seasoned investor, author of The Resilient Investor, and someone who’s lived through market shocks, uncertainty, and still built real financial resilience.

We get into how he navigates the market without reacting to noise, why “stay invested” beats timing the market, and the mindset shift behind long-term wealth building.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | Why most people lose money without realising it

02:11 | The uncomfortable truth about today’s world (no one admits this)

02:48 | This mindset shift quietly changes everything

03:33 | The hidden trap stealing your focus (and your money)

05:08 | The one rule that beats “smart investing” every time

05:46 | Feeling stuck financially? Start here

06:43 | The 20% rule that separates stable vs stressed lives

07:37 | What smart money does when everything looks scary

08:21 | The 5 buckets rich people never ignore

09:12 | Why cash might be costing you more than you think

10:05 | “Safe” investments that aren’t actually safe

11:30 | The real game behind stocks (most miss this)

12:13 | Why property isn’t always the dream investment

12:35 | The asset class no one talks about (but should)

13:45 | How smart investors play without playing risky

14:16 | From 18 to now: what actually builds wealth

15:23 | Why your risk appetite is quietly changing

16:06 | 3 moves to protect your money this year

17:13 | Why patience is your biggest unfair advantage

18:28 | The definition of wealth no one prepares you for

20:39 | Rapid fire truths you didn’t expect (no filters)

Mandar Padhye

Mandar is a seasoned financial planner who has been serving clients since 2015, earning the trust of more than 500 families through his client-focused and analytical approach to financial planning. Specializing in investments, he also provides comprehensive guidance across protection, wealth accumulation, and long-term financial strategies tailored to each client’s goals.

Before transitioning into financial services, Mandar spent nearly 20 years in the IT industry after relocating to Singapore in 2004.

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.   

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

_____

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios 

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti?igsh=bjE5a3N2eG9iaG02&utm_source=qr  

_____

He stripped naked on stage, kissed another man, and got whipped. Prem John didn't know any of this when he said yes to his first acting role — and he'd do it all over again.

Prem John is a Singapore comic, actor, and founder of East Coast Comedy — but at 34 he was a consulting partner chasing Lamborghinis and feeling completely empty. This conversation covers the life rules he built from failure: the Three-Times Rule born from total silence in front of 40 people, the 11 AM Rule that comedians live by, and the five-word philosophy he's staking his second half on.

Chapters

00:00 | Welcome to Dream Catchers: Meet Prem John

01:24 | Bombing on Stage and the Three-Times Rule

03:25 | Every Comedian Is a Neurotic Mess

05:53 | Singapore Is the Mecca of Comedy — and Comedy Beats AI

07:54 | Find Your Voice — Comedy That Changes How You See

11:24 | Vulnerability Is Also a Strength

15:48 | "Strip Naked, Kiss a Man, Get Whipped" — His First Role

18:45 | Six Months for 20 Minutes — What Audiences Don't See

20:38 | The 11 AM Rule: Feel Sorry Until 10:59, Then Let It Go

23:09 | One Mic vs $100 Billion of AI Hardware

27:21 | Crowd Work vs Real Comedy — and ECC's Kind Room

34:52 | From Lamborghini to "I Want to Die Used Up"

38:18 | The Dream He Still Chases

41:08 | Rapid Fire: Singaporeans Are the Worst Drivers in the World

Prem John

Prem John is Stand up comic & MediaCorp Actor based in Singapore with numerous stage, film, television and commercial advertisement credits locally and internationally. Since taking the plunge into the creative arts four years ago, Prem has been in constant demand as an actor and he's now starting to focus on bringing to life some of his original written content.

Connect with him at https://www.instagram.com/premjohnsg/ 

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Watch the feature film - DOMINOES | Full Length Feature Film UHD 4K (Watermarked)

Connect with Dream Catchers at http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/home  

https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/ 

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision_____

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios 

OnlineDietCare - 

www.onlinedietcare.com

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti?igsh=bjE5a3N2eG9iaG02&utm_source=qr 

#DreamCatchersShow #PremJohn #StandupComedy #DieUsedUp #SingaporeCreators

This guest turned selling pizza slices in school into a mindset that now runs a global luxury jewellery brand. 

In this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sit down with Saagar Mehta, the entrepreneur behind Infiniti Jewels Singapore, a third-generation fine jewellery and diamond business known for bespoke designs and rare gemstones. We talk about his journey from early hustles to launching a modern luxury jewellery brand, collaborating with names like Lamborghini and Bentley, and expanding into Dubai and international markets. He also reveals how diamonds, coloured gemstones, and bespoke jewellery can be both emotional heirlooms and smart investments.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | Why a school pizza hustle predicted a luxury empire

02:43 | The childhood habit that quietly builds entrepreneurs

04:19 | What growing up around diamonds really teaches you

08:26 | When luxury brands like Lamborghini start calling you

09:43 | Why jewellery tastes reveal more about culture than fashion

10:28 | The jewellery trick that makes one piece do five jobs

11:33 | How the wealthy secretly think about gemstones as assets

14:13 | The diamond mistake that can erase $100,000 instantly

16:00 | The global journey every luxury jewel takes before you wear it

17:10 | The 200-year family ring with a story most people never see

19:35 | The one rule that separates trusted luxury brands from the rest

20:15 | The market most entrepreneurs wrongly underestimate

21:22 | The one trait every successful luxury founder must master

25:22 | Rapid-fire round

26:35 | The final insight that every entrepreneur should hear

Saagar Mehta | Director | Infiniti Jewels

Saagar Mehta is the Director of Infiniti Jewels and a certified graduate of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Under his leadership, Infiniti Jewels has grown into a premier home-grown jewellery brand, celebrated for its bespoke creations and exceptional craftsmanship. Beyond designing exquisite pieces, Saagar is passionate about gemstone education, empowering clients with the knowledge to make informed investment decisions. His expertise spans gemstone selection, bespoke design, and strategic brand growth.

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

Thank you to our Sponsors:Mandar Padhye; The Resilient Investor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandarpadhye?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios 

OnlineDietCare - 

www.onlinedietcare.com

Infiniti Jewels - www.infinitijewels.com.sg 

RealtybyDeepti - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepti-malik-30675351?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app 

&

https://www.instagram.com/realtybydeepti?igsh=bjE5a3N2eG9iaG02&utm_source=qr  

I almost had to pause the conversation when Lilian Ong shared the moment she stood on her balcony wondering how to end her life… and what happened next changed everything. 

In this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sit down with the founder of the Her Courage Business Network, a women empowerment platform helping women turn trauma into purpose and leadership.

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 | Teaser

03:31 | The turning point when pain quietly became power

07:44 | The surprising way high-achievers hide depression

10:01 | The truth about courage nobody tells you

11:11 | Why comfort zones quietly destroy dreams

14:14 | The story that proves one decision can rewrite your future

15:44 | The leadership secret most people completely miss

18:12 | What actually makes people follow you

19:06 | The dangerous mistake people make with their identity

21:58 | The quiet habit that fuels powerful leaders

23:04 | The brutal truth about waiting for the “right time”

23:58 | Why women rising together changes everything

25:19 | The unexpected way movements grow across countries

28:37 | Rapid-fire answers that reveal the real person

31:39 | One final thought that might change how you see courage

Lilian Ong

Lilian Ong is a Courage Coach, Breakthrough Catalyst, author, and transformational speaker. She is the founder of Class Living, Her Courage BizNetwork, Women of Courage Asia, and Connecting Mothers Support Group. She also serves as the Country President (Singapore) of the Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) and is a member of the Maxwell Certified Leadership Team.

Our annual HER Courage Leaders Summit is happening on 11 April 2026!!! 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 ~ 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐫! Expect:•⁠ ⁠Impact-driven panel discussions •⁠ ⁠Stories from women who rose to lead •⁠ ⁠Mentorship that multiplies courage •⁠ A Fashion Showcase with an Upcycling theme •⁠ ⁠Women of Courage 7th Anniversary Celebration •⁠ ⁠⁠HER Courage Award Presentation 11 April 2026, Saturday Pan Pacific Singapore 2–7 PM Special ticket privilege available - Her Courage Leader Summit 2026 | Class LivingEarlybird pricing with no deadline using my exclusive code: SHALIMA𝐇𝐂𝐋𝐒

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine.

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

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What happens when you swap a cushy corporate job for the chaos of building something from scratch?

I sat down with Amit Ray, founder of CrazyTok, to talk about his bold leap from running operations at Uber and Grab to creating one of Singapore’s fastest-growing podcast agencies.

From his first scrappy startup idea in 2000 to turning a passion project into a full-fledged business, Amit’s journey is a mix of curiosity, grit, and sharp operational thinking.

We spoke about building a creative company with an ops brain, lessons from failed ventures, and what it really takes to go from employee to entrepreneur.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, podcasting, creative businesses, or founder journeys, this episode will hit home.

Tune in for real stories, not startup myths.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Intro

(02:57) Why walking away can be the smartest move

(04:52) The spark that started it all

(07:43) The secret weapon he didn’t see coming

(08:56) How it shaped everything that came next

(12:59) What’s next after three bold bets?

(17:13) Why inclusion isn’t just a buzzword

(20:52) How old lessons fuel new dreams

(24:12) Career growth has a strange twin

(27:29) Real talk for the dream chasers

(30:52) Blooper: when everything goes hilariously off-script

Amit Ray

Amit is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and the founder of CrazyTok, a ‘new media’ content marketing firm focused on podcast and YouTube production for CxOs, founders, and business owners.

Prior to founding CrazyTok, he worked at a mix of mature and fast-growing organizations, most recently at Grab and Uber. He has worked in India, the Philippines, and the US and currently lives in Singapore with his wife, son, and dog, Pepper.

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

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Watch the feature film - DOMINOES | Full Length Feature Film UHD 4K (Watermarked)

Connect with Dream Catchers at http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/home  

https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/ 

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision

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What happens when a leader leaves a $4 trillion tech giant to chase purpose?

On this episode of The Dream Catchers Show, I sit down with Bindhu Nelson, Managing Partner at Purpose Lab, to talk about her journey from leading cloud and AI initiatives at Microsoft to helping businesses adopt AI responsibly. Bindhu shares why she believes AI in business is not about replacing people but about transforming jobs and amplifying human skills. She also opens up about how companies can balance profit and purpose with AI, and why culture matters more than technology in adoption. If you’re curious about AI, digital transformation, and leadership, this episode is full of insights you can use right now.

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Is AI the end… or just the beginning?

(02:18) The dilemma AI could finally solve

(08:27) Why culture breaks more AI than tech ever will

(10:59) The real secret behind AI adoption

(13:08) Why she walked away from Big Tech

(16:48) Collaboration is harder… and far more human

(19:22) The moment technology truly proved itself

(20:22) AI and sustainability: perfect match or big mess?

(21:19) Why fear is the wrong AI conversation

(24:51) The only impact that really matters

(25:56) AI’s next leap beyond simple thresholds

(27:59) What you must remember about AI today

(29:41) When even experts lose their notes

Bindhu Nelson

Founder TCC PurposeLab

Bindhu Nelson is a business leader with over 20 years of global experience, including 14 years at Microsoft managing Cloud & Al portfolios. She excels at aligning strategy, people, processes, and capabilities to deliver meaningful business outcomes across Sales, Marketing, Channels, and Operations within Enterprise, Public Sector, and Mid-Market segments.

Her career spans India, Singapore, Japan, and the broader Asia Pacific region, where she has led diverse teams and spearheaded strategic Cloud & Al initiatives that consistently drove revenue growth. At Microsoft, she led go to market motions and partner led sales strategies that accelerated enterprise cloud adoption, while developing innovative Al solutions for key industry verticals.

Bindhu’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bindhunelson 

Shalima Motial

Founder & CEO of Dream Catchers (Host)

With over 20 years of work experience, I am a passionate and creative entrepreneur who specialises in online talent showcase and marketing. I have a master's degree in English literature, which gives me a strong foundation in communication, storytelling, and content creation. I founded Dream Catchers Vision in 2011, a Singapore-based online platform that discovers and promotes performing artists from around the world.

Connect with Shalima at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalima-motial-44aab331/    

Dream Catchers

Dream Catchers: Empowering Dreams in Singapore

Dream Catchers is a pioneering Events, Theatre & Film Production company based in Singapore, dedicated to nurturing the aspirations of performing artists, entrepreneurs, and promoting women’s empowerment. Established over 14 years ago, the company has successfully organized numerous online and offline events, serving as a vital platform for emerging talent. Notably, Dream Catchers has been a nationwide talent partner for major Bollywood concerts in Singapore, providing invaluable opportunities for artists to shine. Through its diverse initiatives, Dream Catchers continues to inspire and empower individuals across the region.

Watch the feature film - DOMINOES | Full Length Feature Film UHD 4K (Watermarked)

Connect with Dream Catchers at http://www.dreamcatchersvision.com/home

https://www.facebook.com/dreamcatchersvision/

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dream_catchers_vision