For this Season 1 bonus episode, recorded live at the 2023 EcosySTEM Asia Summit for Leaders in STEM, we had the distinct honor of engaging a very special guest, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat, in a fireside chat.

In this thought-provoking conversation, DPM Heng shares his insights with more than 100 participants, mostly women, on key topics that will shape the future of Singapore, such as the impact of technological advancements on the workforce and economy.

DPM Heng also discusses how the leaders of tomorrow must foster an environment of collaboration, empathy and empowerment. He shares his perspectives on diversity and inclusion at work, and highlights the critical role women play in driving innovation and progress in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Tune in to this exciting bonus episode of The Science of Work podcast, and dig deep with us on topics such as servant leadership, active listening, finding purpose in our work, and embracing and learning from failure.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected].

In the final episode of season one of the Science of Work podcast, we’re tackling a topic that’s all too familiar to many of us—the constant and sometimes overwhelming pressure to overachieve at work and beyond. 

We are joined by Professor Lisa Ng, Executive Director of the A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs and the Biomedical Research Council at Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Lisa is a leading infectious diseases researcher who has made significant contributions to Singapore during the SARS and COVID-19 pandemics. 

Lisa shares honest and candid stories about navigating the pressures of a workplace and the impact it can have on one’s mental health. She sheds light on the cultural influences that contribute to the pressure of wanting to achieve more, as well as where it often originates from—in early childhood. 

From the impostor syndrome to the pitfalls of seeking external validation, the topics discussed in this episode will convince you of the need for greater self-compassion in the face of unrealistic expectations, both internal and external in nature. 

Whether you’re a young professional striving to fit in with your new colleagues at work, or a seasoned veteran reeling from the weight of managing a large team, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a healthier work-life balance and hoping to overcome the pressure to overachieve.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected].

In episode six of the podcast, we talk to Parin Mehta, former Managing Director for APAC at Airbnb and current Venture Partner at Menyala, about the intimidating topic of career transitions.

Changing careers can be daunting, especially if you have invested a significant amount of time and effort in your current one. That process requires us to leave our comfort zone.

We use the Learning Zone Model to illustrate the various "zones" outside our "comfort zone": the "fear" zone, "learning" zone, and lastly, the "growth" zone.

Parin uses his own career change journey from Airbnb to Menyala as an example of how he left his comfort zone, braved through the fear zone, embraced the learning zone and moved to the growth zone; breaking through each zone in order to reach the next level.

Importantly, we also discuss the differences between changing jobs and changing careers, and what it takes to delve into a whole new professional industry, leaving behind a career with years of experience to learn new skills and explore new experiences.

Parin is also an executive coach for leadership development. He shares about his journey to becoming one, and how he has helped fellow founders in navigating through uncertain and fearful times.

If you are thinking of a career change and contemplating on taking that leap, this episode will give you some clarity and confidence in making that key decision.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected].

In episode five of the podcast, we discuss the complex life of an entrepreneur with Marc Nicholson, who is the founder of 1880, a private members' club in Singapore that brings the most interesting and creative people together. 

From bringing a novel idea to market to reaping financial rewards, Marc discusses the many different reasons that someone may choose to start a business, as well as the trade-offs involved. He introduces the four key stakeholders that every entrepreneur must work with—employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders—and how to better appreciate each group. 

Throughout the conversation, Marc shares stories from his own entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights into the lessons he has learnt along the way and the mindset required to lead an F&B and hospitality business. 

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out on your founder journey, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a successful business. Join us as we take an entrepreneurship 101 course from this industry veteran.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected].

In episode four of the podcast, we will be levelling up on a topic that affects us all in the workplace: dealing with different personalities at work.

We are joined by Carolyn Chin Parry, transformation expert, and a digital innovation leader at PwC Singapore. Throughout her career, Carolyn has worked with many different types of people, whether clients or colleagues.

In this episode, Carolyn will be introducing the Bolton and Bolton social style model, which gives us quick insights into four types of individuals we encounter at work - the Analytical, Driver, Expressive, and Amiable.

She then delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each personality, and explains how the combination of all of four personality types results in a high-performing team.

Whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned veteran, this episode is sure to give you new ideas and help you to work with just about anyone!

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected].

In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Lim-Lange, leadership and work culture expert, and co-author of the book "Deep Human." Crystal is a twice-conferred LinkedIn Top Voice, and she is the co-founder and CEO of Forest Wolf, an education firm that focuses on future-ready skills and leadership.

We dive into the Karpman Drama Triangle, a model developed by psychiatrist Stephen Karpman that describes the three roles that people often play in interpersonal conflicts: the Bully, the Victim and the Rescuer, in both the workplace and at home.

We explore how these three roles can become toxic and self-destructive, leading to a cycle of drama, conflict and disempowerment. We also discuss how to recognize when you are in one or more of these roles, by developing self-awareness and seeing patterns in our behavior.

If you have ever found yourself in the crossfire of a drama-filled situation in the workplace, or are looking to improve your relationships with your colleagues and bosses, this episode offers valuable insights into how you can break out of the Karpman Drama Triangle to forge healthier relationships and stronger boundaries.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected]. 

In the second episode of the podcast, we will be tackling a topic that up to 75% of people have a fear of - public speaking.

Glenn Van Zutphen, a professional media trainer as well as co-host of MoneyFM 89.3 “Saturday Mornings” Show, joins us to discuss the science behind public speaking.

He introduces in this episode the inverse pyramid style of communication, where we introduce the most valuable and relevant information, before going into the details. This format is one of the most effective ways of creating an engaging speech, whether for an office meeting or a large audience.

Glenn also explains how all of us can overcome the use of verbal pauses — filler words such as “uhm” and “you know” — when speaking. Instead of verbal pauses, pausing briefly after the question gives us time to prepare for what we want to say next.

It is Glenn’s belief that public speaking can be taught and everyone can learn how to be a good speaker. Join us as we gain tips from him on how to become a better communicator and create more effective and engaging presentations.

Featuring:

Follow Juliana Chan:

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (on LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/find-your-superpower-7029109571960938497/

'Find Your Superpower' Newsletter (via email): https://www.julianachan.org/blog

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected]. 

In this episode, we talk to Goh Wei Choon, co-founder of The Woke Salaryman, about the Japanese concept of Ikigai and how it can help us find purpose and fulfilment in life. 

We discuss the four elements of Ikigai – what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for – and how they intersect to create a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. Wei Choon also shares practical tips on how to discover your own Ikigai, and how to align your career and personal goals with it. 

We also discussed the Ikigai-9 psychometric test, which was developed and validated by Japanese researchers. The test comprises nine questions that help determine whether we are making progress towards discovering our personal Ikigai.

Whether you are feeling stuck in your career, searching for greater meaning in life, or simply curious about the concept of Ikigai, this episode offers practical advice and inspiring insights from a leading voice in personal development. Tune in and discover how to unlock your own Ikigai and live a more fulfilling life.

Featuring

Follow Juliana Chan:

For future collaborations and partnerships, reach out to the team at [email protected]. 

Is there a science to achieving a fulfilling and successful career? The Science of Work is a 7-part podcast with host and entrepreneur Dr Juliana Chan discussing topics such as finding passion and purpose at work, interpersonal communication, professional growth and work-life balance.

Juliana will share her real-world experience as the founder CEO of a media startup and also deconstruct the lessons she has learned along the way from building a business and parenting young kids.

In all episodes, Juliana interviews business leaders who offer actionable tips for how to thrive in life and work.