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In this episode, I sit down with Ismail Ariffin, the founder of Trident Digital and TEDx Speaker, for an insightful conversation about his experience as an entrepreneur and his expertise in sales, content creation, marketing, and public speaking.

Throughout the conversation, Ismail provides valuable insights and tips for listeners, including strategies for achieving sales excellence, leveraging digital marketing for business growth, and mastering the art of public speaking.

He also shares his thoughts on the future of sales and digital marketing, emerging trends and technologies, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve.

What we talk about:

• Ismail's entrepreneurial journey to building a successful digital marketing agency
• The Power of Content Creation: Building a Strong Online Presence
• Leveraging Digital Solutions to Scale Your Business
• Tips for Delivering Impactful Presentations

The 100 Club:
1-Month Free Membership - Simply select The Sponge Podcast at the end of the application form!
Apply to be a Member: https://szuv34ek50v.typeform.com/to/GPAg2BTo
More about The 100 Club: https://the100club.io/

Connect with Ismail:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ismailbna/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ismailbinnoorariffin/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismailbna/
Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/start-my-entrepreneurial-journey-ismail-noor-ariffin/

Connect with Trident Digital:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tridentdigital.sg/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tridentdigital.sg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trident-digital-sg/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
Website: https://www.tridentdigital.sg/

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@joshuawongtw

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In this episode of the podcast, I chat with Cheryl Lau, a side hustle coach who helps individuals build successful side hustles while balancing their personal and professional responsibilities. Cheryl shares her personal journey from dropping out of law school to building a successful 6 figure coaching business. She also offers insights on balancing a side hustle with a full-time job, becoming known for your unique thought leadership, and soft launching your side hustle. With practical tips and strategies for managing time, building a brand, and navigating challenges, Cheryl's advice is vital for anyone looking to build a successful side hustle on their own terms. 

What we talk about:

• Effective Strategies for Building a Successful Side Hustle
• Balancing a Side Hustle with a Full-Time Job
• The Power of Thought Leadership: Becoming Known in Your Niche
• Navigating Challenges and Overcoming Friction from Family Expectations

Connect with Cheryl:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory/?hl=en
Website: https://cheryltheory.com/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5wQUAEUHdtyDROGdVUTS4w?si=b7f75dcea19f4236

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141

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In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Lim, the CEO and Co-founder of Zerest Audio. We discuss his personal journey and how he became a successful entrepreneur despite struggling with depression in the earlier stages of his life.

We learn how he and his co-founder Melissa turned their shared passion for audio into a business and the challenges they faced in the early stages of starting Zerest Audio. Jeremy shares his insights on how he plans to stay innovative and differentiate his products in a competitive market. He also discusses the core values that guide Zerest Audio's business practices.

What we talk about:

• How Jeremy overcomes the unique challenges of running his company.
• Tips and strategies for young, aspiring entrepreneurs who struggle with balancing school and a business.
• The qualities and values necessary for building a strong company culture.
• Jeremy talks about his experience with mental health and offers his advice to anyone struggling with mental health issues and shares coping mechanisms that have helped him in his journey.

**Please be advised that this podcast episode contains discussions and references to sensitive topics, including depression, mental health struggles, and overcoming challenges. We recognize that these subjects may be triggering or distressing for some individuals, particularly those who have been directly or indirectly affected by suicide.

While we aim to provide support and share stories of resilience, it's important to prioritize your well-being and mental health above all else. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek immediate help from a mental health professional or contact a helpline specific to your country. Remember, there is always help available, and you are not alone.

We encourage you to approach this content with self-care in mind. Take breaks as needed, engage in activities that bring you joy and comfort, and reach out to supportive individuals in your life. The goal of this episode is to foster understanding, and empathy, and inspire, but your mental health and safety should always come first.

Remember, there is hope, and help is just a call or message away.

Links to the relevant call centres and support helplines in Singapore:
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): https://www.sos.org.sg/
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) Hotline: 1-767
Gov.sg Helplines: https://www.gov.sg/article/call-these-helplines-if-you-need-emotional-or-psychological-support?ref=thespongeacademy.com

Connect with Jeremy:
Zerest Audio: https://zerestaudio.com/
Kagami Wireless Earbuds Pre-order: https://t.me/zerestaudio_community 
Jeremy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremercinarci/

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141

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In this podcast episode, I speak with LaSean Smith, founder of CAGR Investments, a seasoned media and technology executive, the executive producer of six indie feature films and the author of his product strategy book, "Values-Based Business Design".

From his early introduction to coding on a TRS-80 MC-10 computer at the age of ten, LaSean's journey in technology began, setting the stage for an impressive career. He has held diverse roles in engineering, product management, and strategy, contributing to the early stages of the web, mobile, and mixed reality industries.

We delve into LaSean's experiences in management roles at Microsoft and Amazon, where he played a pivotal role in shaping strategy and operations for apps, games, and inspirational shopping.

We also dive deeper into LaSean's dedication to empowering individuals to achieve financial independence. Drawing from his experiences, LaSean provides practical advice and strategies for aligning financial goals with a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

What we talk about:

• LaSean's experiences working for top corporations, and the lessons learned
• A step-by-step framework for achieving financial independence 
• The rise and impact of A.I
• The 4 levers that will help you excel in your career and business.

Connect with LaSean:
Website: https://lasean.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lasean?s=21&t=w9Il-CI8HSru3f9FT6f87g
CAGR Investments: https://cagr.com/

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw

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In this episode, I sit down with Joshua Lim, CEO and Co-Founder of Beebag, a company that is helping shoppers instil sustainable shopping habits through gamification and modern technology.

Joshua shares his inspiration behind starting Beebag, the driving force behind his passion for sustainability, and how the idea came to fruition during the pandemic.

We delve into the specifics of the Sustainability Rewarding Application, how it encourages consumers to adopt eco-friendly practices and explore the technology behind Beebag's Smart Reusables.

Joshua also shares his personal journey as a social entrepreneur, the challenges he faced along the way, and the valuable lessons he learned that could benefit other young entrepreneurs. 

What we talk about:

• The technology behind Beebag and how it gamifies sustainable shopping habits
• How does Sustainability Rewarding Application work to encourage sustainable shopping habits
• The consequences of plastic pollution, the urgency to transition into a circular economy, and how Beebag aims to contribute to solving this pressing issue.
•  Advice to people who want to start a business and become an entrepreneur 

Connect with Joshua Lim:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualimyifan
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshualim915?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Bee Bag: https://www.beebag.co

Connect with Joshua Wong:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141

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In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Phoebe Tan, a former Country President of AIESEC in Singapore and the author of "When Fear Fades Away," a poetry and prose book about her journey of healing, exploring, and evolving.

Phoebe shares her experiences as a student leader and discusses the impact of strong leadership on youth development and offers insights for those looking to make a positive impact in their communities.

We also explore the challenges facing young leaders today, the most important elements of youth empowerment, and the importance of providing leadership opportunities for personal and professional growth.

What we talk about:

• How strong leadership can positively impact youth development 
• The key skills and qualities that young leaders should cultivate
• Phoebe's book "When Fear Fades Away" and her journey of healing and evolving
• How individuals can confront their fears, cultivate a deeper connection with their hearts and tap into their inner wisdom in order to navigate life's uncertainties and challenges
  
  

Connect with Phoebe:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/phoesible?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Pre-order her book "When Fear Fades Away": bit.ly/whenfearfadesaway

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141

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In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Jeremy Au, the Chief of Staff and a VC at Monk's Hill Ventures. Jeremy is also the host of the Brave Southeast Asia Tech podcast which is the number 1 regional startup podcast. He was recognized by Forbes' "30 under 30" for his social enterprise, Conjunct Consulting, which he co-founded.

We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, common mistakes new entrepreneurs make, and the art of pivoting a business model. Jeremy also shares his insights into venture capital and angel investing, including the key traits and characteristics he looks for in a startup before investing, how he evaluates the potential for growth and success, and what sets apart successful startups from the ones that fail.

What we talk about:

• Jeremy’s journey as both an entrepreneur and venture capitalist and the valuable lessons he learnt along the way.
• The common mistakes that new entrepreneurs make, and how can they avoid them.
• The key traits and characteristics that Jeremy looks for in a startup before deciding to invest
• The Anatomy of a Successful Pitch

Connect with Jeremy:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyau/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz/?hl=en
BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: https://www.bravesea.com/

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141

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In this episode, I talk with Samyak Baid, the co-founder of Pawsible Foods, a company that plans to change the pet nutrition industry with its mycelium-based smart protein products. We dive into the role of sustainable food systems in creating a better future for our planet and discuss Pawsible Foods' vision in this regard.

Samyak also shares his experiences as an NUS Merit Scholar and how different mentors have helped him in his business journey. He also provides insights into securing grants and funding for startups and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for similar opportunities.

What we talk about:

• The inspiration behind Pawsible Foods and the significance of smart proteins in transforming the pet nutrition industry.
• The role of sustainable food systems in creating a better future for our planet
• The valuable lessons that Samyak has learnt from his mentors and his
   internship experiences and how he applied it to his company.
• His journey and experiences as an NUS Merit Scholar
• Insights into securing grants and funding for startups, and his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking for similar opportunities.

Connect with Samyak:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyak-baid
Pawsible Foods: https://pawsiblefoods.com/

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw

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In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Rae Fung, a speaking coach that works with people to turn their voices into their greatest assets and provides personalised training, workshops and executive coaching to transform the way your team speaks and connects.

Rae talks about what it means to own your voice and how to communicate your true value effectively. She provides tips on tackling the fear of speaking up and speaking your truth and navigating parental or societal expectations when talking about your dreams.

Additionally, Rae shares her key principles for mastering the art of networking, including the essentials of building strong connections and the importance of leaders creating a psychologically safe workplace.

What we talk about:

• What it Means to Own Your Voice and Story
• How to Tackle the Fear of Speaking Up and Speak Your Truth
• Mastering the Art of Networking
• How to Navigate Parental or Societal Expectations when Talking about Your Dreams
• The Importance of Leaders Creating a Psychologically Safe Workplace

Connect with Rae:
Website: https://raefung.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raematrix/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raefung/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaeFung
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6fslTnjpYjpG6RwxvO8fII?si=e113e13e67f4446c

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw

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In this episode, I share my personal stories of how I overcame different tragedies and hardships and turned from a failing student with no aspirations to becoming a top student that has won numerous academic and sports awards and built successful side hustles.

I dive deeper into how to build a resilient mindset to help you excel in your careers, in your business, and in your personal lives. I break it down into 5 simple and practical steps, making it easier for you to adopt it immediately.

My Lessons and Takeaways:

• The importance of recognising that you are a winner and battling your inner demons.
• The power of adopting failure and pain and using them to drive you towards success.
• The benefits of dreaming and visualising success, and not being afraid to share your dreams with others.
• Focusing on what you can control instead of dwelling on what you cannot change.

Connect with Joshua:
Website: https://www.thespongeacademy.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshuawtw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-wong-34a974141
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joshuawongtw