Wholehearted Podcast

Shawn Hoh is redefining what it means to lead in an industry dominated by tradition and experience. Taking over his family’s security agency, a business often seen as an "old man’s game," Shawn has risen to the challenge of guiding seasoned employees, many twice his age, while gaining their respect, trust, and loyalty.

In this episode, Shawn opens up about the surprising journey that shaped his remarkable leadership style—from mastering servant leadership, navigating his deep sensitivity to others, to becoming a charismatic trainer and speaker who commands the room with heart and confidence.

Shawn proves that true leadership isn't just about authority; it's about authenticity, emotional intelligence, and the courage to make others shine.

Guest Info:

Shawn Hoh is a speaker, and trainer. Now heading a successful security agency, Shawn’s leadership philosophy is grounded in service, sensitivity, and the ability to activate the potential of others. His journey from childhood self-awareness to mastering showmanship on stage is a testament to how warmth and strength build unshakable charisma.

Key Takeaways:

Themes Discussed:

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Shawn Hoh: Why his leadership story stands out

02:00 – What wholehearted leadership means to Shawn

06:00 – How ego sabotages servant leadership

10:30 – Leading older employees in a traditional industry

14:20 – Shawn’s childhood experiences that shaped his empathy

20:00 – The moment Shawn gave up his "diva" status

24:30 – Why charisma is the blend of warmth and strength

29:15 – How acting school trained Shawn for leadership

35:00 – Reading the room: Mastering sensitivity in leadership

42:00 – Final insights: Making leadership about others

If Shawn’s insights moved you, share this episode with someone seeking to grow into a leader who leads with both heart and courage. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Shawn on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-hoh/) or his security agency's website (https://www.aforceprotection.com/)

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode:

Where else will you hear about someone leading an “old man’s business,” captivating audiences twice his age, and proving that the best leaders are not the loudest, but the most authentic?

This is not just a conversation.

It’s a masterclass in modern leadership.

Tune in now and prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about influence, confidence, and heart.

At just 21 years old, Kelvin Kuok has faced and conquered obstacles that would have discouraged many. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey from struggling with language barriers and identity challenges to becoming a leader who inspires others through his wisdom, resilience, and heart-centered approach. He discusses the importance of healing, self-awareness, and empowering others, proving that leadership isn’t about age—it’s about the depth of character and clarity of vision.

Guest Info:

Kelvin Kuok is a 21-year-old leader, educator, and founder of Young Leaders Collective, an initiative dedicated to shaping future leaders. Having overcome self-doubt, adversity, and social prejudice, Kelvin embodies the power of persistence, self-growth, and authenticity in leadership.

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If Kelvin’s story inspired you, share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that resilience and self-growth lead to great leadership. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with Kelvin on https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelvinkuok/ or Young Collective’s Website.

Resources Mentioned:

This is an episode packed with powerful insights, real-life lessons, and actionable wisdom. Don’t miss it! 🎧🔥

In this thought-provoking episode of The Wholehearted Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Tan, author of No More Bosses: The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment, host of The Adrian Tan Show, and Fractional CMO for HR Tech. Adrian brings a refreshingly candid and insightful perspective on navigating self-employment, embracing resilience, and finding clarity amidst the chaos of modern distractions.

From his beginnings as a generalist and self-proclaimed "Polymath" to overcoming the pitfalls of corporate retrenchments, Adrian’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic thinking. He shares how his struggles—including grappling with imposter syndrome and managing a $900,000 personal liability—shaped his journey toward meaningful independence. Adrian’s philosophy on wholehearted living, deep work, and building a sustainable self-employed career is not just inspiring but actionable for anyone looking to break free from conventional paths.

In this episode, Adrian discusses the traps of the attention economy, the toxicity of social media, and the pitfalls of chasing endless validation. He also offers valuable insights from his book, explaining how mid-career professionals can transition to a life of purpose, balance, and freedom.

Tune in to learn how Adrian transforms challenges into opportunities, aligns his life with essentialist principles, and champions a more human-centered approach to marketing and self-employment.

Key Takeaways:

Timestamps:

0:00:12 – Adrian’s journey as a generalist and fractional CMO

0:00:25 – The role of imposter syndrome and humility

0:03:02 – Marketing strategies in a noisy world

0:06:16 – Deep work and its role in personal and professional success

0:09:01 – Lessons from life’s challenges and resilience

0:17:46 – Writing No More Bosses and motivating career shifts

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to The Wholehearted Podcast and leave us a review! Share this conversation with anyone who dreams of leading a purpose-driven, self-employed life.

Connect with Adrian Tan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/
Visit his website: https://adriantan.com.sg/

Listen now and be inspired!

In this profound episode of Wholehearted Leadership, we journey into the inspiring life of Nicole Golloso, a Regional HR Director and DEI advocate across Singapore, Hong Kong, and APAC. Nicole's story is one of extraordinary resilience, leadership, and transformation. From her advocacy for inclusive workplaces to her mental health journey, Nicole's insights illuminate the power of vulnerability and lived values in leadership.

Nicole opens up about her struggles with depression, including a pivotal moment that reshaped her perspective on life. Her raw honesty about battling societal expectations and internal struggles serves as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with their own challenges.

We delve into her groundbreaking work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), where she redefines psychological safety as a shared responsibility. Nicole's unique lens—shaped by her personal experiences—challenges traditional notions of leadership, urging us to prioritize empathy and authentic connections in both professional and personal spheres.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, purpose, and the courage to live a meaningful life. Whether you're a leader seeking inspiration or an individual looking for hope, Nicole's story will resonate deeply. Tune in to discover how she turned her pain into purpose and became a champion of wholehearted leadership.

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Enjoyed this episode? Follow Nicole Golloso on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolequioguegolloso/,  where she shares her thoughts on HR, mental health, and inclusive leadership. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Wholehearted Leadership Podcast and leave a review to share your thoughts!

In this deeply insightful episode of The WholeHearted Podcast, host Coen Tan sits down with Winifred Ling, a couples therapist, relationship coach, and positive psychology practitioner. Known as a secret-keeper and esteem-builder, Winifred shares her transformative journey and expertise in navigating the complexities of relationships.

Winifred believes that conflict offers an opportunity to foster deeper connection. She emphasizes the importance of developing romantic competence through curiosity and courage, providing practical tools for building meaningful relationships. She also opens up about her personal trials, including her battle with Moyamoya disease and how it reshaped her perspective on resilience and connection.

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their relationships, navigate conflict, or simply understand themselves better.

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Winifred reminds us that relationships are a mirror, reflecting our inner world and offering a chance for growth and healing. Whether you're navigating a tough patch or striving for deeper connection, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Winifred Ling on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iwin-couplestherapist/

Learn more about her work at Promises Health

Purchase her book, Rising Above: Stories of Meaning and Resilience, at The School of Positive Psychology. The hard copy and the e-book will be available soon on Amazon.

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe to The WholeHearted Podcast and leave a review! Share this episode with someone who would benefit from Winifred’s wisdom. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.

In this episode of WholeHearted Leadership podcast, we spoke with Tay Guan Hin, author of the best-selling book “COLLIDE: Embracing Conflict to Boost Creativity”. Growing up in a family of doctors, his path seemed predestined, but his love for art—and a pivotal moment with a school principal—set him on a different course.

Guan revealed how embracing collisions in life helped him unlock his creative potential, from doodling in textbooks to shaping creative campaigns for global brands. He also reflected on the importance of nurturing creative conflict because it can ignite your most creative breakthroughs.

Tune in to learn why conflict can be the fuel for creativity and how we can all harness tension in our personal and professional lives to solve problems innovatively and elevate your career, relationships, and creative expression. Guan’s experiences and wisdom will inspire you to embrace the messy, unexpected moments of life.

Key Takeaways:

Timestamps:

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe to the WholeHearted Leadership Podcast and leave a review! Share this episode with someone who could benefit from Guan’s creative insights and transformative ideas.

For more information, follow us on

LinkedIn: Coen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coentan/

Guan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/guan-hin-tay-a757404/

In this inspiring episode of WholeHearted Leadership, we delve into the remarkable journey of Rena Tan, the founder of Inspirena and a marketing maven with over 25 years of experience.

From shaping the narratives of global brands like MTV Asia and the Singapore Tourism Board to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs, Rena shares her deep wisdom on how to build standout brands that truly resonate.

She emphasizes the values of empathy, kindness, and courage in leadership, and how these principles shape her approach to team empowerment, trust, and resilience.

Rena is a master at nurturing people’s growth while pushing them to higher standards. As she challenges the status quo, Rena explains how failure is an essential part of success and why empathy is central to her leadership approach. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established leader, her advice will leave you feeling motivated to lead with heart and manifest your own possibilities.

Tune in for this impactful conversation as Rena unveils her Marketing Manifesto—a bold yet empathetic approach to building brands that stand out. Discover how her leadership philosophy can inspire you to take your brand and influence to the next level. Don’t miss out—listen now!

Key Takeaways:

● Wholehearted Leadership: Rena believes in leading with empathy, courage, and authenticity. She discusses the importance of leaders walking the talk and setting aspirational standards for their teams.

● Empowering Teams Through Trust: Rena explains how trust is essential for building high-performing teams and why micromanagement hinders growth.

● The Power of Resilience: Drawing from her personal experience of starting work at a young age, Rena emphasizes the importance of resilience and how leaders can foster this in their teams.

● Manifesto for Excellence: She shares her unique approach of creating a team manifesto that sets clear expectations and values, providing a North Star for her team to aim for excellence.

Timestamps:

● 0:00 - Introduction and Rena's early beginnings

● 12:15 - Defining wholehearted leadership and key values

● 24:30 - Trust and empowerment in teams

● 35:45 - Creating a manifesto for excellence

● 48:00 - Personal resilience and overcoming challenges

● 59:30 - Quick-fire questions and Rena’s final thoughts

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to the WholeHearted Leadership Podcast and leave a review! Share this episode with a friend or colleague who could benefit from Rena’s insights.

For more information, follow us on LinkedIn:

Coen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/coentan/
Rena - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheerlock/

In this episode of the Wholehearted Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Oliver Foo, bestselling author of Head to Heart to Habit, to explore how wholehearted and empathetic leadership can drive habits and behavioral change. With over 30 years of experience, Oliver shares his journey from engineering to leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding emotional drivers and derailers to inspire lasting change.

Oliver explains that wholehearted leadership goes beyond strategies and frameworks—it's about recognizing and empathizing with the emotional forces that shape individual and team behaviors. By aligning leadership with inner values, beliefs, and emotional needs, leaders can create environments where people are motivated to grow and evolve.

Throughout the episode, Oliver unpacks how habitual behavior shapes leadership identity. He emphasizes the power of small, intentional actions that reinforce long-term leadership success. Understanding the connection between habits and emotional drivers, he explores how behavioral change can be a catalyst for personal growth and improved team dynamics.

More than just theory, Oliver recounts his personal journey of overcoming fear and embracing self-awareness. He describes how understanding his own emotional drivers allowed him to lead with empathy, authenticity, and heart. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode will provide actionable strategies for using empathy to drive behavioral change.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation—tune in and learn how to lead with empathy, emotional intelligence, and wholehearted authenticity.

To know more about Oliver, visit the following:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olifoo/

Website: https://headtohearttohabit.com/

#Leadership #WholeheartedLeadership #SelfAwareness #BehaviouralChange #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadingWithHeart #Identity #Habits #LeadershipTransformation

In a time when it's easy to settle for comfort, Rocky Esguerra reminds us that true leadership is born from standing firm in your values, even when it's difficult.

In this episode of the WholeHearted Leadership Podcast, Rocky, a former CHRO with a distinguished career at P&G, Pfizer, and Heineken, shares her journey of leadership grounded in her core beliefs.

From navigating the complexities of global roles across five countries to making tough decisions, she highlights how aligning actions with values ensures a life free of regrets, enabling progress without the burden of emotional baggage.

Rocky also explores the idea of homeostasis and the dangers of becoming too comfortable. She stresses the need to regularly challenge ourselves, stepping out of our comfort zones to avoid slipping into a "cruise zone" where growth stagnates.

Join us for this compelling discussion, where Rocky’s insights powerfully remind us that true leadership demands constant evolution and the courage to disrupt comfort for the sake of continuous growth.

To know more about Rocky, visit the following:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockyesguerra/

#WholeheartedLeadership #Leadership #GrowthMindset

Staying relevant at work is more challenging than ever. In today's uncertain economic climate, marked by increased layoffs and cost-cutting measures, employees are grappling with heightened job insecurity, stress, and decreased morale leaving many feeling overwhelmed and unsure about their career paths.

Frank Koo, Founder and Director of Nextplay and Former Head of Asia of LinkedIn, brings his wealth of knowledge and career experience to this new Wholehearted Leadership episode. From his previous experiences as a senior leader, especially as the Head of Asia of LinkedIn, Frank and Coen discussed ideas on how leaders can bring out the best of their team members in the workplace. They dived into concepts like psychological safety, psychological courage and how can leaders reduce anxiety and resistance when faced with change, so that strategies can be executed.

Frank also shares his insights on the importance of constant upskilling and education to stay relevant in today's rapidly evolving workplace. He discusses the transformative concept of co-learning, where learning becomes a shared journey through engaging conversations and mutual growth.

Frank emphasizes the critical need for a growth mindset in today's job market. It's not just about acquiring new skills but also about reshaping your thinking and approach to learning. Reflect on your career aspirations: What is the new you that you're striving to become? What experiences do you aspire to have? To achieve these goals, what transformations are you willing to undertake?

As you listen, consider how these concepts apply to your own career. What steps can you take to adopt a growth mindset and embrace co-learning? Reflect on your career aspirations and the transformations needed to achieve them.

Listen now and take the first step towards a more secure and fulfilling career journey.

To know more about Frank, visit the following:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koofrank/

Nextplay: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextplayglobal/

#careeragility #psychologicalsafety #transformation #careergrowth #teams