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Men don’t talk enough about the failure, burnout, or mental toll of running a business or leading in the workplace — but perhaps they should.
In this episode of You Never Know, Neil Patwardhan shares what it’s really like behind the scenes — from working in the corporate world at Dell and Accenture to becoming an “accidental founder,” and learning the sometimes-dark lessons of entrepreneurship.
Growing up as an immigrant kid in the U.S., Neil had to learn how to fit in, fail fast, and find his way out of deep loneliness — which allowed him to hone valuable skills in networking, leading to sales roles, including the one he has today as Chief Sales Officer APAC at Sinch.
We talk about sales as a life skill regardless of your role, the stigma in Asia around failure, and why vulnerability — especially for men — is often the missing piece in both business and life.
If you want to up your game in sales and networking, and you’re curious about what some men may be going through in business and in life, this episode is for you. I hope it reaches you exactly when you’re meant to find it.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:22 Feeling Alone Growing Up as an Immigrant Kid in the U.S.
06:08 You Can’t Wait Around to Make Friends or Fit In
10:29 Going Through Depression as a Teenager
12:20 Becoming a Chameleon to Survive — Early Lessons in Networking
15:06 The Truth About Networking — And Why People Overthink It
17:25 You’re Constantly Selling Yourself — Even If You’re Not in Sales
19:06 10 Years at Dell — Telling Stories with Data & WIIFM
21:43 Using Human Psychology to Influence at Work
24:29 Becoming an Accidental Founder — And Learning the Hard Way
27:04 The Darker Sides of Entrepreneurship
30:06 Startup Funding — Can You Do It Without Investors?
32:23 What Neil Would Do Differently as a Founder
35:56 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship — Especially for Men
38:58 Why Failure Needs to Be Talked About More in Asia
42:09 Why Men Struggle to Talk About Mental Health
45:26 How Vulnerability Builds Stronger Connections
50:17 Leading with Vulnerability — Sales’ Hidden Superpower
57:58 A Message for Men — And Anyone Building Their Career or Business
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Neil Patwardhan on:
LinkedIn: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/neilpatwardhan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neileyo/
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #contentcreator #trending #men #mentalhealth #health #authenticity #sales #network #networth #leadership #success #business #entrepreneurship #jobs #career #transformation #growth #viral #viralvideos #empowerment #dream #courage #learning #learn #usa #Singapore #asia
Your voice is your personal brand. And your brand is your biggest asset. Not your knowledge. Not your picture-perfect image. Not even your business card.
In this episode of You Never Know, I sit down with Own Your Voice coach, speaker, and emcee, Rae Fung for a real conversation about what it means to find — and own — your voice.
From starting out as an emcee at 15, to navigating the raw hunger for validation, battling the complexities of unhealthy mentorship, and discovering the power of her inner and outer voice, Rae's journey is a strong reminder that personal branding isn’t something you build — it’s something you uncover from within.
If you’re learning to find your voice, and wondering where to start on building your personal brand, this episode is for you. I hope it finds you exactly when you need it.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:50 Starting Out as an Emcee at 15
06:24 The Deep Craving to Be Seen and Heard
10:45 Living on External Validation: The Raw Truths
17:33 Chasing Freedom: Joining a Multi-Level Marketing Company
21:11 When Mentorship Becomes Toxic
30:22 Trusting Your Inner Voice Over More Experienced People
34:43 How “Successful” People Lose Their Voice Too
37:46 Self-Doubt Never Leaves Until You Do the Inner Work
40:51 How to Start Owning Your Voice Today
43:46 Why Personal Branding Is Your Greatest Asset
49:16 A Personal Branding Case Study: Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco
52:23 Rae’s Advice on Unconventional Careers and Finding Your Path
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Rae Fung on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raefung/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raematrix
Telegram Community: https://t.me/ownyourvoicex
Email newsletter: https://sendfox.com/raefungx
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #contentcreator #trending #personalbranding #marketing #authenticity #voice #leadership #success #business #entrepreneurship #jobs #transformation #growth #viral #viralvideos #empowerment #dream #courage #learning #learn #career #mentalhealth #health
What if winning awards doesn’t mean you’ve truly succeeded? What if purpose matters more than, and can even lead to, success?
In this episode I speak with Anser Aly, an award-winning "accidental marketer" who spent nearly two decades at Unilever leading campaigns at global brands — including three Cannes Lions wins.
But despite all the accolades, something was missing. And that something was purpose.
That was when Anser found his why, transitioned into learning and leadership development, and committed to helping others find theirs too.
Whether you’re winning on paper or wondering what’s next, this episode is your reminder that purpose is so much more than success — it leads to real success. I hope this inspires you and finds you exactly when you need it.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
02:50 – Anser’s Cultural Roots, Name & Identity
07:55 – From Accountant to Accidental Marketer
13:47 – Entering Marketing at Unilever
19:30 – Running Award-Winning Campaigns
25:04 – Marketing Today: The New Finance?
27:23 – The Shift: From Marketing to Leadership Development
30:50 – Discovering Purpose and Taking Action
36:03 – What Makes a Good Leader
39:51 – The Role of Purpose in the Workplace
45:50 – Embracing Change Because You Never Know
46:40 – Human Relationships in Leadership
50:44 – Magic Moments & Gut Instincts
52:21 – The One Message Anser Would Put on a Billboard
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Anser Aly on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anseraly/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anseraly/
Website: www.thegrowthlabs.co
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
🎪 Join my next community event in Singapore on 23 April 2025: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/1318472158719?aff=oddtdtcreator
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #contentcreator #purpose #marketing #leadership #success #finance #business #entrepreneurship #jobs #transformation #growth #viral #viralvideos #empowerment #dream #courage #learning #learn #career
From teacher to CEO of a dental practice and health & wellness group, DP Healthverse, Louisa Lee’s career journey is anything but ordinary.
In this episode of You Never Know, Louisa opens up about the internal struggles many don’t see behind the teaching profession, why she left it to build a business with her husband, how she grew it without being a dentist herself, and the surprising truths about oral health.
If you’re curious about what goes into running a health-related business, and want tips on improving your health, this episode is for you. I hope this conversation finds you exactly when you need it.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:58 A Master's in Linguistics and Speaking & Thinking in Mandarin
06:00 Why She Started Her Career as a Teacher
09:03 The Sides We Don’t See About Being a Teacher: Rethinking Education
13:16 How Louisa Went from Teaching to Running a Dental Practice
16:13 The Push Factor to Leave Teaching at a Top Girls’ School
20:44 Building a Dental & Healthcare Business from Scratch
27:21 Being Progressive & Pushing the Boundaries of Dentistry
34:30 Biggest Challenges & Lessons Running Her Business
38:22 Mouth Breathing & Tongue Positioning: How They Impact Your Teeth?!
41:36 How to Have Better Teeth & Oral Health
44:15 Partnering with Her Husband to Build the Business
48:33 Balancing Being a Mom and an Entrepreneur
50:42 The Most Common Bad Habit People Have with Their Teeth
51:13 The One Person Louisa Would Like to Have Dinner With
53:24 One Lesson Working with Her Husband Taught Her
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Louisa Lee on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisalee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisalee/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louisayue
Website: www.dpdental.com
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
🎪 Join my next community event in Singapore on 23 April 2025: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/1318472158719?aff=oddtdtcreator
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #contentcreator #health #healthcare #dentist #technology #business #entrepreneurship #women #teacher #transformation #growth #viral #viralvideos #empowerment #dream #courage #learning #learn #career #education #doctor
At just 21, Jeraldine Phneah started speaking out online about things that mattered to her and her millennial generation — even when many of her peers didn’t.
In this episode of You Never Know, she opens up about why social issues have always interested her, the emotional cost and personal growth of speaking out, and her experiences from investing to dating in her 30s.
For anyone who’s ever struggled with using their voice or creating content in public — this one’s for you. I hope this episode reaches you exactly when you need it.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:01 Jeraldine's Childhood and Family Influence
04:24 Early Advocacy of Social Issues: Why She Started
10:44 Equal Opportunity, Career Fulfilment & Elderly Care
14:02 The Importance of Self Belief
16:49 Navigating the Public Scrutiny of Speaking Out
21:58 The Real Value of Content Creation
24:32 Biggest Lessons from Writing in Public
26:56 Investing Early and Being Financially Independent
33:28 Dating and Relationships in Your 30s
36:43 The Surprising "World Figure" She’d Want to Meet
40:14 The Common Misconception People Have About Her
42:20 Message for the Millennial Generation
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Jeraldine Phneah on:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeraldinephneah
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/jeraldinephneah
Website: www.jeraldinephneah.com
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-never-know-with-nicole-lee/id1789078881
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #contentcreator #content #finance #ai #technology #business #careers #fintech #transformation #growth #viral #viralvideos #empowerment #dream #leadership #courage
If you want to thrive in banking and finance, this episode is for you. Finance veteran, Paul Hodes, shares about the key moves that shaped his long-standing career, including experiences at Fidelity, more than 25 years at senior positions in Citi, and his transition to fintech at Privé Technologies, where he is now CEO.
We dive deep into what really makes a difference in your career — how networking and corporate dynamics shape success, why mindset shifts are essential when moving from banking to fintech, and the impact of AI and digital solutions on the industry.
If you’re navigating the finance industry or simply looking to elevate your career in a big corporation, this episode will help you gain some valuable insights. I hope this finds you exactly when you need it on your journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:56 Paul's Career in Finance & His Drive to See the World
05:19 Biggest Lessons from More Than 25 Years at Citi
07:02 Building a Career at a Big Bank & Changing Roles Internally
10:44 Navigating Complex Dynamics at a Big Corporate
16:05 The Importance of Building Your Internal & External Network
19:02 Recognizing & Responding to Reorganizations
31:02 Transitioning from Banking to Fintech: Biggest Surprises
40:13 Learning Through Doing in Fintech
42:21 The Role of AI in Wealth Management & Wealth Tech
49:53 The Human Value in AI-Driven Finance
52:32 Advice for Transitioning Careers
54:59 One Game-Changer for Financial Investors
55:54 Favorite Song & One Thing He Would Swap Between SG & HK
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Paul Hodes on:
LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/paul-hodes-24a52513
Website https://www.privetechnologies.com
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-never-know-with-nicole-lee/id1789078881
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #banking #finance #business #ai #technology #careers #fintech #startup #transformation #growth #viral #empowerment #dream #networking #mentorship #leadership
Most people wait until they’re fully ready to start a business. 23-year-old Amanda Cua didn’t.
At 19, she skipped university and launched Backscoop, a media startup covering Southeast Asia’s startup scene. No degree, little experience—just an idea, a problem to solve, and the determination to make it work.
Now, at 23, she’s a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia entrepreneur. But her biggest challenge? Managing herself.
In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to start a business, the hardest lessons in entrepreneurship, and how she’s navigating identity, growth, and being enough.
I hope this reaches you exactly when you need it.
00:00 Introduction
02:53 Amanda's Early Life In The Philippines & Exploring Identity
08:47 Understanding Her Heritage: What It Means To be Chinese Filipino
13:11 The Birth of Backscoop: Taking Risks
16:18 "The Third Door" In Life & Not Going To University
21:48 Going From Rejecting To Embracing Her Young Age
24:52 The Biggest Challenge As An Entrepreneur Is Yourself
25:57 Her Observations Dealing With VCs & Founders
31:06 Evolving Business Perspectives: At 23 vs. 19
34:20 Advice To Someone Thinking Of Starting A Business
36:09 3 Biggest Lessons From Running Her Own Business
41:10 Facing Insecurities, Disconnection & Feeling Not Enough
44:03 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia: A Needed Recognition & Validation
47:03 Why Amanda Moved To Singapore
49:58 Living In Singapore vs. Philippines: Reconstructing Her Life
53:01 What She'd Tell Herself At 19
55:21 If Someone Is Thinking Of Starting A Business
56:00 The One Thing That People Get Wrong About Her
57:03 The Song That Best Describes Amanda
58:02 Favourite Foods After A Long Day In Singapore
❤️
Nicole
————————————
👉🏼 Follow Amanda Cua on:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cua?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsamandacua?igsh=MWRjcWxvYWNyM21kbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsamandacua?_t=ZS-8utccs5EjmK&_r=1
Website https://www.backscoop.com
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #women #business #entrepreneurship #startup #transformation #freedom #abundance #growth #finance #crypto #viral #empowerment #dreambig #motivation
Let’s face it. We all want and need money, but most of us don’t like to talk about it. I speak with Crystal Chow, a Money Consciousness Coach, as we dive into her transformative journey—from abuse to abundance, banking to crypto, and starting her own business.
We go deep into how scarcity beliefs and self-doubt block wealth, the powerful role of self-worth in shaping our financial reality, and how healing your relationship with money and people can unlock true freedom.
If you struggle with talking about money, how relationships show up in your life, or feel like one or both have been a source of stress, guilt, or discomfort — this episode is for you. I hope you this podcast reaches you whenever you are meant to find it.
00:00 Intro
02:48 Crystal's Early Influences and Money Philosophy
04:10 Lessons from Managing Money for Wealthy Clients
06:45 Transitioning from Banking to Crypto
09:35 The Living Hell of an Abusive Marriage
11:59 Attracting a Partner That Reflects Your Low Self-Worth
13:57 When Enough Was Enough
18:13 Inner Work & Building a Financial Lifeline Before Walking Away
22:15 The Importance of Financial Education: Start Simple
25:00 Biggest Money Blocks vs Enablers: Scarcity vs Abundance
28:10 Scarcity Consciousness and Self-Worth
30:02 The Challenge of Receiving Repels Givers
34:49 Understanding Trust & Control Issues; Setting Boundaries
37:52 Redefining Abundance Beyond Money
41:18 The Meaning of Money Consciousness
45:02 Leaving a Salaried Job for Solopreneurship
49:41 Money Advice to Your Younger Self
50:38 How to Unblock Your Money Block
52:22 You Are The Creator of Your Reality
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Crystal Chow on:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/shiningwithcrystal
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shiningwithcrystal
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@shiningwithcrystal
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shiningwithcrystal
Website: www.cosmiquegroup.com
👉🏼 Follow Nicole Lee on:
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-never-know-with-nicole-lee/id1789078881
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #women #money #consciousness #awakening #selflove #transformation #freedom #abundance #growth #finance #crypto #viral #empowerment #relationship #solo
Have you ever felt like you needed to be "perfect" to be enough? I have.
For years, I thought I had to be in control. I thought I could. I planned everything. I strived to meet every expectation. I anticipated people's needs.
In this special edition of You Never Know, the mic gets turned on me! Guest host Daria Huck leads a deep and honest conversation about my journey as a woman and a mom with a career, my move from a top bank to a startup, and the pressure to be perfect.
If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, fear of the unknown, trusting yourself, or navigating life as a woman, man, mom or dad — know that you are not alone.
Know that perhaps it's time to stop surviving and start thriving. To take a chance on yourself.
I hope you find this podcast meaningful and helpful for you wherever you are on your journey, and that it reaches you whenever you are meant to find it.
00:00 Intro: Podcast Takeover
03:22 Embracing Vulnerability & Facing the Belief of Perfectionism
05:48 Cultural Expectations & Realizing Perfection is a Myth
10:38 Motherhood, Career & The Pressure to Be the "Perfect Woman"
15:55 Rediscovering Identity Through Change & Pain
17:56 The Key Moment That Prompted Nicole’s Self-Discovery Journey
22:07 The Meaning Behind You Never Know
27:03 Choosing Power Over the Fear of Uncertainty
28:54 We Sometimes Overplan To Have an Illusion Of Control
31:47 Daria’s Identity Crisis of Being a Russian Immigrant in Germany
35:29 Inclusion Over Exclusion Creates Cohesion
37:09 Accepting Ourselves & Addressing the Parts We Don’t Like
40:26 Moving from a Life of Lack to a Life of Abundance
43:07 Mistakes are Essential for Growth
44:32 Learning to Connect Back to Your Heart
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Daria Huck on:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/daria-huck
Website: www.dariahuck.com
Instagram: @dariahuck
👉🏼 Subscribe & follow Nicole Lee on:
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-never-know-with-nicole-lee/id1789078881
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #women #motherhood #transformation #growth #banking #startup #viral #perfectionism
Everyone talks about their wins, but not many talk about their failures. Ned Phillips spent 8 years building Bambu, a prominent robo-advisory fintech firm based in Singapore. Then one day, he had to face the brutal truth – they ran out of money. And it was over.
Shutting it down wasn’t just a business decision. It was an emotional toll, a hit to his identity, and a reckoning with what it really means to give it all up and accept “failure”.
In Episode 8 of You Never Know, Ned and I talk everything under the sun – from the raw truths about being a founder, to the importance of sales, and the power of bouncing back from failure - whether in business, in life, or in a 100km race.
At 57, he’s now taking everything he’s learned about business and sales, and helping startup founders get better at it through his new venture, The Sales Movement.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the highlight reels – it's also about the scars, the lessons, and choosing to be kind to others.
00:00 Introduction
02:49 Where Ned Grew Up
06:05 The Unforgettable Journey Of His Startup, Bambu
13:12 The Emotional Toll Of Being A Startup Founder
15:02 What Ned Would Tell Himself If He Could Start Again
17:58 Lessons From A "Failed" Business
21:10 Winning Deforms You, Loss Creates You
25:30 Real Friends Matter
28:19 Most People Don't Know How To Do Sales
30:45 The Art of Relationship Building in Sales
34:26 Listening & Understanding Your Customers Are Key
37:14 Why Many Startup Founders Aren't Good In Sales
38:38 Can Everyone Be Good At Sales?
41:00 Ultra-Endurance Sports At Age 57 & What It Taught Him
49:55 Be Kind & Not Worry About What Others Think
52:51 5 Things You Didn't Know About Ned: Songs, Entrepreneurship & More
❤️
Nicole
—————
👉🏼 Follow Ned on: www.linkedin.com/in/ned-phillips
👉🏼 Subscribe & follow Nicole Lee on:
Website: https://www.youneverknow.co/
YouTube: http://YouTube.com/@nicoleleethisisme
Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/youneverknowwithnicolelee
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-never-know-with-nicole-lee/id1789078881
Instagram: http://instagram.com/nicoleleethisisme
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@nicoleleethisisme
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nicoleethisisme
🎬 Filmed at: Poddster Singapore
#youneverknow #podcast #career #growth #transformation #Entrepreneurship #Startup #fintech #Sales #Resilience
From the publisher's feed
You never know where one choice might take you. One story that could change your life. One conversation that shifts everything you thought you knew.
I’m Nicole — host of You Never Know, a…