Ever considered leaving the stability of a multinational corporation (MNC) for the dynamic, fast-paced world of a small-to-medium enterprise (SME)? What if we told you that the leap could come with a pay cut, more responsibility, and a completely different company culture?

We dive into the real, raw stories behind professionals who’ve made the switch — and what they wish they knew before taking the plunge.

Meet Our Guest:

- Doreen Heng, Finance Head, Toh Thye San Farm; ex-MNC finance professional turned growth driver in an SME, shares her 8-year journey — from negotiating a major pay cut to leading transformation projects and helping scale a family-run business into a structured, growing entity.

- Plus, insights from our host and mindset coach Alex Loh, who breaks down the psychology of SME bosses and why they’re on the hunt for top-tier MNC talent

What You’ll Discover:

- The real trade-offs (yes, including pay cuts!) and unexpected rewards

- How to negotiate your worth and grow beyond your role

- The cultural shifts no one warns you about—hierarchy, flexibility, and "family-style" workplaces

- Why impact in an SME can outstrip corporate achievements

- The one question you should ask yourself before even thinking about the switch

- And the truth about SME culture — is it really all about family, or is there a hidden risk?

Is the grass greener? Tune in to find out!

Plus, we dive into the boss’s mindset: What SME leaders really think when hiring ex-MNC talent.

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Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive into the AI revolution with a provocative guest who’s shaking up conversations about automation, economics, and survival in the age of humanoids.

In this eye-opening episode, they unpack:

- The hidden crisis for professionals: Why your career might be on borrowed time.

- Shocking stats about graduates and layoffs – and what it means for YOUR family.

- Bitcoin, burritos, and broken systems: One guest’s controversial take on fighting inflation.

- Japan’s robot revolution vs. Singapore’s automation gamble: Who’s winning?

- Soft skills vs. silicon: What humans can still do better than AI (for now).

Guest:

- Jeremy – Growth mindset coach, election candidate, and automation policy advocate. He ran on platforms addressing AI disruption, Bitcoin ETFs, and economic resilience. Advised businesses on automation trade-offs and workforce transformation, and challenged ministries, universities, and listeners to rethink everything.

Don’t miss the debate that left the hosts rattled:

“If you think your job is safe… you haven’t met the robots dressing as influencers.”

“Your kids’ education is failing them. Here’s what to demand NOW.”

Tune in for raw truths, generational survival strategies, and why "bell curve gods" won’t save us. Listen wherever you get podcasts!

00:00 Intro

02:53 What’s your main advice for working professionals today?

14:26 How would you redesign our education system?

28:30 How can I raise my kids to handle challenges that will become their everyday reality?

38:44 What interpersonal skill will disappear soonest? Which will endure?

40:28 What stood out to you in this conversation?

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Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wish you could time-travel and give your past self career advice?

Join Reggie, Dawn, Adrian, and Anthony in this raw, unfiltered episode as they revisit their chaotic first-job journeys—complete with cringe-worthy interviews, unexpected red flags, and hard-won wisdom.

You’ll hear:

• Adrian (Professional CMO, Author of 'No More Bosses', and self-proclaimed "renter") on why his dream job title turned out to be a shocking bait-and-switch.
• Anthony (Retail Investor and fellow "professional renter") sharing how a traumatic first job became his ultimate career catalyst.
• Tactics to dodge employer red flags, ace interviews, and turn internships into job offers—even when the odds stack against you.
• Why networking isn’t optional (and how to do it without being "that" intern).

Real talk from Gen X to Gen Z: "Your first job isn’t permanent—it’s slavery with an exit button." "If the company’s desperate to hire you? Run."

Perfect for you if:

• You’re hunting for your first job (or still traumatized by it).
• You’ve ever wondered, "How did they even get hired?!"
• You crave advice that’s 0% sugar, 100% real.

Tune in now for stories that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and rethink everything you know about "starting out."

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Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise

[Connect with us]

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it’s REALLY like to be a teacher? Why do passionate educators walk away from the profession? And what happens after they leave?

In this raw episode, we sat with former teachers who dared to trade the chalkboard for new adventures. They pull back the curtain on:

- The hidden challenges: From "low-grade stress that never switches off" to emotional tolls and sleepless nights.

- The unexpected highs: Moments that made it all worth it (hint: it’s not just report cards).

- Why they left: The turning points that pushed them to reinvent their careers.

Meet our guests:

- Lily Chew, Founder of Lil’ but Mighty — Former primary school "super-teacher" of English, Math, Science, and Art

- Siti Zahidah — Ex-JC General Paper tutor (8+ years) who traded red pens for new horizons

They debate: "Would I ever go back?" and share blunt advice for anyone dreaming of a teaching career.

Don’t miss this unfiltered conversation about burnout, generational clashes in schools, and finding life beyond the bell. Is teaching still the "noble profession" we imagine? Tune in to find out!

Listen now wherever you get podcasts!

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Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of the "straight path" career myth? In a world where AI reshapes jobs overnight and passion projects turn into thriving ventures, how do you design a career that’s future-proof—and fulfilling?

Meet our powerhouse guests:

• Jason MJ Tan – Ex-Meta & TikTok AI engineer turned Founder of MemoryLane, an AI startup empowering seniors. His journey? Business school ➔ Cambridge research ➔ Big Tech ➔ groundbreaking entrepreneurship.
• Mark Wee – Executive Director of the Designing Your Life institute (inspired by Stanford’s iconic program). He’s on a mission to help you navigate uncertainty with design-thinking tools—no linear plans required.

Highlights:

• Why "wayfinding" beats traditional career planning in the age of AI.
• The #1 skill that’ll make you irreplaceable (hint: it’s not coding!).
• How to prototype your career like a designer—even if you’re risk-averse.
• Jason’s bold leap from a "top-dollar" tech job to solving a problem no one else saw.
• Mark’s "Odyssey Plans" exercise: Design 3 radically different futures in 15 minutes.

Tune in if you’ve ever wondered, "What if my job disappears tomorrow?" or "How do I turn my curiosity into a career?"

Listen now for stories that’ll reshape your work journey—and maybe your life.

---

Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when DEI—once a corporate buzzword—quietly fades into the background? Has inclusion lost its value, or is it simply evolving? We dive into the heated debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s shifting workplace landscape.

Meet the Guests:

• Nina Devouge - CEO, Elleuminate Group; A People Culture & Talent Expert with 20+ years in HR, sharing raw insights on why “optics” alone won’t build inclusive teams
• Sunil Puri - Senior VP & Head of Research; A leadership strategist from the Stewardship Asia Center, blending academic rigor with real-world stories about sustainable, values-driven organisations

Key Points You Won’t Want to Miss:

• The Rebranding of DEI: Why terms like “culture” and “belonging” are taking center stage—and what it means for your organisation
• The ROI Myth: Debunking the biggest misconceptions about inclusivity’s impact on business success
• Middle Managers’ Secret Weapon: Practical, no-fluff strategies to foster psychological safety and allyship—even without a dedicated DEI team
• Geopolitical Tensions: How global politics are reshaping corporate priorities (and what it means for your career)

Whether you’re a CEO, a team lead, or just curious about the future of work, this episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable takeaways.

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Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curious how your salary stacks up in today’s competitive job market? Wondering if it’s the right time to ask for a raise—or how to future-proof your career in the age of AI

Get answers as we explore Singapore’s salary trends, workplace flexibility wars, and the skills you need to stay ahead.

Guests:

- Ken Ong, Country Head at Morgan McKinley, unveils shocking salary benchmarks and why roles are shifting across borders.

- Puay Lim Yeo, Partner at Talentkraft, shares game-changing tips on upskilling, negotiating non-financial perks, and bridging the gap between data experts and business leaders.

Discover:

- The hidden trends reshaping Singapore’s job market (and what they mean for YOU)

- Why "doing more with less" might be your biggest career opportunity

- How to outsmart AI in job applications—without losing your authenticity

- The one skill employers are desperate for (hint: it’s not just coding!)

Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, eyeing a career pivot, or just want to decode your paycheck, this episode is packed with insider insights you can’t afford to miss.

Listen now and level up your career strategy!

---

Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.

Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut

[Connect with us]

Instagram

Telegram

Whatsapp

Newsletter

Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a tech professional feeling lost in the layoff cycle? Or maybe you're in another industry facing similar challenges? This episode of Wise Shine is a must-listen!

We dive into the power of alumni networks, emotional resilience, and reinvention in the tech world. Join us and our guests:

✨ Christopher Fong – Co-Founder/President of Key, and Founder of Xoogler – A former Google leader turned community architect, who’s built a 33,000-strong global alumni network to support laid-off tech professionals. Discover how he turned layoffs into lifelines and why "Xoogler" is now a badge of strength.

✨ Stanley Kan – The "4-job hustler" who cracked the code to rebounding from career shocks. Learn how he turned networking into an art form (even as a self-proclaimed introvert) and why your LinkedIn might be your next career lifeline.

Sneak Peek:

- The hidden emotional toll of layoffs – Why "losing your job" doesn’t mean losing your worth

- Networking hacks for introverts – How to thrive without burning out your social battery

- From LinkedIn ghosts to influencers – Crafting a profile that screams "hire me" in a noisy job market

- Why alumni communities are the new career safety net – Real stories of hope, hustle, and second chances

- The 15-minute exit strategy – How to escape awkward networking conversations (without being rude)

Tune in to learn how to turn career setbacks into opportunities and build a thriving professional network that supports you every step of the way!

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Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:

Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!

Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:

🔗 Explore the World Card

🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus

---

13:37 Which events have made the most impact in helping people, particularly after layoffs?

23:45 Should ex-tech professionals work for startups for free to gain experience and build their portfolio?

27:15 How can you build real relationships while networking?

31:57 How do you know which networking events are valuable?

37:55 How can small, casual gatherings help connect people worried about job security due to AI?

41:51 How effective have alumni groups been in helping members secure jobs quickly?

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Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.

Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.