PODCAST · education
The Thriving Misfits
by Fyiona Yong
Welcome to The Thriving Misfits…a space for anyone who’s ever felt like a square peg in a round hole.Here, we turn that feeling into strength. Through honest conversations, our guests share what it really takes to challenge expectations, navigate different worlds, and find where you belong.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit… you’re in the right place.Come as you are. Own your difference. Subscribe and thrive with us!
Episodes
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S3E9: Alena Ipanova - The Art of Building Range
What if “home” isn’t where you were born but where you feel most like yourself? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong sits down with Alena Ipanova, a culture expert whose life challenges the idea that identity must be tied to one country, one culture, or one definition of…
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S3E7: Ivan Ng - The Visibility Gap
Why do so many high-performing Asian professionals stay overlooked despite doing everything “right”? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong sits down with Ivan Ng, a senior supply chain leader with 14 years of experience across APAC, having worked with global brands such as Sephora,...
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S3E6: Curtis Baker - Storytelling as a Bridge
What happens when you spend your life feeling like an outsider and discover that it's actually your greatest leadership strength? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Curtis Baker, a DEI leader and advocate based in Asia, to explore what it means to lead across cultures while...
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S3E5: Charissa Tan - Redefining Strength for Women
What if the thing that makes you different is exactly what makes you successful? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Charissa Tan, fitness entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of one of Penang's fastest-growing fitness communities. Carissa shares her unconventional...
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S3E4: Belinda Esterhammer - The Cost of Being the Bridge
What if your greatest strength is the very thing that once made you feel like you didn't belong? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Belinda Esterhammer, CEO of The DO Asia, social innovator, educator, and community leader, to explore what it means to be a bridge between...
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S3E3: Vanessa Iloste - The Strength of Quiet Leadership
What does it really mean to lead across cultures, identities, and expectations? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Vanessa Iloste shares her journey from France to Asia and the lessons she’s learned about connection, creativity, and the hidden work of bridging different worlds. A powerful...
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S3E2: Fuji Sartono - Seen as Asian, Shaped by the World
What does it really mean to lead across cultures? In this episode, Fuji Sartono shares how growing up as a diplomat’s child shaped his perspective on identity, adaptability, and leadership. Moving between countries and cultures, he learned early on what it feels like to belong everywhere and...
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S3E1: Desmond Chen - Asian Leadership, Reimagined
Most leadership advice is built on Western norms but what if Asia’s real leadership power has been overlooked all along? In this bold Season 3 opener of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong sits down with Desmond Chan - Head of Business Partnering for SEA at Arup - to challenge conventional…
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S2E20: Mary Oxley - Stronger Together
For the grand finale of Season 2, Fyiona sits down with Mary Oxley, Vice President at DHL, for a heartfelt conversation on what true sisterhood in leadership really means. Mary shares powerful insights on the impact of women supporting women by lifting each other higher, creating space for...
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S2E19: Mel Leow - Catalyst for Change
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Mel Leow, Master Certified Coach and founder of Catalyst Coach, about what truly defines success in coaching. They explore whether credentials still matter, how coaches can stay authentic in a changing world, and why courage and...
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S2E18 - Paul Morris: Relearn. Refocus. Reinvent
In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Paul Morris, VP of Learning at Eagle’s Flight and a global facilitator with over 20 years of experience shaping leaders and cultures around the world. Paul shares his remarkable journey of reinvention in his 40s—from...
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S2E17: Jackie Dela Cruz - The Heart of Leadership
In this episode, host Fyiona Yong sits down with Jackie Dela Cruz, Managing Director of SmartAge Solutions and one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” recognized by FWN. With a 20-year career at Shell and now shaping the future of smart living through innovation and technology,...
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S2E16: Kai Ng - Hospitality - Shaken & Stirred
Today’s guest is Kai Ng, Bar Manager at Hong Kong’s award-winning Quinary. Born in Germany but quick-witted like a true Hong Konger, Kai has hospitality in his blood and a natural gift for blending showmanship, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind the bar. In this episode, he shares his journey...
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S2E15: Mary Foxworth - Redefining Inclusive Intimacy
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona sits down with Mary Foxworth—an inclusive intimacy educator and founder of the Foxworth Institute. Mary opens up about her bold journey from corporate life to pioneering conversations around sexual health, intimacy, and relationships. Together, they...
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S2E14: Sian Crossley - Breaking the Cycle
What happens when you begin to question the emotional safety of your childhood—and start the work of healing? In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by Sian Crossley, a UK-qualified psychotherapist, trauma-informed coach, and founder of Break the Cycle Coaching. Sian supports adults who...
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S2E13: Chris Gruen - Belonging Beyond Borders
Welcome to The Thriving Misfits—a podcast that celebrates those who don’t fit the mold. In this episode, Fyiona Yong speaks with Chris, Co-Managing Director at NovAzure, about his journey from Shell to sustainable entrepreneurship. Born to German and Chinese-Brazilian parents, Chris shares how...
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S2E12: Vicky South - Stories of a Modern Nomad
Host Fyiona Yong sits down with Vicky South: solo traveler, entrepreneur, and community builder who has lived and worked across Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, and now Argentina. Vicky shares powerful stories about cultivating courage through solo travel, redefining professional identity, and creating...
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S2E11 Part 2: Qi Zhai-McCartney - Infertility and The Quiet Struggles We Don’t Talk About
Part 2: In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness. Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and...
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S2E11 Part 1: Qi Zhai-McCartney - Infertility and The Quiet Struggles We Don’t Talk About
Part 1: In this episode, I’m joined by Qi Zhai-McCartney - a Couples Therapist, Coach, and former finance professional whose journey spans eight countries and careers from Wall Street to wellness. Now based in Singapore, Qi shares her personal IVF story and insights on ambition, identity, and...
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S2E10 Caleb Low - Reinventing Identity & Impact
In this powerful episode, Fyiona Yong is joined by The Brand Coach, Caleb Low—founder of the #RippleEffectMethod. Caleb shares his deeply personal journey of leaving behind his established reputation in Singapore to support his wife’s career in Malaysia, and what it took to rebuild his brand and...
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S2E9: Jane Ngugi - Thriving Across Cultures
In this episode, host Fyiona Yong speaks with global leader Jane Ngugi, whose dynamic career has spanned Kenya, Geneva, Dubai, Korea, and Singapore. Jane shares how her multicultural journey shaped her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the personal lessons that helped her…
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S2E8: Sam Lau - Building Loyalty from the Inside Out
What does it really take to create a workplace where people feel valued, engaged, and inspired to stay? In this episode, Fyiona Yong sits down with Sam Lau, founder of Total Loyalty Company (TLC), to explore the power of employee engagement, wellness, and building loyalty from within. With over…
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S2E7: Janet Ledger -From Working-Class Roots to C-Suite Wisdom
In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits, I am sitting down with Janet Ledger, CEO of Community Business, to explore the power of social mobility. From her working-class roots to executive leadership, Janet shares her journey, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and her mission to…
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S2E6: Jeff Rotmeyer - Creating a World Where Everyone Thrives
In this episode, I welcome Jeff Rotmeyer, founder of ImpactHK and Love 21 Foundation, who has dedicated his life to empowering individuals facing homelessness, Down syndrome, and autism. Jeff shares his inspiring journey, the challenges of driving social change, and the power of community in...
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S2E5: Wanjiku Gichohi - Minority Voices, Major Impact
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, host Fyiona Yong sits down with Dr. Wanjiku Gichohi, a public health nutrition researcher whose career spans eight countries and countless impactful projects addressing food insecurity. Wanjiku opens up about navigating her career as a minority and an...
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S2E4 Part 2: Michelle Mah - Mind Over Matter: Overcoming Disordered Eating & Workplace Pressure
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Michelle Mah, a mindfulness practitioner whose journey began through her struggles with disordered eating and corporate burnout. Michelle shares how she broke free from the cycle of excessive ‘doing’ and embraced mindfulness…
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S2E4 Part 1: Michelle Mah - Mind Over Matter: Overcoming Disordered Eating & Workplace Pressure
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Michelle Mah, a mindfulness practitioner whose journey began through her struggles with disordered eating and corporate burnout. Michelle shares how she broke free from the cycle of excessive ‘doing’ and embraced mindfulness…
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S2E3: Emily Tan - Beyond Survival: The Untold Journey of Cancer Recovery
In this powerful episode of The Thriving Misfits, host Fyiona Yong speaks with Emily Tan, a wellness visionary and cancer survivor, about the often-overlooked journey of recovery after treatment. Emily shares her personal experiences with early menopause, resilience, and redefining wellness on…
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S2E2: Marga Laurel - Breaking the Stigma and Embracing Neurodiversity
Join The Thriving Misfits as host Fyiona Yong chats with Marga Laurel, a leader in employer branding at Ciena and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity. Marga shares her journey with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, her efforts to foster inclusive workplaces, and tips for thriving as a...
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S2E1: Helen Corke - Blending Energy and Strategy
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Helen Corke, a seasoned recruiter and passionate DEI advocate, to explore the intersection of intuition, leadership, and diversity. Helen shares her journey of blending energy work with business strategy, insights on hiring for inclusive...
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Episode #20: Brian Henderson - Beyond Stereotypes and Redefining Strength
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we are speaking with Brian Henderson, an award-winning advocate for mental health, wellness, and DEI. Brian shares his journey of creating safe spaces for emotional vulnerability, especially for men, and fostering empathy, inclusion, and psychological...
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Episode #19: Anja Elstner - Making Art Accessible
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," host Fyiona Yong chats with Anja Elstner, a global leader and artist. Anja shares her journey from leading multinational teams to rediscovering her passion for art during the pandemic. Tune in to hear how she turned recycled cardboard into creative...
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Episode #18: Eleanor Johnson & Nadiah Hanim Abdul Latif - Rare but Resilient: Celebrating Diversity Through the Lens of Rare Disorders
In this episode of *The Thriving Misfits*, I’m joined by two inspiring women making a difference in the world of rare diseases. Nadiah, with over 20 years of experience in corporate, NGO, and humanitarian work, is a passionate advocate for sustainability, social impact, and human rights. As...
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Episode #17: Tina Arcilla - Transforming Diversity into Strength
In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, we sit down with Tina Arcilla, a leading advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in APAC. Currently driving DEI initiatives at Manulife, Tina's career has spanned over a decade, including her impactful role at Community Business' Diversity and...
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Episode #16: Greg & Natalie Solomon - Empowering Diverse Voices
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," I welcome Greg Solomon and his daughter Natalie. Greg, an actuary and consultant in insurtech and healthtech, shares his journey from South Africa to Hong Kong, highlighting his diverse heritage and global career. Natalie, at nearly 8 years old…
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Episode #15: Eugene Seah - From Corporate Zombie to Abundance Coach
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we delve into the transformative journey of Eugene Seah, who transitioned from a corporate career to becoming an Abundance Coach after a personal crisis. Eugene shares how his setback led him to discover his life's purpose and how he now empowers others…
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Episode #14: Jessica Chan - Redefining Health: Inclusive Nutrition for Every Body
This week, we’re excited to feature Jessica Chan, a seasoned Dietitian from Vancouver with over 8 years of experience in nutritional therapy and education. Jessica’s approach challenges the one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing personalized, sustainable health solutions. In this episode, Jessica...
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Episode #13: Nikki Phinyapincha - From Words to Action: Championing LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Join us as we explore Nikki's inspiring story and her mission to build a truly inclusive and sustainable workforce. From navigating intercultural dynamics to championing transgender professional leadership, Nikki shares invaluable tips and strategies for turning differences into strengths. Listen...
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Episode #12: Liz Bradford - From Barnyards to Boardrooms
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," we delve into the remarkable journey of Liz Bradford, whose life has spanned from humble beginnings on a UK farm to influential leadership roles across three continents. Liz shares her insights on leadership, resilience, and thriving in a rapidly…
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Episode #11: AJ Kulatunga - Inclusive Innovation with Misfit Magic
Our guest today is AJ Kulatunga. Born and raised in Australia to Sri Lankan parents, AJ brings a uniquely diverse global perspective, enriching his approach to leadership and innovation. As a former Young Achiever of the Year with an entrepreneurial career spanning two decades in business and...
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Episode #10: Mukta Arya - Embracing Personal Style in an Inclusive Workplaces
This episode features Mukta Arya, CHRO at Société Générale, who brings extensive leadership in Human Resources to the conversation. Mukta's strategic initiatives have significantly shaped organizational culture, fostering environments where individuality is celebrated and nurtured. Tune in as…
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Episode #9: Lyn Lee - Storytelling for inclusive Change
Today we're joined by Lyn Lee, a collaborative and forward-thinking professional renowned for her unique perspective and objective mindset. With a background spanning government and private sectors, Lyn leads global diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for a FTSE 100 company, making her a...
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Episode #8: Debbie Mannas - The Sound of Belonging
In this episode, I am joined by Debbie Mannas, an award-winning HR strategist and diversity advocate. From her childhood as a Third Culture Kid to her leadership in DEI, Debbie's journey is marked by innovation and empowerment. Tune in as we explore her insights on navigating cultural…
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Episode #7: Ray Liew - Fitness, AI, and Cultural Fusion
In this episode, we'll explore Ray Liew's journey, his approach to integrating data and AI into everyday solutions. We'll also delve into how his "banana" identity has influenced his personal and professional life, providing him with a unique perspective on bridging cultural divides and fostering...
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Episode #6: Armando Flores Chiu - Thriving Financially in a Multicultural World
In this episode of "The Thriving Misfits", I am chatting with Armando Flores Chiu, a Mexican-born financial advisor with a passion for cross-cultural communication. Armando shares his journey from studying in Canada, Paris, and Hong Kong to working in Shanghai, highlighting how his diverse...
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Episode #5: Alicia Lui - Beyond Tokenism in Sports
On this episode of "The Thriving Misfits," I am speaking with Alicia Lui, founder of Women in Sports Empowered Hong Kong (WISE). Alicia is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, gender equality, and sports empowerment, using sports to boost leadership skills for women and girls.…
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Episode #4: Jimmy Lai - Awakening Pride Through MBA
In this episode, we'll delve into Jimmy's inspiring story, exploring his insights on diversity, inclusion, and the intersectionality of identity in the evolving landscapes of education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Jimmy's journey is marked by his passion for innovation and a deep commitment...
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Episode #3: JaneRose Gatobu - The Journey of a Misfit Entrepreneur
In this episode, we explore Janerose's insights on business transformation, her personal journey, and how she leverages her identity to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our paths first crossed when Janerose was planning to organize a Millennial Conference in Kenya and invited me to be…
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Episode #2: Stef Teng - Driving Inclusion across Industries
In today's episode, we're joined by Stef Teng, a Diversity & Talent Management specialist with extensive experience in financial services, insurance, and entertainment. Stef is a resilient change maker dedicated to fostering inclusion and driving impact through strategic partnerships. Join us as…
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Episode #1: Sudesh T - From Misfit to Leader: Championing Inclusion in the Workplace
In our Pilot Episode, I am speaking with Sudesh T, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience across various industries. Sudesh is not just a business and culture change expert; he's a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently leading the DEI global agenda...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Thriving Misfits…a space for anyone who’s ever felt like a square peg in a round hole.Here, we turn that feeling into strength. Through honest conversations, our guests share what it really takes to challenge expectations, navigate different worlds, and find where you belong.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit… you’re in the right place.Come as you are. Own your difference. Subscribe and thrive with us!
HOSTED BY
Fyiona Yong
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Thriving Misfits have?
The Thriving Misfits currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Thriving Misfits about?
Welcome to The Thriving Misfits…a space for anyone who’s ever felt like a square peg in a round hole.Here, we turn that feeling into strength. Through honest conversations, our guests share what it really takes to challenge expectations, navigate different worlds, and find where you belong.If...
How often does The Thriving Misfits release new episodes?
The Thriving Misfits has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Thriving Misfits?
You can listen to The Thriving Misfits on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Thriving Misfits?
The Thriving Misfits is created and hosted by Fyiona Yong.
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