The Quinntesssential Questions Podcast with Paul Quinn

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Eric Piras, Founder of Cigraal and Creator of Confidenciaal cigars. From growing up in Bordeaux with a father in the army, to boxing at 16, to arriving in Hong Kong in 1993 with nothing but ambition Eric shares his remarkable journey through three decades of building one of Asia Pacific's most respected cigar distribution empires.He discusses democratising the cigar experience, the parallels between the boxing ring and the business arena, and why cashflow is the single most important thing any entrepreneur needs to protect. Eric also opens up about working alongside his wife, building a team from the ground up, and the artisanal craft behind every cigar from seed to smoke, three years in the making.Whether you're an entrepreneur building your first company, a cigar enthusiast looking to go deeper into the culture, or someone who's ever written off a market too soon, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, building with integrity, and knowing when to make your move. WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bERIC PIRASInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric.piras/ | https://www.instagram.com/bertie.hk/ | https://www.instagram.com/bertie.pnh/Cigraal's Website: https://www.cigraal.com/Bertie's Website: https://www.bertie-hk.com/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction(2:22) Tour of Berti Hong Kong, the humidor walk(12:49) Eric introduces himself and Cigraat Limited(13:52) Why Cambodia? The contrarian market bet(15:57) Growing up in Bordeaux, father in the army(16:26) Boxing at 16 and the lessons it taught him(17:25) Eric's first cigar, Paris, age 28(19:17) Arriving in Hong Kong in 1993(19:44) Meeting David DeVito and entering the cigar world(23:31) Democratising the cigar experience(29:17) Advice for entrepreneurs, cashflow, cashflow, cashflow(31:02) Building a great team and working with his wife(34:57) Why you can never write Hong Kong off(39:24) The masterclass, from seed to smoke, 3 years in the making(41:52) Favourite boxers, Muhammad Ali, Tyson, the Fabulous Four(42:20) What's next, taking Confidenciaal to the US market(44:16) The Paul Eric Quinn / Eric Paul coincidenceDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#Cigars #CigarCulture #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryLifestyle #HongKong #FounderStory #CigarLounge #BusinessMindset #Confidenciaal #CigarLife

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions, Paul Quinn sits down with his long-time friend and former business partner, Khush, to recount a 25-year journey through the high-stakes world of executive recruitment. From the high-pressure "rat race" of 2001 Singapore to building a dominant search firm from a tiny cubbyhole, this conversation is a masterclass in professional resilience, integrity, and the "Founder’s DNA".Khush shares the powerful story of the 9/11 market crash, a day when 20 people were fired in a single afternoon. While others headed to the pub, Paul stayed at his desk, securing 21 interviews in 24 hours. We dive into the "Maturity Gap," the ethics of a "Clean Exit," and why being "average" is a career death sentence in 2026.Key Takeaways:- Immediate Reclamation: How to turn a professional crisis into a strategic pivot within minutes.- The Maturity Catalyst: Why personal responsibility (family and risk) is the ultimate performance enhancer.- The Ethical Exit: How to resign with honor to maintain a 25-year network.- Value-Based Positioning: The art of reframing redundancy to maintain executive presence.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bKhush Ahmedlinkedin.com/in/khush-ahmed-2932072LISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLEYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/Episode Timestamps:(00:00) - The Cold Open: Turning a mass firing into 21 interviews(04:55) - The First Meeting: Detecting a Leicester accent in Singapore(06:15) - The Maturity Gap: Why responsibility is a professional engine(09:19) - The 9/11 Office "Massacre": Choosing the phone over the pub(13:50) - "The Best Sales Guy You Never Hired": Reframing failure(14:56) - The Ethical Exit: Starting a firm with honor and transparency(22:15) - Building the Team: The cubbyhole era and the legacy of first hires(42:20) - Financial Crisis Survival: The "Recession-Proof" mindset(55:15) - The "Sixth Sense": Reading CEOs and identifying A-Players(01:12:10) - Leading with Inspiration: From Top Biller to Business Builder(01:31:05) - Evolving Relationships: Turning 20-year clients into friends(01:38:40) - The Full Circle: The ROI of the hustle for the next generationDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#entrepreneurship #resilience #hustle

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Alia Ballout, Founder of Beît Ballout, Singapore's first olive oil brand and processing facility. From quitting a career in law to filling olive oil into badly packaged bottles at market fairs, Alia shares her transformation journey and the moment a video call from her mother picking olives in Lebanon changed everything.She discusses entrepreneurial resilience, the fear of being seen, authentic brand building, and why she believes the only protection you have in this world is economic. Alia also opens up about why her mother became the face of the brand, and the delusional mindset that turned a product nobody wanted to look at into a million dollar vision.Whether you're building a brand from scratch, navigating corporate environments that try to dim your light, or searching for the courage to be seen, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on entrepreneurship, identity, and turning fear into fuel. WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bALIA BALLOUTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alia-ballout/?originalSubdomain=sgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliaaaballout/BEÎT BALLOUTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beitballout/Website: https://beitballout.com/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(00:56) Who is Alia Ballout?(04:42) A Family of Main Characters(07:30) Growing Up in Oman(25:51) The Fear of Being Seen(26:57) Imposter Syndrome Isn't Real(28:43) Law School at SMU(38:15) Lebanese Resilience and Fearlessness(41:36) The Olive Oil Origin Story(49:16) Selling Alone at Fairs(49:44) The $1 Million Product Mindset(53:12) Tatler, Straits Times, and Going Viral(1:04:36) Building Singapore's First Olive Oil Brand(1:09:08) At a Certain Level Everything is Spiritual(1:19:52) Supermarkets Take 50% of Your Profit(1:21:10) If Temasek Invested in South LebanonDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#Entrepreneurship #OliveOil #Singapore #Lebanon #StartupLife #BrandBuilding #FoodBusiness #WomenInBusiness #MiddleEast #Resilience

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Maurice Gravier, Group Chief Investment Officer for Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest bank. From breaking a three generation family tradition of doctors in the French Alps, to interning at Paribas Asset Management in Paris because he thought bankers had nice suits, to becoming one of the most respected CIOs in the Middle East, Maurice shares his full transformation journey and the investment philosophy he has built over 25 years across Paris, Geneva, and Dubai.He discusses short term trading myths, the future of private banking, leadership under pressure, and why intelligence will soon become a commodity. Maurice also opens up about the moment he knew it was time for a reset, what it really means to be accountable as a CIO, and why judgment, trust, and stability will always be worth more than intelligence alone.Whether you are navigating a career in finance, building a business in the Middle East, or simply trying to understand how the world's best investors think, this conversation offers hard won wisdom on long term thinking, investment philosophy, and what it takes to lead at the highest level. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a CIO."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bMAURICE GRAVIERLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maurice-gravier-6591252/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(02:04) Who is Maurice Gravier(02:27) Born in the French Alps and breaking family tradition(08:25) First steps into the corporate world and falling in love with asset management(25:17) Moving to Geneva and the Switzerland chapter(29:04) Cultural differences across Paris, Geneva and Dubai(29:21) What makes Dubai different(31:03) The move to Emirates NBD and building the CIO office(51:13) The myths of private banking and short term trading(53:19) UAE's ambition to be the world's number one wealth management hub(54:48) Intelligence as a commodity and what will always give you valueDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#WealthManagement #PrivateBanking #CIO #Investing #Dubai #EmiratesNBD #Leadership #InvestmentStrategy #HighPerformance #LongTermThinking

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Dr. Shireen Henry, Physician & Director of Operations at MATTER, Singapore. From growing up between apartheid South Africa and Scotland, to fighting her way into medical school against the odds, to leading Covid emergency response for thousands stranded in Kazakhstan, Dr. Shireen shares her extraordinary journey and the philosophy that drives everything she does.She discusses the realities of being a trailing spouse in Singapore, losing the right to practise medicine, and the identity crisis that followed. Dr. Shireen also opens up about her own mental health struggles, her experience in palliative care and what dying patients taught her about what truly matters, and why she made it her mission to build something that changes the way people think about their health.Whether you're navigating a career pivot, questioning your identity in a new country, or simply looking to take ownership of your health and longevity, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, reinvention, and the science of thriving. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Longevity Physician."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bDR. SHIREEN HENRYLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireen-henry/Website: https://www.matterlife.co/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(02:17) How Paul & Shireen First Met(07:01) Growing Up Between Apartheid South Africa & Scotland(08:50) Shireen's Father - The First Nonwhite South African Cricketer(17:10) Why She Wanted to Become a Doctor From Age 5(22:19) Observing Postmortems at 16 (26:03) Fighting Her Way Into Medical School (40:20) Life in Sumatra (50:56) What Dying Patients Taught Her(58:39) Losing the Right to Practise Medicine in Singapore(1:04:58) Being Cut From Hockey at 12 & What It Taught Her(1:09:10) Covid Emergency in Kazakhstan (1:35:40) Why She Joined MATTER & The Broken GP System(1:43:27) Health Optimisation, Hyperbaric Therapy & Cold PlungeDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#PreventiveMedicine #HealthOptimisation #Longevity #WomensHealth #HyperbaricOxygenTherapy #Resilience #CareerPivot #Singapore #Apartheid #ExpatLife #TrailingSpouse #MindsetMatters #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions #MATTER

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Eleonore Dachicourt, CFA, Head of Sustainable Investments, Asia at a major private bank. From not knowing what a hedge fund was to raising Billions across asset classes and building sustainable investment platforms that grew 800%+, Eleonore's journey spans elite finance, alternative investments, and the evolution of ESG.But this conversation goes beyond portfolio construction. Eleonore reveals how she protected client capital during the Global Financial Crisis, built a hedge fund platform from zero to $2.5 billion, and why she's now applying the same optimization principles to human performance, through longevity science, biohacking, Muay Thai, and precision nutrition.From Paris to Detroit to London to Singapore, she discusses why banks took shortcuts on greenwashing, what three longevity experts agreed is non-negotiable, and how food choices impact investment decisions. She also opens up about why you can't build a sustainable world if you're not sustaining yourself.Whether you're building wealth, health, or legacy, this episode offers hard-won wisdom on elite finance, sustainable investing, and holistic performance from someone who's proven you don't have to choose.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bELEONORE DACHICOURT, CFALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleonore-dachicourt-cfa-a367743LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:02:21 Born in Paris - Early life and American accent00:02:46 Moving to London - Breaking into finance00:03:42 First job at UBS - Not knowing what hedge funds were00:03:50 Studying the pitch book all weekend00:04:48 Meeting Citadel and Millennium investors00:07:02 Moving to research - Deep dive into hedge funds00:08:18 Getting the CFA - "It's not easy"00:08:24 INSEAD MBA - Sustainability evolution00:11:34 Biohacking and foundations - Sleep, diet, training00:13:08 Precision nutrition - How food impacts decisions00:14:17 Sustaining yourself to sustain the world00:16:59 Joo Chiat, Singapore - Amazing studios and lifestyle00:17:15 Starting Muay Thai - "It's tough but energy is so high"00:19:35 Pilates instructor - Reformer at home00:21:45 Being a woman in finance - Maximizing competence00:40:42 Catherine Deneuve comparison - Elegance in finance00:56:10 Wellness routine - Muay Thai, Pilates, resistance training00:58:00 Oura ring and sleep optimization01:00:30 Diet and supplements - Omega-3, creatine, red light therapy01:06:45 Longevity panel - Sleep is non-negotiable01:14:30 Wellness coach and longevity passion01:16:00 BBC documentary - Nutrition's impact on stress01:18:30 Energy is the number one thing01:20:00 Best advice - "If you don't ask for it, you won't get it"Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Jessica Patel, Transformational Coach. From growing up in the UK to 15 years in London finance, to a life-changing 28-day Ayurvedic retreat in Sri Lanka, Jessica shares her transformation journey and the moment she realized her successful career was no longer aligned with who she'd become.She discusses why she walked away from 15 years of financial crime expertise, the courage it took to move to Dubai with no plan, how everyone noticed "your face lights up when you talk about coaching," and why parental support enabled her to make the leap deep into adulthood. Jessica opens up about the Sri Lanka retreat that shifted her entire perspective, the side hustle that became the main hustle, and the power of choosing alignment over ambition.Whether you're feeling stuck in a successful career, contemplating a major life change, or searching for work that truly sparks joy, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on transformation, courage, and trusting your evolution. WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bJESSICA PATELLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesspatelcoreshiftalign/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j355abelle/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction(4:35) Meet Jessica Patel: 26 Years Later(5:06) Growing Up: Jessica's Early Years(5:49) Parents' Story: India to Kenya to England(6:03) Moving to Harrow at Age Seven(6:08) Cultural Identity & The Patel Community(6:27) High School Memories: Staying Under the Radar(6:46) School Friendships: Mita, Kerry, and Reconnecting Through Facebook(7:32) The Weald High School & College Years(8:29) GCSE Science & Being Pushed Toward Medicine(10:11) Film Class & Mr. Barrett(10:18) High School Friends: Still Connected After 26 Years(13:32) Sonia Patel: From London to Dubai(13:43) Reconnecting in Dubai & Long-Distance Friendships(17:09) After High School: Greenhill College(17:17) Biology, Physics & Changing Career Plans(26:09) Cultural Expectations & Dating Outside Your Community(26:57) Questioning Religion: From Hindu to Big Bang Theory(27:24) Navratri & Cultural Memories(37:46) First Visit to Dubai: Partying vs Purpose(39:57) Being an Only Child: Family Considerations(40:15) The Decision to Try Dubai(48:04) The Sri Lanka Retreat: 28 Days That Changed Everything(53:13) Panchakarma & Shirodhara: Life-Changing Ayurvedic Treatments(55:57) Post-Retreat: "I Felt a Million Dollars"(58:36) Seeing Dubai with a Different Lens(1:01:51) Moving to Dubai: Three-Month Trial Period(1:02:14) Parental Support: "They Are Absolutely Beautiful"(1:26:19) The Side Hustle Became the Main Hustle(1:26:34) "Your Face Lights Up When You Talk About Coaching"Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#CareerTransformation #TransformationalCoaching #FinancialCrime #Dubai #SriLanka #AyurvedicRetreat #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #SelfDiscovery #Coaching #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Aditi Nair, Head of HR, Barclays Asia-Pacific. From growing up across 9 schools as an Indian Army daughter to leading HR for one of the world's most prestigious banks, Aditi shares her unconventional journey and reveals the uncomfortable truth: hard work alone won't get you promoted.She discusses why she got the role before she was ready, the SODES Model for strategic networking, and why 60-70% of HR professionals are women but most HR heads are men. Aditi opens up about the visibility trap women face in business, the power of advocacy over merit, and the structured approach to building influence that took her from compensation specialist to regional HR leader.Whether you're navigating corporate politics, building your professional network, or trying to break through the glass ceiling, this conversation offers battle-tested wisdom on career advancement, strategic relationships, and what it really takes to succeed in Asia-Pacific's competitive business landscape.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bADITI NAIRLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditi-mahadevan-nair-a7762a4/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_careers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction: The Truth About Getting Promoted(1:53) Meet Aditi Nair: Head of HR, Barclays Asia-Pacific(3:39) Growing Up in the Indian Army: 9 Schools, Adaptability & Resilience(7:13) Choosing Accounting Over Engineering: Going Against the Grain in India(9:56) The MBA That Found Her a Career and a Husband(12:44) Who You Marry Is Your Most Important Career Decision(13:05) First Job: Joining an Indian Telecom Giant(13:42) Joining Citibank: 17.5 Years at the Best Training Ground in Banking(15:37) What Citi Really Taught Her: Risk, People & Accountability(17:28) First Role at Citi: HR Business Partner for Consumer & Wealth(19:13) Engagement & Retention: It's Not Just About Keeping People Happy(19:59) Stay Interviews: Why Exit Interviews Are Already Too Late(21:48) Sponsorship vs Mentorship: The Critical Difference Nobody Talks About(28:05) Moving to Singapore: Leading 50+ Nationalities(30:39) Heading Global Markets HR: She Got the Role Before She Was Ready(31:54) Build Visibility & Influence First: The Pay Rise Will Follow(32:20) The SODES Model: A Structured Approach to Building Your Networks(33:00) The Five Networks: Strategic, Operational, Developmental, External & Social(46:51) The Three E's: 70% Experience, 20% Exposure, 10% Education(48:53) How to Network Internally Without Breaking Rank and File(51:21) Women in HR: Why 60-70% Are Women But Most Heads Are Men(53:19) The Visibility Trap: Being Too Loud vs Being Invisible(1:06:16) What Separates Good From Great HR: Moral Courage & GritDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#HR #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #WomenInBusiness #Networking #Sponsorship #Barclays #Citibank #AsiaPacific #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Tim Alden, Founder of SingCoast Yachts and 35-year veteran of the Asian luxury yacht industry. From learning the trade in Hong Kong to surviving the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis that destroyed his business overnight, Tim shares his transformation journey from a letter at boarding school age 9 to building a yacht empire across Southeast Asia.He discusses resilience through market crashes, dealing with ultra-high-net-worth clients, navigating dangerous waters in Malaysia, and why UHNI are often easier to work with than middle managers. Tim also opens up about his experience as a Ferretti dealer, the Monaco boat show circuit, and the realities of maritime operations across Asia.Whether you're in luxury sales, navigating a business crisis, or building relationships with high-net-worth clients, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, sales psychology, and building authority in competitive markets. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a yacht industry veteran."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bTIM ALDENLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyalden/Website: https://www.singcoastyachtcharters.com/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulquinnofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction(2:01) Meet Tim Alden - 35 years in Singapore(3:01) British Army childhood - Germany to Hong Kong(4:01) The boarding school letter that started everything(5:49) Choosing Hong Kong over boarding school(7:21) Hong Kong - The best boating destination(9:26) Early apprenticeship and learning the trade(11:34) Red Sea delivery adventure(15:44) Breaking down in the Suez Canal(20:26) Navigating the Red Sea crisis(23:43) Pirates and dangers at sea(26:26) Land sales in North America - Texas and Arizona(29:31) 1997 Asian Financial Crisis - Everything collapses(33:00) Rebuilding after the crash(36:40) Fort Lauderdale boat show and recovery(40:27) Death of Tim's father and family reflections(46:23) Paul's father's unfulfilled American dream(52:51) Dealing with ultra-wealthy clients(54:50) Why UHNI are easier than middle management(56:58) Yacht ownership costs - Why chartering makes sense(59:28) COVID charter experience(1:02:14) Philippines rescue decision at sea(1:05:47) The importance of doing the right thing(1:07:11) SingCoast Yachts - The future vision(1:08:08) White glove concierge service model(1:09:02) World-class service standards(1:11:03) Montblanc pens and celebrating wins(1:13:21) The Omega Speedmaster - 25 years of memories(1:15:53) Closing thoughtsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#LuxuryYachts #Entrepreneurship #AsianFinancialCrisis #Singapore #HighNetWorth #BusinessResilience #YachtIndustry #LuxurySales #Monaco #SoutheastAsia

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Kanukai Jackson, Commonwealth Gold Medalist & Former Cirque du Soleil Head Coach. From winning 2 Commonwealth golds to spending 15 years touring the world with Cirque du Soleil, Kanukai shares his transformation journey and the philosophy that knockdowns aren't negatives—they're opportunities.He discusses resilience, elite performance, career transformation, and why winning gold felt like relief instead of joy. Kanukai also opens up about competing through 22 surgeries, learning to act and show emotion on stage, and developing his own performance act that he sold to Cirque du Soleil.Whether you're navigating career transitions, building resilience, or pursuing elite performance, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on mental toughness, strategic pivots, and long-term success. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Commonwealth Champion."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bKANUKAI JACKSONLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanukai-jackson-6b73ab2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymjacko/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(02:01) Kanukai's Career Overview - From Gymnastics to Cirque du Soleil(04:22) Making the National Team at Age 12(06:36) Coach Said He'd Never Amount to Anything(07:14) 22 Surgeries - Dealing with Constant Injuries(08:14) "Knockdowns Aren't Negative - They're Opportunities"(24:00) Sydney Olympics Rejection - Nearly Retired, Then Came Back(26:47) 2002 Commonwealth Games - Winning Gold Felt Like Relief(28:46) Competing Through European Championships with Broken Shoulder(35:57) Joining Cirque du Soleil - 15 Years as Performer & Head Coach(48:45) Learning to Act and Show Emotion on Stage(50:24) 7 Years Touring Across US, Canada, South America & Japan(1:10:47) 85 Consecutive Chin-Ups During Competitive CrossFit(1:16:00) Developing & Selling His Own Straps Act to Cirque(1:28:27) The Politics of Youth Sports & Developing Young AthletesDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#Gymnastics #CirqueDuSoleil #CommonwealthGames #Resilience #ElitePerformance #MentalToughness #CareerTransition #HighPerformance #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions

From Ugandan refugee to London lawyer to Singapore's legal recruitment elite — Ashish's journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast with Paul Quinn, we sit down with Ashish, a 27-year veteran of Singapore's legal recruitment scene who built his career entirely by accident.From arriving in Singapore in the pouring rain in 1999 with no job, to becoming the only man in an office full of "female killers," to surviving 9/11 layoffs and building his own business — Ashish shares the unfiltered truth about resilience, relationships, and what it really takes to succeed in recruitment.What You'll Learn:▶️ How he fell into recruitment at age 17 (his mum came upstairs crying)▶️ Why he qualified as a lawyer but never practiced a single day▶️ The "gusto" moment that changed his Singapore career forever▶️ Building personal brand over company loyalty in recruitment▶️ How the cricket club became central to his life and network▶️ What Dead Poets Society taught him about "Carpe Diem"▶️ The truth about ethical recruitment and long-term placements▶️ Why 46% of his placements come from referrals▶️ How to survive and thrive through major setbacks (9/11, recessions)▶️ Balancing family life with three daughters and being an empty nesterThis conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relationship-building, and the long game of career success from someone who has lived through Uganda's expulsion, London's legal trenches, and Singapore's transformation.ASHISHLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashish-raivadera-0546a21/Company: https://www.mlaglobal.com/enLISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction1:48 27 Years in Singapore: The Accidental Journey3:16 Arriving in Singapore: "What Have We Done?"5:26 The Cricket Club That Changed Everything8:44 Growing Up Ugandan Asian in Leicester10:44 From Medicine to Economics: The Pivot14:44 York University and Finding His Path16:39 The Robert Walters Summer That Planted Seeds23:13 Nottingham Forest, Brian Clough & Sports Obsession26:15 The Decision to Come to Singapore31:04 Building Community Through Cricket41:35 9/11: Losing Everything and Bouncing Back51:50 Starting His Own Business at 361:03:25 The Art of Executive Search1:05:11 If He Could Start Again: Advice to His Younger Self1:07:35 Dinner with Steve Jobs, Bill Gates & Nelson Mandela1:08:54 Sales Training: What Really Works1:22:24 The Service That Sets Him Apart1:24:22 Dead Poets Society: Carpe Diem Changed Everything1:25:58 How He Recharges: Cricket, Family & Community1:26:58 Top Footballers & Cricket Players1:28:31 Gary Lineker: The Complete Package1:29:22 Productivity Hacks (Or Lack Thereof)Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#LegalRecruitment #ExecutiveSearch #Singapore #UgandanAsian #CareerAdvice #Resilience #9/11Story #Recruitment #LegalIndustry #CareerPodcast #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions #RefugeeStory #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessSuccess

From watching his grandfather battle dementia for 17 years to becoming one of the world's youngest professional adventurers, Louis Alexander's journey is nothing short of extraordinary.At just 26 years old, Louis is a three-time Guinness World Record holder—recognised as the first and only person in history to complete both marathons on all Seven Continents AND marathon swims in all Seven Seas in 633 consecutive days. But his story begins with heartbreak, a living room conversation with his mum, and a mountain he failed to climb.In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast with Paul Quinn, we sit down with Louis Alexander to uncover the truth behind the headlines. From running 17 marathons in 17 consecutive days through the worst UK storm in 30 years, to swimming in 31°C water with severe dehydration, to stopping mid-marathon to watch a brown bear emerge from hibernation in Alaska—Louis shares the brutal reality of chasing impossible dreams.You'll discover:▶️ How his grandfather Captain Rick's unfulfilled dream of climbing Kilimanjaro sparked a 633-day world record journey▶️ Why he ran 17 marathons in 17 consecutive days (and the devastating reason behind that number)▶️ What it's like to face the worst storm in 30 years on day 2 of your career-defining challenge▶️ The truth about cold-water swimming without a wetsuit in the San Francisco Bay (Alcatraz)▶️ How he went from sending thousands of rejected cold emails to speaking at Eton College and 10 Downing Street▶️ His mission to raise £1 million for dementia research and achieve 10 world records by age 30▶️ Why stopping to appreciate a bear matters more than beating your personal record💡 Louis doesn't just chase records. He chases meaning. And that changes everything.🎧 WATCH THE OUR OTHER EPISODEs:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LOUIS ALEXANDERInstagram https://www.instagram.com/louisalexanderexplorer/?hl=enEmail: [email protected]: https://www.louisalexander.org/FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficialFOLLOW THE QUINNTESSENTIAL QUESTIONS Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 - Introduction00:02:20 - Growing Up in London: 5 Schools, 15 Houses00:03:55 - Captain Rick: 17-Year Dementia Battle00:06:17 - Kilimanjaro at 19: The Mountain That Humbled Him00:11:19 - From Temporary Mortuary Worker to Professional Adventurer00:13:32 - 17 Marathons in 17 Days: Honoring His Grandfather00:15:11 - Day 2: Worst Storm in 30 Years Hits00:17:33 - Patrons: Lennox Lewis and Adventure Legends00:29:43 - Swimming the Seven Seas: 10km Across All Seven00:33:09 - Alcatraz with No Wetsuit: Everyone Thought I Was Crazy00:35:47 - Alaska: Stopping to Watch a Brown Bear00:49:41 - Australia: 8 Marathons in 8 Cities in Under 7 Days01:00:13 - 10 Downing Street: Changing Government Policy01:02:30 - "My Goal: Become One of the Greatest Modern Day Adventurers"01:04:07 - The Mission: £1M for Dementia ResearchDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Matthew Pellino, Boxing/MMA Coach, Entrepreneur, and Owner of Foxgloves Fight Gym in Singapore. From moving to Malaysia at 19 and taking over coaching within a month, to coaching Sean Strickland at Syndicate MMA in Las Vegas, to cornering Eric Kelly's knockout of UFC Hall of Famer Jens Pulver in Manila, Matt shares his transformation journey and philosophy on building champions.He discusses measuring coaching success by performance bonuses not records, working with extremely high-level athletes, and why Singapore has zero prize fighters. Matt also opens up about his biggest regret—stopping fighting too early—and shares powerful lessons about youth mentorship, refusing to hire amateur coaches, and building the "Home of Heavy Hands" with his wife River. Whether you're an aspiring coach, combat sports athlete, or entrepreneur building something from scratch, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on results-driven coaching, authentic community building, and why you don't want to work for no one at 29. WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bMATTHEW PELLINOInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/newjabcity/?hl=enFoxgloves Fight Gym: https://foxglovesfightgym.com/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction & Hook: $750K in bonuses(01:40) Matt's Christmas training & loud coaching voice(02:21) Dad was an American football coach - origins of loud coaching(03:03) Who is Matt Pellino: Entrepreneur, MMA coach, 15 years coaching(03:25) Growing up in Florida: Most competitive football state(08:43) Moving to Malaysia at 19 years old alone(09:07) Taking over gym coaching within one month with Luke Russo(09:47) Knocking out UFC Hall of Famer Jens Pulver in Manila(51:48) Vegas success: $750K in UFC performance bonuses explained(53:34) How Foxgloves came about: Wife's idea & "sag" philosophy(55:22) The poisonous plant story behind Foxgloves name(56:42) "Home of Heavy Hands" - building gym culture(1:13:42) Why Singapore has zero prize fighters(1:15:09) Refusing to hire amateur coaches - protecting quality(1:17:02) Boxing ring in pool 24 floors up: March 28th at Dashi Sky PoolDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#SeanStrickland #UFC #Boxing #MMA #ONEChampionship #JensPulver #EricKelly #JoanneCalderwood #FoxglovesBoxingGym #Singapore #CombatSports #MartialArts #Coaching #Entrepreneurship #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Kevin Iole, legendary combat sports journalist and 2025 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee. From being the first person in his family to go to college in Pittsburgh to covering the greatest fights in boxing and MMA history for 46 years, Kevin shares his extraordinary journey through the world of combat sports.He discusses meeting Muhammad Ali ("like I saw God"), sitting ringside when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear, why Mayweather-Pacquiao was "our Ali-Frazier" moment for modern journalists, and the heartbreak of covering seven fighters who died in the ring. Kevin also opens up about hanging up on Mike Tyson (thinking it was a prank call), surviving a plane crash with Bob Arum en route to covering De La Hoya vs Vargas, being confronted by Steve Jobs at an Apple Store, and finding Diego Corrales dead two years to the day after his greatest triumph.Whether you're a combat sports fan, aspiring journalist, or anyone pursuing a non-traditional career path, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on storytelling, resilience, and witnessing history firsthand. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Boxing Hall of Fame Journalist".WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bKEVIN IOLE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-iole-526b75200/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keviniole/?hl=en Website: keviniole.comLISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFYYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulquinnofficial/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(08:46) Meeting Muhammad Ali: "Like I Saw God"(18:14) Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Call(24:20) Diego Corrales vs Castillo & Finding Him Dead(50:58) Tyson-Holyfield Ear Bite & Greatest Fights(53:19) Mayweather-Pacquiao: "Our Ali-Frazier Moment"(58:01) Hanging Up on Mike Tyson (Thought It Was Fake)(01:06:21) Surviving Plane Crash with Bob Arum(01:17:41) Steve Jobs Confrontation at Apple Store(01:23:41) Jim Murray & Kevin's Boxing MemorabiliaDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Danial Lee Rocka, Naval Diver veteran turned rapper, actor, and life coach. From training combat divers in Singapore's elite forces for 10 years to serving 7 months in detention barracks for marijuana possession, Danial shares his transformation journey and the turning point that changed everything.He discusses reading 70 self-help books in prison that nobody else touched, why he chose to record music instead of becoming a security guard the day he was released, and his mission to provide free creative education to troubled youth. Danial also opens up about working with the son of a chief of police struggling with drugs, discovering that troubled youth come from wealth AND poverty, and why attention matters more than money.Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking redemption after mistakes, or working with at-risk youth, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, personal branding, and refusing to let your past define your future.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bDANIAL LEE ROCKAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leerocka/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leerocka/?originalSubdomain=sgWebsite: https://leerocka.com/LISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFYYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/KEY MOMENTS:(00:00) Cold Open - Naval Diver to Purpose(01:52) Introduction - Final Podcast of the Year(03:16) Three Names: Wayne Lee, Danial, Lee Rocca(07:36) 10 Years as Naval Diver(08:15) 7 Months in Detention - The Turning Point(13:00) DMX Influence(20:57) Live Rap Performance(33:10) Reading 70 Books in Prison(42:44) First Day Out - Recording First Song(44:01) F.I.S.H. Framework for Life Coaching(53:13) Muhammad - Dedication to Deceased Friend(58:02) Biggest Acting Role - Prison Documentary(01:22:25) Troubled Youth from Different Backgrounds(01:23:38) Chief of Police's Son Story(01:27:36) Nonprofit - Free Creative Education(01:29:00) A Rising Tide Raises All ShipsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Vincent Ming, CEO of a global multifamily office in Singapore. From working in Taiwan's Defense Department at 23 to leading a firm serving billionaire families, Vincent shares his unconventional journey through IT, academia, and private banking.Vincent discusses his unique path of working for over 10 years before pursuing his PhD, spending 20 years in private banking, and why he believes AI will fundamentally change the wealth management industry. He opens up about taking three years to feel comfortable in front office roles, the conflict of interest in traditional banking, and why the future belongs to "family bankers" rather than product pushers.Whether you're navigating a career transition, considering further education mid-career, or working in financial services, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on preparation, leadership, and building genuine client value in an AI-driven world. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a CEO."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bVINCENT MING LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vincent-ming-68008252/LISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLEYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(02:18) Who is Vincent Ming - Entrepreneur, Banker, Professor(03:04) Growing Up in Taiwan(03:32) Family of PhDs - Vincent Was First(04:21) First Job: Taiwan Defense Department(05:26) Sent to Dallas, Texas at Age 23(06:20) Taiwan's First Aircraft Design Project(08:42) Self-Funding 5-Year PhD While Working(10:36) Theory Meets Practice Philosophy(11:44) KPMG Consulting & Entrepreneurship(12:21) Software Startup - Early Chinese NLP(13:03) Intel Investment & NASDAQ Prep(13:50) Year 2000 Dot-Com Crash(15:08) Business Risk Manager - Second Person Globally(15:33) Covering 170+ People Across Asia(18:09) "I'm Too Entrepreneur"(18:49) Introvert vs Extrovert in Banking(20:56) Taiwan Desk - Big Challenge(23:50) CEO Aspirations - Preparation Over Goals(25:10) Building Teams & Platform Skills(27:27) What Makes a Good Private Banker(29:03) Hiring for Determination Over Credentials(31:38) Private Banking Reality - 20-30 Clients for Life(35:43) Why I Left Banking(37:17) Global Multifamily Office - Serving Billionaires(38:35) No Products to Push(39:43) Opening Up Asian Market(41:39) Asia vs West Wealth Management(42:44) Generational Wealth Transfer Challenges(46:11) AI Will Take 50% of Banking Jobs(51:34) Asian Wealth Management Differences(59:56) Determination & Values in Hiring(01:01:23) Most Underrated Leadership Skill - Trust(01:06:12) Blockchain & Tokenized Assets(01:07:15) CEO KPI - Bouncing Back from Challenges(01:08:14) Leadership: Trust and Inspire(01:09:14) Sustainable Change Comes from Inside(01:13:26) AI is Already Here(01:14:46) Guest Lecturing - AI, Blockchain, Fintech(01:15:52) Philosophy & Logic Thinking(01:16:48) Daily Practice - Reprioritizing ScenariosDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

ADHD, Dyslexia & the Power of Difference.From teaching at the same school she attended for 17 years, to leaving a classroom she "couldn't walk past for five years," to discovering that "you don't rise to the level of your goals—you fall to the level of your systems."In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Dr. Vicki Rogers, Educational Psychologist and Founder of Champion Coaching & Consulting. From struggling as a third culture kid to earning degrees from Colorado State, Durham University, and Stanford, Dr. Rogers shares her transformation journey and the profound realization that led her to pioneer executive functioning coaching.She discusses why executive functioning skills aren't sexy but deliver immediate results, how she "cheated her contract" by teaching skills schools don't cover, the truth about what makes smart kids scattered, why systems matter more than goals or motivation, and her direct coaching philosophy: "You gotta want it more than me."Whether you're a parent with a "smart and scattered" kid, an educator frustrated by curriculum constraints, or a professional struggling with task initiation and organization, this episode offers science-based strategies that work across the entire learning spectrum.DR. VICKI ROGERSLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-vicki-rameker-rogers-195ba2106/?originalSubdomain=sgWebsite: https://www.ChampionMyLife.comLISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFYYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction montage01:36 - Meet Dr. Vicki Rogers03:05 - Starting private practice before "coaching was a thing"03:32 - "I could switch lanes but couldn't intersect lanes"04:54 - What is executive functioning?08:42 - Third culture kid background11:03 - Building econometrics model on resilience15:35 - "Not the sharpest tack in the box, but I learned habits"16:10 - Systems over goals - James Clear quote16:50 - Students demanding the training17:31 - Leaving school - crisis of conscience17:50 - "Couldn't walk past my classroom for five years"18:32 - Knowledge economy evolution: Libraries to AI19:50 - How kids learn now has changed24:35 - "Not sexy but super effective"30:21 - "You gotta show up" - minimal expectation30:40 - "You gotta want it more than me"32:00 - Self-efficacy definition32:35 - "When that's hit, we are at ground zero"33:00 - "My smart and scattered kid is not scattered anymore"34:00 - Adding executive functioning coach to org chart01:18:00 - Favorite quote - systems over goals01:26:00 - Resilience is a practice, not a notionDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Judit Pach, Former Ambassador of Hungary to Singapore and Indonesia, now Energy Advisor. From never wanting to be a diplomat as a child to becoming Ambassador at age 30, Judit shares her remarkable journey of unexpected opportunities and strategic reinvention.She discusses authentic leadership built on vulnerability, the reality of diplomatic life, and why reaching the top of her diplomatic career meant facing 20-25 years with no new challenge.Judit opens up about the breaking point moment sitting on her office floor crying ("I will never be able to do this"), sixfolding trade numbers between Indonesia and Hungary, securing a $300 million electronic tolling system export and announcing a $700 million euro investment, and why "I either do the change right now or later it will be even harder" led her to transition from public service to the private sector.Whether you're navigating career transitions, building authentic leadership, or questioning when success means choosing the harder path, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, knowing when to reinvent, and why embracing what makes you different can become your greatest strength. LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqJUDIT PACH Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judit-pach/WATCH ON YOUTUBEhttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81b&si=0UZgaCu0Ewdmmzj- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavq Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/ FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/ Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/ CAREER COACHING Website: https://quinntessentialca.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/ TIMESTAMPS:(02:38) Introduction(03:38) Career Journey(07:58) Being Selected as The Ambassador(09:53) Ambassadors: The Epitome of Generalists(12:46) Studying Economics & International Relations(15:28) Difference Between The President & Prime Minister in Hungary(17:28) Rethinking Your Wardrobe(20:03) Tackling Ageism(25:39) Improving Memory(27:28) Optics & Perception(31:53) Becoming The Chief of Staff(37:28) Seeking Counsel(39:38) Things To Do Differently(44:41) Role in Singapore(47:43) Women in Diplomacy(49:38) Becoming a Master in Big Settings(52:28) Going To The Private Sector(56:53) Mental & Physical Fitness Journey(01:03:31) Joining The Sustainability Sector(01:06:59) Advisory Work & Projects(01:08:07) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#Diplomacy #Ambassador #CareerTransition #Leadership #Authenticity #Hungary #Singapore #Indonesia #PublicService #EnergySector #WomenInLeadership #InternationalRelations #TradeNegotiation #CareerReinvention

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with John Currie, COO with 37 years in banking and Chair of the Board at Pangdemonium Theatre.From washing cash covered in butcher's meat at age 17 in small-town Galashiels, Scotland to leading 500-person teams processing 150 million calls annually, John shares his remarkable journey of ground-up leadership.He discusses authentic leadership built on experience, process optimization where one second equals 22 jobs saved, and why "the worst case is you end up back where you were" became his risk philosophy. John opens up about the homophobic warning that sparked his LGBT advocacy ("Just to warn you, Barrie's gay"), creating safe spaces that multiply from one person to 600 people filling a theatre, sponsoring Pink Dot Singapore, and becoming Chair of Pangdemonium Theatre while maintaining his COO role.Whether you're building your career from the ground up, leading diverse teams, or balancing multiple passions, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on authentic leadership, corporate courage, and the power of creating safe spaces. ───────────────────────────LISTEN TO OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavq───────────────────────────JOHN CURRIELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-currie-aaa9159/ Pangdemonium Theatre: https://www.pangdemonium.com/───────────────────────────LISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLEYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785───────────────────────────FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/───────────────────────────FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/───────────────────────────CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/───────────────────────────TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Introduction(10:55) Sales philosophy: People buy people first(16:24) Creating safe spaces - the Heathrow Express breakthrough(21:11) Sponsoring Pink Dot Singapore(21:49) Tango production: 600 people from the LGBT community(22:38) Becoming Chair of Pangdemonium Theatre(27:48) "Make the main thing the main thing"(29:39) Moving to Singapore: "Worst case is you end up back where you were"(36:25) Imposter syndrome and personal growth(44:33) His children: Photographer and pediatric nurse(01:04:54) "I should have been a roadie"(01:10:41) How he and his wife recharge(01:12:39) Commitment to time - cigars and presence───────────────────────────Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.───────────────────────────#Leadership #COO #LGBTQ #Banking #Theatre #Singapore #Scotland #CareerAdvice #ProcessOptimization #Diversity #Inclusion #PrideAdvocacy #GroundUpLeadership #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions #careerarchitect #careeradvice

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Jacob "Stitch" Duran, the world's most famous cutman, featured in Creed I, II, III, Rocky Balboa, and the upcoming Sundance documentary "Fields to the Garden."From growing up in migrant camps with an address of "CPC Number 12, California Banking Company" to working Mike Tyson's corner for the Jake Paul fight in front of 60 million viewers, Stitch shares his incredible journey from farm worker to Hollywood to the biggest stages in combat sports.He discusses learning Muay Thai in Thailand at 19 (without even knowing what Thailand was), becoming a cutman, working 30+ years with Mike Tyson, earning Vladimir Klitschko's trust ("you can call me son"), learning from Emanuel Steward and the meaning of "one more round," appearing in the Creed trilogy when Sylvester Stallone called him by name, the Kevin James slap that wasn't in the script, working the biggest cut in combat sports history, and returning to the migrant camps with mariachis where everyone cried because "my story was their story."Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone who's overcome impossible odds, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on perseverance, mastery, authenticity, and never forgetting where you came from. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of the world's most famous cutman."━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81b━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━JACOB "STITCH" DURANInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stitchduran/Documentary "Fields to the Garden": Sundance Film Festival, January 22-28, 2025Website: https://cutmanforhire.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro Teaser(01:35) Introduction(02:40) Growing up in migrant camps - "CPC Number 12"(04:14) Documentary "Fields to the Garden" - Sundance 2025(05:34) Fields to Madison Square Garden(08:13) Thailand at 19 - discovering Muay Thai(11:01) Becoming a cutman(14:22) Working with Randy Couture(19:04) "One more round" - people associate me with this worldwide(21:21) Vladimir Klitschko: "You can call me son"(34:15) Cutman products and techniques(43:38) The biggest cut ever - Marvin Eastman vs Vitor Belfort(48:08) Mike Tyson and the Jake Paul fight(59:22) Forrest Griffin vs Stephan Bonnar - the fight that changed UFC(1:04:35) Movies: Play It to the Bone, Ocean's 11, Rocky Balboa(1:09:35) Creed trilogy - Sylvester Stallone calls him by name(1:11:00) Kevin James slap - Here Comes the Boom(1:15:48) Caesars Palace and outdoor fights(1:17:50) Emanuel Steward - the greatest trainer of all time(1:21:50) Returning to migrant camps - "My story was their story"━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#StitchDuran #Boxing #UFC #MMA #MikeTyson #JakePaul #Klitschko #RockyBalboa #Creed #EmanuelSteward #Cutman #MuayThai #CombatSports #PaulQuinn

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Sophie Gollifer, Radio Presenter at Gold 905 FM and two-time national athlete who made Singapore sports history as Sports School's first-ever national champion. From becoming a Singaporean citizen at 13 to make history, to navigating a pivotal career transition at 16, to building a thriving broadcasting career while competing at HYROX World Championships—Sophie shares her journey of discipline, reinvention, and sustainable high performance.She discusses elite athletic training, the mental health foundation of fitness, pivoting careers with purpose, balancing motherhood with demanding goals, and why waking up at 4:30 AM daily (with her husband's support) enables everything she does. Whether you're navigating a career transition, managing multiple priorities, or building sustainable high-performance habits, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on discipline, resilience, and doing what matters most.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bSOPHIE GOLLIFER Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiegollifer/?hl=enLISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFY YouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestions Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/ Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHING Website: https://quinntessentialca.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (02:09) Who is Sophie Gollifer - Gold 905, mother of three (02:28) Mixed heritage - British, Guyanese, Singaporean (03:27) Growing up in the UK on government benefits (06:32) Dad became banker in London (08:05) Family of five siblings (08:48) Moving to Singapore at age 9 (15:46) Singapore Sports School - pioneer batch (21:38) Becoming Singaporean citizen at 13 (27:20) Winning Sports School's first national title (32:30) Career pivot at 16 (41:47) Representing Singapore in national rugby (1:04:51) Gold 905 Breakfast Club and 4:30 AM routine (1:10:20) HYROX World Championships in Nice (1:11:04) Marathon training with husband (1:12:33) CrossFit training philosophy (1:21:26) Balancing motherhood with ambitious goalsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Pauline Howard, interior designer and cookbook author. From being disowned by her Sindhi in-laws to designing luxury homes for billionaires like Vijay Mallya, Pauline shares her remarkable journey across decades and multiple countries.Born in India, raised in Singapore, Pauline discovered her Eurasian identity while navigating a multicultural childhood. When she married outside her husband's Sindhi community, his wealthy family disowned them—he lost everything. Pauline learned to cook out of necessity, opened her own interior design firm in Hong Kong, and built a career working with some of the world's most elite clients.Pauline discusses learning to cook to please her mother-in-law, the moment her father-in-law rejected her, working on Vijay Mallya's estates, and why food is like design—both are creative acts. She also opens up about moving through depression in Thailand, the importance of cooking with love, and how her grandchildren now cook from her book.Whether you're navigating cultural identity, recovering from rejection, building a business, or wanting to preserve family traditions, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, reinvention, and leaving a legacy.LISTEN TO OUR OTHER EPISODES:https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqPAULINE HOWARDCookbook: "A Singapore Girl Cooks Abroad"LISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLE PODCASTSYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(02:19) Introduction(04:30) Moving To Singapore At Age Seven(06:12) Falling In Love With Singapore(10:10) Singaporean Food(14:05) Deciding To Write A Book(15:49) Sense of Identity(18:54) Favourite Meals Growing Up(20:03) Moving To Hong Kong(22:34) From Friendship To Business(24:32) Being An Interior Designer To Vijay Mallya(27:32) Getting Remarried(30:21) Finding The Right One(33:21) When You Marry An Englishman(34:15) The Sindhi Community & Their Flavours(37:02) Philosophy & Approach To Interior Design(38:26) Vijay Mallya's House In London(42:05) Living In Thailand(47:15) Learnings About Love & Marriage(52:32) Moving To Australia(59:32) Change & Compromise(01:00:34) 'A Singapore Girl Cooks Abroad'(01:02:42) GrandchildrenDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with UK Shyam, Singapore's National 100m Record Holder (10.37s, 2001-2023) and Teacher at Raffles Institution. From joining athletics at 16 with no competitive background to breaking C. Kunalan's record and holding it for for 22 years, Shyam shares his remarkable journey from late starter to national legend.He discusses starting track at an age considered "ancient" in sprinting, training with makeshift equipment when resources disappeared, competing at the Asian Games alongside World Championship athletes like Nobuharu Asahara, and why becoming the first full-time athlete to study at NUS presented both opportunities and challenges. Shyam also opens up about the difficult decision to transition from athletics to education, and shares his admiration for humble champions like Frankie Fredericks and the dominance of Michael Johnson's 19.32 world record.Whether you're an athlete navigating career transitions, a sports enthusiast who appreciates technical excellence, or someone interested in the parallels between high performance and intellectual pursuit, this conversation offers insights on resilience, mentorship, and knowing when your next chapter begins. Let's explore what it takes to be the fastest man in Singapore. WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS:https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqUK SHYAMLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/u-k-shyam-852239189/?originalSubdomain=sgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/u.k.shyam1037/?hl=enLISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHING Website: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(01:59) Introduction (03:10) Growing Up Singapore & Falling in Love with Sports (04:40) Journey into Track (05:14) Carl Lewis, Ben Johnson, Linford Christie (08:20) Studying at Raffles Junior College (10:38) Neurological Pathways & Getting Constant Reps In (11:58) Shanti Pereira (13:09) Crossing Paths with Mr. Kunalan (13:46) Pietro Mennea (17:39) Roger Bannister (18:07) Training Regime (20:52) Breakthrough (21:20) Sebastian Keitel (23:48) Importance of a Coach(27:25) Weight Fluctuation (30:36) Breaking the National Record (31:12) Kishane Thompson(31:33) Noah Lyles (32:49) Darren Campbell(34:40) Linford Christie (36:32) Personal Bests in Training (38:56) Trayvon Bromell, Marcell Jacobs, Asafa Powell (40:52) Donovan Bailey (41:30) Nobuharu Asahara (42:52) Talent & Environment (43:30) Justin Gatlin (44:01) Ryan Bailey & Yohan Blake (46:00) Mechanics of Speed (48:01) Ground Contact & Force (49:15) Retiring Prematurely (50:10) Joseph Schooling (51:15) Studying at NUS as a Full Time Athlete (53:01) Timothy Yeo(56:21) Media Backlash (59:31) Becoming an Educator (01:01:43) The Importance of Letting Go (01:06:13) Masters in Strategic Communications (01:07:15) Writing a Book (01:11:00) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Dion Jensen, Founder of the Lion Academy, Protecting Women Global, and Success for Soldiers. From being born in Changi, Singapore as an Army brat in 1974 to serving in Bosnia with the New Zealand Army, to protecting the British consul general in northern Iraq where six armed intruders burst through the door at 2 AM, Dion shares his transformation journey from warrior to the world's first Suicide Solution Summit creator.He discusses trauma recovery, crisis leadership, organizational wellbeing, and why most suicides today aren't about trauma, they're about value and identity. Dion also opens up about losing his closest mate 18 years ago which sent him into a PTSD spiral, and the powerful moment he performed a haka with Gandhi's people in Malaysia's Gujarati community.Whether you're a veteran struggling with transition, a corporate leader trying to genuinely support your people's mental health, or someone navigating your own dark moments, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on the mirror framework (looks, language, likability, legitimacy), the suicide math equation (when value of being dead exceeds value of being alive), the think-feel-do triangle, and why adaptability is the most underrated skill in business today. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Human Strategist and Crisis Leadership Expert."WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bDION JENSEN:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdionjensen/?originalSubdomain=nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdionjensen/ Website: https://dionjensen.com/LISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFYYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:(01:09) Introduction(02:58) PTSD Spiral(03:39) Speaking Journey(05:44) Starting The Lion Academy(07:54) Maori Culture & Movies(11:38) Environment Shapes You(13:25) Beauty of Growing Within the Military(15:28) Trauma & Fear(18:10) Following his Father's Footsteps(19:59) Natural Calling(23:05) Vivid Memories as a Soldier(25:28) Kids are a Society's Marker(27:00) Identity & Creating Value(27:45) Legality of Suicide in Singapore(31:32) Challenges & Telltale Signs(32:11) Mental Health Compass(36:10) Inner Mana & Empowerment(38:22) Darkest Time(43:18) Writing The Good News Book(44:36) Misconceptions around PTSD(47:00) Protecting the British Counsel General in Northern Iraq(48:51) Carrying Residual Experience(54:08) Rebranding to the Confidence Coach(59:25) Culture & Nuance(01:04:27) Insecurities(01:05:15) Advice for Young People(01:08:49) Three-Pronged Approach(01:11:45) Making Peace with the Mirror(01:14:44) 'Selfish' as a Positive Word(01:18:48) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#MentalHealth #CrisisLeadership #PTSD #TraumaRecovery #SuicidePrevention #Veterans #Leadership #CorporateWellbeing #Singapore #NewZealand

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Evonne Tan, Head of Private Bank at Barclays Private Bank Singapore. From navigating multiple career pivots across industries to becoming employee number one in building a private bank from scratch, Evonne shares her fearless transformation journey and her philosophy that shapes every decision she makes.She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing career pivots, building from scratch, and why she believes your 50s are the "golden age" for making impact. Evonne also opens up about being asked "what if you fail after two years?" during her interview and shares powerful lessons about building confidence through surmounting challenges, the importance of lifelong learning for bankers, and creating genuine client relationships.Whether you're considering a career pivot, building something from the ground up, or wondering if it's "too late" to take on ambitious challenges, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on fearless leadership, self-awareness, and living life forwards. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Trailblazing Private Banking Leader".WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bEVONNE TAN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evonne-tan-27a8663b/ LISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFYYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS: (01:52) Introduction (02:25) Leadership & Imposter Syndrome (04:17) Advocating for Yourself (06:18) Joining Barclays Private Bank at 50 (09:07) Decision Making Process & Support System (11:28) Past Aspirations (12:30) Evolution & Change of Mentality (15:30) Building a Diverse & Inclusive Team (17:32) Studying Sociology & Geography (23:02) Working in Hong Kong (27:15) FX Sales Background (30:59) Key Pivotal Moments (34:15) Entering Private Banking (38:24) Building the Barclays Private Bank Franchise (43:09) Creating Impact (46:10) Hiring the Right Talent (48:52) Entrepreneurial Journey (54:33) Visibility & Influence (57:05) Self Development (58:47) Leadership Culture Within Barclays (01:02:20) Non Negotiable Values (01:04:05) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Amir Khan, professional MMA fighter and mindset coach. From being diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome at 13, to dropping out at 17 to pursue fighting in America, Amir shares his transformation journey to becoming a respected athlete with a 10-year career in ONE Championship.He discusses overcoming adversity, mental toughness, the brutal reality of weight cutting, and why his father quit his engineering career to become his full-time coach. Amir also opens up about pre-fight terror, competing at 70% capacity due to injuries, battling depression after losses, and his transition from professional fighting to entrepreneurship and mindset coaching.Whether you're facing your own challenges, building a business, or searching for purpose beyond your current circumstances, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on turning pain into power, choosing the right environment, and why leaning into fear is the only path to growth. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Fighter".WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bAMIR KHANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-khan-578564213/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amirkhanmma/?hl=enLISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/TIMESTAMPS:Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.TIMESTAMPS:(02:05) Introduction & Being Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome(05:07) Contender Asia & John Wayne Parr (06:44) Moving to the USA On His Own(09:29) Deciding on Louisiana As The Location (11:25) Abundance Mindset & Can Do Attitude (13:39) Finding A Community In The Right Way (15:57) Fights Before ONE Championship(17:06) Sage Northcutt (18:05) Wrestling In The USA (21:18) Tiger Woods (22:36) Amir’s Dad(24:55) The Pressure Of Getting Out There (27:37) Small Outcome (28:12) Breakdown of Training(30:09) Habits & Psychology (33:45) Weight Cutting(34:50) Fighting With An Injury(35:49) Best Three Career Victories (37:54) Retirement ⁠(39:40) Entrepreneurial Journey (41:40) Fear of Public Speaking(42:17) Mike Tyson ⁠(44:42) Rapid Fire Questions#AmirKhan #MMA #TourettesSyndrome #MentalHealth #OneChampionship #MixedMartialArts #FighterMindset #Entrepreneurship #MindsetCoach #SingaporeMMA #OvercomingAdversity #MuayThai #Wrestling #CombatSports #Transformation #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions #Podcast #Motivation #Resilience

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Steven Okun, a seasoned public affairs and ESG expert who has spent 23 years at the intersection of business, government, and sustainability in Asia. From working on Bill Clinton's presidential campaign to winning the biggest aviation case in U.S. history for UPS, to pioneering ESG at KKR, Steven shares his transformation from White House operative to Asia power player.He discusses the moment he refused to return to Washington and chose to stay in Singapore, how he became the first global private equity person to do ESG in Asia (despite having to Google what it meant), why brutal honesty, even delivering bad news, builds lasting business relationships, and his "no dickhead policy" that actually works in corporate Asia. Steven also reveals the keys to winning presidential-level negotiations, why making yourself unique is the ultimate career strategy, and why getting life experiences matters more than chasing money early in your career.Whether you're navigating a career pivot, considering an expat move, or seeking inspiration to bet on yourself when the expected path doesn't feel right, this conversation offers over two decades of hard-won wisdom on career reinvention, cross-cultural strategy, and the courage to say "I don't think so." Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a public affairs & ESG pioneer".WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bSTEVEN OKUN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenokun/ Website: https://www.apacadvisors.com/aboutLISTEN ON YOUTUBE, APPLE & SPOTIFY YouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestions Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqFOLLOW PAUL QUINN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/ Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHING Website: https://quinntessentialca.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(02:50) Introduction (04:05) Deciding to Study Law (05:48) Being Part of the Clinton Administration (07:57) Presidents You Admire (09:02) Finding Your Calling (10:10) Getting Into Business (12:10) Transitioning from the Public to Private Sector (13:45) Coming to Singapore (18:45) Working at KKR (29:03) Courage to Pivot Careers (30:39) Most Interesting Projects (40:10) Keys to Victory (46:33) Starting APAC Advisers (51:25) Health & Fitness Routine (53:10) ESG & Sustainability (57:47) Advice for New & Emerging CEOs (01:12:15) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#StevenOkun #PublicAffairs #ESG #UPS #KKR #PrivateEquity #ClintonCampaign #CareerAdvice #Singapore #AsiaExpat #GovernmentRelations #HenryKravis #BetOnYourself #MakeYourselfUnique #BusinessStrategy #CorporateAsia #Leadership #CareerPivot

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Souhila Keffi, compensation expert, career coach, and founder of her own advisory practice empowering professionals worldwide. From pushing for HR specialization when her business school offered none, to mastering compensation strategy across Europe and Asia at companies like Amazon, Souhila shares her transformation from corporate executive to entrepreneur on a mission. She discusses the shocking gender gap in salary negotiation (57% of men vs only 7% of women), why compensation is deeply tied to identity and self-worth, the hidden costs of employee turnover that companies drastically underestimate, and the psychology behind successful pay conversations. Souhila also reveals why complexity in compensation systems destroys trust, how to remove fear from negotiations, and the one mindset shift that transforms how people advocate for themselves. Whether you're preparing for a salary negotiation, leading HR strategy, or seeking inspiration to build a purpose-driven business, this conversation offers 18 years of hard-won wisdom on career strategy, pay transparency, and personal empowerment. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a compensation expert & career coach".WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bSOUHILA KEFFILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/souhila-keffi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souhila.payedge/Website: https://thepayedge.com/about/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHING Website: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(01:45) French & Algerian Roots(02:29) Entering HR(04:11) Specialising in Compensation & Benefits(07:05) Working as a Consultant(09:05) Entrepreneurial Journey(12:35) Underpaid Employees(14:35) Moving From Paris to Hong Kong(17:55) Working at Amazon(19:03) Leadership Principles at Amazon(20:50) Setting Up Her Own Firm(24:25) Family Support(28:05) Depth over Volume(30:15) Referrals(33:15) Advisory Process(37:25) Pay Transparency in Sales Teams(40:33) Art & Science(42:13) Negotiation(44:18) Psychology of Female Negotiation(49:45) Advice for Professionals(55:15) Building a Compensation Strategy(01:00:58) Leaning on Your Strengths(01:04:00) Understanding Your 'Why'(01:05:19) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#SalaryNegotiation #CompensationStrategy #CareerCoaching #KnowYourWorth #PayTransparency #WomenInBusiness #HRLeadership #Entrepreneurship #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment #GenderPayGap #BusinessStrategy #NegotiationSkills #AmazonCulture #PurposeDriven

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with EJ Philip Joshua , celebrity fitness trainer, competitive bodybuilder, and Founder of Alpha Beast Fitness Singapore. From running a bar in the nightlife industry to training Singapore's top celebrities, Philip shares his dramatic transformation journey and the health scare that changed everything. He discusses the mental and physical toll of entrepreneurship, overcoming depression, the discipline of competitive bodybuilding, and why lifting others up is the key to true fulfilment. Philip also opens up about his unexpected experience on a dating reality show and shares powerful stories of clients who've reversed serious health issues through fitness. Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking inspiration for personal growth, or looking to understand what it takes to build a meaningful career in fitness, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, reinvention, and making a real impact. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a celebrity fitness coach"WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bEJ PHILIP JOSHUAhttps://www.instagram.com/ejphilip/?hl=enLISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLEYoutube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bApplehttps://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCALS:Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(02:08) Introduction(04:28) Growing up in Singapore(07:05) Health Scare — Wake-up Call(10:13) Working for Someone After Running Your Own Business(13:38) Bodybuilders EJ Looked Up To(15:16) Alpha Beast Fitness(18:35) Biggest Challenge in Bodybuilding(20:29) Walking Away From Certain Clients(22:33) How the Name ‘Alpha Beast’ Came About(25:06) Becoming a Trainer to Celebrities(29:01) Favourite Lifts(31:44) Writing a Book(36:20) Sense of Identity(40:30) Good Direction — What the Younger Generation Needs(44:21) Upcoming Fight(46:03) Favourite Boxers(48:22) Favourite Bodybuilders(50:22) Walking — The Bare Minimum(51:18) Appearing on a Dating Show(55:10) Upcoming ProjectsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#FitnessTransformation #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #MatchMeAbroad

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Sameer Deshpande, a seasoned banker with over three decades of experience across India, Australia, and Singapore. From his early days navigating market cycles to leading global investment teams, Sameer shares candid insights on what it really takes to build a long, fulfilling career in banking and finance. He discusses the fine balance between ambition and contentment, the importance of humility, integrity, and adaptability, and why staying curious is key to thriving in a fast-changing financial world. Whether you’re a young professional entering the industry or a seasoned leader seeking renewed perspective, this conversation offers invaluable lessons on career development, leadership, and personal growth drawn from Sameer’s journey as a “banker by profession, investor by choice.”WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bSAMEER DESPHPANDEhttps://linkedin.com/in/sameersdeshLISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLEYouTube: https://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCALS:Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:45) Banker by Profession, Investor by Choice(03:45) Life & Work Across India, Australia & Singapore(06:48) Growing Up in India(10:21) Early Career Lessons in Banking(13:30) Building Confidence Abroad(15:35) Self-Help & Positive Mindset(18:36) Managing Pressure in Finance(21:50) Engagement in Private Banking(25:17) Key Learnings & Mentors(27:25) Transformation in Wealth Management(32:59) Common Sense Isn’t Common(34:20) Milestone Career Turning Points(36:09) Leadership & People Management(38:20) Authenticity in Leadership(40:15) Vertical vs Horizontal Growth(43:16) High-Performance Sales Teams(46:23) Continuous Learning & Upskilling(50:01) Mindset, Habits & Discipline(51:56) Advice for Young Bankers(54:45) The Power of People Skills(57:46) Balancing Ambition & Contentment(01:00:20) Loyalty & Longevity in Banking(01:03:40) Redefining Success(01:04:46) Rapid-Fire Q&A with Sameer DeshpandeDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#BankingAndFinance #CareerDevelopment #LeadershipMindset #PersonalGrowth #PrivateBanking

Two-time Olympian and four-time U.S. Champion Jamie Nieto reveals his powerful journey from Olympic high-jump hero to surviving a life-changing spinal-cord injury that left him paralysed and the extraordinary comeback that defied every odd. In this deeply personal episode, hosted by Paul Quinn on The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Jamie opens up about learning to walk again and marrying his wife Shevon Stoddart, a two-time Olympian in the 400-metre hurdles whose America’s Got Talent performance inspired millions. Beyond the track, Jamie shares his creative rebirth as an actor, writer, and producer, appearing in Power: Raising Kanan and Netflix’s Away, and creating the acclaimed talk show Cut To It. This is a story of faith, discipline, and transformation that will resonate with sports fans, athletes, film lovers, and anyone seeking true inspiration.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bJAMIE NIETOhttps://www.instagram.com/jamienieto/https://jamienieto.com/LISTEN ON YOUTUBE & APPLEYouTube: http://youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCALS:Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:00) Intro — Paul Quinn x Jamie Nieto(02:32) Growing Up in a Single-Parent Household(04:24) Trying Other Sports Before High Jump(07:58) Earning a Scholarship at Eastern Michigan(11:47) Mindset, Training & Early Discipline(16:10) Mondo Duplantis and the Evolution of Pole Vault(17:35) Inspiration from Carl Lewis(18:12) Life as a Student-Athlete(20:22) Financial Choices & Sacrifice in College(25:03) Lessons Track & Field Taught About Life(29:36) Friendship & Rivalry with Félix Sánchez(34:15) Meeting His Wife, Shevon Stoddart(38:37) Mental & Physical Preparation for Competition(41:22) Advice from Olympic Gold Medalist Charles Austin(43:49) The Power of Visualization(49:02) Mutual Respect with Mutaz Barshim(50:48) The 2016 Accident That Changed Everything(54:58) Writing, Acting & Producing After Athletics(59:03) Lessons from Donald Thomas & Global Competitors(01:06:35) Working with Hilary Swank on Away(01:08:41) Upcoming Projects & Creative Goals(01:11:26) Collaboration with Larry Wade(01:16:11) Starring in Criminal Minds Season 19(01:17:55) Favourite Actors & Athletes(01:23:02) Creating His Short Film & New Storytelling Path(01:25:42) Final Advice for the Next GenerationDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#Olympics #Inspiration #Resilience #MotivationalStories #JamieNieto

Step inside the mind of Jim Lampley — the legendary voice of HBO Boxing — as he reveals the untold story behind five decades of calling the sport’s most iconic moments. From Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston to Mike Tyson’s shocking defeat in Tokyo, Jim shares never-before-heard stories about fate, legacy, and the fights that defined boxing history. Hosted by Paul Quinn, this powerful conversation dives deep into Lampley’s new book “It Happened”, his bond with Taylor Sheridan and Jack Nicholson, and emotional memories with Muhammad Ali. Whether you’re a lifelong fight fan, a martial artist, or a lover of great storytelling, this episode captures the heart, history, and humanity of boxing’s greatest voice.WATCH OUR OTHER PODCASTS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjbRIxrGYDGUA9niiF7U0IOMXBMeDf81bJIM LAMPLEYhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0483915/LISTEN ON SPOTIFY & APPLESpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntaipan/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/FOLLOW OUR SOCALS:Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/quinntessential_questions/Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHINGWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:00) Intro: Paul Quinn x Jim Lampley — the voice of HBO Boxing(03:02) It Happened: Taylor Sheridan’s foreword and Hollywood connection(06:30) Antoine Fuqua & Lance Pugmire: Boxing meets film and storytelling(10:04) Hendersonville Roots: Growing up in North Carolina(13:28) Losing His Father: The loss that shaped empathy and purpose(15:01) Sugar Ray Robinson & Muhammad Ali: The spark that began it all(17:53) Cassius Clay at the 1960 Olympics: Witnessing greatness born(19:47) Upsets of the Century: Ali vs Liston & Tyson vs Douglas(22:07) Ali vs Liston I: A 14-year-old’s ringside view of destiny(25:40) ABC Sports: Mentorship under Roone Arledge & Dick Ebersol(28:52) The Four A’s: Confidence, humility, and on-air mastery(31:43) Munich 1972: Reporting through tragedy(38:24) Nixon Resignation: Telling America’s story through sport(42:53) Olympic Coverage: Edwin Moses, Carl Lewis & global storytelling(45:36) “Luck Is the Residue of Design”: Life philosophy behind success(46:13) Ali vs Liston II: The Phantom Punch mystery(48:22) Muhammad Ali & Brooke Lampley: Family meets “The Greatest”(54:53) Brooke’s Valedictorian Speech: Legacy of words and courage(57:01) Greatest Call in Boxing: Defining HBO’s golden age(1:03:30) Mike Tyson: Rage, redemption & rebirth(1:11:19) Larry Merchant & Ray Leonard: The HBO dream team(1:15:50) Jack Nicholson: Hollywood friendship ringside(1:18:08) “Boxing Is the Theatre of the Unexpected”: Defining chaos & beauty(1:20:17) Larry Merchant vs Floyd Mayweather: The moment that went viral(1:28:16) Arthur Ashe & Billie Jean King: Integrity and equality in sport(1:38:07) HBO Legacy: Merchant, Lederman & Steward’s golden era(1:59:07) Holyfield vs Bowe: The Fan Man fight remembered(2:04:07) George Foreman: The 45-year-old comeback miracle(2:08:42) Emanuel Steward’s Greats: Tommy Hearns & Lennox Lewis(2:10:33) Roy Jones Jr: The genius of modern boxing(2:13:03) Boxing Hall of Fame: Reflecting on legacy(2:15:55) Studio 54: Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol & Trump nights(2:19:00) Carl Lewis & Edwin Moses: Olympic excellence(2:23:51) Mark Spitz & Jesse Owens: Icons of courage and legacy(2:24:51) Closing Reflections: Gratitude, fate & storytelling’s power#boxing #olympics #muhammadali #miketyson #JimLampley

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Theresa Goh — four-time Paralympian, two-time World Record Holder, and Rio 2016 Bronze Medallist — whose extraordinary journey from childhood hospitals to Olympic podiums reveals what it truly means to redefine success.Born with spina bifida, Theresa found freedom in the water and turned her love for swimming into a twenty-year career representing Singapore on the world stage. Across four Paralympic Games — Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio — she learned that victory isn’t just about medals, but about resilience, self-trust, and balance.Today, Theresa continues to inspire as a coach, mentor, and advocate for disability inclusion and mental wellness. From chasing world records to helping shape the next generation of para-athletes, her story is a masterclass in courage, authenticity, and finding joy in the journey.Theresa shares how she learned to love the pain, overcome burnout, and rediscover happiness through purpose — proving that the strongest athletes are often those who’ve mastered the art of balance.We dive into:- The power of self-belief and redefining success beyond medals- How Theresa found freedom and confidence in the pool- Lessons from competing at four Paralympic Games- Missing the podium by 0.7 seconds — and what it taught her about resilience- Dealing with burnout and rediscovering joy in sport- Transitioning from swimming to shooting and chasing new dreams- The role of family, coaching, and community in long-term success- Disability inclusion, mental health, and happiness as a measure of strengthTHERESA GOHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresagohru/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-goh-407a3730/PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/EPISODE CHAPTERS(00:18) Introduction (00:42) Bronze Medal from the Rio Olympics (03:25) Childhood(05:49) Mainstream vs Special Education Schools (06:28) Introduction to Sports (08:54) Parental Support (10:55) Going into Swimming Full Time (14:05) Connecting with Fellow Athletes (18:35) First Big Disappointment (21:35) Knowing Yourself (23:23) Personal Bests (25:35) Knowing When to Stop(26:18) Spina Bifida (27:59) Good Coaching (29:05) Mindset & Approach (32:47) Support Network (36:15) Growing up Disabled in Singapore (38:24) Rio Olympics 2016 (40:00) Scientific Coaching (42:56) Memory of the Win at Rio (44:45) What Matters the Most (47:07) Getting into Shooting (51:01) Training as a Swimmer (53:22) Micro Details (55:39) Food Intake (59:00) Retirement & What’s Next (01:05:57) Advice for Young Athletes (01:09:08) Animal Welfare (01:13:33) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any organization, partner, or employee.#TheresaGoh #Paralympics #QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #Resilience #SingaporeAthletes #Motivation #Leadership #Mindset #Inspiration #ParaAthlete #HappinessOverMedals #AdaptiveSports #WomenInSports #HighPerformance #CareerResilience #SingaporePodcast #PurposeDriven #MentalHealth #Balance

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Priscilla Khong, Executive Director of Gateway Entertainment, Gateway Theatre, and Gateway Arts, whose extraordinary journey from illusionist to impact leader reveals how creativity, courage, and compassion can change lives.For over 25 years, Priscilla has performed as a professional magician and illusionist, touring internationally and training with some of the world’s greatest masters in Las Vegas. But her greatest act wasn’t on stage, it was behind the scenes, transforming her family’s legacy into a mission-driven arts movement that uses theatre to address mental wellness, empathy, and youth resilience.Today, Priscilla leads three organisations that combine art, education, and social purpose, producing plays that spark difficult conversations, from suicide prevention to identity and belonging. Her work has touched thousands, including one unforgettable moment when a young man came to see a show and left deciding to live.Priscilla shares how she found meaning beyond magic, the lessons she learned from working with her father, and why she believes storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for change.We dive into:- From illusionist to Executive Director: building purpose through art- Using theatre to talk about mental health, empathy, and connection- The show that saved a life, and what it taught her about hope- Leadership, legacy, and working alongside her father, Reverend Lawrence Khong- Creativity as a force for healing and resilience- Turning passion into purpose and art into advocacy- Parenting and finding balance in a purpose-driven life- What theatre can teach us about courage, humanity, and storytellingIf you’re interested in creativity, leadership, mental wellness, social impact, or the power of art to heal, this episode is for you.PRISCILLA KHONGGateway Arts: https://www.gatewayarts.sgGateway Theatre: https://gatewaytheatre.sg/Gateway Entertainment: https://gatewayentertainment.sg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priscillakhongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-khong-espinosa/?originalSubdomain=sgPAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/EPISODE CHAPTERS(01:44) Introduction (02:05) Working as a Professional Illusionist (04:00) Courage to Follow Your Passion(06:59) Game of Imagination(09:05) Genesis of Theatre Work (10:48) Gateway Arts (11:56) Mental Health in Singapore (13:29) Power of Theatre (17:34) Challenges of Live Shows (20:05) Social Impact Through Theatre (23:17) Young Men & Theatre (24:22) Illusion, Magic & Real Life (26:28) Storytelling & Philosophy (27:41) Planning Process (29:43) Sensitive Topics (33:23) Finding Balance as a Young Company (34:55) Career Journey Over 25 Years (37:17) Gauging & Measuring Impact (40:22) Finding Your Inner Creative Person (42:56) What the Youth Needs (45:27) Advice for Young Theatre Practitioners (47:31) Plays & Books That Left a Lasting Impact (53:10) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any organization, partner, or employee.#PriscillaKhong #GatewayArts #QuinntessentialQuestions #TheatreForGood #MentalHealth #Storytelling #Leadership #Creativity #ArtAndWellness #SingaporePodcast #PurposeDriven #SocialImpact #ArtHeals #EmotionalWellness #Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Natalie Dau — entrepreneur, elite endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and Guinness World Record holder — whose story is one of resilience, purpose, and relentless determination.After a successful global career with Deloitte, Gartner, and Avanade, Natalie made a life-changing decision to leave the corporate world and pursue her passion for health, fitness, and philanthropy. Today, she’s a world-record-breaking ultramarathoner, founder of Keeping It Real, and the driving force behind Project 1000 — a 1,000km run across Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines that has raised awareness and funds for women’s and children’s charities.Natalie shares how she turned personal endurance into collective empowerment — proving that limits are only where we choose to set them.We dive into:🏃‍♀️ Leaving corporate life to follow her passion in health & fitness🏃‍♀️ Breaking a Guinness World Record by running 1,000 km in 12 days🏃‍♀️ Building Project 1000 to raise funds for women’s and children’s charities🏃‍♀️ Training discipline, resilience, and mental toughness🏃‍♀️ The role of family, parenting, and self-belief in peak performance🏃‍♀️ Age, confidence, and redefining female strength🏃‍♀️ The balance between motivation and discipline🏃‍♀️ Building a wellness brand and authentic digital communityIf you’re interested in ultramarathons, philanthropy, women’s empowerment, or the mindset of high performers, this episode is for you.NATALIE DAUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstararms/Website: https://nataliedau.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedau/PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/EPISODE CHAPTERS(02:05) Introduction – Project 1000 & Guinness World Record(05:12) Positive Body Image & Raising Strong Daughters(07:13) Leaving Corporate to Pursue Passion(09:03) Supportive Partner & Family Values(10:02) Launching The Daily Escape & Early Entrepreneurship(12:22) Motivational Speaking & Purpose(15:10) Confidence, Failure & Self-Belief(17:40) Motivation vs Discipline(20:10) Corporate Politics vs Entrepreneurship(22:17) The Origin of Project 1000(25:37) Running for Charity & Girls Empowerment(28:16) Starting Ultra Running at 52(31:38) Mental Strength & Pain Management(34:13) Fitness, Nutrition & Daily Routine(37:49) Redefining Age & Authenticity(41:09) Balancing Roles as Mother, Athlete & Entrepreneur(42:26) High Performance in Life & Business(45:12) Running Across the Philippines for Charity(50:04) Launching the Project 1000 Run Club(51:26) Purpose, Passion & Identity(53:08) Daily Rituals, Habits & Productivity(59:06) Loyalty, Leadership & Life LessonsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#NatalieDau #Project1000 #PaulQuinn #QuinntessentialQuestions #Ultramarathon #GuinnessWorldRecord #Philanthropy #HealthAndFitness #WomensEmpowerment #RunningMotivation #Discipline #Resilience #Wellness #Mindset #Purpose #HighPerformance #Leadership #Endurance #SingaporePodcasts #CareerReinvention

In this inspiring episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Rai Kannu — PE teacher turned performing artist, Mediacorp radio DJ, entrepreneur, and restaurateur — whose journey is a masterclass in passion, resilience, and reinvention.Rai began his career teaching and studying at Raffles Institution, before taking a leap of faith into the performing arts. That one-year sabbatical turned into a life-changing career pivot, where he transformed his love for music, storytelling, and performance into a livelihood.Today, Rai is a familiar voice on Class 95FM, where he has worked alongside some of Singapore’s most recognised DJs, including Jean Danker and Yasminne Cheng. Beyond the mic, he has built a reputation in theatre, music, and business — opening his own restaurant while balancing the demands of live radio and the creative industry.We dive into:🎤 His transition from teaching to the performing arts🎤 The challenges of consistency, naysayers, and creative fatigue🎤 The impact of Covid-19 on his career and performances🎤 Life as a Mediacorp radio DJ & the transition to live radio🎤 Building a personal brand, support system, and entrepreneurial journey🎤 Memorable performances, mentorship, and the emotional power of musicIf you’re curious about career reinvention, Singapore’s radio scene, or the mindset it takes to thrive in the creative industry, this episode is for you.OUR GUESThttps://www.instagram.com/rai.kannu/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/jackandrai/?hl=enhttps://www.mediacorp.sg/business/tca/male-celebs/rai-kannuLISTEN & FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/EPISODE CHAPTERS(02:05) Introduction(05:32) Becoming a PE Teacher(07:04) One Year Sabbatical(08:14) Performing Arts(10:24) Turning His Passion to a Living(11:53) Dealing with Naysayers(14:31) Consistency & Stability(16:47) Challenges Faced(21:10) Impact of Covid-19(24:45) Most Memorable Performances(25:45) Becoming a Radio DJ(30:30) Support Structure(34:05) Transition to Live Radio(38:33) Seeking Mentorship(39:33) Learnings from Different People(40:57) Reading Books(45:45) Interviews as Conversations(47:47) The Impact of Music(52:39) Music, Emotions & Nostalgia(54:24) Becoming a Restaurateur(58:05) Personal Branding(58:45) Key Pivotal Moments(01:01:38) Creative Fatigue(01:03:27) Advice for Young Adults & Parents(01:07:12) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or its employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #RaiKannu #PerformingArts #RadioDJ #PersonalBranding #Music #Nostalgia #CreativeIndustry #CareerReinvention #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #Mentorship #Restaurateur

In this high-impact episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with John Wayne Parr — better known as “The Gunslinger” — 10-time Muay Thai & Kickboxing World Champion, Australian martial arts icon, coach, author, and founder of Boonchu Gym on the Gold Coast.John’s journey is legendary. From growing up on a farm in Queensland to becoming one of the most respected fighters in the world, his story is about discipline, resilience, and an unshakable will to succeed. At just 19, he moved to Thailand to live and train in authentic fight camps, embracing the Thai culture, gruelling old-school training methods, and a fighter’s lifestyle that shaped him into a world-class competitor.Across his career, John has fought nearly 150 professional bouts, trained alongside some of the best in the world, and inspired countless fighters through his unique blend of toughness, humility, and technique. He shares insights on overcoming pressure, preparing for injuries, building strength and conditioning, and the mental side of competing at the highest levels.We also dive into his toughest opponents, the fighters he admires most, his experiences training with Georges St-Pierre, his appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast, and how he balances life as a fighter, father, and coach. Beyond the ring, John talks about venturing into business, building his Boonchu legacy, and releasing his new book The Fighter – The Legendary Life of an Australian Champion.If you’re passionate about Muay Thai, kickboxing, martial arts, or the mindset of champions, this episode is a must-listen.OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwayneparr/LISTEN & FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/EPISODE CHAPTERS(02:50) Growing up on a Farm in Australia(03:59) Journey Into Martial Arts(05:40) Meeting Richard Well(09:07) Embracing the Thai Culture(12:04) Training the Old School Way(16:13) John’s Techniques(19:56) Becoming a World Class Fighter(22:55) Dealing with Pressure(26:05) Preparing for Injuries(30:02) Training, Strength & Conditioning(31:43) Fighting Jay Louis(33:50) Dovetail Into Contending(38:44) Toughest Opponent(42:53) Fighters John Admires(45:15) Working with Georges St-Pierre(47:50) Joe Rogan Podcast Experience(52:14) Being a Father & Coach(56:02) Venturing Into Business(58:37) Releasing a Book(59:24) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or its employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #JohnWayneParr #TheGunslinger #MuayThai #Kickboxing #MartialArts #WorldChampion #AustralianFighter #BoonchuGym #GeorgesStPierre #JoeRogan #FightLife #CombatSports #BookRelease #FatherAndCoach

In this insightful episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with David Easton — CEO & Founder of Blazing Pines, former C-suite leader, and an experienced coach whose philosophy is simple: no nonsense, just real-world, actionable help for leaders and their businesses.David’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From serving in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace — learning diplomacy, discretion, and security awareness at the highest level (a life reminiscent of something out of James Bond 007) — to transitioning into the finance sector, taking on senior Head of HR leadership positions, and ultimately becoming COO in London, his career is rich with lessons in responsibility, adaptability, and alliance-building.He shares the core values that have guided him, the pivotal moments that shaped his sense of self-belief, and the experiences that taught him the difference between theoretical leadership and practical, results-driven business management. We also discuss the launch of Blazing Pines, the three-month road trip across Singapore, Hong Kong, Geneva, and London that inspired it, and his unique approach to leadership coaching rooted in both qualifications and decades of senior corporate experience.The conversation explores entrepreneurship, building a strong support system, the role of mentorship in self-growth, and how parenting has influenced his leadership style. If you’re looking for grounded, practical leadership wisdom from someone who’s led at the highest levels, this episode is for you.OUR GUESThttps://linkedin.com/in/david-easton-a20478232https://www.instagram.com/blazingpinecoaching/LISTEN & FOLLOW PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:50) Introduction (01:26) Working at the Royal Household (03:38) First Lesson in Leadership (07:04) Diplomacy & Discretion (11:19) Joining Finance (13:35) Most Fulfilling Experience (14:19) Core Values (17:25) Becoming the Head of HR(18:41) Sense of Responsibility (20:28) Adaptability (22:08) Developing Alliances (23:58) Self Belief(26:28) Becoming the COO in London (31:57) Launching Blazing Pines (34:05) 3 Month Road Trip (37:57) Leadership & Coaching (41:06) Sense of Self (42:30) Entrepreneurship (45:23) Support System (50:29) Self Growth & Mentorship (54:05) Parenting (58:10) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or its employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #DavidEaston #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #RoyalHousehold #BuckinghamPalace #COO #BusinessManagement #HeadOfHR #Singapore #HongKong #Geneva #London #JamesBond #007 #BlazingPines #C-Suite #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #CareerGrowth

In this powerhouse episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Skipper Kelp — former professional boxer, martial artist, MMA pioneer, gym founder, coach, and now fight broadcaster — whose story spans from Olympic trials to calling the action at Canelo vs Crawford.Skipper’s journey takes us from growing up as a military kid, discovering martial arts, and idolising Bruce Lee, to becoming a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, Olympic hopeful, and turning pro with Top Rank Boxing in Las Vegas. He opens up about sparring wars in the legendary Top Rank gym, the brutal realities of professional boxing, and the health scare that forced him into early retirement at just 27.We also dive into how he reinvented himself as the founder of Nevada’s first MMA gym, training alongside icons like BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, and Rampage Jackson. Today, Skipper is carving out a new path in boxing commentary and fight broadcasting, breaking down corners and scoring fights for fans worldwide.🔥 Plus: We go rapid-fire on boxing and MMA legends including Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Durán, Vinny Pazienza, Gerald McClellan, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Julian Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Roy Jones Jr., and Riddick Bowe — sharing insights, stories, and what made each of them special.👉 If you’re a boxing fan, MMA enthusiast, or athlete navigating career transitions, this conversation is packed with stories of grit, reinvention, and what it takes to keep fighting long after the gloves come off.OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/skipperkelp/Website: https://www.fightcapital.com/LISTEN & FOLLOWInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/quinntessentialquestionsLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/CHAPTERS(00:55) Introduction(04:20) Growing up as a military kid & martial arts beginnings(07:45) Bruce Lee influence & early Taekwondo(12:30) Transition to boxing & Olympic Trials(18:10) Winning Golden Gloves & Top Rank journey(25:00) Sparring wars in the Top Rank gym(32:00) Health scare & early retirement at 27(38:50) Reinventing as a coach & gym founder(44:30) Training with MMA legends (BJ Penn, Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell)(50:15) Meeting Dana White & the Fertittas(56:00) Founding Nevada’s first MMA gym(01:02:00) Transition into broadcasting & commentary(01:08:20) Breaking down Canelo vs Crawford fight(01:15:40) Family, Vietnam heritage & resilience(01:20:30) Lessons in reinvention & adaptabilityDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation, its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #SkipperKelp #BoxingPodcast #MMAHistory #CaneloCrawford #FightCommentary #BoxingBroadcast #AthleteReinvention #CombatSports #CareerTransitions

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Roger Black — Olympic silver medallist, World and European champion in the 400m and 4x400m relay. Roger shares his journey from competing with a heart condition to racing legends like Michael Johnson, Edwin Moses, and Antonio Pettigrew.He reflects on training and competing alongside British greats Marcus Adams, Kriss Akabusi, Linford Christie, Sebastian Coe, Kelly Holmes, Matthew Hudson-Smith, John Regis, Derek Redman, and Daley Thompson — and what he learned from each of them.Roger also discusses the mindset needed to perform at the highest level, lessons from the 1991 World Championships, and how success in athletics translates into business and life.Whether you’re inspired by Olympic champions or chasing your own goals, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, speed, and high performance.OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerblack400/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.rogerblack.co.uk/https://www.teamgb.com/athlete/roger-black/6FmcwQaEscvzSFEAAN6cROhttps://www.backleyblack.com/our-insights/what-s-boosting-consumer-confidenceLISTEN & FOLLOWInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://quinntessentialca.comLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/03:45) Training with a Heart Condition(06:27) Journey in Athletics (09:33) Running with Kriss Akabusi (12:37) Kriss Akabusi - 10 O-Levels vs 10 No-Levels (15:37) Training with Todd Bennett and Kriss Akabusi - 1991 World Athletics Championship (18:20) John Regis (21:45) Changing the Running Order (27:33) Matthew Hudson Smith (28:45) Quincy Watts (32:54) Visualising the Race with Michael Johnson (35:24) Personal Best in Training (39:00) Speed Kills! (40:45) Athletics - A Labour of Love?(43:42) Being Invited by Daley Thompson to Train in California (44:45) Edwin Moses (46:15) Success Leaves Clues(51:07) Venturing Into Business with Steve Backley (55:13) Differences in Business & Athletics (59:25) Antonio Pettigrew(01:02:25) Current Projects (1:03:40) Skills, Knowledge & MindsetDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or its employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #RogerBlack #Athletics #Olympics #400m #SportsMindset #HighPerformance #Resilience #Leadership #MichaelJohnson

In this powerhouse episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with Gerald Tan — CEO & Co-founder of Yummy Bros, the healthy meal prep service reinventing Asian dishes with low-carb, keto, and high-protein options tailored to your goals and taste.Gerald’s journey takes us from growing up in Singapore and starting out in recruitment, to mastering sales and communication, developing unshakable self-belief, and overcoming the voices of naysayers. He shares pivotal moments in his life, the inner principles that guide his decisions, and the lessons learned from failed ventures before finally launching Yummy Bros.We explore what it takes to cross the million-dollar revenue mark, scale a business in a crowded food and beverage landscape, and build a brand that stands out while staying true to its mission. Gerald opens up about the realities of leadership, the risks of entrepreneurship, and the personal motivation that keeps him moving forward. He also talks about his vision of freedom, flexibility, and building a business that supports the life you want to live.If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a leader navigating growth, or simply someone hungry for inspiration, this conversation will feed your mind and your ambition.OUR GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.geraldtanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgeraldtanWebsite: https://www.yummybros.com/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.comLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:55) Introduction (04:39) Growing up in Singapore (07:04) Working in Recruitment (09:48) Sales & Communication (13:15) Takeaways from Recruitment(15:24) Sports & Health (18:45) Self Belief & Confidence (20:05) Naysayers (21:40) Marriage (26:11) Pivotal Moments (28:11) Inner Principles & Patterns (30:25) Starting Yummy Bros (33:40) Learnings from Failed Businesses (37:21) Crossing the $1 Million Mark(40:14) Scaling the Business (43:45) Building a Successful F&B Business (47:29) Overcrowded Food Landscape (49:08) Leadership (51:58) Challenges Faced (55:55) Business Risks (57:28) Personal Motivation (01:02:30) Freedom & Flexibility (01:04:07) Working Towards Freedom (01:08:20) Rapid Fire QuestionsDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners, or its employees.#QuinntessentialQuestions #PaulQuinn #GeraldTan #YummyBros #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HealthyEating #BusinessGrowth #F&BSuccess #StartupJourney

In this inspiring episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Fiona O’Connor — a leader, coach, and entrepreneur whose career journey spans high-pressure recruitment, building her own agency, and helping others unlock their full potential.Fiona shares how she found her way back to herself after career shifts, thrived in sales-driven and high-pressure environments, and earned £120,000 in recruitment before taking the leap to launch her own agency. She talks candidly about navigating the challenges of working within Big 4 firms, turning difficult feedback into fuel for growth, and her transition into coaching, where she explored a range of transformative modalities.This conversation also uncovers her unique ability to balance freedom with structure, the unexpected ways acting has influenced her leadership style, and why taking breaks and pauses is essential for sustaining high performance. Above all, Fiona’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and believing in yourself.If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, recruiter, or someone facing a pivotal career transition, this episode will give you fresh perspectives and practical lessons that can transform the way you approach your own path.GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-oconnor-icf-macPAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠Website: http://quinntessentialquestions.comOUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:42) Introduction (03:55) Coming Home to Yourself (06:04) Early Career Journey (11:05) Being Calm Under Pressure (13:37) Joining Recruitment (17:27) Earning £120,000(18:35) Sales Oriented Organisation (20:17) Starting a Recruitment Agency (24:47) Challenges of Working in Big 4 (27:30) Running Talent Development Centres (29:16) Receiving Difficult Feedback (31:54) Being Appreciative of Feedback (34:10) Becoming a Coach (36:25) Modalities of Coaching (39:23) Confrontation as a Manager (40:30) Adaptability (43:30) Freedom within Structure (43:44) Love for Acting (48:52) Importance of Breaks & Pauses (53:57) Believing in Yourself (57:23) Career Lessons (01:03:22) Rapid Fire QuestionsThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this inspiring episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn interviews Amita Berthier, Olympic fencer and Singapore’s national flagbearer. Amita shares her fencing journey — from her early days competing internationally, moving to the USA to train, and overcoming the challenges of living and studying abroad. She reflects on winning her first gold medal, competing against her role model, and the intense preparation leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.Amita opens up about balancing elite fencing with university life, dealing with injuries, developing strong mental strategies, and competing as a left-handed fencer. She also talks about her proud moment carrying Singapore’s flag, securing sponsorships, and her goals for future competitions. If you're passionate about Olympic sports, athlete mental health, fencing techniques, or inspiring stories of perseverance, this episode is a must-watch. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more powerful conversations with top athletes! ⚔️🏅GUESThttps://www.instagram.com/amita_berthier/?hl=enPAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠Website: http://quinntessentialquestions.comOUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(01:20) Amita’s Journey Into Fencing (02:59) First International Competition (03:55) Moving to the USA (06:50) Challenges of Living Overseas (08:30) Competing Against her Role Model(09:39) First Gold Medal (10:45) Olympic Journey (15:15) Balancing Fencing & University (18:10) 2020 Tokyo Olympics (20:35) Thinking About the Next Steps (23:05) Internal Dialogues & Self-Talk (24:35) Family Support (25:25) Technique, Studying & Mental Warfare (30:45) Injuries & Being Left Handed (34:45) A Full Circle Moment Competing in France (38:40) Upcoming Competitions (40:35) Being a Flagbearer for Singapore (41:03) Seeking Advice from Other Sportspersons (43:25) Securing Sponsorships (45:08) Rapid Fire QuestionsThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this powerful episode, Paul Quinn sits down with Efasha "Fash" Kamarudin Harrison — a Singaporean female boxer, coach, schoolteacher, and mother — to explore her inspiring journey through sport, education, and motherhood.From discovering her passion for boxing to embracing it as a lifestyle, Fash shares candid insights into training post-pregnancy, staying disciplined, and balancing her multiple roles in and out of the ring. As she prepares for her upcoming bout against Jazzy Parr on 20 August 2025, Fash opens up about what fuels her quest to become a world boxing champion.We also dive into her coaching philosophy, strength and conditioning routine, favourite fighters, and her mindset around discipline vs motivation. Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or simply seeking motivation, this episode is packed with grit, wisdom, and heart.🎧 Tune in now and hear Fash’s honest, grounded, and empowering story.GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/efasha-kamarudin-harrison-716015194/https://www.instagram.com/fash_theface/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠Website: https://www.quinntessentialquestions.com/CAREER COACHING SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:43) Introduction (01:30) Journey into Sports (02:22) Becoming a School Teacher (05:11) Getting into Boxing (05:55) Boxing as a Lifestyle (06:48) Coaching Journey (08:24) Favourite Muay Thai Fighters (09:07) Juggling Fighting & Motherhood (12:47) Training After Having a Baby (15:05) Boxing Weight (16:15) Training Routine (17:44) Strength & Conditioning (19:02) Favourite Fighter to Watch(19:45) Daily Habits (24:30) Smart Training(27:15) Technical & Natural Strengths (31:36) Most Significant Matches to Watch(34:39) Watching Fight Tapes (36:19) Rapid Fire Questions (38:49) Discipline vs MotivationThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with theatre director, writer, and educator Timothy Koh to explore his creative journey from Singapore to the Off-Broadway stage. If you've ever wondered how to build a career in theatre, navigate freelancing in the arts, or what it takes to bring a play to life — this episode is for you.Timothy shares how he got started in theatre, the role of parental support in pursuing the arts, and his transformative experiences studying in the United States. He opens up about interning at a local theatre company, working Off-Broadway as a production assistant, and collaborating with non-profit theatre organisations in New York.We discuss the challenges of freelancing as a creative professional, how COVID-19 impacted the performing arts industry, and what it was like returning to Singapore. Timothy also dives into his love for script analysis, directing actors, planning productions, and his dream creative team. The episode closes with a fun round of rapid-fire questions that reveal more of his personal side.This episode is packed with insights for aspiring directors, performers, and anyone passionate about storytelling, stagecraft, or creative leadership.GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-k-ba75b4103/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuinntessentialQuestionsApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(01:57) Timothy’s Background (02:16) Journey into Theatre (06:55) Parental Support (09:45) Interning at a Theatre Company(11:40) Studying in the USA (13:10) Learning Different Aspects of Theatre (14:50) Second Major in English (17:00) Production Assistant Off Broadway(18:20) Working with Non Profit Theatres (21:20) Challenges of Freelancing (22:16) Covid-19’s Impact (23:58) Returning to Singapore (26:10) Thoughts on Movies & TV Shows (28:15) Best Production (31:10) Planning Process (35:30) Monologues (37:10) Table Work with Actors (41:25) Dream Play & Team(47:40) Knowing the Lines for a Play(49:00) Rapid Fire QuestionsThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this captivating episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn speaks with a one-of-a-kind guest who bridges two seemingly opposite worlds — magic performance and private banking. Kicking things off with a live magic trick, he shares his journey from studying in Sydney, working in anti-money laundering (AML), and rising through the ranks to become a full-fledged private banker.We dive into how he incorporated magic and showmanship into his career, building confidence, launching a YouTube channel, performing at major events, and using entertainment to connect with clients in the world of finance and sales. He also opens up about handling critics, building strong client relationships, starting a public speaking coaching business, and what success really looks like across both the stage and the boardroom.If you're into career growth, sales techniques, personal branding, or the art of combining passion with profession, this episode delivers. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell — and share this with anyone looking to make their own path stand out. 🎩💼✨GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kwong-636897148/https://www.youtube.com/WeareConfidencePAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5x98T8QSRo01reQOGVGavqApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(01:30) Beginning with a Magic Trick(12:35) Journey Into Magic (15:25) Studying in Sydney (17:05) Working in AML to Becoming a Banker (18:59) Working with his Father (22:35) Incorporating Magic Into his Job (25:20) Dealing with Naysayers (27:45) Becoming a Salesperson(32:25) Starting his YouTube Channel (34:45) Building the Confidence to Perform(36:00) Performing at a Major Show (38:05) Bringing the Showbiz Mentality to Private Banking (39:55) Being Promoted to a Full Fledged Banker (42:55) Thoughts on Being a Team Leader (45:05) Dealing with Difficult People (48:55) Building Meaningful Connections(54:55) Public Speaking Coaching Business (57:55) Inspirations in Magic & Banking (59:00) What Success Looks Like (1:00:00) Rapid Fire QuestionsThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, we sit down with Paul Steffanson, a seasoned finance leader who has navigated career transitions, led at the highest levels, and mastered the art of storytelling and communication. We talk about everything from leadership lessons to experiences like interviewing Frank Abagnale. This episode is packed with insights for finance professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their career. Don't miss out!🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-stefansson-66376/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WPCareerCoachingApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(03:03) Paul’s background living in Canada and Singapore ⁠(05:52) Moving to the Finance Industry⁠(10:18) Reading Books on Sales & Communication ⁠(14:10) Pivotal Career Moments ⁠(17:00) Advice for the Younger Generation ⁠(20:35) The Power of Good Storytelling ⁠(22:25) Juggling Multiple Leadership Roles at a Large Bank ⁠(25:01) Key Leadership Lessons ⁠(26:55) Embracing Different Career Transitions ⁠(28:35) Working with UHNW vs Institutional Clients ⁠(31:12) Thoughts on Crypto & AI⁠(34:00) Importance of Motivation ⁠(37:40) Common Sales Mistakes & How to Fix Them ⁠(41:50) Coaching High Ranking Individuals ⁠(44:25) Interviewing Frank Abagnale ⁠(47:45) What Young Professionals Should Do ⁠(50:10) Book Recommendations for Aspiring Investors ⁠(53:08) Alternate Career Paths ⁠(56:54) Biggest Career Influences ⁠(57:07) Skills that Every Leader Should MasterThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, we sit down with David Kurzhal, Viking Samurai —a German-Korean stockbroker turned YouTuber, martial artist, and now, movie star. His journey is all about reinvention, creativity, and chasing what lights you up.We dive into his multicultural roots, his early finance career, and how YouTube became more than just a hobby. David shares his love for 80s action films, his martial arts evolution, and how his childhood shaped his mindset as a fighter. He talks about the difference between fight training and movie training, staying in shape, and what it was like filming his first movie.If you’re into martial arts, action films, fitness, or inspiring stories of personal growth—this one’s for you.👉 Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!GUESThttps://www.youtube.com/@VikingSamuraihttps://www.instagram.com/realvikingsamurai/?hl=enPAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WPCareerCoachingApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:40) David’s Background & Journey (02:50) German & Korean Heritage(05:30) Being an Ambivert (06:45) Starting off as a Stockbroker (10:50) YouTube Journey (14:50) YouTube as a Creative Outlet (17:15) Being Athletically Gifted (19:30) Love for 80s Action Films (23:00) YouTube Beyond a Hobby (26:40) Favourite Episodes Filmed (28:50) Dream Guests (31:11) Martial Arts Journey (36:00) Career Transitions (40:00) Surreal Filming (43:50) Facing Bullies (45:00) Becoming a Fighter (50:10) Remake an 80s Movie (55:20) Fight vs Movie Training (56:50) Holding onto Muscle Mass(58:30) Favourite Exercises (01:03:30) Favourite Martial Art (01:09:20) Rapid Fire Questions (01:23:00) How You Can Watch David’s MovieThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, we sit down with Adrian Chui, a top leader in real estate and finance to discuss his journey from analyst to CEO—and the key lessons learned along the way. We discuss his transition from investment Banking to leadership, key trends in the real estate industry, and his career advice for young professionals. Whether you're in finance, real estate, or leadership, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don't miss it!🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-chui-3887999b/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WPCareerCoachingApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(01:54) Adrian’s Background ⁠(05:20) Entering Real Estate & Finance ⁠(09:27) Becoming a Sell Side Analyst ⁠(13:27) Transitioning to Investment Banking ⁠(16:30) Moving to Leadership Roles ⁠(17:36) Managing Corporate Stakeholders⁠(21:50) Being Selfless with Time ⁠(25:18) Creating a Positive Work Culture ⁠(28:30) Dealing with Mistakes ⁠(30:05) Vision as a CEO⁠(34:32) Decision-Making Process ⁠(38:40) Having Conviction in Plans Made ⁠(40:39) Real Estate Industry Trends ⁠(43:26) Balancing Risk and Opportunity ⁠(47:20) Impact of E-Commerce on Real Estate ⁠(50:52) Investing Strategies across Institutions ⁠(56:32) Advice for Young Professionals ⁠(01:01:00) Best Advice Received ⁠(01:02:28) Interests Outside WorkThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.

In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions, we sit down down with Raeza Ibrahim, a lawyer, arts enthusiast, and theatre lover. We explore his unique career path, from practicing law in Singapore to his passion for theatre and starting a boutique law firm. Raeza shares his journey of balancing introversion with career choices, his thoughts on working with family, and the challenges faced in the legal profession.In this conversation, we discuss what sets good lawyers apart, the impact of technology on the industry, and his foray into the F&B world by owning a bar in Singapore. Raeza also opens up about a miraculous health journey that changed his perspective on life. Plus, we take a look into the future and what lies ahead in his multi-faceted career.Listen for a candid discussion on career transitions, personal growth, and navigating the challenges of both the legal and creative worlds.🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!GUESThttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raezaibrahim/PAUL QUINNInstagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/taipansg/⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WPCareerCoachingApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quinntesssential-questions-podcast-with-paul-quinn/id1764230785LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-quinn-wp1/⁠OUR SOCIALSWebsite: ⁠https://careercoaching.westport-partners.com⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/westport-partners-career-coaching/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/westportpartnerscareercoaching/⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/people/Westport-Partners-Career-Coaching/61558129585059/(00:30) Raeza’s Background as a Lawyer and Arts Enthusiast (04:40) Being an Introvert ⁠(08:00) Theatre Journey(12:42) Making a Career Choice ⁠(17:05) Practising Law in Singapore ⁠(22:00) Pursuing his Passion for Theatre⁠(28:30) Starting a Boutique Law Firm ⁠(29:40) Returning to his Previous Employer (32:00) A Rational Approach to Resigning ⁠(38:20) Every Case is a Win - Lose ⁠(39:26) Working with his Father ⁠(43:00) How are Lawyers Viewed in Singapore? ⁠(44:30) Reasons for High Attrition in the Industry ⁠(49:50) The Downside of Technology ⁠(55:55) What Differentiates a Good and a Bad Lawyer? ⁠(01:01:01) Reading About Communication & Negotiation ⁠(01:04:34) Owning a Bar in Singapore ⁠(01:08:00) Challenges of an F&B Business ⁠(01:10:30) A Miraculous Health Journey ⁠(01:19:40) Future OutlookThe views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any company or organisation (or similar), its affiliates, subsidiaries, partners or its employees.