This is my podcast, where I speak with folks to explore the nuances of modern work and its idiosyncrasies. Beyond just the enablers and vendors transforming this space, I will also include intimate conversations with people navigating newfound career pivots. They have successfully transitioned to their new careers, and I hope to distil their ups and downs in this unstructured journey so the rest of us can learn from their best practices. www.adriantan.com.sg
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60 recent
June 16, 20266 min
The Side Hustle Rule Your Boss Breaks Every Single Day
My former CEO stood in front of the whole team and said: no side hustles. Too distracting. The company needs your full commitment.He had three board directorships, two committee seats, and multiple rental properties.He wasn’t lying to be cruel. He was protecting what he’d built — and hoping you wouldn’t notice the gap between what he said and what he did.I noticed too late. I went all-in on one company for a decade. $5M revenue, 30 staff, everything I had in one place. Then the partners changed, the investors pulled out, and I spent three months not knowing what to do with myself at 9 am on a Monday. Then I drove Grab.This video is what I learned from that — and what your boss already knows that nobody taught you.What is covered:00:00 Side Hustle Hypocrisy00:27 Leaders Diversify Quietly01:41 The Loyalty Deal Died02:18 All In Then Burnout03:04 Uber And Identity Loss03:21 Diversify Without Seniority03:49 Build Assets Under Your Name04:03 Writing Builds Reputation04:30 Fractional Work And Niches05:43 Commitment Versus Concentration06:06 What Equity Are You Building06:42 Do As They Do Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
April 26, 202613 min
Fractional Work Explained (From My Experience): Money, Clients, Pricing & Sustainability
After my CNA article on fractional work went live, I received many LinkedIn DMs, so I’m answering the most common questions in this video. 00:00 Intro00:37 What is Fractional Work?01:58 Can It Work Financially?03:14 Handling Dry Spells05:24 Do You Need a Big Network?05:59 Set Up a Company or Operate Individually?06:29 How to Land Your First Client07:35 What If a Client Wants You Full-Time?08:11 Retirement & Exit Strategy09:06 Which Industries Work Best?11:51 How to Price Yourself Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
March 1, 20268 min
Die With Zero: Retire With Memories, Not Money
I reflect on Charlie Munger’s wish for more time and share three ideas from Bill Perkins’ Die With Zero that changed how I think about money and life.First, you don’t retire with money—you retire with memories, and some experiences have real physical expiry dates, so postponing them can mean missing them forever.Second, I reframe retirement planning by treating net worth peak as a date, not a number, and explain how dying with unspent money can represent thousands of hours worked for nothing, while the fear of running out is often bigger than the math.Third, I walk through Perkins’ “time bucketing” exercise—mapping life in five-year blocks and assigning goals to realistic windows—plus my own buckets for travel, family, and work changes, to stop drifting and start choosing intentionally.00:00 Munger’s Wish for Time00:27 Book That Changed Me01:05 Retire With Memories02:06 Experiences Expire03:19 Peak Net Worth Date04:11 Fear of Running Out05:09 Time Bucketing Method06:16 My Time Buckets07:07 Bucket List vs Buckets07:54 Closing Takeaways Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
February 1, 20268 min
Reflections on Content Creation, Imposter Syndrome, and Staying True to Your Voice
I'm back after a six-month hiatus to discuss the origin of his podcast, his experiences with imposter syndrome, and his journey in content creation. I reflect on the evolution of content creation from blogging to contemporary practices involving AI, and emphasise the importance of maintaining authenticity in one's tone of voice. Also, a shout-out to Typeless: to help you align spoken and written content, and announces plans for more monologue episodes. Stay tuned for a candid look into the world of content creation and personal growth.00:00 Welcome Back: Where Have I Been?00:11 The Journey of My Podcast and Book01:16 Current Work and Future Plans02:14 The Evolution of Content Creation03:09 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing06:03 Tools and Tips for Content Creation07:20 Conclusion and Future Episodes Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
July 28, 202529 min
166 - Why Florence Foo QUIT Her Job & Launched FOUR Businesses!
In this revealing episode, Florence Foo shares her incredible journey of quitting her corporate job while pregnant with her second child to launching four successful businesses. From starting a boutique digital marketing agency to organising large-scale events, introducing sunscreen dispensers on demand, and exploring groundbreaking LED technology, Florence navigates the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship. Discover her insights on time management, overcoming challenges, and the strategies behind her diverse business ventures. Don't miss this inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and innovation!---This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. 00:00 Leaving the Corporate World01:11 Introducing Florence01:32 Florence's Career Journey02:12 Starting a Digital Marketing Agency05:00 Expanding into Event Organising08:59 Venturing into Sunscreen Business10:26 Exploring LED Lighting11:51 Balancing Multiple Businesses and Family17:34 Managing Work-Life Balance18:22 Health Impacts of Overworking19:44 Lessons from Nine Years in Business20:09 Starting as a Solopreneur21:35 Dealing with Client Challenges25:36 Prospecting for New Business27:28 Adapting to Digitalisation28:08 Advice to My Younger Self28:53 Future Plans and Contact Information---Where to find Florence Foo:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-foo/Oakwood Media: http://www.oakwood.sgWhere to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg📕 No More Bosses: https://amzn.asia/d/abmPxU6 Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
July 6, 202544 min
165 - Eric Tan EXPOSES The Harsh Truths About Starting Your Own Business
In this eye-opening episode, Eric Tan, a seasoned entrepreneur and chartered accountant, reveals the staggering realities and misconceptions of starting your own business. From the relentless grind and overwhelming stress to the illusion of having more control over your time, Eric shares his journey from working for Pricewaterhouse to running his own successful accounting and consulting firms. Tune in to uncover the brutal challenges faced by new businesses, the importance of setting realistic goals, and why you should think twice before diving into entrepreneurship. Plus, get invaluable insights on the best business structures and tax considerations to ensure your startup's success. This is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs!---Eric Tan is a Singapore Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Consultant, best known as the co-founder and Managing Director of The Resource Group Pte Ltd. With a career spanning over 15 years in finance, business advisory, and human capital development, Eric has played a pivotal role in equipping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the expertise and resources needed for growth and regional expansion---This episode is brought to you by Deel , the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. 00:00 Introduction01:08 Meet Eric: A Multifaceted Professional02:21 Eric's Career Journey: From Audit to Consulting03:21 The Decision to Go Independent04:49 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship06:51 The Reality of Being Your Own Boss11:20 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship20:24 The Changing Business Landscape25:50 Understanding F&B Business Failures26:12 Case Study: My Cousin's F&B Journey27:55 Lessons from Starting a Recruitment Business28:41 The Importance of Accurate Financial Projections29:20 Acquiring and Retaining Consulting Clients30:43 Networking Strategies for Business Growth34:20 Choosing the Right Business Structure38:12 Tax Considerations for Different Business Entities40:19 Common Accounting Mistakes to Avoid44:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information---Where to find Eric Tan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-tan-15034111/The Resource Group: https://theresourcegroup.asia/Acce Advisory: https://acceadvisory.services/Where to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg📕 No More Bosses: https://amzn.asia/d/abmPxU6 Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
June 28, 202537 min
164 - From Gang Fights to Gender Fluidity | Shawn Lim's Journey of Authenticity & Resilience
Join Shawn Lim as he opens up about his transformative journey from being arrested as a teenager to becoming a successful content creator and podcaster. Discover why he prefers the term 'content creator' over 'influencer' and learn about his platform, Human Algorithm, which aims to promote authenticity in the age of AI. In this eye-opening podcast, Shawn shares deeply personal stories for his neurodiverse daughter and offers insights on how to navigate life's struggles while staying true to oneself. Don't miss this compelling conversation filled with valuable lessons on vulnerability, authenticity, and the art of being human.---Shawn Lim is a Singapore-based media entrepreneur, journalist, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He is best known as the founder and creator of Human Algorithm, a storytelling-led media platform and podcast that spotlights underrepresented voices at the intersection of business, technology, media, and DEI---This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. 00:00 Introduction: Content Creator vs Influencer01:14 The Human Algorithm Platform01:29 Podcasting Journey and Background02:13 Transition from Corporate to Independent04:57 Balancing Work and Family Life16:04 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn20:12 The CEO's Storytelling Journey21:04 The Importance of Authenticity21:49 Balancing Authenticity and Oversharing23:52 Writing with a Target Audience in Mind26:07 The Human Algorithm on Substack28:16 Leveraging AI Tools for Content Creation32:11 Creating a Content System35:07 Masterclass and Final Thoughts---Where to find Shawn Lim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediumshawn/Human Algorithm: https://humanalgorithm.substack.com/Where to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg📕 No More Bosses: https://amzn.asia/d/abmPxU6 Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
June 22, 202535 min
163 - She SKIPPED COLLEGE to Build a Startup During the Pandemic! Amanda Cua Reveals Her Journey
In this captivating episode, Adrian and Amanda Cua discuss her unexpected decision to skip college and embark on an entrepreneurial journey during the pandemic. Amanda shares how she utilised a gap year to create a successful newsletter company, BackScoop, in Southeast Asia. She delves into the challenges she faced, the strategies she used to grow her subscriber base, her thoughts on the media landscape, and her experiences with impostor syndrome. Tune in to learn about Amanda's inspiring journey and get valuable insights on building a startup from scratch.---Amanda Cua is a Filipino entrepreneur known for founding Backscoop, a popular newsletter focused on Southeast Asian tech and business news. She started the newsletter after deciding not to pursue university, aiming to provide easily digestible information on startups in the region. Backscoop has gained a significant following, including investors and startup founders. Cua has also hosted the podcast "One More Scoop" and has been featured on Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" list. ---This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. 00:00 Introduction01:39 Who is Amanda Cua02:00 The Evolution of BackScoop02:48 Challenges and Inspirations03:32 Skipping College for Entrepreneurship04:11 The Decision Between UK and US Education05:05 First Steps into the Startup World08:16 Building a Network from Zero11:23 Growth Hacking Strategies14:16 Newsletter Evolution and Team Challenges17:00 Challenges in Content Creation17:59 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome22:19 Daily Routine and Health Focus24:00 Impact of Moving to Singapore26:37 Opportunities in New Media33:13 Advice for Aspiring Founders---Where to find Amanda Cua:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-cua/BackScoop: https://backscoop.comWhere to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg📕 No More Bosses: https://amzn.asia/d/abmPxU6 Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
June 14, 202547 min
162 - From Silicon Valley Burnout to Podcasting Success: Sarah Wong's Journey!
In this special in-studio episode of The Adrian Tan Show, I sit down with Sarah Wong, a former Silicon Valley professional, now a podcast host, a consultant, and a mom of two. Sarah shares her personal journey from experiencing career burnout, transitioning to motherhood, and shifting to a portfolio career. She also talks about her podcast @makeitwork.podcast which focuses on inspiring stories of modern working moms in Asia. Sarah covers her work as a venture partner, a real estate licensee, and her heavy involvement in mentorship programs aimed at helping women in tech and leadership. Tune in to discover her strategies for balancing professional and personal life, her insights on overcoming career transitions, and her unique approach to integrating rest into her busy schedule.---Sarah Wong is a mother of two and the host of Make It Work, a podcast sharing honest, inspiring stories of modern moms in Asia who have redefined success on their own terms. The show was born after Sarah’s return to Singapore from Silicon Valley, where she experienced burnout after six fast-paced years in tech. It is now one of Singapore's top podcasts for working mothers.Today, she leads a portfolio career as a Venture Partner at Heal Venture Lab, a regional health tech accelerator, while also supporting her family’s real estate business.Sarah is a long-time advocate for women’s mentorship, having founded the RockIT Women Mentor Program in the U.S., and currently mentors mothers returning to work through Return Ready.She holds an MBA from INSEAD and has lived and worked in Singapore, the U.S., and India. Some fun facts: Sarah is married to a pastor (could be a podcast on its own!) and she loves both heights (rock climbing) and depths (swimming).---This episode is brought to you by Deel , the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. ---00:00 Introduction and Personal Background01:15 Welcome to the Adrian Tan Show01:44 Meet Sarah: A Modern Working Mom02:39 Sarah's Career Journey and Portfolio04:30 The Shift to a Portfolio Career06:50 Balancing Career and Motherhood13:39 Starting the Podcast: Make It Work17:27 Podcast Production Insights22:57 Exploring the Power of AI23:04 Mentorship for Women in Tech and Leadership25:00 Starting a Mentorship Program26:19 Motherhood and Career Mentorship27:49 Networking and Career Advice33:37 Managing Time and Energy43:37 Advice to Younger Self46:52 Where to Find More---Where to find Sarah Wong:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swongx/Youtube: Make It Work Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.podcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943beTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcastApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085Where to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
June 7, 202553 min
161 - Singaporean's INSANE Story of Surviving Corporate Espionage in China! (ft. Jason Ong)
In this episode, Adrian brings you an unmissable conversation with Jason Ong, a Singaporean who has been living and working in China for the past 18 years. Tune in as Jason shares his captivating journey from studying in the United States to navigating the corporate world in China. Hear about the jaw-dropping tale of firing a Deputy GM while dealing with the local mafia, and the rigorous challenges of running a startup. This episode is jam-packed with insightful advice for companies looking to explore the Chinese market, especially regarding the importance of company seals, trademarks, and choosing the right partners. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business professional, you won't want to miss this one! 🔥---Jason is a pragmatic and results-driven international executive with 20 years of expertise in digital strategies, business growth, and operational improvement. His leadership experience spans start-up, scale-up, multinational corporation, and global consulting firms, with a strong working knowledge across functions in diverse sectors such as retail, consumer products, medical devices, consumer health, and offshore & marine. Jason is currently founder and Managing Director at LION Advisory, a cross-border advisory firm helping companies navigate the China market while helping Chinese companies expand globally. He is also the COO of a multi-family office as well as a mentor with Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN). Jason embraces challenges and relishes operating in new environments. He is also an aspiring author and baking enthusiast. ---This episode is brought to you by Deel, the all-in-one platform simplifying global team management with payroll, HR, IT, and compliance solutions, trusted by over 35,000 businesses worldwide. Learn more at https://deel.com/adriantan. ---00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:47 Jason's Background and Journey to China02:56 Life and Challenges in the US04:49 Transition to China and Early Experiences09:50 Consulting and Career Shifts in China11:11 Managing a Manufacturing Plant in China14:13 Startup Ventures and Consulting Return21:11 The Importance of Company Seals in China24:29 Reflections on Management and Business Practices27:57 Going Independent and Writing a Novel29:24 Challenges of Going Independent in China30:10 Starting a Cross-Border Advisory Firm30:42 Navigating the Chinese Market34:44 Core Services for Companies Entering China37:34 Opportunities and Challenges in the Chinese Market43:06 Protecting Your Brand in China47:30 Daily Life of an Independent Consultant49:42 Final Thoughts and Advice---Where to find Jason Ong:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonong24/Where to find Adrian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/Website: adriantan.com.sg Get full access to Will That Work? at www.adriantan.com.sg/subscribe
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