Womenpreneur Asia

Hosted by Krista Goon

Business Marketing

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Episodes

173

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

Womenpreneur Asia is a podcast for women entrepreneurs in Asia to share what they have learned with other women who are in business or aspire to start businesses. The Womenpreneur Asia podcast is hosted by Krista Goon, a Malaysian entrepreneur, author. communicator and marketer. Each season features 14 heartwarming and inspiring stories of Asian women entrepreneurs across Asia. Each episode is a conversation between Krista and her Asian guest, filled with valuable insights and strategies. All episodes are sponsored by Redbox Studio , a company that uses its own game, Big Timer, to train and teach entrepreneurship through workshops.

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July 17, 2026Episode 1550 min

Building Family-Friendly Workplaces in Asia with Shreyasi Jha from UNICEF

In this season closer, we take a closer look at how businesses in Asia could benefit from family-friendly policies starting with creating caring workplaces in Asia. I speak to Shreyasi Jha, Senior Gender and Climate Advisor, UNICEF about the UNICEF perspective and her personal experiences growing up in India. Our conversation explores practical steps SMEs in Asia can take, the cost-benefit math and the hopeful energy of Gen Z driving change. Show Notes [00:11:00] Shreyasi’s defiance and early questions about norms [00:18:00] Breastfeeding challenges and the need for supportive spaces [00:24:00] Bereavement leave and broader care policies [00:27:00] Parental leave and flexible work as core policies [00:32:00] How SMEs can access UNICEF support and consultants [00:42:00] It starts from home and the care agenda Key takeaways Family-friendly policies are not an optional add-on. They are a practical, productivity-enhancing strategy that benefits individuals, teams, and organizations. For SMEs, three priorities stand out: universal parental leave (inclusive of all parents), flexible work arrangements that respect caregiving duties, and reliable childcare support (including safe spaces and bereavement considerations). Real change requires authentic leadership, thoughtful implementation, and a broader commitment to a caring workplace that serves employees, families, and communities. Download the Family Friendly Workplaces Toolkit. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Sign up for behind-the-scenes updates and news from our podcast guests.

July 10, 2026Episode 1455 min

Baking Good: How The Good Cake HK Feeds Elders in Poverty with Karen Chu

In this candid conversation, Krista chats with Karen Chu, founder of The Good Cake HK, a Hong Kong social enterprise that channels part of every sale into a rice fund for the elderly. Karen shares her personal journey, from childhood with loving grandparents to creating a brand that blends celebration with care. You’ll hear about the realities of rising costs, the pivots that helped her scale, the role of social media in authentic storytelling and how mentorship can push you to grow even when fear feels loud. This is a beautiful story about baking, purpose and staying human in business. Show Notes: 00:00:00 – Background on Karen and The Good Cake HK 00:08:00 – The rice fund concept and impact (5.2 tons of rice) 00:14:00 – Daily realities of cage homes and elderly poverty in Hong Kong 00:22:00 – Handling growth through Christmas season and corporate orders 00:31:00 – Mentorship, fear and building a business vs. being a baker 00:34:00 – Social media authenticity and behind-the-scenes storytelling 00:41:00 – Scaling, team-building and future partnerships 00:52:00 – The mission’s scale in Hong Kong and closing reflections 3 takeaways: Authentic storytelling builds trust and expands reach beyond borders. A social enterprise model can deliver real community impact while remaining financially viable. Growth requires honest assessment, mentorship, and a plan to scale operations without losing heart. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Sign up for behind-the-scenes updates and news from our podcast guests.

July 3, 2026Episode 1333 min

Access, Knowledge, Opportunity for Womenpreneurs with Krista Goon

In this week’s solo episode, I share a practical playbook for turning generosity into measurable business results. Learn how to release the mental ledger, multiply your knowledge for greater reach and become an individual that naturally attracts people, opportunities and resources. Access, knowledge and opportunity aren’t just ideals—they’re a scalable strategy for women entrepreneurs across Asia. I never just talk about strategy without giving you concrete steps to start today and this episode offers all that I personally engage in: publish a short article, forward a timely opportunity, and ask the empowering question, “How may I help you?” Listen to this episode for tools and a mindset shift that could redefine your growth path. Show Notes 00:02:00 — Quote about giving without remembering; generosity as a guiding principle 00:04:00 — Mental ledger vs. generosity filter; non-transactional giving 00:06:00 — Why Womenpreneur Asia exists: access, knowledge, opportunity 00:09:00 — Forwarding opportunities and the power of being a bridge 00:12:00 — How may I help you? Asking the, “What does the other person need?” 00:15:00 — Digitizing knowledge; creating a portfolio of digital assets 00:18:00 — The virtuous cycle: access → knowledge → opportunity 00:22:00 — Version 2.0 of giving: making giving vibrant and colorful 00:28:00 — Wrap-up: practical takeaways and closing motivation 00:30:00 — How to connect with Krista and access resources 3 Key Takeaways Build a generosity filter and release the mental ledger to attract the right people and opportunities. Digitize and share your knowledge regularly; your reputation is the currency of success. Be the bridge: make deliberate introductions and forward opportunities to amplify impact. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio . For more show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

June 25, 2026Episode 1253 min

From Nail Art to Online Nail Academy: Systems-Building with Jessica Choong

In this episode, Malaysian entrepreneur Jessica Choong shares how she transformed nail artistry into a scalable, affiliate-driven education platform. From moving from Malaysia to New Zealand to building an online nail academy and Gel X courses, she reveals how systems, mentorship, and authentic connections powered growth. Learn how she uses affiliates to mentor new students, partner with brands to cut costs and pursue cross-cultural learning to expand her reach. A journey of courage, experimentation, and generosity, this episode offers practical tactics for turning expertise and nail artistry into a lasting, impact-driven business. Listen to the full conversation to hear how one woman is designing a future where women empower other women through education and community. Show Notes 00:01:00 — Jessica’s background: from fashion design in Penang to becoming a Malaysia Airlines cabin crew and then the big move to New Zealand. 00:14:00 — The birth of the nail course: meeting demand and focusing on helping students gain financial independence. 00:19:00 — Marketing the course: from Rae, the first student, to filming the online course and expanding online/offline options. 00:31:00 — Building systems with affiliates: mentoring, teaching manuals, and hands-on practice via affiliate mentors. 00:36:00 — Challenges and strategy: avoiding cold pitches, building a warm network, and planning for international growth. 00:43:00 — The power of sharing knowledge: how generosity in teaching attracts opportunities and sponsorships. 00:50:00 — Reflections on culture and community in New Zealand versus Malaysia; the value of being heard. 3 Key Takeaways Turn ideas into action: small starts can grow into large, opportunity-rich platforms. Build a replicable system: affiliates and teaching manuals scale impact while maintaining standards. Lead with connection: warm introductions and mentorship deepen trust and open doors. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Sign up for new episode alert plus regional news and women-friendly opportunities:

June 18, 2026Episode 1151 min

Adaptive, Inclusive Clothing For The Disabled with Soumita Basu, India

Indian entrepreneur Soumita Basu, founder of Zyenika, discusses adaptive clothing that fits real bodies and respects dignity. In a candid conversation, Soumita reveals the passionate journey from chronic pain to launching a fashion line that centers empathy, accessibility, and user experience. As a disabled entrepreneur, she shares the systemic barriers she’s faced—especially in banking and retail—and why inclusive design must begin with humility and care. From the daily realities as a disabled entrepreneur in Asia to the broader opportunity of serving aging populations and diverse bodies, this episode offers incredible insights for designers, founders and investors who want to build real inclusive businesses with heart and impact. Show Notes 00:00 Soumita’s mission for Zyenika Inclusive fashion 00:06 Empathy in design; avoiding homogenization of women 00:12 The origin of Zyenika and initial challenges in access and supply 00:20 The cost of dignity within systems that aren’t disable-friendly 00:26 Policy and human hurdles faced by disabled entrepreneurs 00:34 The shopping experience for the disabled 00:43 Hidden business opportunities if inclusivity was taken seriously 00:46 On incubator programs and practical pathways to support disability-led ventures 00:47 Business based on care, authenticity and empathy 3 Key Takeaways Lead with empathy: inclusive design must start from the user’s body and daily life. Accessibility is systemic: banking, retail environments and policy need practical changes, not just nice-to-have intentions. Inclusion is a trillion dollar business: serving underserved markets strengthens growth, loyalty and ESG outcomes. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Sign up for new episode alert plus regional news and women-friendly opportunities:

June 11, 2026Episode 1043 min

Solopreneur Turbulence, Identity and Growth with Wahn Punnapha, Thailand

Wahn Punnapha of Thailand came from a secure FMCG corporate role. She is now a mindset and leadership coach who courageously and openly shares her bold journey from corporate leadership to solopreneurship. She explains how her identity crises and emotional turbulence became catalysts for growth—and she generously shares her four-part framework to guide women through the transition. From navigating family expectations to building trust and marketing a non-tangible service such as coaching, Wahn offers grounded, Asia-focused insights on turning personal disruption into personal impact. Tune in for honest reflections, actionable steps, and a reminder that fulfillment arises from aligning inner purpose with outer progress. 00:00–00:04: Wahn’s focus on mindset coaching and location independence 00:04–00:08: Leaving a secure corporate life; first steps into solopreneur role and the shift from marketing product to service 00:09–00:12: Marketing herself and learning from different coaches (and one key thing she learned the hard way) 00:13–00:22: Identity crisis, embracing emotional upheavals and the importance of a support system 00:27–00:34: Balancing Asian family expectations with personal goals; understanding your love language 00:36–00:40: Redefining success as a coach and solopreneur; internal metrics vs. external milestones; how to connect with Wahn online 3 Key Takeaways Identity crises are powerful catalysts for growth when met with a four-part framework: vision, why, tiny steps, and support. Service-based businesses rely on trust and personal transformation, not just features—build credibility with clear outcomes and empathetic communication. Balancing family responsibilities with entrepreneurship requires realistic planning and transparent conversations with loved ones; fulfillment matters as much as numbers. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Sign up for new episode alert plus regional news and women-friendly opportunities:

June 4, 2026Episode 946 min

Amplifying Lawyers’ Expertise and Voices Through Digital Content with Bhavya Bhatt, India

In this episode, I speak to Indian entrepreneur, Bhavya Bhatt. Based in Bangalore, this former lawyer shares how she transformed a legal career into a thought-leadership amplification business for the Indian legal industry. From battling imposter syndrome to embracing a bold pivot during the pandemic, Bhavya reveals how personal branding—built on lived experience rather than a polished fantasy—can unlock opportunities, even in industries wary of change. She discusses the power of allyship in content creation (helping clients preserve their voice), the evolving role of AI in legal branding and the importance of showing up with your own language and tone. Whether you’re a lawyer or legal consultant, Bhavya’s story offers insightful approaches for developing content that resonates. Listen to learn how to turn your unique experiences into impact. Show Notes 00:00: Welcome and Bhavya’s journey from law to ClausePlay; the core idea of personal-brand amplification. 00:11: Pandemic pivot, freelancing vs. entrepreneurship and the decision to run an organization on her terms. 00:22: Building client relationships, content collaboration and preserving a client’s voice in branding. 00:27: AI in the legal industry—opportunities, limits and the importance of human-authored content. 00:35: The move from freelancing to a structured company, lessons learned and advice for women entrepreneurs in Asia. 00:42: Bhavya’s current work with ClausePlay, how to connect online, and final thoughts on personal branding. 3 Key Takeaways Your voice is your differentiator: define and share your lived experiences with authenticity. Content doesn’t have to be created alone - it can be a partner process: get someone to handhold you while you’re starting but remember to preserve your voice. AI is a tool, not a replacement: use AI to enhance or finetune your storytelling while always retaining your humanity and credibility. This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com Sign up for new episode alert plus regional news and women-friendly opportunities .

May 28, 2026Episode 826 min

Transitioning with Clarity and Compassion: with Nguyen Long Chau Sa

This episode is with Nguyen Long Chau Sa,, co-founder of Live in Flow, a coaching business and former TikTok Partnership Manager in Vietnam. Sa shares a brave journey from corporate intensity to coaching, anchored in inner work, clarity, and community. She explains why transition is a daily practice, how to cultivate an environment that supports sustainable change, and how to live in flow by embracing stillness, compassion, and authentic self-discovery. Rich with personal anecdotes—from her thyroid cancer to career pivots—this conversation offers guidance and recommendations for women navigating transitions in Asia. 00:00: Welcome and episode overview 00:01: Sa’s professional journey: branding, e-commerce, TikTok Vietnam 00:03: Birth of Live in Flow and the focus on inner work 00:04: Health wake-up: thyroid cancer and its impact on life choices 00:05–00:06: Balancing corporate life with personal exploration 00:07–00:08: Rethinking transition as a process, not a destination 00:09–00:10: The trap of over-planning and the value of clarity 00:11–00:12: From fear to clarity; stillness and self-compassion 00:13: Discomfort and the personal journey of finding what you want 00:14–00:16: Reframing self-introduction post-corporate life 00:17–00:18: The importance of environment and immersion in a new role 00:19–00:21: Live in Flow program structure: private coaching + group work 00:22–00:23: One-on-one customization and “space + catalyst” 00:24: How to connect with Sa and next steps 3 key takeaways Clarity is a journey, not a moment. Embrace stillness and self-compassion to reveal what truly fits. Transition is ongoing work. Environment, support, and a patient pace enable sustainable growth Community matters. A customized, supportive space helps you test, refine, and sustain your path. This episode is brought to you by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

May 22, 2026Episode 751 min

ESG as a Growth Strategy for Asia’s SMEs: Practical Steps from Yvonne Au Yong

In this episode, I speak with Yvonne Au Yong of Stratx Advisory of Malaysia who reframes ESG for Asia’s SMEs - from a compliance obligation to a strategic growth lever. She shares a practical four-step starter plan, explains how sustainability can drive revenue and cut costs and discusses the urgency of acting now before broader regulatory demands intensify. With real-world examples and market insights, Yvonne shows how small businesses can position themselves as responsible, forward-thinking partners in their ecosystems. 00:00 – Episode opening and guest introduction 00:06 – The urgency of climate action and the 1.5°C threshold 00:12 – Four-step starter framework for ESG 00:26 – ESG as a revenue and cost-saving lever for SMEs 00:33 – Government procurement, climate reporting, and Scope 3 emissions 00:41 – Communicating ESG commitments and stakeholder engagement 00:47 – The first-mover advantage in ESG; closing thoughts 3 key takeaways ESG is a strategic growth tool for SMEs, not just a compliance burden. Start with Yvonne's four-step plan, then scale and communicate your progress. Early adoption creates a competitive edge as regulatory and market expectations rise. This episode is brought to you by RedboxStudio.com For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

May 15, 2026Episode 649 min

Education, Empowerment, Ecosystems: Stacie Phyo’s ASEAN Startup Path

Stacie Phyo, the CEO of Tutearn from Myanmar, shares how she bootstrapped three interconnected ventures—Pace Forward, Tutearn and Women4Women—driven by one simple belief: solve your own problem, then scale with customer-led thinking. From her home country Myanmar and now located to Bangkok, Stacy reveals how she built lean systems, empowered her team and created a thriving ecosystem for ASEAN women founders. Expect practical tips on focusing on one thing, developing scalable processes, and leveraging community for lasting impact. 0:00 – 02:00: Stacy’s background, and why Bangkok; early startup story in Myanmar. 02:00 – 07:00: Pace Forward and Tutearn: building for accessibility and automation. 07:00 – 12:00: Bootstrapping mindset, customer-first marketing, and essential systems. 12:00 – 16:00: Lessons from leadership: letting teams take the helm; the value of mentorship. 16:00 – 21:00: Women4Women: nonprofit roots, ASEAN focus, and community-building. 21:00 – 27:00: Personal growth, work-life integration, and staying reflective as a founder. 27:00 – 33:00: Future plans, expansion, and how to connect with Stacy. 3 key takeaways Build around customer problems first; revenue should come from customers, not from funding. Focus on one core initiative, then scale with solid systems and clear ownership. Invest in community and mentorship to accelerate women founders across ASEAN. This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio. Sign up for u pdates, news and opportunities. Get the full show notes and links at WomenpreneurAsia.com