Make It Work

She grew up believing she was the least qualified person to become a mother. Childhood was difficult. The parenting she received was not the kind she wanted to pass on. And for a long time, she thought that past would follow her into the room where she would one day raise her own child. It did not. Jen Loong-Goodwin is a venture capital professional by day, a clinical therapist by night, and a content creator who refuses to let the working mom struggle stay silent. She founded LifeLoong Therapy after years inside high-performing corporate environments and time spent sitting with the clients those environments had quietly worn down. She also created Long Long Tales, a bilingual cartoon series helping mixed-race children find belonging in Chinese culture. She has worked across six countries. She navigated postpartum depression while completing her master's degree, clocking clinical hours, and flying for work. She pumped breast milk in cars in emerging markets, carried frozen milk through customs, and did almost all of it without saying a word about how hard it was. Because she was raised to believe that silence was a virtue. This episode is about what happens when you finally stop being quiet. What we get into: 🧬 Why she almost did not become a mom and the one thing her husband said that changed everything 🌊 Going through postpartum depression as a therapist and what it actually took to move through it 🤱 Her first day back to work after maternity leave was a 2-hour flight + 6-hour car ride + pumping 2L of milk per day away, and why she stopped doing it silently 🔇 The cultural weight of Asian silence and what it really costs working moms who never learn to advocate for themselves 🧠 What she means when she says your career might just be one big trauma response 🤖 How she uses AI not to do more but to protect the hours that matter most with her son 🌏 What it actually takes to raise a mixed-race child to feel like they belong 💼 Why women hit their creative peak between 45 and 55 and what that means for how we design our careers right now If you have ever stayed quiet about how much you were carrying because you were raised to believe that was strength, this episode was made for you. —------------------ CONNECT WITH JEN LOONG-GOODWIN 👋 LifeLoong Therapy (Book a call): www.lifeloongtherapy.com 👋 Bilingual Chinese culture cartoons: www.yotuube.com/@longlongtales 👋 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/loongstoryshort 👋 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenloong —------------------ CHAPTERS 00:00 Nobody Warned Her About This 01:13 Introduction 03:34 When Motherhood Hits Differently 07:35 The Cheapest Tool Nobody Uses 12:25 The Cost of Staying Silent 22:24 Healing and Parenting at the Same Time 23:39 What If Ambition Is Just Survival 26:59 How AI Buys Working Moms More Time 33:55 What Does a Full Life Actually Look Like 40:57 What Works at Work Fails at Home —------------------ Watch more: A Single Mom Who Rewrote Her Story And How You Can Too - Elise Tan| Ep 42 - https://youtu.be/7WkbLCbP8fY?si=brYJUbn0uYL8fDEq —----- Follow Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥 Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free Mommas Making It Work WhatsApp community: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —----- ➤➤ Like the video and subscribe for more honest conversations with working moms across Asia! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode, and share with a mom who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment; we read every single one. #WorkingMoms #HealingWhileParenting #AsianMoms #MomGuilt #WorkingMomsAsia #MentalLoadMoms #BreakTheCycle #MakeItWorkPodcast

There is a part of women having it all that nobody talks about honestly. The postpartum depression that sent her to the hospital for a month. The marriage that counselling could not save. The Thursday nights her daughter went to her father, and she did not know what to do with the silence. Elise Tan has lived through all of it. And she built two communities from the rubble. She is the founder of Asia Startup Network , a community of 5,000 startups, investors, and ecosystem partners across the region, and Remarkable Women , a growing network of 1,000 women in tech and entrepreneurship. Before that, she was a Director at Vertex Ventures, one of Southeast Asia's best-known venture funds. What she built is impressive. Who she became is the real story. Because behind all of that is a single mom of a seven-year-old who went through postpartum depression, a sudden job loss, a painful separation, and a season of alcoholism, all at the same time. And instead of letting that define her, she used every single bit of it to build something real. She did not have the answers. She just refused to stay stuck. What we get into: 💯 Why she tried to score 100 at motherhood and what it cost her body 🪞 How her daughter became her mirror, reflecting back both the good and the parts she is still working on 💔 Why she calls divorce a pointless grief and what it actually takes to move through it 🍷 The Thursday nights her daughter left and what she reached for to fill the silence ✍️ How journaling 50 dates over four years helped her finally understand what she was actually looking for in a partner 🧘 Why she stopped believing the end justifies the means and what motherhood taught her about kindness over being right 🏃 Why she no longer believes in having it all at the same time and what she thinks we should be asking instead —----- CONNECT WITH ELISE AND HER COMMUNITIES 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisetanyl/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratitude_devotions/ 👋 Asia Startup Network: https://www.asiastartupnetwork.com/ 👋 Remarkable Women Asia: http://www.remarkablewomen.asia/ 👋 Positive Intelligence Saboteur Assessment: https://positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/ —----- Chapters 00:00 What Did a Month in Hospital Teach Her 00:59 Introduction 03:25 When Everything Fell Apart at Once 09:43 How Did She Find Her Way Back 20:03 How Did Asia Startup Network Begin 23:13 Can Women Really Access Capital in Asia 26:18 Why Did She Build a Community Just for Women 28:21 What Does It Mean to Rewrite Your Story 35:36 What Dating After Divorce Really Looks Like —----- Watch more: Lessons From 5,000 Moms | Liying Tay, Founder of Crunchmoms | Ep 41 - https://youtu.be/bamcpRZT5pU?si=EKvURLeJ36r50W0L —----- Follow Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥 Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free Mommas Making It Work WhatsApp community: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —----- ➤➤ Like the video and subscribe for more honest conversations with working moms across Asia! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode, and share with a mom who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment, we read every single one. #FemaleFounders #SingaporeMoms #RemarkableWomenAsia #AsiaStartupNetwork #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #SingleMom #MomGuilt #PostpartumDepression

This is a moment that every mom relates to - You wake up ready on your big day. The event, the pitch, the opportunity you have been building towards. And then your kid has a fever. That morning, Liying Tay made a call. And she still remembers the guilt. Liying is the co-founder of Crunchmoms , the MENA region's first women's networking platform for moms navigating ambition and family. She and her cofounder built it from a Monday morning coffee with eight women in Dubai, while carrying a newborn and planning her first summit, with no family nearby and no one to stay home. She did not build Crunchmoms because she had it figured out. She built it because she did not. That honesty is exactly why this conversation is worth your time. What we get into: 🤱 Baby-carrying through Zoom meetings and scheduling nap times around calls, because no one else was home 😔 The guilt of going to your biggest event when your kid wakes up with a fever, and choosing to go anyway 🔄 Why the 50/50 partnership ideal had to go, and what a fluid arrangement actually looks like week to week 📋 (My fave!) The Sunday family meeting that keeps two ambitious people from talking past each other all week 🧠 Why the second baby hit her with mom guilt ( the first one never did) and the one thing a friend told her that changed everything 🌍 The misconception about women in the Middle East that eight years on the ground completely dismantled 💡 What it actually means to own a task at home, and why planning it on a Google Doc is not the same thing as doing it If you have ever felt the tension between wanting to go 1,000 miles per hour at work and being called to be fully present at home, and wondered if that tension ever goes away, this episode is for you. —------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Who is Liying Tay 03:42 Building a Business in Chaos 06:40 The Hardest Season She Never Talks About 15:13 How Two Ambitious Partners Make It Work 21:18 Why She Wishes She Asked for Help Sooner 22:46 The Truth About Women in the Middle East 25:33 It Started With 8 Women at a Cafe 30:33 What Needs to Change at Work for Moms 34:37 What Does Being a Good Mom Mean to You —------------- CONNECT WITH LIYING AND CRUNCHMOMS 🤝 Join Crunchmoms events virtually from anywhere in the world at https://www.crunchmoms.com/events . Their online events are open to moms globally so do check out what is coming up. 🎟️ For Crunchmoms Summit 2026, you can get in early by emailing liying@crunchmom.com . Mention MAKE IT WORK in your email and you will receive 25% off both virtual and in person tickets. 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liyingtay/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crunchmoms/ 👋 Website: https://www.crunchmoms.com/ ------------ Follow Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥 Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free Mommas Making It Work WhatsApp community: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity ------------ ➤➤ Like the video and subscribe for more honest conversations with working moms across Asia! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode, and share with a mom who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment, we read every single one. #WorkingMoms #WomenInBusiness #FemaleFounders #DubaiMoms #SingaporeMoms #AmbitionAndMotherhood #MomLife #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkLifeBalance

There's a moment in early motherhood that most never admit out loud. The moment you look at your baby and think — I didn't sign up for this. When the career you spent a decade building feels like it's slipping away. When you wonder if choosing to have children was a mistake. Professor Winnie Jiang went there. And she came out the other side with the science to explain why — and what to do about it. I first reached out to Professor Winnie 2 years ago and it’s a conversation that was definitely worth the wait! Winnie is an organizational behavior professor at INSEAD Singapore, a Yale PhD, and one of the world's most influential management thinkers (Thinkers50 Radar Class). But in this conversation, she shows up first as a young mom of two under five — still in the trenches, still figuring it out, just like the rest of us. From Singapore's unique pressures on working mothers to navigating a dual-career marriage without letting resentment quietly build, we go deep on the things working moms in Asia rarely say out loud. What we get into: 😶 The shame of not wanting to call yourself a mother — and why it makes complete sense 💔 Why the "back to work after three months" fantasy falls apart, and what the timeline actually looks like ⚖️ The invisible power struggle happening in dual-career marriages — and the conversation that can fix it 🧭 The six anchors of meaning that explain why your job can feel empty even when it looks great on paper 🤖 Why AI might give working moms something no one else has — time If you've ever felt like a worse professional for becoming a mother — or a worse mother for caring about your career — this episode was made for you. —------------- Chapters: 00:00 When Motherhood Feels Like a Career Killer 01:12 Introduction 02:59 Finding Your Spring After the Hardest Winter 04:05 Why Your Village Changes Everything 09:58 How to Find Meaning When You're Running on Empty 26:28 Why Work Feels Like a Relief (And That's Okay) 27:03 The 6 Anchors That Make Work Feel Worthwhile 31:21 The Resentment No One Talks About in Marriage 43:02 What Workplaces Get Wrong About Working Moms 49:30 Could AI Actually Give Moms Their Time Back? —------------- Connect with Winnie: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winnie-jiang-363ab745/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnieeeyunn/ Follow Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥 Email: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free Mommas Making It Work WhatsApp community: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity ➤➤ Like the video and subscribe for more honest conversations with working moms across Asia! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode — and share with a mom who needs to hear this. 💬 Drop a comment — we read every single one. #WorkingMoms #CareerSeasons #ModernMotherhood #Resilience #WomenInLeadership #MakeItWorkPodcast

In this special Mother's Day episode, I sit down with the OG of Make It Work: the woman who shaped me to uncover stories we’ve never actually talked about and how she ‘made it work’ as a working mom for our family of 5 back in the 90s. We dive into the hilarious, honest clash between Gen X and millennial "gentle parenting," where she shares her unfiltered take on my modern motherhood choices. We also unpack emotional childhood moments—including a surprising memory I had completely forgotten and remembered very differently! In a very personal and heartwarming conversation, we explored: 🕰️ How she navigated intense workdays and early motherhood (and why she refuses to use the word "burnout") 🤯 The hilarious generational divide over how millennial parents approach things—from assessing danger to baby-led weaning 💡 How we remembered the exact same core childhood memory entirely differently 🤝 The secret to our strong relationship today 🌟 How she survived the darkest tunnels of marriage and motherhood 🙋🏻‍♀️ Her answers to questions that listeners sent through! Whether you are navigating generational differences with your own parents (or children!) or just trying to survive the daily juggle, I think this episode will hit home for many of us. —------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 - Is It Burnout or Just Motherhood? 01:28 - OG of Make It Work 03:51 - When Ambition Meets Early Motherhood 07:49 - The Quiet Hard Parts of Marriage 19:14 - Two Generations, Two Very Different Approaches 23:57 - Growing Into Ourselves 24:51 - CCAs, Tuition, Pressure & Trying to Fit In 27:29 - What Gen X Really Thinks About Gentle Parenting 31:38 - The Memory We Remembered Completely Differently 38:37 - What Makes Us Work —------------------------- Watch more: From $2K Salary to Financial Independence: A Working Mom’s Playbook ft. SG Budget Babe: https://youtu.be/dJTtBomK9_s When You Show Up Anyway: A Mother’s Story of Loss and Leadership - Maria Li: https://youtu.be/Pwv8XfGJp9A Navigating Life's Transitions With Belief - Sarah Wong | On The Soft Power Project: https://youtu.be/H2Lb05Awnm8 —------------------------- Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- #WorkingMoms #MillennialMotherhood #Gentleparenting #MotherhoodUnplugged #HappyMothersDay #MakeItWorkPodcast

What happens when the traditional career ladder meets the reality of motherhood? In this episode, I am joined by Huda R (founder of The Mum Collective and host of Mum Interrupted podcast) to unpack the reality of navigating ambition and motherhood in Singapore. Huda and I started on very similar tracks, climbing the corporate ranks before motherhood brought an unexpected forcing function to our lives. Today, we sit down to discuss how those parallel tracks diverged into different—but equally ambitious—destinations. We dive into how we are intentionally channeling our drive today: from my journey of building a portfolio career that protects my flexibility, to Huda’s path of homeschooling her kids and fostering deep connections through her Mum Circles. If you’ve ever felt torn between the career you built and the mother you want to be, this episode is your reminder that you can write your own script. In this episode which felt like two friends trading stories and comparing notes, we talked about: - The concept of "downshifting" — and why navigating a career pause is harder, not easier - Owning your decisions (and why it's okay to change your mind) - The very real tension of raising kids outside the mainstream in Singapore — enrichment classes, primary school pressure, and swimming against the tide - What "matrescence" is and why no one warned us about the internal shifts of becoming a mum - My journey from a borrowed microphone to nearly 40 episodes - Mum guilt and the mental load — what equity really looks like when both parents are working - Why community outside your usual circles can be the thing that saves you in a season of uncertainty - What a portfolio career actually looks like, and how the "wilderness period" can be reframed as an investment - Raising kids outside the structured preschool system in Singapore — what a typical day looks like for Huda - The "Singapore script" — how cultural expectations shape the way we judge ourselves and each other as mothers - How faith has deepened and shifted through the journey of becoming a mum - Finding your way back to ambition without losing the flexibility you fought hard for ----------------------------- Connect with Huda: Instagram: @themumcollective.sg Substack: https://themumcollectivesg.substack.com Resources: -The Power Pause by Neha Ruch -Two Truths newsletter -Portfolio Careers Asia -Remarkable Women group ----------------------------- 1:31 – How our podcasting journeys began 3:52 – Origins of the 'Make It Work' podcast 7:42 – Standout truths from interviewing dozens of mums 8:19 – "Downshifting" — reframing career pauses 11:56 – Owning your decisions (and changing your mind) 16:46 – How 'Mum, Interrupted' came about 18:07 – Mum guilt & the mental load 18:41 – What still feels unresolved after all these conversations 19:30 – The enrichment class pressure & primary school anxiety 23:42 – What does a "homeschool" day actually look like? 25:56 – "I'm hesitant to call it homeschooling..." 28:38 – Resources & books that helped 35:31 – The Singapore script — and questioning it 52:09 – Sarah reflects: the ambition piece 55:11 – Faith and becoming a mum 55:11 – Can we have it all? --------- Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMothers #CareerAndMotherhood #CareerTransition #PodcastForMoms

From saving $20,000 on a $2,000 salary to making work optional while raising two young boys, Dawn Fiona Cher—better known online as SG Budget Babe —has spent the last decade helping others take back control of their money and mindset. A mom, author, Director of Government Affairs , and financial educator, Dawn continues to work in both corporate and content creation—not because she has to, but because it fuels her purpose. In this episode, I sit down with Dawn to talk about what it really takes to grow your wealth while juggling motherhood, ambition, and a life you actually want to live. She shares the turning point that made her chase financial freedom harder than ever (hint: it happened mid-breastfeeding), the unglamorous truth of building a side hustle, and how she successfully negotiated for flexibility at work after proving her worth. Dawn opens up about how her own childhood struggles with money shaped her, why time-blocking (not 5AM routines) keeps her grounded, and the life lessons she’s deliberately modeling for her kids. Her practical, no-nonsense wisdom is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t about balance—it’s about clarity, discipline, and alignment. In this energizing conversation, we explored: 📈 How Dawn reached financial independence in slightly over a decade (and still works by choice) 👶 The raw truth about managing work while mothering two young kids 🧠 Why “imposter syndrome” is actually a signpost—not a dead end 🗂️ How she schedules her chaotic week using time-blocking, not rigidity 💡 What it means to be visible, credible, and irreplaceable at work ✍️ Her journey from corporate employee to trusted voice in finance—and what’s next Checkout: 💻 Dawn’s 7-Day Investing Challenge (Discount code: MIW) → https://nas.io/budgetbabe/challenges/investing-101-crash-course?discountCode=MIW 📘 Take Back Control of Your Money by Dawn Fiona Cher → https://www.amazon.sg/Take-Back-Control-Your-Money/dp/9815323075 🎤Sarah’s interview with Dawn on The Financial Coconut: I Left My Job to Care for My Family - Was It Worth It? [W&S 144] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6p3G4lZjBk&list=PLpo30qPT9yc6yAyrtqz7506sfiYaorR8Z&index=6 —----------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Meet SG Budget Babe: PI, Mom, Finfluencer 02:08 From $2K Salary to Financial Freedom 05:39 How She Actually Juggles It All 13:26 The Call That Changed Everything 25:50 How She Earned Trust at Work 26:26 Are You Invisible at Work? 31:06 How She Negotiated Flexibility 34:09 The Rule Behind Her Side Hustle Growth 42:31 How She’s Raising Money-Smart Kids —----------------------------------------------- Connect with Dawn here: 👋 Website: https://sgbudgetbabe.com/ 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionacher/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgbudgetbabe/ Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- #WorkingMom #FinancialFreedom #SGbudgetbabe #CareerTips #InvestingForBeginners #ProductivityForMoms #MakeItWorkPodcast #WomenWhoLead #SideHustleSuccess

From a 15-year career at Procter & Gamble to taking a 4 year career pause to be a stay-home-mom to building ConnectOne , a company that helps high-growth startups find and develop their teams — Elena Chow has spent decades helping others build meaningful careers, all while raising four children and navigating her own seasons of work and motherhood. In this episode, I sit down with Elena , who shares her rare honesty about the paradox of being around but not present , what “balance” really looks like in different seasons of life, and why sometimes, the bravest thing a woman can do is pause. Elena opens up about stepping away from corporate life, starting over as an entrepreneur in her 40s, and how faith, community, and purpose guided her through each transition. As a recruiter and pioneer member of the Portfolio Careers Asia group, she also shares her candid advice for mothers today — whether you’re taking a break, returning to work, or exploring a more flexible, fractional path. As a mother, founder, and mentor to many, Elena reminds us that having it all doesn’t mean doing it all — it means understanding the season you’re in, and choosing what matters most in it. In this heartfelt conversation, we explored: 💼 How Elena pivoted from corporate to entrepreneurship — and built Connect One from scratch 🧭 What it means to “fake it till you make it” with courage and humility 👩‍👧‍👧 The hardest lesson about being present as a working mom 💬 Why there’s no such thing as perfect work-life balance — only shifting seasons ✨ How women can thrive in today’s world of fractional work, portfolio careers, and flexible opportunities —----------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Debunking Work-Life Balance Myths 01:01 Introduction 03:14 How She Knew It Was Time to Leave Corporate 07:56 The Hardest Part of Being a Mom-Entrepreneur 16:08 What She Wishes She Knew Earlier 24:52 The Unexpected Way Her Kids Learned 26:25 Why Volunteering Changed Everything 27:16 The Trips That Shifted Her Family’s Worldview 31:06 The Truth About Career Pivots for Moms 42:21 The One Thing Moms Returning to Work Must Hear —----------------------------------------------- Connect with Elena here: 👋 ConnectOne: https://www.connectone.com.sg/ 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenachow/ 👋 Join Portfolio Careers Asia group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14287306 Watch more: When You Show Up Anyway: A Mother’s Story of Loss and Leadership - Maria Li: https://youtu.be/Pwv8XfGJp9A Navigating Life's Transitions With Belief - Sarah Wong | On The Soft Power Project: https://youtu.be/H2Lb05Awnm8 Parenthood Across 10 Countries: The Village Every Parent Needs - Marina Lopes: https://youtu.be/hDMbVn725uA 29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=srWjlnBhnBKuqZ9o Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- 🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏 💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment #WorkingMoms #CareerTransitions #FractionalCareers #WomenInLeadership #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMom #FutureOfWork

What happens when a tech leader, mother of two, and expat in Singapore decides to redefine what “having it all” really means? From leading one of Asia’s most prominent startup platforms through an acquisition — to navigating miscarriage, maternity, and mom guilt — Maria Li , COO of Tech in Asia , has lived through the highs and heartbreaks of making both career and motherhood work. In this episode, I sit down with Maria Li , who moved from Silicon Valley to Singapore eight years ago, expecting to stay for a year or two. But somewhere between building a company, building a family, and building a village, Singapore became home. 🇸🇬 Maria opens up about the reality behind the title — what it means to lead through loss, to parent with purpose, and to show up authentically at work when life feels anything but perfect. She shares how community support, flexible work, and honest leadership helped her find balance in the chaos. As a mother and leader, Maria is rewriting the playbook for working women everywhere — reminding us that “having it all” isn’t about doing it all, but about choosing what matters most. In this heartfelt conversation, we explored: 💼 How motherhood reshapes your leadership and priorities at work 💬 Why being authentic at work makes you a stronger, not weaker, leader 👩‍👧‍👦The tradeoffs she has had to make to prioritize family in this season 💔 How Maria navigated a miscarriage while leading her company through an acquisition ✨ Why redefining “having it all” starts with owning your trade-offs and your truth —---------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Meet Maria Li: COO and Mom of Two 03:05 How Singapore became home in ways she never expected. 06:46 What Maria learned about asking for help. 10:41 How becoming a mom reshaped her work — and herself. 23:27 Why stepping away might be the smartest move you make. 24:16 What employers really think about moms returning to work 27:59 How Maria learned to trade perfection for peace. 32:21 The surprising lesson her kids taught her about leadership. 37:20 The advice every ambitious woman needs to hear. —-------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Maria here: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasli/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marialiiiii/ Get to know Maria Li and her work: 👉 https://share.google/AQD31CHB0ZBiPJpzZ 👉 https://share.google/tdvJ2FIGP206UK7mG 👉 https://share.google/37LILv0l0Vdj39KXd 👉 https://www.techinasia.com/video/unfiltered-maria-li-coo-tech-asia Watch more: 29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=srWjlnBhnBKuqZ9o From Stay-At-Home to Single Working Mom: What Divorce Taught Me with Sherry Fang: https://youtu.be/pw6r_MizOuI?si=Ykt0wLV_YBToMWdh How This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo: https://youtu.be/Gz0dPLB74BM?si=9OpJFlCE-AAy0rFy SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee: https://youtu.be/7pSNn8KZMZ0?si=Y2vWnNJrSvobwpdE Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WomenInLeadership #WorkingMoms #WomenInTech #FemaleLeaders #WomenEmpowerment #SingaporeMoms #CareerMoms #CareerGrowth #LeadershipJourney

Working mothers, career transitions, and the power of becoming — Sarah Wong joins Sherry Fang on the Soft Power Project for an honest conversation about navigating uncertainty, motherhood, and identity. 🌱 In this special episode, the mic flips — and this time, I’m the one being interviewed. 🎙️ Sherry invited me to open up about the messy but transformative seasons of my life: moving countries while pregnant, juggling family responsibilities with career shifts, and rediscovering who I was when nothing seemed stable. These were the moments that looked like chaos on the outside — but in hindsight, they were shaping me from the inside out. And also laid the foundation for the Make It Work podcast! In this heartfelt conversation, we talk about: 👩‍👧‍👦 How becoming a mum shook up everything I thought I knew about who I was and what mattered most. 🌊 The shaping role of my faith in a season of uncertainty 💡 Why feeling “lost” can actually be the most powerful season of growth. ❤️ How I’m reshaping the way I speak to my children about who they are, not just what they’ll do. 🕊️ The surprising truth about boundaries, Sabbath, and modeling rest for the next generation. This episode is for anyone balancing career transitions, family life, and the constant juggle of being a working mom — or anyone who’s ever looked around at the chaos and wondered if it could lead to something more. If you’ve ever felt caught between roles, pulled by change, or unsure of your next step, this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone. —------------------------------------------ Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:58 Welcome to Soft Power Project 02:58 When Life Changes Direction 14:08 The Therapeutic Power of Podcasting 21:29 How Do You Create When Life Doesn’t Slow Down? 22:08 Why Your Wins Matter More Than You Think 23:34 Why Soft Power Matters More Than Ever 26:24 Are Your Boundaries Helping or Holding You Back? 35:12 The Next Chapter: Letting Go to Move Forward —------------------------------------------ Follow Sherry here: 👋 Executive Plus Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA 👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125 👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/ Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #TheSoftPowerProject #WorkingMoms #MotherhoodJourney #CareerTransitions #Identity #WomenInLeadership #WorkLifeBalance #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PodcastGuest #FutureOfWork #Inspiration From Stay-At-Home to Single Working Mom: What Divorce Taught Me (That I Never Saw Coming): https://youtu.be/pw6r_MizOuI?si=tjv3ApPNuKX5B3E5 Parenthood Across 10 Countries: The Village Every Parent Needs - Marina Lopes: https://youtu.be/hDMbVn725uA?si=rOV7qljsePBkfWKZ 29 Weeks Too Soon: Motherhood, Identity, and Building Something Radically New - Luanne Poh: https://youtu.be/Yau2wLUNS5U?si=KVPYE4CBI9IQPBjd

What happens when a journalist travels to 10 different countries, across cultures and continents, to gather the best lessons about parenting? From the way Swedish parents share the mental load, to the way Brazilian grandmothers descend on a new mother’s hospital room, to the way Mozambican villages raise children as a community — each culture holds a piece of wisdom that challenges how we think about raising the next generation. In this episode, I sit down with Marina Lopes — longtime journalist, foreign correspondent for The Washington Post , and most recently the author of Please Yell At My Kids . In her book, Marina does just that: capturing stories and insights from around the world to reframe how we think about parenting and community. For Marina, this journey began with her own contrasting experiences: an emergency C-section in Brazil, surrounded by forty relatives and neighbors in the hospital room… and later, the complete isolation of raising her second baby during COVID in the United States. 🌍💔 As a Brazilian-American married to an Asian-American diplomat, Marina has witnessed how families around the world nurture children, share responsibility, and create belonging. Her book reminds us that parenting was never meant to be done alone — and that building our “village” may be the most important parenting skill of all. In this intimate conversation, we explored: 👶 Why the “rosy” picture of motherhood can leave first-time moms feeling broken 🌍 What cultures from Brazil to Mozambique can teach us about raising children together 💡 How to split the “mental load” in marriage without resentment 🤱 Why your second child can sometimes heal the traumas of the first 💛 Why building your “village” might be the most important parenting skill of all —------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Welcome to Make It Work 03:12 Covering Headlines While Navigating Home Life 06:03 Motherhood Struggles No One Talks About 13:25 What Parenting Across 10 Countries Taught Me 26:13 Why Moms Get Stuck in the Cycle of Frustration 27:23 Marriage Isn’t 50/50 — So What Works Instead? 29:13 Is Modern Life Killing Our Sense of Community? 37:51 Working Mom or Just Mom? The Identity Tug-of-War 48:25 Why Parents Can’t Survive Without a Village —----------------------------------- Connect with Marina here: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinalopes1/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalopesauthor/ 👋Purchase Book ‘Please Yell At My Kids’: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marina-lopes/please-yell-at-my-kids/9780306834417/?fbclid=PAT01DUANAssdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp63kJM3AhmsWu96m7Y6kf4eAaOxsqIUe6gauPOSkRvyry4jrZLv_OVfU_rlV_aem_7Zz03NqkzG-UImCA6Y03pw Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟 ➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙 #MillennialParents #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingCommunity #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #MotherhoodStories #MakeItWorkPodcast #ModernMotherhood

A pregnancy loss after a long journey of fertility struggles. And then her twins were born at just 29 weeks. And all this whilst building Singapore’s first of its kind artspace for children. Luanne Poh , co-founder of The Artground in Singapore and mom to twin girls, has lived through the quiet struggles that many working mothers never speak aloud. For years, she juggled a high-pressure career in the arts at the Esplanade 🎭 while enduring the heartbreak of fertility challenges. A single pink line on a test changed everything—forcing her to confront the question: Was the way she was working destroying her dreams of building her own family? Leaving behind a decade-long career, Luanne stepped into the unknown - eventually co-founding Singapore’s first multidisciplinary children’s arts center and embracing a different kind of leadership: one shaped by motherhood, creativity, and resilience. All while parenting premature babies born at 29 weeks. If you’re juggling the balance between ambition, identity, and parenting, this episode is for you. In this intimate conversation, we explored: 👩‍👧‍👧 What if you’ve only been a mom for as long as your child has been alive? 💔 How do you navigate the guilt, anger, and heartbreak of fertility struggles? ⚖️ Can you really walk away from a dream career for the chance at motherhood? 😰 Why does parenting feel more precious—and yet more pressurizing—than ever before? 🎨 How can creativity and art become bridges between parents and children? —---------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 “Mommy, you’ve only been a mom for 6 years” 01:30 Welcome to Make It Work 04:39 What happened after that pink line? 08:26 Why we started The Artground (and what it means to families) 14:58 How do you parent with love and limits? 24:01 Screen time rules: what works (and what doesn’t) 26:02 The unexpected rule that replaced screen time 30:15 What balance really looks like behind closed doors 33:47 Parenting preemies: the hardest and most precious lessons 39:26 The secret every flexible mom knows —---------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Luanne here: 👋 Website: https://www.theartground.com.sg 👋 The Artground Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartground/ ------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠ to find a group of like-minded mommas: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟 ➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙 #MillennialParents #FertilityStruggles #MotherhoodJourney #WorkingMoms #ParentingRealTalk #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodTruths #ParentingCommunity #MakeItWorkPodcast #FertilityJourney

Sherry Fang, mom to an 11-year-old and based in Taiwan, has worn many hats—from stay-at-home mom to single mom, executive coach, podcaster, and brand specialist. At 35, her life was turned upside down by a painful divorce and the bold decision to start her own consultancy. Despite experiencing what she called a “violent year”, Sherry pushed forward with no formal business plans or prior experience to launch her consultancy and two impactful podcasts: The Executive Plus (Apple & Spotify Top 50 podcast with >1.3 million downloads), and The Soft Power Project , which explores the powerful transformations women undergo when they combine strength with softness. In this intimate conversation, we talked about: 👥 Can you build a career from nothing 💔 What if divorce and launching a company in the same year was the breakthrough you didn’t see coming? 👩‍👦 Is time the only measure of motherhood—or is independence the gift we don’t talk about? 😢 What changes when you stop hiding and let yourself feel everything? 🎨 What if the “right path” never felt right—because you were meant to create something entirely your own? —------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 00:00 What divorce taught me (that I never expected) 01:21 Welcome to Make It Work 01:59 Is life truly "starting over again and again"? 03:58 The "violent" year: Divorce, business, and transformation 07:39 What coaching revealed to me (it’s not what you think) 24:40 Why believe less, celebrate less? 25:16 How I juggle motherhood/career 30:08 Being a top podcaster:: lessons learnt 36:54 What is Soft Power all about? —------------------------------------------------------------ Follow Sherry here: 👋 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1xDeKFTTBH45GUbZL77V5G?si=1T26Ifd9QfaWPPnT_EFgGA 👋 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/soft-power-project/id1795635125 👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoftPowerProject 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/ Watch more: Unexpectedly Flourishing: The Unforeseen Benefits of a Career Downshift with Sharon Fan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtoRL21T2vc How This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo: https://youtu.be/Gz0dPLB74BM?si=9OpJFlCE-AAy0rFy SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee: https://youtu.be/7pSNn8KZMZ0?si=Y2vWnNJrSvobwpdE Children' s Book Author: Why The Stories We Tell Our Kids And Ourselves-Matter: https://youtu.be/PhWeM3XZQC0?si=WS3Emu0XroWHfQ4g How to Design a Calm Home (And Life) That Actually Works for Your Family! - Winnie Tam : https://youtu.be/iPBCdz6oq74?si=U5DAaa27SjMFumNE Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 🎵 ⁠Facebook⁠: https://www.facebook.com/people/Make-It-Work/61566472637714/ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity —------------------------------- Stay tuned to our channel for more 🌟 ➤ Thank you for your support!🧡💙 🧡 Please share your feedback on our video conversation in the comments box👏👏 💙 Help us make quality interviews by leaving a comment (stay-at-home mom, working mom, single mom, divorce, executive coach, communications coach, podcaster, personal branding, motherhood and career, work-life balance, female leadership, parenting tips, women entrepreneurs, career transition, branding strategy, mompreneur) #MakeItWorkPodcast #Divorce #WorkingMomLife #WomenInBusiness #CareerChange #SingleMomJourney #PersonalGrowth #ExecutiveCoach #PodcastInterview #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #MomReinvented #BossMomLife

In this special episode, the tables were turned and the mic was on me this time, as I joined career coach and HR guru Adrian Tan on The Adrian Tan Show to unpack the messy, beautiful journey that led to my own personal and professional transformation as well as the birth of the Make It Work Podcast . 👩‍👧‍👦✨ In this raw, honest conversation, I dive into: 🎙️ Redefining Purpose: How becoming a mum reshaped everything I thought I knew about success 🔄 The Pivot Point: Why the biggest career shifts often begin with deep personal transformation 🎨 Portfolio Life: My journey into crafting a career that’s part-time CEO, part-podcaster, part-community-builder 🤝 Power of Community: Real strategies for leaning on your tribe when everything feels up in the air 💌 Letter to Younger Me: The advice I wish I’d had before those first steps into motherhood and entrepreneurship Tune in for unfiltered reflections, actionable insights, and the reassurance that none of us have it all figured out—and that’s exactly where the magic happens. I hope it inspires you in your journey! Connect with Adrian here: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-adrian-tan-show/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanadrian18/ 👋 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AdrianTan18 —------------------------------- Chapters 01:55 What’s This Interview All About? 02:36 Introduction To The Adrian Tan Show 03:02 Who is Sarah Wong, Really? 03:56 Sarah's Portfolio Career 04:38 Can You Truly Be Present at Work and Home? 05:24 What Snapped Sarah Onto a Different Path? 13:16 Starting the Podcast Journey 16:37 What's the Real Grind of Podcasting? 21:22 Why is Mentorship Crucial for Women in Tech? 23:03 How Do You Launch a Successful Mentorship Initiative? 24:12 What Support Do Mothers Truly Need? 25:28 What Are the Hidden Rules of Effective Networking? 30:36 How Do You Master Personal and Professional Demands? 31:02 Is 'Sabbath' the Ultimate Productivity Hack? 34:01 What Fuels Daily Energy and Focus? 39:20 What Would You Tell Your Younger, Ambitious Self? —------------------------------- Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://tinyurl.com/miwgroup Follow and connect with us! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com —------------------------------- 💙 You can help us make another new video by leaving a comment Keywords: (Working mothers, Women in leadership, Flexible work, 4-day work week, Mompreneur, Female co-founder, Rediscovering identity, Motherhood and career, Personal growth, Empowering women, Small business journey, Balancing family and business, Purpose-driven leadership, Self-worth and confidence, Podcast for Moms, Portfolio Careers Asia, Career Journey, Motherhood) #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMom #WomenInBusiness #MomBoss #PurposeDriven #WorkLifeBalance #MotherhoodUnfiltered #LeadershipJourney #FemaleFounder #FlexWork #BuildYourVoice #EmpoweredWomen #OwnYourStory #FromSupportToLeader #RedefiningSuccess #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms #inspiration #Healthcare #Podcasts #Portfolio #Career #CareerJourney #job

🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all products from iAM health ! Just use the code “MAKEITWORK10” at checkout. Listen to the remarkable journey of Dr. Cheryl Yeo, who transitioned from a stable career in a lab to building a thriving health supplement company while navigating the complexities of motherhood, (mostly) solo parenting, and personal growth. We talked about: 👩‍👧 The health scare with her child that sparked a bold career shift 🚗 Hustling through side gigs (including Grab Hitch!) to fund a dream from the ground up 📉 Facing rejection, failure, and zero business background—and pushing through anyway 🧠 Why probiotics are misunderstood—and how iAM Health is changing the game with science-backed strains (especially for Asians!) 💬 Her honest advice for working moms Dr. Cheryl Yeo, a mom of two with a PhD in Cellular Biology, worked in a lab before starting her company, iAM Health. Her decision was driven by the need for flexibility for her children and her passion for helping others through nutritional supplements. Without family in Singapore and a husband who traveled frequently, she lacked a traditional "village" support system. A scary incident involving her young son's seizure made her confront the conflict between her demanding job and her family's needs, solidifying her decision to make a change. Today, Dr. Cheryl leads iAM Health, an award-winning health supplement company known for its high-quality, research-driven probiotic products tailored to specific health needs. Despite starting with minimal marketing expenditure, the company experienced significant organic growth, now boasting revenue over a million. Her journey highlights the power of resilience, conviction, and finding balance in the challenging intersection of entrepreneurship and motherhood. —-------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapters: 01:08 Welcome to Make It Work Podcast 01:34 Dr. Cheryl Yeo: From PhD Lab to Probiotic Powerhouse 02:03 Why a Mother Left Her Stable Lab Job for Zero Income 02:45 The Pivotal Moment That Sparked Change 03:50 Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of Solo Parenting 07:08 How a Birthday Party Taught Cheryl to 'Let Go' 10:33 Strategic Side Hustles Paved the Way to Entrepreneurship 11:03 The Humble Beginnings of iAM Health 13:06 When Rejection Hit Hard (and 4-Star Grab Ratings Hurt More!) 15:33 Why Your Gut is the Key to 90% of Your Health 17:06 The Science Behind iAM Health's Probiotics 19:32 How iAM Health Tailors Formulas for Asia's Hidden Deficiencies 22:16 How a Celebrity Testimonial Exploded iAM Health's Growth 27:44 Life-Changing Lessons (and Tough Love Advice) for Every Working Mom —------------------------------- Connect with Cheryl here: 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhealth.live/ 👋 Website: iamhealth.live Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity

In this episode, we explore what it really looks like to grow a business, raise a family, and reclaim your identity along the way. We talk about: 🌱 Raising children and a business at the same time 💡 Why workplace flexibility isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for working moms 💼 How a 4-day work week can support mothers returning to work 🧭 The years she felt like a “vice captain” in her own business—and how she reclaimed her voice 😮‍💨 The power of learning how to breathe right (yes, really!) 👶🏼 How motherhood shaped her leadership in unexpected ways 🌟 Why Louisa believes you can do it all—and do it well For over a decade, Louisa Lee worked quietly behind the scenes of her husband’s dental practice DP Dental —never calling herself a co-founder, even as she helped build the business from scratch. A trained teacher by background, she didn’t plan to become an entrepreneur. But life had other ideas. While raising two boys and helping run the clinic alongside her husband, Louisa also carried the emotional load many working mothers know all too well: invisible labor, guilt, and the tension between being there for others and showing up for yourself. That all changed the day she stopped seeing herself as the “vice captain” and stepped fully into her role as co-leader. Today, Louisa is an award-winning entrepreneur ( Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 ), advocate for working mothers, and champion of the 4-day work week—a structure she believes is game-changing for women navigating motherhood and career. 00:52 Welcome to Make It Work 01:03 Meet Louisa Lee: Teacher to Titan 04:27 The 4-Day Work Week: Built on Trust 09:33 Return to Work Advice for Moms: Hire for Will, Train for Skills 12:35 Find Your Fit: Why SMEs Might Be Your Best Bet 14:52 Is This Company Real? Aligning Values with Work 18:23 Myofunctional Therapy: Breathe Right, Sleep Right? 20:28 Practical Tips for Better Health 23:15 The Importance of Proper Breathing 25:50 The Dreamer, Doer, and Village: Juggling It All 28:06 When I Stopped Dimming My Light 37:27 Raising Healthy and Independent Children 39:32 Can We Have It All? 40:55 Special Offers and Promotions Connect with Louisa here: 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisalee/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisalee/ 👋 Website: www.dpdental.com Follow and connect with Sarah & Make It Work! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form

If you’ve been following Make It Work , you’ll know I usually bring you stories from other mothers and other women — their pivots, their resilience, their brilliance. But for this Mother’s Day, I did something a little different. This episode is a poem I wrote — a slice of my heart, and an honest tribute to what motherhood has been for me. It’s about the mess, the detours, the ups and downs… and the quiet, sacred work of becoming someone new. To every mother on that journey: this is for you. 🧡 Chapters 00:35 My Poem #MakeItWorkPodcast #MothersDay2025 #SpokenWord #ModernMotherhood #MakeItWork #SarahWong #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingPoetry

🎉 SPECIAL PROMO 🎉 Enjoy 10% OFF all children’s titles by Ames Chen at https://graceworks.com.sg/store/ for the entire month of May 2025! Just use code “MAKEITWORK” at checkout. —------------------------------------------------------------ She didn’t set out to be a children’s author. She just wanted to survive motherhood. After being told she might never conceive, Ames Chen’s entry into motherhood was already complicated. A difficult pregnancy followed. Isolation crept in. So she started writing letters—first, just to her daughter. What started as a private act of reflection became the early beginnings of writing for thousands of other children. Today, Ames is a mother of three and the author of over 10 children’s books —many of which explore themes of social inclusion, empathy, and the stories we often overlook . (Fun fact: several are personal favorites in my own home!) A true multi-hyphenate, Ames is also a communications trainer for youth, and member of a church missions team. Ames, who is also my childhood friend, shares a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to mother with purpose—and live with conviction. In this episode, we talk about: 🌱 Why writing through pain can unlock your purpose 📚 How real conversations with migrant workers shaped a children’s book series that’s now read in schools 🌍 What happens when your kids witness humanitarian work firsthand 🛠️ The small, old-school parenting hacks that build real independence 💬 How her family lives by the motto: “Live simply to love generously.” While many of us talk about juggling the different parts of life, Ames’s story is about convergence —how she brings together her work, her faith, and her family in intentional, deeply connected ways. Why not also consider supporting Ames’ then 8 year old Mya’s work “ The Runaway Dream ” , an e-book about “her beloved refugees” after visiting a refugee centre. All proceeds go towards the centre. Connect with Ames: 📧 Email: ameschenjie@gmail.com 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameschen/ —------------------------------- Chapters 00:45 Intro to Make It Work 00:59 Intro to Ames Chen: She Never Thought To Write Books. She Was Just Trying To Breathe. 01:55 “I Was Alone and Overwhelmed”: The Hardest Part of Motherhood 03:20 Parenting Hacks That Actually Build Independence 05:50 Mother. Author. Trainer. Missions Worker. 10:39 The Journey of Becoming an Author 14:41 When Kids See the Invisible: The Birth of One of Us 15:02 Mya's (Amy's Daughter) Quest 16:39 Why Teaching Empathy Starts with a Dishcloth and a Dustpan 18:59 When Kids Witness Humanitarian Work Firsthand 22:19 The Annual Family Tradition That’s Not About Holidays 23:06 How to Raise Children Who Love Generously 25:06 Are Today’s Youth Lost… or Just Misunderstood? 27:10 This Is What I Want My Kids To Learn From Me 29:12 The Final Word—and a Gift for Families Who Read Together —------------------------------- Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form Follow and connect with us! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com #MakeItWorkPodcast #ChildrensBookAuthor #EmpathyThroughStorytelling #MotherhoodJourney #RaisingEmpatheticKids #ParentingWithPurpose #CompassionateParenting #AuthorMom #KidsWhoMakeADifference #FamilyValues #LivingSimply #IntentionalParenting #KidHacks #MomsWhoLead #RealMoms #EmpoweredMoms #ParenthoodReflections #WritingForSocialChange #ImpactfulStorytelling #FamilyMotto #PodcastForMoms

Winnie Tam is a designer-architect and a mom of an almost 2-year-old, based in London, UK. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she moved to the United Kingdom for college and launched her career at globally renowned architectural firms. In 2022, she founded 14 AM, an architecture and interior design studio focused on creating restorative spaces for city dwellers. Blending her Eastern upbringing with a Western lifestyle has shaped the way she approaches both design and motherhood—sometimes challenging societal norms and even making her question whether she was "doing the right thing." In this special episode, Winnie takes a hands-on approach, personally analyzing my living room setup (!!) and sharing expert insights on how to improve it. If you love what she does, great news—she's offering a masterclass for anyone looking to design their own restorative spaces at home. 🎟️ Use code “MIW25” for £25 off her two-hour live course with Q&A: "Cultivating Your Sanctuary: The Architect's Guide" (Regular price: £150) 👉 Sign up here : https://www.fourteen-am.com/course-1 In this episode Winnie and I also talked about: 🌟 How becoming a mother reshaped her approach to designing restorative spaces for city dwellers. 🌟 How cultural differences in motherhood shaped her experience, from Hong Kong to London, and influenced her career. 🌟 The challenges she faced while building her business and becoming a mother, and the key realizations she gained along the way. 🌟 How to design child-friendly, restorative spaces that are both practical and calming for busy families. 🌟 How motherhood and career enriched each other, providing unexpected lessons and growth in both areas. Connect with Winnie: 👋 Email: winnietam@fourteen-am.com 👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniewingyitam/ 👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourteen.a.m/ 👋 Website: https://www.fourteen-am.com/ —------------------------------- Chapters: 00:44 Intro to Make It Work 00:56 Winnie’s Intro 02:16 Winnie's Background and Studio 04:33 Balancing Motherhood and Career 06:35 Challenges and Realizations 11:49 Cultural Differences in Motherhood 16:24 Designing Child-Friendly Spaces 23:27 Hands-On Design Session 31:05 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion —------------------------------- Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form Follow and connect with us! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com —------------------------------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #InteriorDesigner #designer #journey #tips

Almost every working mom has, at point, wondered about the elusive work-life balance, wondering if there's a way to find true flexibility at work. That’s why we brought together this amazing panel of experts to share their stories, insights, and advice as we dive into fresh, game-changing ideas on how to juggle career and motherhood—whether you're exploring portfolio careers, solopreneurship, job sharing, or planning your return to work. 💡💪🔗 Check out the highlights of our oversubscribed virtual event - Innovative Work Strategies for Modern Moms. Speakers are incredible former podcast guests: 🌟 Niti Nadarajah - Freelance legal counsel, coach and speaker. Check out our previous episode with Niti - Why We Get Stuck In Life And How To Get Unstuck! 🌟 Khatija Aslam – Founder of Moxy, a platform for workplace equity, and marketing job-sharer at Zespri. Check out our previous episode with Khatija - Job Sharing Saved My Career! Why Women Should Question The Feedback They Receive! 🌟 Sara Pantry – Workplace leader at LinkedIn, community leader, and matrescence practitioner. Check out our previous episode with Sara - On Matrescence: The Transformations of Motherhood ⁠ 🌟 Karen Tay - Founder of Inherent Journey, Fractional C-suite & Coach Check out our previous episode with Karen - ⁠ On Limits, Burnouts, & Workplace Adversity Get ready for real stories, real struggles, and real solutions for making work work alongside motherhood. Chapters: 00:00 Intro01:02 Episode Introduction - What is This Event All About02:19 Start of Event 03:26 Our Guests & Answering "One Thing They Wished They Knew Before Becoming A Working Mom"13:20 3 Big Questions14:24 Qn 1: How Do You think About Your Both/And of Career & Motherhood26:33 Qn 2: How Do You Find Flexibility At Work - In Corporate34:08 How To Find Flexibility At Work - Outside Corporate47:26 Qn 3: How Do I Stay Relevant During A Career Break52:49 Last Words —------------------------------- Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form Follow and connect with us! ⁠ https://linktr.ee/makeitwork.podcast⁠ We’d love to hear any feedback, comments, or suggestions from you. 💼⁠LinkedIn⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-it-work-asia-podcast/ 📷 ⁠Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/makeitwork.asia/ 🎵 ⁠TikTok⁠: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@makeitwork.podcast⁠ 🍏Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/make-it-work/id1701442085 🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78ulY0B27nYxGB6jPCABPI?si=abfc48d037d943be 📥⁠Email⁠: makeitwork.asia@gmail.com —------------------------------- #MakeItWorkPodcast #WorkingMoms #productivitytips #CareerJourney #Inspiration #FamilyFirst #Entrepreneur #momlife #career #tips #motherhood #parenting #freelance #helpingmothers #coaching #counselling