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Published by Vanessa Teo & Vanessa Iloste
We are HR leaders who are passionate about helping others achieve their full potential. Over the years, we have coached many people through life and career transitions, which has ignited our interest in the topic. We are fascinated with the science behind change, and curious to understand the trends and patterns of successful transitions. We will bring together guests from all walks of life who have been through crucial career stages. We hope that you will be inspired by learning from the experiences of others- business leaders, executive coaches, and experts.
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Season 6 closes with no guest, just Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo, talking honestly about what six seasons of conversations have actually taught them. They revisit the sparks from this season's guests, name the tensions they never resolved (should you go inward or just move), and then get into the real conversation: the meaning crisis hiding inside every AI transformation, why transition capability is becoming the defining professional advantage, and why leadership is turning into a daily practice rather than a fixed position. Expect genuine disagreement, unfinished thoughts, and a first look at where the podcast is headed in Season 7. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What does it take to lead a 250-year-old brand across eight Southeast Asian markets in an era of TikTok commerce, agentic AI, and fragmented consumer journeys? In this episode, we sit down with Evelyn Chua, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Birkenstock, who brings 15 years of retail leadership across luxury fashion, beauty, wines and spirits, and e-commerce. Evelyn shares how she has navigated some genuinely distinct career transitions: from DFS and the world of travel retail, to the fast-moving world of e-commerce at Synergy, to her current role shaping Birkenstock's regional strategy. Her career is a masterclass in what it means to build breadth without sacrificing depth. In this conversation, we explore: How the consumer journey has fundamentally shifted, and why there is no longer one dominant channel How Birkenstock protects its premium positioning in a region as fragmented and fast-paced as Southeast Asia Why AI reinforces rather than replaces the importance of brand clarity and consistency The hybrid skills that retail leaders need today compared to five years ago What Evelyn tells her team when they are afraid to say "I don't know" Her three pieces of advice for anyone navigating a career in retail: stay positive and adaptable, build breadth, and stay grounded Whether you are a seasoned retail professional wondering how to stay relevant, or an early-career leader figuring out which moves to make next, Evelyn's perspective is grounding, practical, and genuinely generous. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What if the feeling that your job isn't fulfilling enough isn't a sign you're in the wrong place — but an invitation to build meaning where you are? In this Season 6 episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we sit down with Winnie Jiang, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD Singapore, whose research sits at the heart of what this podcast is all about: how people make sense of their careers, find meaning, and navigate change. We explore why the "perfect job" myth can do more harm than good, and why meaning isn't something a job gives you — it's something you actively construct. Winnie introduces us to the concept of job crafting : the everyday, practical choices we make about tasks, relationships, and mindset that can transform how we experience our work right now, without changing roles. We also dig into the difference between meaning and purpose (and why it's okay not to have a grand "why"), the deeply social nature of career transitions — including what it really takes to claim a new professional identity — and how AI is reshaping meaning at work in ways that are more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Winnie's research on dancers navigating AI disruption offers a striking window into what meta agency looks like in practice: the shift from reactive adaptation to actively choosing how and where you grow. When was the last time you actively crafted your job — rather than waiting for it to feel more meaningful on its own? Connect with us on LinkedIn and let us know. Read more of Winnie's work: A Search for Daily Meaning: Building a Purpose-Driven Career Three Lessons From Tech Layoffs on Building Career Agility Is Working Yourself "To The Bone" Ever Worth It? Perceiving Fixed or Flexible Meaning: Navigating Occupational Destabilization (Administrative Science Quarterly, 2023) From Boundaryless to Boundary-Crossing: A Friction-Based Model of Career Transitions (Research in Organizational Behavior, 2024) Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What does it really mean to belong — not just to a team or an organisation, but to yourself? In this episode, hosts Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo sit down with Judy Liu, Founder of The Outlier Mind, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Organisational Psychologist, and author of the newly published Beyond Belonging: Finding Home in Who You Are . After more than a decade building the Learning and Development function at Hays across Asia, Judy made a bold leap into entrepreneurship — and has never looked back. Judy's career path is anything but conventional. Starting with a double degree in Law and Psychology, she moved through recruitment, L&D leadership, and eventually into coaching and organisational psychology — not through a master plan, but by following a thread that only became visible in hindsight. In this conversation, she reflects on what it takes to reinvent yourself multiple times within one organisation, what finally pushed her to go out on her own, and why she believes the most powerful career transitions are not just about changing roles, but about coming home to who you really are. We explore the psychology behind career change — the fears, the hesitations, and the stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck. Judy shares why she champions the art of slowing down in a world that celebrates relentless pace, and what it means to lead in genuine alignment with your values rather than the expectations of others. Drawing on her experience across Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and China, she also unpacks how cultural context shapes the way people experience belonging — and what organisations often get wrong when they try to build it. Whether you are contemplating a career leap, leading a team through uncertainty, or simply trying to find your footing in a rapidly changing world of work, this episode offers both provocation and permission to embrace your own weird and wonderful self. Key themes: career reinvention, authentic leadership, organisational psychology, the future of work, belonging, cross-cultural leadership, entrepreneurship Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What does it really mean to future-proof your career — and is AI really coming for your job? In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we sit down with Sankar Venkatraman, Global Evangelist for Talent Solutions at LinkedIn, to explore what the data actually tells us about how work, the workforce, and the workplace are being reshaped by AI. With nearly 14 years at LinkedIn and a front-row seat to global talent trends, Sankar brings both the numbers and the nuance. We dig into why organisations are hiring for potential over pedigree, what skills will truly matter in an AI-enabled world (hint: it's mostly human ones), and why the fear of AI displacing jobs is more headlines than reality. Sankar also shares his own career journey — from Silicon Valley startups to Cisco to LinkedIn — and the three pieces of advice he'd give anyone navigating a major career shift. Plus, his concept of ikigai and why finding that intersection of passion, mission, vocation and profession is the only real path to long-term fulfilment. Whether you're leading a team, reskilling yourself, or just trying to make sense of the moment we're all in — this conversation will leave you feeling more curious than afraid. Connect with Sankar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sankarvenkatraman/ LinkedIn Talent Blog: https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog WEF Future of Jobs Report 2023: https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast , we’re joined by Navid Nazemian, a globally recognised executive coach and trusted advisor to more than 250 C‑suite leaders across multiple industries and countries. With over two decades of senior HR leadership experience at organisations such as Vodafone, Roche and BAT, Navid brings a rare 360‑degree perspective on what it really takes to succeed at the highest levels of leadership. Together, we explore why today’s executives are facing unprecedented pressure — from shorter CEO tenures and rising board expectations to increasing organisational complexity and constant external disruption. Navid shares why many leaders now find themselves in a “polycrisis” state, and what this means for performance, resilience, and decision‑making in the modern enterprise. We also dive into what differentiates leaders who thrive from those who struggle. From earning the right to drive cultural change, to adapting leadership style to context, Navid offers practical insights drawn from both research and real‑world coaching experience. He outlines the six essential qualities of extraordinary leaders and explains why executive transitions so often fail — not because of strategy, but because of people, culture and timing. Whether you’re stepping into a senior role, working closely with the C‑suite, or designing executive onboarding for the future of work, this conversation is packed with thoughtful guidance, clear examples, and powerful lessons on how to go slow in order to go fast. A must‑listen for anyone navigating — or supporting — leadership transitions at the top. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What does it mean for HR to go on the offense — and what happens if it doesn't? In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, Vanessa Teo and Vanessa Iloste sit down with Kyle Forest, US Future of HR Leader at Deloitte Consulting, to explore one of the most consequential questions facing people professionals right now: not whether AI will reshape work, but whether HR will lead that reshaping or be swept along by it. AI is accelerating task displacement. Demographics are squeezing talent supply. Volatility is rewriting strategy in real time. Kyle's argument: HR sits at the intersection of internal capability and external labour markets, uniquely positioned to lead — if it chooses to. The conversation covers why AI pilots stall when people aren't brought along, a practical framework for mapping how roles will shift, and why this moment calls for behaviour readiness rather than change management. Optimism with evidence behind it. That's the throughline. What is the next step you are willing to take — and what would it take to take it today? Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What happens to careers when the rules that built them no longer apply? Season 6 of Career Transitions opens not with a guest, but with a conversation between your two hosts, Vanessa Teo and Vanessa Iloste. Two HR leaders, decades of experience between them, sitting with the questions they believe every professional needs to be asking right now. The framing is deliberate. Before the guest conversations begin, they want to name what is actually happening: not a single disruption, but a polycrisis. AI touching cognitive work for the first time. Demographic plateaus reshaping talent supply. Geopolitical volatility rewriting supply chains and strategy in real time. Leaders are being asked to navigate all of it simultaneously, and the divide between those who are moving and those who are waiting for the dust to settle is widening. On AI, the hosts resist the binary. Job displacement is smaller than headlines suggest; task displacement within jobs is already here. What gets left behind when the transactional is automated turns out to be deeply human: judgement, empathy, creativity, the ability to build trust across uncertainty. The more uncomfortable question is whether organisations, and HR functions in particular, are willing to claim the strategic ground this moment makes available, or whether they will automate the administrative and stop there. The episode also examines the shift from role-based to skills-based careers, the shortening shelf life of qualifications, and what it actually means to take ownership of your own development in a landscape that is updating faster than any training programme can keep pace with. At its core, this is an episode about the architecture of a working life: non-linear, context-dependent, and increasingly self-directed. Given everything you know today, how will you shape your career differently Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
This week on the Career Transitions Podcast, we’re joined by Associate Professor Jimmy Wong from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Jimmy heads the Master of Management programme and teaches the popular course “The Future of Work.” In this lively and candid conversation, Jimmy shares: Why being a polymath — someone who learns widely and curiously — is the edge you need for the future How to build healthy human-machine relationships and avoid becoming obsolete The mindset shifts necessary to navigate rapid change and automation His personal journey from pharmaceutical rep to academic, and how burnout sparked a career transformation Tips for HR and business leaders to redesign work and foster career agility His call to action: stop chasing money, embrace learning, and design the career you want Whether you’re a leader, a learner, or someone feeling a little stuck — this episode is packed with practical insights, laughter, and some serious food for thought. 🔗 Referenced in this episode: Book: The Polymath by Waqas Ahmed Jimmy’s course at SUSS: “The Future of Work” 🎧 Tune in to hear why Jimmy says, “When there’s a willing student, there’s always a willing teacher — and that teacher is you.” Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
Join us as Julian Devaureix, founder of the Sismique Podcast, explores the evolving world of work and offers insights for navigating a rapidly changing career landscape. With a background in digital marketing and transformation, Julian shares his personal journey and discusses the critical shifts shaping the future, from environmental concerns to technological advancements and the search for purpose. Discover actionable strategies for staying curious, embracing ambiguity, and building a resilient, meaningful career in today's complex world. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this episode, we unpack one of the most talked-about topics in career transitions: networking —and how to do it authentically. Whether you're a seasoned executive or exploring a new path, building meaningful connections can be a game-changer. But how do we move beyond transactional handshakes and LinkedIn connections to relationships that truly support and shape our careers? Vanessa T and Vanessa I share personal stories, practical tips, and candid reflections on: Why networking is more than just a numbers game How to reach out in small but meaningful ways What a strong, diverse network looks and feels like Common pitfalls to avoid (hint: don't wait till you need something!) Why introverts often make the best networkers 💡 One of our favourite takeaways? Networking is about being intentional and valuing diversity —in backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences. Whether you're rekindling old connections or starting new ones, this episode will leave you inspired to build your network with purpose and heart. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this heartfelt episode of the Career Transitions Podcast , we reconnect with our very first guest and longtime mentor, Jean Balfour—Master Certified Coach and founder of Bailey Balfour. Jean joins us to reflect on her own remarkable career journey, from her early days in education, to corporate leadership, to founding a global coach training organization. We have a great conversation about: Jean’s evolution from teacher to entrepreneur, and what led her to start her own coaching academy The emotional highs and lows of building a business—and the power of staying grounded through transitions How coaching unlocks emotional resilience at work and beyond Why shared humanity and empathy are essential leadership traits in the future of work Jean’s upcoming third act —including the tough decision to transition her coach training program and her exciting new book on emotional agility at work Jean’s wisdom and warmth are as inspiring as ever. Whether you're navigating a career pivot, growing your leadership practice, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in change—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen in as Jean reveals what’s next and shares her biggest lessons from a lifetime of learning, leading, and coaching. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this week's episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, Vanessa I. and Vanessa T. speak with James Feliciano, a seasoned senior executive, about his thriving career in Japan's pharmaceutical industry. James shares his unique insights on leadership, cultural navigation, and career evolution, drawing from his experiences as president and general manager of AbbVie Japan and his transition into a senior advisory role. Discover James's advice on embracing international opportunities, balancing work and life, and the importance of trusting your intuition. He also discusses his passion for coaching and how it has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the power of engagement, self-awareness, and continuous growth. Whether you're considering an international move, navigating a career change, or seeking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiration for your own journey Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this inspiring episode of the Career Transitions podcast, we welcome two extraordinary guests—Lee Peh Gee and Joanne Soo, members of the Singapore Women’s Everest Team. Their journey to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 8,848 meters, is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. We often say that career transitions feel like climbing a mountain—filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and the need for endurance. Who better to learn from than real mountaineers? Peh Gee and Joanne take us through their grueling five-year journey of preparation, their physical, mental, and emotional challenges, and the life lessons they gained along the way. In this episode, we explore: How they trained for Everest—mentally, physically, and emotionally Overcoming self-doubt and external critics who questioned their ability The power of teamwork and enablers in achieving big goals How their experience translates to navigating career transitions The importance of preparation, clarity, and trusting the journey Their story is a powerful metaphor for career growth and personal development, reminding us that the journey matters just as much as the destination. Tune in for an episode filled with motivation, adventure, and practical insights to help you conquer your own Everest—whether it’s in your career or personal life. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this episode of the Career Transitions podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eric Sim, thought leader, entrepreneur, author, and LinkedIn Top Voice with over 2.8 million followers. From his early days helping at his family's prawn noodle stall to leading at UBS Investment Bank as a managing director, Eric has built a career that defies limitations. Today, he is the founder of the Institute of Life, a platform dedicated to mentoring professionals in career growth, leadership, and personal branding. Join us as we explore: Eric’s bold career transition from banking to becoming a global thought leader The challenges of reinventing your professional identity beyond a corporate title Why small, intentional actions are the key to big career success The power of social capital, storytelling, and building an authentic online brand How to navigate the "magical stage" of life where time, money, and health intersect His philosophy on investing in others and creating lasting impact Eric’s journey is filled with practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and powerful takeaways for anyone looking to reinvent their career, build a strong personal brand, or embrace new opportunities. Tune in now to learn how thinking big, starting small, and acting now can transform your career and life. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
Welcome to Season 5 of the Career Transitions podcast! We’re launching this season with an inspiring guest—Dorothy Yiu, CEO and Co-founder of Engage Rocket, a leading people analytics platform that helps organizations drive real-time insights into employee engagement, performance, and development. Dorothy’s career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From starting out in banking and consulting to making the bold leap into entrepreneurship, she co-founded Engage Rocket to address one of the biggest challenges in HR—how organizations leverage data to build better workplaces. In this episode, we explore: Dorothy’s transition from corporate leadership to startup founder How people analytics can transform workplace culture and performance The key challenges companies face in driving employee engagement Why culture-building requires intentionality, consistency, and empowerment Dorothy’s experience as a working mother of two and her advocacy for Down syndrome awareness Her top lessons on resilience, adaptability, and building a portfolio career Whether you’re navigating a career shift, looking to create impact as a leader, or curious about the future of HR and workplace analytics, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and inspiration you don’t want to miss. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this episode, we are joined by Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov, co-authors of the newly launched book Move Up or Move On and returning guests from Season 2 of the Career Transitions podcast. Angela and Sergey bring decades of experience in talent management, leadership development, and HR strategy, offering valuable insights on navigating careers in today's volatile and fragmented work environment. Together, we explore: How the future of work is reshaping the psychological contract between employers and employees. The increasing need for workers to adapt to automation, AI, and a boundaryless workplace. Practical advice for professionals to remain relevant and future-proof their careers. Key concepts from Move Up or Move On , including building a career on your terms and the 10 practices to accelerate career growth. Angela and Sergey also discuss the value of democratizing careers, providing actionable tips to overcome systemic barriers, and fostering transparency and honesty in organizational cultures. Resources Mentioned: Move Up or Move On by Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov Fair Talk by Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
What does the future of work look like in Singapore? Join us as we talk with Brian Tan, Deputy CEO of e2i, to uncover the key trends shaping the future of employment. From the rise of AI to the importance of soft skills and lifelong learning, Brian offers invaluable insights for both job seekers and employers. Discover how e2i is empowering Singapore's workforce to adapt and thrive in the face of change, with resources and initiatives designed to bridge skill gaps and promote career resilience. Tune in to learn how you can stay ahead of the curve and navigate the evolving world of work. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this insightful episode of the Career Transitions Podcast , we welcome Sonja Prokopec, Associate Dean of Faculty at ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific and an internationally recognized expert in luxury marketing. With over 12 years of experience leading the LVMH Chair and as the current Academic Director of the Academy of Luxury at ESSEC, Sonja shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of the luxury industry. We explore how digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the luxury landscape. Sonja discusses the impact of these technologies on omni-channel experiences, customer personalization, and the future of luxury retail. She emphasizes the irreplaceable value of the human touch in delivering authentic luxury experiences, even in an increasingly tech-driven world. Sonja also offers valuable insights into the skills needed for professionals in the luxury industry, highlighting the importance of integrating technical proficiency with creativity, communication, and cultural competence. Whether you're a professional in the luxury sector, an aspiring marketer, or someone curious about the future of luxury, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical advice. Key Takeaways : The role of AI and technology as supportive tools in enhancing, not replacing, the luxury customer experience. How the luxury industry is adapting to digital transformation and the rise of omni-channel strategies. The importance of soft skills, such as creativity and emotional intelligence, alongside technical expertise for future professionals in luxury marketing. Emerging trends in luxury marketing, including the growing importance of sustainability and community engagement, especially for younger consumers. Connect with Sonja Prokopec : LinkedIn: Sonja Prokopec ESSEC Business School: ESSEC Asia-Pacific Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we're joined by Maria Farrow, former Chief Human Resources Officer of Sephora. Maria brings a wealth of experience in driving innovative HR practices and navigating the evolving landscape of work. We discuss: * The challenge of balancing leadership experience with the need for fresh, tech-savvy perspectives. * How AI and automation are shaping the future workforce and the importance of continuous learning. * Sephora's strong company culture and commitment to purpose, employee development, and a positive work environment. * Why purpose is crucial for attracting and retaining talent, especially among younger generations. * Practical advice for future-proofing your career, including embracing lifelong learning and seeking purpose-driven organizations. Connect with us on LinkedIn: · Vanessa Iloste (Host) · Vanessa Teo (Host) · Aaron Wu (Producer)
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Observed September 13, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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