Podcast
The Thriving Misfits
Hosted by Fyiona Yong · EN
Welcome to The Thriving Misfits…a space for anyone who’s ever felt like a square peg in a round hole.
Here, we turn that feeling into strength.
Through honest conversations, our guests share what it really takes to challenge expectations, navigate different worlds, and find where you belong.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit… you’re in the right place.
Come as you are.
Own your difference.
Subscribe and thrive with us!
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S3E6: Curtis Baker - Storytelling as a Bridge
2w ago00:41:04Tap to summarizeWhat happens when you spend your life feeling like an outsider and discover that it's actually your greatest leadership strength?In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Curtis Baker, a DEI leader and advocate based in Asia, to explore what it means to lead across cultures while embracing the identity of a misfit.From moving to China with no long-term plan to building a life and career across Asia, Curtis shares how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to be uncomfortable opened doors he never expected.Together, we discuss:• What it means to be a cultural misfit• Why diversity starts with embracing differences• The power of curiosity and lifelong learning• How language can become a bridge instead of a barrier• Leading with humility in unfamiliar environments• Building belonging while navigating different culturesWhether you're working across cultures, living abroad, or simply trying to find your place in the world, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, identity, and connection.
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S3E5: Charissa Tan - Redefining Strength for Women
Jun 2700:31:53Tap to summarizeWhat if the thing that makes you different is exactly what makes you successful?In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Charissa Tan, fitness entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of one of Penang's fastest-growing fitness communities.Carissa shares her unconventional journey from social entrepreneurship and corporate life to building a thriving fitness business rooted in connection, belonging, and personal transformation. Growing up in a culture that often rewarded conformity, she reflects on what it means to embrace your uniqueness, stand out from the crowd, and create a life aligned with who you truly are.We explore:• Why being a "misfit" can become your greatest strength• The pressure to fit in and the courage to stand out• How community shapes confidence, growth, and resilience• Turning a pandemic passion into a successful business• What fitness can teach us about identity and belongingIf you've ever felt different, out of place, or unsure whether to follow the conventional path, this conversation is for you.
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S3E4: Belinda Esterhammer - The Cost of Being the Bridge
Jun 1300:40:39Tap to summarizeWhat if your greatest strength is the very thing that once made you feel like you didn't belong?In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, I sit down with Belinda Esterhammer, CEO of The DO Asia, social innovator, educator, and community leader, to explore what it means to be a bridge between different worlds.Growing up in Austria with Chinese roots and building a career across cultures, Belinda shares her experience of navigating life between identities, languages, expectations, and communities. Together, we unpack the invisible emotional labor of being the person who connects people, translates perspectives, and creates understanding across differences.We discuss:• The hidden costs of constantly adapting to others• Why bridge-builders often carry unseen emotional labor• How living between cultures shapes identity and leadership• The opportunities and tensions that come with being "in-between"• How to stay true to yourself while connecting with different worldsIf you've ever felt too much of one thing and not enough of another, this conversation is for you.Because sometimes the people who don't fit neatly into a box are the ones uniquely positioned to bring others together.
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S3E3: Vanessa Iloste - The Strength of Quiet Leadership
May 3000:48:54Tap to summarizeWhat does it really mean to lead across cultures, identities, and expectations? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Vanessa Iloste shares her journey from France to Asia and the lessons she’s learned about connection, creativity, and the hidden work of bridging different worlds. A powerful conversation on leadership, belonging, and thriving beyond labels.
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S3E2: Fuji Sartono - Seen as Asian, Shaped by the World
May 1600:28:34Tap to summarizeWhat does it really mean to lead across cultures?In this episode, Fuji Sartono shares how growing up as a diplomat’s child shaped his perspective on identity, adaptability, and leadership. Moving between countries and cultures, he learned early on what it feels like to belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time. That experience now informs how he leads diverse, global teams with empathy and nuance.Fuji reflects on the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities, and how those moments of discomfort built resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to connect across differences. Rather than seeing adversity as a setback, he reframes it as a foundation for growth both personally and professionally.At its core, this episode is about rethinking leadership not as a fixed style, but as something shaped by lived experience, cultural awareness, and the willingness to embrace complexity.A thoughtful listen for anyone leading across borders, cultures, or perspectives.
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S3E1: Desmond Chen - Asian Leadership, Reimagined
May 300:39:16Tap to summarizeMost leadership advice is built on Western norms but what if Asia’s real leadership power has been overlooked all along?In this bold Season 3 opener of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong sits down with Desmond Chan - Head of Business Partnering for SEA at Arup - to challenge conventional leadership thinking and reframe what it means to lead in Asia today.Together, they unpack why Asian leaders are often misunderstood, the invisible pressures they navigate, and how cultural strengths like harmony, context, and collective trust can become a competitive advantage. From breaking the bamboo ceiling to embracing “yin-yang leadership", this episode sets the tone for a season that reimagines leadership through a distinctly Asian lens.
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S2E20: Mary Oxley - Stronger Together
Nov 2900:34:05Tap to summarizeFor the grand finale of Season 2, Fyiona sits down with Mary Oxley, Vice President at DHL, for a heartfelt conversation on what true sisterhood in leadership really means. Mary shares powerful insights on the impact of women supporting women by lifting each other higher, creating space for vulnerability, and standing stronger together through every chapter of growth and challenge.Filled with warmth, wisdom, and real talk, this episode celebrates shared strength and the kind of authentic connection that makes us all better leaders and better humans.
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S2E19: Mel Leow - Catalyst for Change
Nov 700:40:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Mel Leow, Master Certified Coach and founder of Catalyst Coach, about what truly defines success in coaching. They explore whether credentials still matter, how coaches can stay authentic in a changing world, and why courage and consciousness often matter more than certification. A candid, future-focused conversation for coaches and leaders ready to evolve with purpose.
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S2E18 - Paul Morris: Relearn. Refocus. Reinvent
Oct 1800:45:42Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of The Thriving Misfits, Fyiona Yong speaks with Paul Morris, VP of Learning at Eagle’s Flight and a global facilitator with over 20 years of experience shaping leaders and cultures around the world.Paul shares his remarkable journey of reinvention in his 40s—from confronting burnout and depression to facing his paralyzing fear of flying and ultimately discovering freedom as his core value. He opens up about the lessons learned through sabbaticals, self-discovery, and the courage to realign his life with purpose and happiness.
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S2E17: Jackie Dela Cruz - The Heart of Leadership
Sep 2800:32:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Fyiona Yong sits down with Jackie Dela Cruz, Managing Director of SmartAge Solutions and one of the “Most Influential Filipina Women in the World” recognized by FWN.With a 20-year career at Shell and now shaping the future of smart living through innovation and technology, Jackie brings a wealth of leadership wisdom. She shares why compassionate leadership is more than a “nice-to-have”—it’s a business imperative.Tune in as Jackie unpacks how leading with heart inspires teams, empowers women, and drives meaningful impact and without losing the human touch.
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