Episodes

  • From Silicon Valley Burnout to Podcasting Success: Sarah Wong's Journey! On The Adrian Tan Show | Ep30

    From Silicon Valley Burnout to Podcasting Success: Sarah Wong's Journey! On The Adrian Tan Show | Ep30
    Jun 25 2025
    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 entrepreneurshipTune 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—-------------------------------Chapters01:55 What’s This Interview All About?02:36 Introduction To The Adrian Tan Show03:02 Who is Sarah Wong, Really?03:56 Sarah's Portfolio Career04:38 Can You Truly Be Present at Work and Home?05:24 What Snapped Sarah Onto a Different Path?13:16 Starting the Podcast Journey16:37 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/miwgroupFollow 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 commentKeywords:(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
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    43 mins
  • How This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo | Ep29

    How This Mom Built a Million-Dollar Brand with Zero Marketing - Cheryl Yeo | Ep29
    Jun 4 2025
    🎉 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 momsDr. 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 Podcast01:34 Dr. Cheryl Yeo: From PhD Lab to Probiotic Powerhouse02:03 Why a Mother Left Her Stable Lab Job for Zero Income02:45 The Pivotal Moment That Sparked Change03:50 Unpacking the Invisible Mental Load of Solo Parenting07:08 How a Birthday Party Taught Cheryl to 'Let Go'10:33 Strategic Side Hustles Paved the Way to Entrepreneurship11:03 The Humble Beginnings of iAM Health13:06 When Rejection Hit Hard (and 4-Star Grab Ratings Hurt More!)15:33 Why Your Gut is the Key to 90% of Your Health17:06 The Science Behind iAM Health's Probiotics19:32 How iAM Health Tailors Formulas for Asia's Hidden Deficiencies22:16  How a Celebrity Testimonial Exploded iAM Health's Growth27:44 Life-Changing Lessons (and Tough Love Advice) for Every Working Mom—-------------------------------Connect with Cheryl here:👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamhealth.live/👋 Website: iamhealth.liveFollow 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.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://bit.ly/MIWcommunity
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    35 mins
  • SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee | Ep 28

    SME vs Big Tech: Why Small Might Be The BEST Career Move! - Louisa Lee | Ep 28
    May 22 2025
    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 wellFor 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 Work01:03 Meet Louisa Lee: Teacher to Titan04:27 The 4-Day Work Week: Built on Trust09:33 Return to Work Advice for Moms: Hire for Will, Train for Skills12:35 Find Your Fit: Why SMEs Might Be Your Best Bet14:52 Is This Company Real? Aligning Values with Work18:23 Myofunctional Therapy: Breathe Right, Sleep Right?20:28 Practical Tips for Better Health23:15 The Importance of Proper Breathing25:50 The Dreamer, Doer, and Village: Juggling It All28:06 When I Stopped Dimming My Light37:27 Raising Healthy and Independent Children39:32 Can We Have It All?40:55 Special Offers and PromotionsConnect with Louisa here:👋 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisalee/👋 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisalee/👋 Website: www.dpdental.comFollow 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.comJoin our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/form
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    42 mins
  • Mother’s Day Special: A Poem from Me to You

    Mother’s Day Special: A Poem from Me to You
    May 16 2025

    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
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    2 mins
  • Children' s Book Author: Why The Stories We Tell Our Kids - And Ourselves- Matter! | Ep27

    Children' s Book Author: Why The Stories We Tell Our Kids - And Ourselves- Matter! | Ep27
    Apr 30 2025
    🎉 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/—-------------------------------Chapters00:45 Intro to Make It Work00:59 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 Motherhood03:20 Parenting Hacks That Actually Build Independence05:50 Mother. Author. Trainer. Missions Worker. 10:39  The Journey of Becoming an Author14:41 When Kids See the Invisible: The Birth of One of Us15:02 Mya's (Amy's Daughter) Quest16:39 Why Teaching Empathy Starts with a Dishcloth and a Dustpan18:59 When Kids Witness Humanitarian Work Firsthand22:19 The Annual Family Tradition That’s Not About Holidays23:06 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 Me29:12 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/formFollow 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
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    31 mins
  • The Architect's Secret: How to Design a Calm Home (And Life) That Actually Works for Your Family! | Ep26

    The Architect's Secret: How to Design a Calm Home (And Life) That Actually Works for Your Family! | Ep26
    Mar 26 2025
    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-1In 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 Work00:56 Winnie’s Intro02:16  Winnie's Background and Studio04:33  Balancing Motherhood and Career06:35  Challenges and Realizations11:49  Cultural Differences in Motherhood16:24  Designing Child-Friendly Spaces23:27  Hands-On Design Session31:05  Final Thoughts and Course Promotion—-------------------------------Join our free ⁠Mommas Making It Work whatsapp community⁠: https://airtable.com/app1HHdrC7pUPHIoc/pagRBdb8PU9PRXGJ9/formFollow 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
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    36 mins
  • Find True Flexibility At Work! Innovative Strategies for Modern Moms!

    Find True Flexibility At Work! Innovative Strategies for Modern Moms!
    Mar 11 2025
    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 & CoachCheck out our previous episode with Karen - ⁠On Limits, Burnouts, & Workplace AdversityGet 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
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Making Periods Sustainable, Stylish and Stress-free

    Making Periods Sustainable, Stylish and Stress-free
    Mar 8 2025

    This International Women’s Day, we at Make It Work are excited to support @summerwine.shop, a female-founded, innovative and socially conscious period lingerie brand!


    SummerWine is all about making periods sustainable, stylish and stress free.


    🌸 Say Hello to Effortless Periods with SummerWine! 🌸

    Busy moms, we get it—your period shouldn’t slow you down! That’s why SummerWine, a female-founded brand, has created period wear that keeps you looking and feeling amazing, even on your heaviest days. 💃✨


    💡 Why You’ll Love It:

    • Stylish options, from chic underpants to lingerie-inspired designs, perfect for women always on the go.

    • No more dealing with fussy pads, tampons, or cups—just wear, feel safe and dry, wash, and reuse.

    • Anti-UTI coating and fabrics blends that are moisturizing, summerwine lingerie is hygienic, sustainable, and designed to make your life easier (and comfier!). 🌍


    💖 Your Purchase Makes a Difference:For every pair of SummerWine underwear you buy, a portion goes toward alleviating period poverty for women in rural communities, in support of NGO @theskyisthelimit. Together, we’re making periods more sustainable and impactful! 🙌


    🛒 Shop Now:Visit @summerwine.shop or SummerWine.shop to place your pre-order today!


    🎁 Special Offer:20% off for 2 pieces and more with the code MIW20!


    Let’s revolutionize periods—because they can be sustainable, sexy, and stress-free! 💕


    #makeitworkpodcast #perios #periodunderwear #leakproof #nopads #notampons #mensuration #mensurationcup #business #video #pomote
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    8 mins