Hello Mentor is a show where we have raw conversations with successful individuals from various industries as they share their stories with all their ups and downs, along with practical advice, to help you succeed in your career.
Episodes
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
Wednesday Jul 01, 2020
“When I was in my early 20s, I suffered from depression as a result of feeling lost after graduating from university. I took a leap of faith and devoted myself to fitness — and it saved my life.” — Nana Al-Haleq
In this podcast episode, Nana shares her journey from being a psychology major to starting a career in fitness. She talks about techniques and tips to help people who struggle to get started with working out as well as several workout techniques at home. At the end of the episode, Nana talks about the challenges of being a co-founder of BodyLab and FitSambal.
To check out BodyLab and FitSambal as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://www.instagram.com/bodylab.co/
https://www.instagram.com/fitsambalbynana_hq/
A certified coach with credentials from Australian Strength Performance, Nana Al-Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) is a highly motivated individual who is constantly striving to be the best at what she does. She is the most recognised female fitness influencer in Malaysia with the most following on Instagram she creates products to help men and women achieve their health goals.
Reinventing herself from an influencer to a TV-Host, in a short span of 2 years, she has hosted popular television shows on NTV7, ASTRO and RTM, namely the Feel Good Show, Fitness Battle, Jom Kurus, Kami Geng FIT, and A-Z Aktif. She’s an official brand ambassador athlete with Under Armour and Apple. Now a household name, Nana is also a businesswoman and the brains behind BodyLab.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
Wednesday Jun 17, 2020
“I have always been a talkative kid and I grew up wanting to be a motivational speaker. Even though it is difficult and uncertain, I had to figure things out as I went. It is scary but exciting at the same time.” - Aiman Azlan
In this podcast episode, Aiman shares uncommon advice to students that are currently deciding on a degree to pursue or young professionals that are currently paving their career paths. He talks about his first full time job and his journey as an author, youth mentor and a motivational speaker. He also speaks about building confidence and acing a job interview.
To check out Aiman’s website as mentioned in the podcast, here is the link:
Aiman Azlan (@aimanazlan90) is an all-rounded optimist, and a youth mentor.
In 2011, during his second year at University of Toronto, he made a video from his one-bedroom apartment. Little did he know that the video would be an opening for him to create a passionate career.
He discovered he can use his ability to speak, his understanding of psychology, and his online presence to inspire the youth.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
With the current pandemic, COVID-19 affecting the entire world, many job seekers are naturally concerned about job stability and are worried that they are unable to find a new one, or with fresh graduates who are entering the job market soon at such an unfortunate time.
To address this, we have invited some experts from industries that are still hiring, Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, Dawn Seng and Siew Mee to weigh in on the current job market in Malaysia and to help job seekers find their way in these uncertain times - in an online panel discussion.
Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer, MDEC
Dato’ Ng Wan Peng is no stranger to anyone involved in the ICT business in Malaysia. After graduating from Universiti Sains Malaysia in the nineties, she joined SAPURA as a systems engineer where she moved up the ranks as project manager, program manager before leaving to join MDEC (previously known as Multimedia Development Corporation) in 1999. Since then she has been a core and pioneer member of MDEC initiatives. Today, as the COO, she is responsible for strategic execution of MDEC’s initiatives to support the digital economy, including: 1. Attracting investors, globalising local tech champions; 2. Catalysing industry-driven digital ecosystem; 3. Building critical enablers of the digital economy, and 4. Driving inclusive adoption of technology.
Dawn Seng, Head of Elite and Premier Academy, AIA
Dawn has 15 years of experience in quality recruitment, leadership development , sales competencies development & human resources development in MNC. Dawn is strategic and result oriented. She demonstrates expertise in managing a wide range of learning and development strategies, including competency model, training need analysis, training curriculums development and delivery, program evaluation and talents development.
Siew Mee Managing Director, 2X
Siew Mee heads up the firm’s operations, and manages, magically, to make running a startup look easy. She is a big believer in developing people, having a track record of managing large teams with below 2% attrition rate. Prior to 2X, she was the VP of Global Marketing at Quintiq—now Dassault Systèmes—where she oversaw 30% year-over-year-growth and developed an off-shore marketing services function supporting 16 independent global business units. It’s rumored that Siew Mee doesn’t sleep.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
Wednesday Jun 03, 2020
“People used to call me names because I was born with a birthmark on my face and it affected my confidence a lot. I shied away from a lot of things and people and that’s how my love for music developed.” - Rozella Marie
In this podcast episode, Rozella talks about her experience growing up with a birthmark on her face and how she has struggled with body image issues. She shares about overcoming low self-esteem and building confidence. Rozella talks about her career as a local musician in Malaysia as well as being the founder of a social awareness platform called True Complexion.
To check out True Complexion and Rozella’s latest single as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://open.spotify.com/track/64EXbFouXfu3j6HjbC6qRg?si=JCJ7PXFbQqmkrsNJuA14MQ
https://www.facebook.com/truecomplexion/
Rozella Marie (@rozellamarie) is a singer, songwriter and voiceover artist originally from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. After having her Tiger Jams winning single ‘Home to You’ remixed by popular Scottish electronic band CHRVCHES in 2016, her hit single ‘XOXO’ garnered 14 New Music Friday playlists on Spotify. She is one of the very few Malaysians who have been featured on the New Music Friday playlist in the US.
Besides making music, she is the founder of True Complexion, a social awareness platform that celebrates inclusion and diversity. Rozella is also an Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader, an Eisenhower Global Fellow and a TEDx speaker.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: http://wobbjobs.com/hellomentor
Wednesday May 20, 2020
Wednesday May 20, 2020
“I work as a digital content creator and many people might think it’s not a real job or a profession.” - Bella Kuan
In this podcast episode, Bella shares how content creating has changed from blogpost to Instagram. She talks about some common misconceptions about being an influencer and content creator to young people who want to be a social media content creator. She speaks about how luck and timing play a role in success and being a co-founder of the organic skincare brand - Handmade Heroes.
To check out Handmade Heroes as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:
https://www.instagram.com/handmadeheroesmy/
Isabella Wong (@bellakuan), more famously known as Malaysian influencer Bella Kuan is a digital content creator and the Co-founder of a local all-natural, organic skincare brand called Handmade Heroes (@handmadeheroesmy). During her free time, Bella would carve out time in her schedule to pursue other hobbies and interests such as martial arts, snowboarding, surfing as well as diving.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Follow Hello Mentor!: spotify:show:2XquM47vpj8g4P5g0fBIfu
Wednesday May 06, 2020
Wednesday May 06, 2020
“I’ve always loved fashion, I knew that I wanted to make more money, eat better food and buy nicer things without asking for more money from my dad. I was studying in Melbourne, and I thought to myself that if I waited until graduation to get a job, wouldn’t that be just too late?” - Jenn Low
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Tuesday Apr 21, 2020
Tuesday Apr 21, 2020
“The light was getting dimmer and dimmer and I was getting older. I got rejected each time but I still throw my name in the hat every year.” --- Melissa Tan
In this podcast episode, Melissa shares her transition from corporate companies to the entertainment industry. She shares her story and what it was like competing in Asia’s Next Top Model. Melissa talks about zero-waste living and shares some tips on how you can start reducing and recycling waste.
To check out Melissa’s blog and Instagram (as discussed in the podcast), here are the links:
https://www.instagram.com/melissatanlh/
https://www.instagram.com/thegreenguerrilla.asia/
Melissa Tan (@melissatanlh) is a passionate Eco-Warrior who advocates for Sustainable Living and #zerowaste habits for everyone. She forms part of The Green Guerrilla (@thegreenguerrilla.asia); a green collective in Malaysia that celebrates and shares sustainable ways of living.
She worked with Greenpeace for the Rainbow Warrior Ship’s Southeast Asia tour and is a long-standing volunteer with PAWS Animal Welfare Society. She writes about zero-waste living and other areas of sustainability on her website, heymelissatan.com
She made her debut in the entertainment industry participating on Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3. Since then, she has been featured in commercials magazines, and catwalks in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. She hosts various programs from sports to tech and was most recently on The Apartment Season 7.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
“Our home was our office, production place and the fresh flowers we bought were kept in our own fridge. It was just the two of us handling everything from operations to website building, to customer service and delivery for at least eight months.” - Giden Lim & Penny Choo
In this podcast episode, Giden and Penny share stories on building BloomThis together as a couple and how conflict resolutions look like in their household. They talk about their background and how it shaped and contributed to their successes today. They share advice to young entrepreneurs who want to start up consumer businesses that deal with fast perishable products.
To check out BloomThis and to join their team (as discussed in the podcast), here are the links:
https://my.wobbjobs.com/users/companies/bloomthis-flora-sdn-bhd
Giden is the co-founder and CEO of BloomThis (https://bloomthis.co/), an E-commerce that delivers handcrafted designer flowers on-demand or via subscription. Bringing his experience from the brick and mortar floristry business, Giden is innovating the way for people to create beautiful moments by delivering flowers. In 2015, he and his wife Penny co-founded BloomThis with the emphasis on improving the entire flower delivery experience. By leveraging technology and innovation in every aspect of the business, BloomThis is growing rapidly and leading the way in disrupting the fragmented flower industry.
Penny is a passionate, resourceful and versatile entrepreneur who looks to create meaningful impact with her products. She wants to live in a world where love is brave, dreams are pursued and life is fulfilled. She is the Co-founder and Creative Director of a flower startup known as BloomThis. She wants to create the most unforgettable gifting experience and be the most sought after floral company in town, and everywhere else. She has the vision to touch 10 million lives by delivering unforgettable experiences with flowers.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
Tuesday Mar 24, 2020
“Arnold, Arthur and I wanted to start a clothing line when we were 16. We had no money and knew nothing about business. We tried it but nothing quite materialised from it.” --- Hugh Koh
In this podcast episode, Hugh shares the journey of building a Malaysian streetwear brand with his best friends since 2009. Hugh talks about mistakes and lessons learnt during this journey, as well as common misconceptions about building a fashion retail business. He shares his views on e-commerce because Pestle & Mortar is both online and offline.
To check out Pestle & Mortar Clothing (as discussed in the podcast), here’s the link: https://pestlemortarclothing.com/
Hugh Koh is the CEO of Pencil Produce, the operating company for Pestle & Mortar Clothing (https://pestlemortarclothing.com/). He loves pushing boundaries in everything that he does. He has a passion for everything design, business and most importantly people. He graduated with an Architecture degree and practised in Malaysia and Australia. He has a great understanding of brand building and developing meaningful business relationships. He is both a visual and strategic thinker who excels at understanding business demands and translating those into creative enterprises.
When he is not grinding at work you can either find him travelling the globe, exploring cultures. He is also an avid cyclist, runner and cross fitter, an aspiring ironman.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
Tuesday Mar 10, 2020
“I was the geeky gamer kid who failed subjects in school and nobody wanted to be friends with. I was the kid who got picked last in basketball.” --- Fong Wai Hong
In this podcast episode, Wai Hong shares how he suffered from computer gaming addiction that caused him to fail five subjects in university. Wai Hong then talks about how he became an accidental entrepreneur. He shares some of the challenges faced while scaling Storehub (his latest venture) rapidly, and the importance of culture and values in an organisation.
Fong Wai Hong is Chieftain and co-founder at StoreHub, an omnichannel operating system for over 12,000 retailers and restaurants across South East Asia. Wai Hong grew up in Malaysia, spent 4 years in Singapore as an ASEAN Scholar and lived 10 years in Melbourne. Immediately after completing his BA at the University of Melbourne, Wai Hong co-founded and was managing director for 5 years at OZHut, a multi-niche online retailer. Wai Hong was also named Australia's Best Young Entrepreneur in 2011 by StartupSmart and amongst Melbourne's top 100 most influential people by The Age Newspaper that same year. Wai Hong has since spent 1.5 years living in Shanghai where he studied Mandarin and eventually returned to Malaysia in 2013 where he founded StoreHub.
If you enjoy the podcast, do leave us feedback on Apple Podcasts/ iTunes! It will help us understand our listeners better and help convince high profile guests to join us on the show.
Follow our host, Derek Toh:
Instagram: instagram.com/derektohc
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/derektoh