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How do women find their voice and claim their space in male-dominated workplaces? Many of us grow up being taught to be quiet. So how do we overcome cultural conditioning that teaches women to stay silent and docile?My guest Jenny shares her struggles with speaking up in meetings and having her ideas heard, especially with senior male colleagues. Despite 13 years of corporate experience, she still battles the ingrained fear of growing up in a traditional hierarchical family. We later hear from my friend and co-host Lynette, founder and CEO focused on ESG initiatives, who transitioned from running her own interior design business to the corporate world. She opens up about facing shocking discrimination, questioning her abilities, and ultimately finding her authentic voice while helping create inclusive environments for others.
We tackle questions like:
How do you speak up when you're the only minority in the room?
When is the right time to address disrespectful behavior?
How do you create safe spaces for other women to find their voice?
How do you prepare yourself for speaking up in high-stakes situations?
How do you build allies who will double your voice?
What can leaders do to help junior women feel heard and valued?
Here is What We Talk About:
➡️ Finding Your Voice: The journey from self-doubt to speaking up with confidence, especially for Asian women conditioned to stay quiet. How to prepare, practice and build the confidence to share your ideas.
➡️ Handling Idea Theft: Practical strategies for claiming credit when your ideas are stolen or repeated without acknowledgment. Ways to respectfully redirect credit while maintaining professionalism.
➡️ Creating Safe Spaces: The importance of sending the elevator down to help other women thrive. Small actions that create more inclusive environments where everyone's voice can be heard.
➡️ Responding to Bias: Understanding the choice to be a bystander, colluder, or challenger when witnessing discrimination. How to speak up against bias with kindness and respect.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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How do you thrive at work and not just survive? How do you build meaningful relationships while staying true to yourself?
In this episode of Raw with Uma, my guest Shan Wen is an award-winning leader from Australia who initiated a mentorship program across Asia Pacific at VMware. At work, she noticed many women feeling deflated and overwhelmed, simply surviving rather than thriving. We discuss what it takes to move beyond survival mode and create environments where women can truly flourish.
Later, we hear from my friend Fatim, Managing Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills. Having moved from the UK to Singapore following her husband, she shares her journey of rebuilding her career from scratch in a new environment. She opens up about handling rejection, managing self-doubt, and finding her authentic leadership style while navigating the delicate balance of gender expectations in the workplace.
We tackle questions like:
What can we do if we feel stuck and unmotivated?
What's the right way to approach potential mentors?
How do you handle feedback without spiraling?
How do you build authentic relationships in a professional setting?
Why is investing in yourself not selfish?
Here is What We Talk About:
➡️ The Power of Circles: The importance of peer-to-peer mentorship and creating spaces where women can be unapologetically messy, ambitious and fabulous. Unlike friends who may hesitate to give tough feedback, these circles provide real "mirror in the face" advice.
➡️ Skills for Success: Delivering your best work requires both hard and soft skills. While technical excellence is non-negotiable, skills like owning a room, communicating with confidence, and navigating power dynamics are equally crucial for women to thrive.
➡️ Creating Inclusive Environments: Individual actions can drive systemic change. Small steps advocating for those who find it hard to speak up can create more inclusive workplaces that support caregivers and promote work-life balance.
➡️ Building Authentic Relationships: Success isn't just about technical brilliance—it's about creating trust and genuine connections. Focus on authentic networking that plays to your strengths rather than forcing yourself into uncomfortable situations.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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Fehlende Folgen?
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How do you build an authentic brand identity while staying professional? How can you be vulnerable while discussing important but uncomfortable topics?
In this episode of Raw with Uma, my guest, Nicole, is an HR leader and DEI advocate from the Philippines. Nicole faced a decade-long battle with depression and took nine years before she felt ready to open up and share her story. She realized that her vulnerability didn’t just help her heal—it also helped others find hope, connect, and begin their own healing journeys.
We discuss what it takes to build a personal brand in a male-dominated industry, and how to balance vulnerability with maintaining a professional image.
Later, we hear from my friend Rishi, a two-Michelin-starred chef and the owner of Cloudstreet. He shares his thoughts on cultural authenticity and his journey towards self-acceptance. He shares his story, facing discrimination as a minority and how it motivated him to be the best, and how stopping the "fight" and learning to float helped him find contentment and success.
We tackle questions like:
How can you be vulnerable while protecting your professional image?
Can you avoid negative pushback when being “too raw”?
What’s the key to choosing the right time to share your story?
How do you overcome societal biases while staying true to yourself?
Why is knowing your audience crucial for building your personal brand?
Here is What We Talk About:
Authenticity with Boundaries: It’s important to share genuine experiences but maintain certain boundaries. Being vulnerable does not mean sharing every aspect of your personal life. Choose stories that align with your professional identity and message, ensuring they provide value to your audience. This approach keeps your content authentic without compromising professionalism.
Tie It Back to the Company: When sharing personal stories, always connect it to a broader professional context or lesson. Nicole spoke about her mental health journey, but tied it to how overcoming those challenges impacted her professional growth and ability to lead. This helps position your vulnerability as a valuable lesson rather than just personal exposure.
Timing and Purpose Matter: Choosing when and why to share vulnerable content is crucial. Both Nicole and Rishi emphasized the importance of timing—waiting until they were comfortable and confident in sharing. Consider whether your vulnerability serves a purpose, such as providing insight, supporting others, or sparking meaningful discussion. If the timing or purpose isn’t right, it may be better to hold off.
Balance Vulnerability with Solutions or Takeaways: Vulnerability is most impactful when paired with solutions or constructive takeaways. Sharing a challenge you overcame or a lesson learned can inspire others and demonstrate resilience. Ending with insights or actionable advice transforms a personal struggle into a professional learning opportunity.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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Many of us don't realize the invisible disabilities that hold our colleagues or friends back. We see them every day at work, in meetings, or grabbing coffee, but beneath the surface, some are fighting battles we can't even imagine.
My guest, Suvinder has been silently battling lupus for 25 years while climbing the corporate ladder. Her story of blood clots, brain surgery, and boardroom pressures will make you rethink what strength really looks like. I’m later joined by Benjamin Tan, the CEO of World Vision SG, whose journey as a father to twins with special needs has reshaped his entire approach to work and life.
This conversation is a wake-up call for workplaces everywhere. We uncover numerous crucial lessons that could transform how we think about disability, caregiving, and what it means to create truly inclusive environments.
We tackle important questions:
Should you disclose your invisible disability at work?
How can you advocate for yourself without jeopardizing your career?
What can employers do to create truly inclusive environments?
How do you balance career ambitions with complex personal needs?
Here is What We Talk About:
The Power of Transparency: Suvinder kept her condition under wraps at first, thinking she could handle it solo. But as time went on, she realized being open about her condition actually helped. It wasn't always easy, but it allowed her to get the support she needed. Having these hard conversations can spark awareness and can even help others who are too afraid to disclose their medical complications, fearing it will make them targets of ableist discrimination. Sometimes, sharing our challenges can create unexpected connections and support.
How to Advocate for Yourself: Suvinder became a pro at adapting her work style. She got herself an ergonomic chair, set strict work hours, and became the office 'historian' with her meticulous documentation. Ben figured out how to balance a demanding job with his family's needs, even finding ways to travel with his daughter despite her complex care requirements. It's all about finding what works for you and not being afraid to do things differently.
Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces: Organizations must prioritize the development of comprehensive, inclusive policies and nurture a culture of empathy and understanding. This approach should encompass flexible working arrangements and appropriate accommodations, creating an environment where all employees can thrive regardless of their personal circumstances.
Your Limits Aren’t Your Limits: Remember how Ben thought his family could never travel? Well, they started small with Penang, then tackled Taiwan, and now they're eyeing Shanghai. Suvinder kept pushing forward in her career despite multiple surgeries and health scares. These stories remind us that often, our biggest limitations can still be challenged. You may be more capable than you realize.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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What would you tell your 20-year-old self?
In episode 5, I chat with Kit for the first time about what we would tell our younger selves. From worrying about validation from others to self-confidence, Kit and I talk about the layers of self-perception, workplace dynamics, and the liberating power of authenticity.
Later Reeta joins us to talk about evolving in confidence as a young, timid girl who did whatever her parents asked, to a woman who isn’t afraid to ask questions, even when it's difficult. Vulnerability is a source of respect and growth.
How does our relationship with ourselves evolve as we age? Whether navigating your 20s, reflecting in your 40s, or thriving in your 50s and beyond, this conversation is invaluable for every stage of life.
Here’s What We Discuss:
▶️ Advice to Your Younger Self: We touch on the importance of self-confidence, asking questions, and not seeking external validation.
▶️ The Journey to Self-Love: Learning to love yourself and becoming comfortable in your own skin,is a journey that gets better with age.
▶️ Finding Purpose Beyond Titles: Instead of defining yourself by your title, align your identity with your values and purpose. This transformation impacts your self-perception and career choices.
▶️ The Power of Authenticity: We talk about the importance of being true to oneself, celebrating individual differences, and surrounding yourself with people who value you for who you are.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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You’re in your 50’s, your health is failing, and you can’t sustain your career… How do you pivot?
In episode 3, I meet Mona for the first time to talk about navigating career transitions when you don’t know where to start and have no time to put yourself first.
Duncan Hewett, Former CEO of VMware in Asia Pacific, Author of “Accelerating Women,” and a trailblazer for diversity in leadership, later joins us to discuss his advice on women succeeding in the workforce.
In our discussion, we tackle:
▶️ The Confidence Gap: Women often underestimate their talents and experience, tending to wait until feeling "fully prepared" before pursuing new opportunities. Duncan emphasizes this as "the number one challenge" he's observed over 20 years of supporting women in tech.
▶️ The Struggle of Work-Life Integration: Women face considerable difficulty managing work-life balance, especially while managing a household. We have a tendency to self-impose high standards and pressure to perform, leading to burnout and limiting career vision.
▶️ Lack of Diverse Leadership: The scarcity of women in senior roles makes it challenging to visualize career progression without relatable role models.
▶️ Stepping Out of The Sticky Floor: Women's inner voice can be both a "superpower" for growth and a source of self-doubt. We discuss strategies to harness this internal dialogue positively, encouraging women to recognize their value and take calculated risks in their careers.
👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/
🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform
📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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You’re in your 50’s, your health is failing, and you can’t sustain your career… How do you pivot?In episode 3, I meet Mona for the first time to talk about navigating career transitions when you don’t know where to start and have no time to put yourself first.Duncan Hewett, Former CEO of VMware in Asia Pacific, Author of “Accelerating Women,” and a trailblazer for diversity in leadership, later joins us to discuss his advice on women succeeding in the workforce. In our discussion, we tackle: ▶️ The Confidence Gap: Women often underestimate their talents and experience, tending to wait until feeling "fully prepared" before pursuing new opportunities. Duncan emphasizes this as "the number one challenge" he's observed over 20 years of supporting women in tech. ▶️ The Struggle of Work-Life Integration: Women face considerable difficulty managing work-life balance, especially while managing a household. We have a tendency to self-impose high standards and pressure to perform, leading to burnout and limiting career vision. ▶️ Lack of Diverse Leadership: The scarcity of women in senior roles makes it challenging to visualize career progression without relatable role models.▶️ Stepping Out of The Sticky Floor: Women's inner voice can be both a "superpower" for growth and a source of self-doubt. We discuss strategies to harness this internal dialogue positively, encouraging women to recognize their value and take calculated risks in their careers.In this episode: 00:00 Introducing “Mona”03:10 Something Needed to Change 05:10 Career Transition: Balancing Work, Family, and Self08:26 Non-negotiables and Creating Space10:19 "Six Months to Live" 15:18 Career Transitions in Organizations20:45 Introducing Duncan Hewett23:09 Emotions in the Workplace26:32 Diversity in Leadership28:02 Assessing Current Position and Future Options31:22 Building a Career Narrative32:14 The Confidence Challenge for Women34:27 Duncan's Transition36:56 Aligning Passion with Career39:12 Helping Women Return to Work41:19 Closing 👋 BY THE WAY 🎥 I'll be recording a LIVE SHOW on September 12.YOU can be a part of it, in the Singapore studio or online.🔗Click Here to join the LIVE IN STUDIO AUDIENCE: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/raw-with-uma-live-show-tickets-920639456397🔗Click Here to join the LIVE VIRTUAL AUDIENCE: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/raw-with-uma-live-virtual-audience-tickets-994880924627👉 Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma👉 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umathana/🤗 Be a GUEST on the SHOW: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWgt9YzJLalqEcBSnV-QqFYokLbdmRfLGVB8Wwr92CiyvBeg/viewform📨 Subscribe to Our Bi-Monthly Newsletter: https://elevateasia.org
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Success isn't measured in hours, it's measured in impact...In episode 2, I meet Calissa for the first time, and we discuss the journey of self-discovery and work-life balance.Later, Charles joins to offer a male perspective on these challenges. Together, we tackle:✅ Breaking free from the "busyness as a badge of honor" mentality ✅ The importance of play and self-investment in our lives ✅ Practical advice for aligning your life with your true passions [00:00] - Introduction[01:42] - Discovering passion [06:45] - Optimizing impact and personal growth[11:45] - Fear of mediocrity and imposter syndrome[15:15] - Uma's journey to introducing play in her life[18:02] - Charles’ perspective on busyness[23:44] - Practical steps for self-reflection and growth[31:15] - Closing SegmentWhether you're feeling stuck or seeking fulfillment, subscribe to the channel for more episodes to help you uncover your passion and create a life that energizes you. Follow me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
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It all starts in the bedroom. For women, speaking up and asking for what we want or need at home is essential. Engaging in open, honest communication with your life partner is a vital practice to express your needs in the workplace.If we can master the art of asking for what we need at home, we can carry that strength and clarity into professional environments, where we often navigate spaces dominated by men. In the first episode of RAW with UMA, we tackle:✅ What to say to future employers and recruiters after a long career break ✅ Building confidence✅ Why asking need to start in the bedroomFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/rawwithuma
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In the past 8 years, I've had over 100s conversations with women that revealed ashared reality. They were similar, profound questions about life, careers, andfinding purpose. I'm now taking these shared human experiences into a newpodcast - RAW with UMA, building upon the 3 previous seasons of podcast.What’s unique about this podcast?➔ It’s conversations on what’s truly on the minds of the working women in Asia➔ All conversations are unfiltered, unrehearsed, unscripted➔ It brings the concept ...
