Episodes

  • In this season finale, we walk down memory lane and explore the personal career stories of our very own Vanessa Iloste, an ESSEC Business School alumna, and Vanessa Teo. We explore:

    Vanessa Iloste’s Journey: Discover how Vanessa Iloste.'s decision to attend ESSEC Business School in France set her on a path to global experiences and career adventures, including studying in Japan.Challenges and Triumphs: Vanessa shares the challenges she faced and the support she received from her family and the ESSEC network, highlighting the importance of resilience and exploration.Key Learnings and Tips: Both Vanessas reflect on the transformative power of continuing education, offering valuable tips for anyone considering further education.

    Why Listen?

    Inspiration: Get inspired by the personal stories and experiences of our hosts.Actionable Advice: Gain practical tips on how to navigate your own career transitions and the benefits of continuing education.Global Perspective: Understand the importance of a global mindset in today’s career landscape.

    Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, practical advice, and the infectious enthusiasm of our hosts as they recount their journeys and offer guidance for your career transitions.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Professor Reetika Gupta to explore the dynamic and ever-evolving world of career growth and lifelong learning.

    Professor Gupta shares her invaluable insights on embracing change, navigating global opportunities, and the crucial role of continuous learning in advancing your career. She offers practical advice on how to adapt to shifting job markets, the benefits of international experience, and strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced professional landscape.

    Whether you're an aspiring professional just starting out or a seasoned expert looking to stay ahead, this conversation provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for every stage of your career journey. Tune in and discover how you can take your career to new heights!

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

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  • Join us on the Career Transitions podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Anne Langourieux, a seasoned leader who transitioned from a successful corporate career to becoming a catalyst for sustainability.

    In this episode, Anne shares her story of navigating career transitions, from her early days in multinational corporations to founding the Matcha Initiative, a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating sustainability in Singapore.

    Hosted by Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo in collaboration with ESSEC Business School, this episode explores the pivotal moments and insights that shaped Anne's career trajectory. From her formative years at ESSEC to her experiences in diverse industries, Anne discusses the importance of purpose-driven leadership, building networks of mentors and peers, and finding fulfillment in making a positive impact.

    Tune in to gain valuable lessons and inspiration from Anne's journey of reinvention, as she emphasizes the significance of aligning passion with profession and empowering others to drive meaningful change in their own careers.

    Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Anne Langourieux, a true exemplar of purposeful leadership and sustainable innovation.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • Join hosts Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo on the Career Transitions Podcast as they chat with Agathe Colom, EY's global program manager in Singapore. Explore Agathe's journey from France to EY's innovation center, highlighting adaptability, continuous learning, and relationship building. Expect practical career advice and insights into international business.

    Reasons to tune in:

    1. Inspiring Journey: Agathe's resilience and career progression from France to EY in Singapore are sure to inspire.

    2. Global Business Insights: Gain valuable insights into international business and navigating diverse cultures.

    3. Practical Tips: Discover actionable advice on career transitions, relationship building, and lifelong learning.

    4. Adaptability: Learn the importance of embracing change and staying agile in today's job market.

    5. Engaging Discussion: Hosts Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo keep the conversation lively and captivating throughout.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • Join hosts Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo as they welcome Vivek Iyyani, a thought leader in generational differences in the workplace, on the Career Transitions Podcast. Vivek shares insights from his extensive research and three books - "Engaging Millennials," "The Millennial Leader," and "Marketing to Millennials."

    Vivek offers advice for leaders on effectively managing millennials, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded, adaptable, and fostering a culture of learning.

    Key Points:

    - Vivek's personal career journey, including academic challenges and subsequent successes.

    - Observations from Vivek's freelance training experiences with young people and its influence on his research.

    - Understanding the phenomenon of job hopping among millennials and its implications for organizations.

    - Strategies for organizations to facilitate career progression, including internal career fairs and mentorship programs.

    - Advice for leaders on effectively managing millennials, emphasizing adaptability, and fostering a culture of learning.

    Check out Vivek Iyyani's Books: "Engaging Millennials," "The Millennial Leader," and "Marketing to Millennials."

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, Ibaham Math Ly Roun, Vice President of Retail and Spa for the Clarins Group, shares his journey navigating career transitions across Asia.
    Highlights include Ibaham's experiences at ESSEC Business School, his diverse roles in the luxury sector spanning various countries, his transition to Singapore during the pandemic to join Clarins, and insights into living in Singapore. Ibaham emphasizes the importance of staying curious, continuous learning, and embracing feedback for career growth. The episode concludes with gratitude for Ibaham’s energy and his insights from his career journey.

    This podcast episode stands out for several reasons:

    · Diverse Career Journey: Ibaham Math Ly Roun's career journey is incredibly diverse, spanning various roles and locations across Asia. From his early days at ESSEC Business School to his current position as Vice President of Retail and Spa for the Clarins Group, Ibaham's story is one of adventure and growth.

    · Inspiring Insights: Throughout the episode, Ibaham shares valuable insights gleaned from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of staying curious, embracing continuous learning, and seizing new opportunities. His perspective offers listeners actionable advice for navigating their own career transitions.

    · Global Perspective: The episode provides a glimpse into the dynamic world of luxury retail in Asia, offering listeners a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the industry. Ibaham's firsthand experiences in markets like Korea, Japan, and Macau enrich the conversation and highlight the importance of cultural understanding in business.

    · Personal Connection: As hosts of the podcast, Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo bring a personal touch to the conversation, sharing anecdotes and memories of their interactions with Ibaham throughout their careers. This adds depth to the episode and creates a sense of camaraderie among listeners.

    Overall, this podcast episode stands out for its engaging storytelling, insightful commentary, and actionable advice, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in career transitions and professional development.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • Welcome to Season 3 of the Career Transitions podcast! Hosted by Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo, this season unfolds an exciting collaboration with ESSEC Business School, Singapore, offering unprecedented insights into the dynamics of career evolution.

    In this season, we embark on a journey into the heart of career transformation. We've teamed up with ESSEC Business School to bring you closer to the action—right into the laboratory of learning and change. Discover the theories, meet the people, and hear the stories that illuminate the path of progressing, advancing, and executing successful career shifts.

    Season Features:

    · Real-Life Laboratory: Dive into our collaboration with ESSEC Business School and explore the process of transition in a live learning environment.

    · Expert Insights: Hear from a diverse lineup of guests, including academics, researchers, thought leaders, ESSEC alumni, and students, sharing their experiences and advice on navigating career changes.

    · Practical Tools: Learn about new models, frameworks, and coaching methods that can help you understand and overcome the challenges of career transition.

    · Inspirational Stories: Get motivated by the personal tales of those who've successfully navigated their career journeys, providing you with the inspiration and guidance needed for your own path.

    · Continuous Learning: Discover the importance of continuous education in career development and how to apply new concepts and ideas in your everyday life.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this final episode of Season 2, we continue our conversation with Michael Watkins. Michael Watkins is Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at IMD Business School and Co-founder of Genesis Advisors. He is a globally recognised leadership transitions expert and author of the best-selling book The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter.

    In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of strategic thinking with Michael Watkins, author of the groundbreaking new book, "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking."

    In this enlightening conversation, Michael shares the core principles and transformative insights from his latest masterpiece. We explore how "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking" goes beyond traditional approaches, providing a strategic blueprint for leaders looking to navigate complex challenges, anticipate change, and drive long-term success.

    Michael shares real-world examples and case studies illustrating how leaders can implement these disciplines in their organizations, providing listeners with actionable insights to elevate their own strategic thinking.

    Building on his acclaimed work in "The First 90 Days," Michael discusses the intersection of leadership transitions and strategic thinking, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to leadership development.

    As we wrap up the season, Michael leaves us with inspiring thoughts on the future of leadership and the role of strategic thinking in navigating uncertainty. Prepare to be motivated and equipped with the knowledge to lead strategically in any professional setting.

    Check out Michael’s works:

    The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter

    Your Next Move: The Leader's Guide to Navigating Major Career Transitions

    Master Your Next Move, with a New Introduction: The Essential Companion to "The First 90 Days"

    The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking: Leading Your Organization into the Future

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • Join us for the latest episode of the Career Transitions podcast, where we explore leadership, strategy, and success. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting the renowned leadership expert, Michael Watkins, as we explore the critical moments that define a leader's transition and the strategic disciplines that shape effective decision-making.

    Michael Watkins is Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at IMD Business School and Co-founder of Genesis Advisers. He is a globally recognised leadership transitions expert and author of the best-selling book The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter.

    Michael has developed proven frameworks and tools to help professionals navigate personal and organisational change challenges. He has spent the past two decades working with leaders as they transition to new roles, build their teams, and transform their organizations. In 2023, Michael was inducted into the Thinkers50 Management Hall of Fame, which recognizes remarkable contributions to the realm of management concepts and ideas spanning many years.

    In this episode, Michael shares invaluable insights from his groundbreaking work on leadership transitions. Join us as we unravel the secrets to navigating the challenges of transitioning into a new role, understanding organizational dynamics, and accelerating success.

    But that's not all! Michael also unveils his latest masterpiece, "The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking." In this engaging conversation, we explore the core principles of strategic thinking that propel leaders to anticipate change, seize opportunities, and drive long-term success. Discover the key disciplines that will transform your approach to strategic planning and decision-making.

    Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom that will reshape the way you approach leadership and strategy. Join us as we journey through the first crucial 90 days and beyond, gaining a strategic mindset that can elevate your impact in any organizational setting.

    Check out Michael’s works:

    The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter

    Master Your Next Move, with a New Introduction: The Essential Companion to "The First 90 Days"

    The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking: Leading Your Organization into the Future

    Harvard Business Review Ten Must Read

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • On this episode of the Career Transitions podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov.

    Angela and Sergey are esteemed senior executives in talent management with extensive experience working for Fortune 500 companies across four continents. They are both renowned experts in the complex science of human performance, distilling it into practical and accessible concepts. As thought leaders and researchers, they frequently contribute to journals and have authored the insightful book, "FairTalk: Three Steps to Powerful Feedback."

    During the interview, Angela and Sergey share their expertise in areas such as personal branding, career development, transitions, and performance management. Drawing from years of research and leadership experiences, they provide valuable insights on these topics.

    One fascinating aspect of our conversation was discovering how both Angela and Sergey have cultivated a portfolio career throughout their professional journeys. In addition to holding senior leadership roles within their organisations, they have leveraged their expertise to expand their skill sets and career interests as speakers, authors, and industry thought leaders.

    Their book, "FairTalk: Three Steps to Powerful Feedback," is a must-read for all leaders. Angela and Sergey offer a practical methodology for accurately assessing barriers to performance and present a simple three-step model for providing fair, focused, and credible feedback.

    Tune in to this engaging podcast episode to gain valuable insights from Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov, as they share their wealth of knowledge and experiences in the realm of leadership and career development.

    To learn more about Angela and Sergey’s works, see below:

    The Edge You NeedLeverage Point Podcast

    Pick up a copy of their book: Fair Talk: Three Steps to Powerful Feedback

    The views expressed here are solely those of the speakers/ authors and do not represent those of any affiliated organization.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this episode of Career Transitions, we speak with June Lam, commercial leader at a multinational energy company, and powerlifting champion! She juggles a disciplined workout schedule with a rigorous work agenda and a hectic life as a working mom.

    In this episode, we take the conversation into the realm of physical wellbeing and the impact on our careers. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that 1.4 billion adults are insufficiently active, with one in three women and one in four men not engaging in adequate physical activity. Although the benefits of physical activity are widely acknowledged, many may not prioritise this aspect of their lives.

    In addition to mental and emotional well being, maintaining a healthy quality of life will allow us to get the most our of our mind, body, and soul. June Lam is an incredible example of what it takes to integrate an active lifestyle with our careers, and achieve great results through transitions.



    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this episode, we bring attention to one of life’s important transitions- the transition into parenthood. Developmental scientists consider it to be one of the biggest changes in our lives, changing behaviors, identities, relationships, and much more, and it impacts everyone involved.

    This journey into parenthood has significant impact on one’s life and career, and so we wanted to find out how working parents effectively integrate these changes. We also wanted to recognise the important work that organisations and leaders do to support their employees as they navigate through this important transition.

    In this episode, we speak with husband and wife team, Sue Stephens and Remko Glatzhofer. Sue and Remko are proud parents of beautiful 2 year old Logan. Between juggling their busy lives as loving parents, they are both accomplished leaders in the technology industry.

    We have a candid conversation about their lives as working parents, living away from immediate family in Europe, and juggling their demanding roles at work. How do they effectively integrate their lives as parents with their busy careers? How do they leverage on their network to support them? And how did their organisations and leaders support them on their journey?

    This episode is for everyone! Whether you’re a working parent yourself, or work with parents on your team, getting an authentic point of view will help you navigate your working life with greater confidence!

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In our sixth episode of season 2, we speak with Karen Loon, Non-Executive Director and Author.

    Karen is a thought leader and speaker on workplace diversity and inclusion. She had a successful corporate career for 29 years, and then transitioned into board roles. She was formerly PwC’s Singapore and Asia Pacific Diversity Leader and a member of its Global Diversity Leadership Team and Global Financial Services Diversity Steering Committee.

    She recently wrote a book called Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organizations: Lessons from Those Who Smashed the Bamboo Ceiling. The book was a finalist in the 2023 Business Book Awards, International Book section.

    Karen shares her views about what it takes to transition through different career identities. She also speaks of her research on the need for organisations to foster greater cultural diversity to enable greater representation at the top.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In our fifth episode of season 2, we speak with Stanislas de Quercize, board member, mentor, founder and president of a family business.

    Stanislas was born in France and graduated from the Neoma Business School. He worked first for Procter and Gamble before taking Senior Executive positions in the Richemont Group. His career took him all across the globe and he managed international teams.

    To name a few of the prestigious roles he had had, Stanislas was President and CEO of Cartier North America, Global President of Van Clefs and Arpels and Global President and CEO of Cartier.

    Stanislas shares his views about what it means build teams and to help them to find their purpose.

    We were inspired to speak with Stanislas and learn how his international experience, his well-rounded background has helped him navigate through successful career transitions.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • On this episode, Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo respond to some of the questions we’ve received from our listeners!

    One of the important transitions that all professionals make is when we move into new roles. Whether you are moving to a business, organization, team, or taking on new leadership position, planning your transition matters!

    Understanding your context, and planning your assimilation into this new environment is paramount to your success.

    In this episode, we share our experiences on how successful individuals transition into new leadership roles.

    1. How do you effectively set yourself up for success in the first 90 days?

    2. What are the must-wins of this new role?

    3. Who are your key stakeholders and how do you prioritize these relationships?

    4. How do we address imposter syndrome?

    5. And how do you find a mentor who can help you along the way?

    Recommended readings:

    · First 90 days by Michael Watkins

    · Five Benefits of Embedding New Leader Assimilation into Your Company Culture

    · Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • On this episode, we’re pleased to speak with Antoine Tirard and Claire Harbour.

    Claire Harbour is a coach and global talent expert, the founder of Culture Pearl and a speaker, consultant, and writer about all things to do with optimizing talent across borders.

    Antoine Tirard is a talent management advisor and the founder of NexTalent. He is the former head of talent management of Novartis and LVMH.

    Antoine and Claire are thought leaders in the space of talent. Together they co-authored the book- Disrupt Your Career- How to Navigate Unchartered Career Transitions and Thrive. They are also frequent contributors to INSEAD Business School’s knowledge portal- INSEAD Knowledge, as well as other journals and publications. In addition, they also run a successful podcast, Disrupt Your Careers.

    In this episode, we discuss how the linear career path has been disrupted. Antoine and Claire offer some practical tips about how we can prepare ourselves better for the inevitable disruptions that occur throughout our career lifespan.

    Recommended readings:
    “Disrupt Your Career : How to Navigate Uncharted Career Transitions and Thrive”, by Antoine Tirard and Claire Harbour-Lyell, Lulu Publishing, October 2017.

    “Reinventing Yourself After a Setback” by Frédéric Godart, Claire Harbour and Antoine Tirard, Career article in INSEAD Knowledge, May 2023.

    “From Adversity to Advantage: Building Careers After a Setback”, by Claire Harbour and Antoine Tirard, with Frédéric Godart, April 2023.

    “The Power of Career Conversations: How to Foster Growth and Retention in the Workplace”, by Winnie Jiang, Claire Harbour and Antoine Tirard, April 2023.

    “The Hidden Power of Workers From Humble Backgrounds”, by Claire Harbour, Winnie Jiang and Antoine Tirard, Career Blog in INSEAD Knowledge, October 2022.

    Listen to the Disrupt Your Career Podcast

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In our fifth episode of season 2, we speak with Georg Hirsch, Co-Founder of FOUND. Georg is a seasoned HR professional with global experience in recruitment, outplacement, career & leadership development. Georg shares his views about what it means to step out of our comfort zones during times of organizational transformation.

    Georg was born in Switzerland and graduated from the University of Zurich. He worked in executive search before moving to Australia where he completed a Masters in HR Management and joined a start-up in the HR tech industry.

    In 2013, he joined LHH - Lee Hecht Harrisson, the global leader in outplacement, career & leadership development. Georg worked at LHH for 10 years in a variety of roles and in his last position as CEO Accelerated Growth Markets leading all countries across Europe and APAC.

    During COVID, Georg and his family made the decision to relocate to Europe. He then co-founded FOUND with his business partner Ranjit de Sousa with a vision to lead the digital “revolution” in hiring and guide top talent to careers that they really love.

    We were inspired to speak with Georg and learn how his international experience, his well-rounded background as an HR professional has helped him navigate through various business and career transitions.

    Learn more about Found .
    https://www.getfound.io/

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • This episode, Vanessa I and Vanessa T speak with Kenneth Chan, former McDonalds China Chief Executive Officer. Kenneth is a seasoned CEO and organizational leader with over 30 years of leadership experience.

    Kenneth was McDonald’s Chief Executive Officer for China and Division President for the Greater China region between 2009 to 2015. More recently from 2016 to 2021, Kenneth served as an equity and operating partner for McDonald’s Singapore and Malaysia, and the Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore.

    Kenneth shares his views about what it means to step out of our comfort zones to take on new, exciting, and uncomfortable challenges. He describes himself as a reluctant leader, but how he benefited from helpful nudges from trusted mentors and leaders. He discusses how taking various challenging assignments gave him the valuable experience and exposure to lead through the COVID pandemic.

    We were inspired to speak with Kenneth and learn how his diverse experiences, leadership humility and focus on people helped him navigate through various business and career transitions.

    Recommended readings:

    · Asians in Charge- Kenneth Chan
    · Commentary: Are Singaporeans losing their competitive edge by staying within their comfort zones? – Kenneth Chan
    · Outstanding Chief/ Senior Executive (Overseas) Award, Kenneth Chan

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • In this season finale, we reflect on our journey as a fun and fearless team! What started out as an idea formed over coffee, has now transformed into a full podcast series.

    We remember our journey of creation and innovation- a process that stretched our thinking beyond our everyday. It opened our eyes to new ways of working, learning new technologies, and forming new networks.

    Through this journey, we appreciated more profoundly the complex human emotions present during career transitions- the worries, anxieties, hopes and joys. We experienced the innate strength within each one of us to transform at critical moments in life and career.

    Our journey of a thousand miles began with one small step. We hope that our journey of exploration will inspire you to take that one small, courageous step forward towards your dream.

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)

  • We speak with Dr. Wendy Tan, Managing Partner of The Flame Center, Author of the book Wholeness in a Disruptive World.

    Wendy shares candidly what it takes to become an entrepreneur, and the mindset shift and the skills building associated to it.

    She also gives us a glimpse into the book she recently published and the very practical methodology she created to find wholeness and be present in every moment.

    Connect with Wendy

    Wendy’s book: Wholeness in a Disruptive World: Pearls of Wisdom from East and West, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)

    Connect with us on LinkedIn:

    · Vanessa Iloste (Host)

    · Vanessa Teo (Host)

    · Aaron Wu (Producer)