We are HR leaders who are passionate about helping others achieve their full potential. Over the years, we have coached many people through life and career transitions, which has ignited our interest in the topic. We are fascinated with the science behind change, and curious to understand the trends
Season 6 closes with no guest, just Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo, talking honestly about what six seasons of conversations have actually taught them. They revisit the sparks from this season's guests, name the tensions they never resolved (should you go inward or just move), and then get into the real conversation: the meaning crisis hiding inside every AI transformation, why transition capability is becoming the defining professional advantage, and why leadership is turning into a daily pr...
What does it take to lead a 250-year-old brand across eight Southeast Asian markets in an era of TikTok commerce, agentic AI, and fragmented consumer journeys? In this episode, we sit down with Evelyn Chua, Managing Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania at Birkenstock, who brings 15 years of retail leadership across luxury fashion, beauty, wines and spirits, and e-commerce. Evelyn shares how she has navigated some genuinely distinct career transitions: from DFS and the world of travel retai...
What if the feeling that your job isn't fulfilling enough isn't a sign you're in the wrong place — but an invitation to build meaning where you are? In this Season 6 episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we sit down with Winnie Jiang, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at INSEAD Singapore, whose research sits at the heart of what this podcast is all about: how people make sense of their careers, find meaning, and navigate change. We explore why the "perfect job" myth can do m...
What does it really mean to belong — not just to a team or an organisation, but to yourself? In this episode, hosts Vanessa Iloste and Vanessa Teo sit down with Judy Liu, Founder of The Outlier Mind, ICF Professional Certified Coach, Organisational Psychologist, and author of the newly published Beyond Belonging: Finding Home in Who You Are. After more than a decade building the Learning and Development function at Hays across Asia, Judy made a bold leap into entrepreneurship — and has never ...
What does it really mean to future-proof your career — and is AI really coming for your job? In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we sit down with Sankar Venkatraman, Global Evangelist for Talent Solutions at LinkedIn, to explore what the data actually tells us about how work, the workforce, and the workplace are being reshaped by AI. With nearly 14 years at LinkedIn and a front-row seat to global talent trends, Sankar brings both the numbers and the nuance. We dig into why orga...
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we’re joined by Navid Nazemian, a globally recognised executive coach and trusted advisor to more than 250 C‑suite leaders across multiple industries and countries. With over two decades of senior HR leadership experience at organisations such as Vodafone, Roche and BAT, Navid brings a rare 360‑degree perspective on what it really takes to succeed at the highest levels of leadership. Together, we explore why today’s executives are facin...
What does it mean for HR to go on the offense — and what happens if it doesn't? In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, Vanessa Teo and Vanessa Iloste sit down with Kyle Forest, US Future of HR Leader at Deloitte Consulting, to explore one of the most consequential questions facing people professionals right now: not whether AI will reshape work, but whether HR will lead that reshaping or be swept along by it. AI is accelerating task displacement. Demographics are squeezing talent ...
What happens to careers when the rules that built them no longer apply? Season 6 of Career Transitions opens not with a guest, but with a conversation between your two hosts, Vanessa Teo and Vanessa Iloste. Two HR leaders, decades of experience between them, sitting with the questions they believe every professional needs to be asking right now. The framing is deliberate. Before the guest conversations begin, they want to name what is actually happening: not a single disruption, but a polycri...
This week on the Career Transitions Podcast, we’re joined by Associate Professor Jimmy Wong from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Jimmy heads the Master of Management programme and teaches the popular course “The Future of Work.” In this lively and candid conversation, Jimmy shares: Why being a polymath — someone who learns widely and curiously — is the edge you need for the futureHow to build healthy human-machine relationships and avoid becoming obsoleteThe mindset shifts...
Join us as Julian Devaureix, founder of the Sismique Podcast, explores the evolving world of work and offers insights for navigating a rapidly changing career landscape. With a background in digital marketing and transformation, Julian shares his personal journey and discusses the critical shifts shaping the future, from environmental concerns to technological advancements and the search for purpose. Discover actionable strategies for staying curious, embracing ambiguity, and building a resil...
In this episode, we unpack one of the most talked-about topics in career transitions: networking—and how to do it authentically. Whether you're a seasoned executive or exploring a new path, building meaningful connections can be a game-changer. But how do we move beyond transactional handshakes and LinkedIn connections to relationships that truly support and shape our careers? Vanessa T and Vanessa I share personal stories, practical tips, and candid reflections on: Why networking is more tha...
In this heartfelt episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we reconnect with our very first guest and longtime mentor, Jean Balfour—Master Certified Coach and founder of Bailey Balfour. Jean joins us to reflect on her own remarkable career journey, from her early days in education, to corporate leadership, to founding a global coach training organization. We have a great conversation about: Jean’s evolution from teacher to entrepreneur, and what led her to start her own coaching academyThe ...
In this week's episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, Vanessa I. and Vanessa T. speak with James Feliciano, a seasoned senior executive, about his thriving career in Japan's pharmaceutical industry. James shares his unique insights on leadership, cultural navigation, and career evolution, drawing from his experiences as president and general manager of AbbVie Japan and his transition into a senior advisory role. Discover James's advice on embracing international opportunities, balancing w...
In this inspiring episode of the Career Transitions podcast, we welcome two extraordinary guests—Lee Peh Gee and Joanne Soo, members of the Singapore Women’s Everest Team. Their journey to the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 8,848 meters, is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. We often say that career transitions feel like climbing a mountain—filled with uncertainty, self-doubt, and the need for endurance. Who better to learn from than real mountain...
In this episode of the Career Transitions podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Eric Sim, thought leader, entrepreneur, author, and LinkedIn Top Voice with over 2.8 million followers. From his early days helping at his family's prawn noodle stall to leading at UBS Investment Bank as a managing director, Eric has built a career that defies limitations. Today, he is the founder of the Institute of Life, a platform dedicated to mentoring professionals in career growth, leadership, and personal bra...
Welcome to Season 5 of the Career Transitions podcast! We’re launching this season with an inspiring guest—Dorothy Yiu, CEO and Co-founder of Engage Rocket, a leading people analytics platform that helps organizations drive real-time insights into employee engagement, performance, and development. Dorothy’s career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From starting out in banking and consulting to making the bold leap into entrepreneurship, she co-founded Engage Rocket to address one of ...
In this episode, we are joined by Angela Lane and Sergey Gorbatov, co-authors of the newly launched book Move Up or Move On and returning guests from Season 2 of the Career Transitions podcast. Angela and Sergey bring decades of experience in talent management, leadership development, and HR strategy, offering valuable insights on navigating careers in today's volatile and fragmented work environment. Together, we explore: How the future of work is reshaping the psychological contract between...
What does the future of work look like in Singapore? Join us as we talk with Brian Tan, Deputy CEO of e2i, to uncover the key trends shaping the future of employment. From the rise of AI to the importance of soft skills and lifelong learning, Brian offers invaluable insights for both job seekers and employers. Discover how e2i is empowering Singapore's workforce to adapt and thrive in the face of change, with resources and initiatives designed to bridge ...
In this insightful episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we welcome Sonja Prokopec, Associate Dean of Faculty at ESSEC Business School Asia-Pacific and an internationally recognized expert in luxury marketing. With over 12 years of experience leading the LVMH Chair and as the current Academic Director of the Academy of Luxury at ESSEC, Sonja shares her expertise on the evolving dynamics of the luxury industry. We explore how digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshapin...
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we're joined by Maria Farrow, former Chief Human Resources Officer of Sephora. Maria brings a wealth of experience in driving innovative HR practices and navigating the evolving landscape of work. We discuss: * The challenge of balancing leadership experience with the need for fresh, tech-savvy perspectives. * How AI and automation are shaping the future workforce and the importance of continuous learning. * Sephora's strong company cul...
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Wendy Tan, an entrepreneur, author, and speaker, who has recently launched her second book, Learning Agility: Relearn, Reskill, Reinvent. A best-seller on Amazon, this book delves into the critical skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced world of work. Dr. Wendy Tan shares insights from her five years of research on learning agility, exploring what the top 20% of agile learners do differently. She introdu...
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we have an insightful conversation with Frank Koo, founder and director of NextPlay, and former Head of Asia Talent and Learning Solutions at LinkedIn. With a career spanning leadership roles at top tech companies like Oracle, IBM, and HP, Frank shares his unique perspectives on the future of work, the importance of a growth mindset, and the concept of being in "permanent beta"—a continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. Frank dive...
In this episode of the Career Transitions Podcast, we sit down with JP Elliott, an esteemed HR leader and host of the highly successful Future of HR podcast. With over 25 years of experience in corporate America, JP brings a wealth of knowledge on how the rapidly evolving landscape of work is transforming the human resources function. JP shares his insights on the future of work, particularly the impact of technological advancements such as AI on HR organizations. We explore what it takes for...
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 ...
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...
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 Vane...
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 ...
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 P...
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 ...
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 peopl...
About Career Transitions
We are HR leaders who are passionate about helping others achieve their full potential. Over the years, we have coached many people through life and career transitions, which has ignited our interest in the topic. We are fascinated with the science behind change, and curious to understand the trends
Career Transitions is a English business podcast from Vanessa Teo & Vanessa Iloste. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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