Podcast · Business

Wise and Shine

by The Financial Coconut · English · Business

Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We believe perspectives shape a rounder thinker. In this series, we bring on interesting, relevant people to help you learn better from various perspectives. Life is not always about learnin

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 39 min
Latest: 11 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

11 Oct 2026 · 41 minNew

How a Longkang Cleaner Built a Business Nearing S$3M a Year [W&S S2 E3 ft Shaik Nifael]

Most people try to make their jobs sound more impressive. Shaik Nifael does the opposite: "I clean longkangs for a living." He left school without the conventional qualifications his parents had hoped for and ended up doing the work he had been warned about growing up. At first, even Shaik was embarrassed by it. Then something shifted: engineers were listening to his advice, clients relied on him when buildings had problems, and he realised the job people looked down on was highly technical and hard to replace. That experience became the foundation for Jetters Incz. Along the way, Shaik took…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S2 · E2 · 4 Oct 2026 · 34 min
36 Hours in a Cell: The Arrest That Changed a 24-Year-Old's Career [W&S S2 E2]
At 24, Nicholas thought he was choosing between photography and film production . Then he spent 36 hours in a concrete cell . Lights on around the clock. Air-con blasting. Almost nothing except time to think. And one question kept coming back: “Is this all my life is worth?” The arrest didn’t instantly give him a new career. But it forced him to question the path he had spent years building. Then came another reality check: his four-year university degree cost about S$32,000 , while just two days in hospital came to S$43,000 . Seeing how his father’s financial planning helped him through…
S2 · E1 · 20 Sep 2026 · 34 min
Real Reasons Fresh Grads Get Ghosted After 400 Applications [W&S S2 E1]
A 100% keyword match on a resume used to be the goal. Now it's often the reason it gets rejected before a human ever reads it. Career coach Samantha Ng joins co-hosts Adrian and Faith to break down why fresh grads are sending out hundreds of applications and hearing nothing back. The diagnosis isn't a weak resume, it's a hiring system that screens through AI before anyone sees the document, filters out "too perfect" applications as machine-generated, and fills most roles through internal referrals long before they ever reach a public job portal. Samantha, who works across local, regional,…
12 Jul 2026 · 8 min
Wise & Shine Returns With A New Gen Z Voice
Wise and Shine is coming back, and this time, we are looking for a new voice. The career landscape has changed. It is no longer just about climbing the ladder, asking for a higher salary, or figuring out how to survive middle management. Gen Zs are entering a workplace shaped by AI, higher expectations, tougher competition, and new definitions of success. That is why Wise and Shine is opening the door for a Gen Z co-host who can speak honestly about what work feels like today. We are looking for someone who is curious, articulate, opinionated, and passionate about career conversations.…
29 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Our Last Wise & Shine Episode
After 160 episodes and 3 years of conversations, the entire Wise and Shine team is back together for one final discussion. But this episode is different. We’re sharing the real story behind the show, the lessons we learned, and why we’re pressing pause on the podcast… for now. From its humble beginnings to becoming a platform for honest conversations about careers, personal growth, and the changing world of work, Wise and Shine has explored the realities that professionals face today. But the world of work is changing faster than ever. Hear from our host and co-hosts: Reggie – Founder of The…
E161 · 22 Mar 2026 · 32 min
Should You Tell Your Boss About Your Mental Health Diagnosis? [W&S 161]
Mental health is something many workplaces say they support today. But when it comes to actually sharing a diagnosis at work, many professionals still choose to stay silent. Why is that? Through an honest and thought-provoking discussion, we unpack the fears, trade-offs, and decisions people face when navigating their careers while managing their mental wellbeing. Joining us for this conversation are two experienced voices in mental health: Sharon Teo - Psychotherapist and Educator , who works with individuals across diverse communities including athletes, military personnel, and youth. Dr…
E160 · 15 Mar 2026 · 43 min
The Builder Traits That Make Mid-Career Professionals Irreplaceable [W&S 160]
Why do we say we want innovators… but still reward rule followers? In this episode, we are joined by Patrick Lim, CEO of ACE.SG , and Ezekkious Loo, YSEALI Fellow; Winner of FY25 POL-ITE Entrepreneurs Challenge, to dive into a fascinating paradox: Young people are building projects, joining startup competitions, and launching side hustles earlier than ever, yet many of them still don’t see themselves as entrepreneurs. So what actually creates a builder mindset ? Is it something you're born with… or something that can be developed through experience? In this conversation, we explore how…
E159 · 8 Mar 2026 · 37 min
5 Things No One Ever Taught You About Getting Ahead at Work [W&S 159]
Ever feel like you’re doing everything right at work… but still getting overlooked? You’re not alone, and you might be playing by rules that no longer exist. Unpack the unspoken visibility rules shaping modern careers especially in a world where AI, remote work, and changing leadership expectations are rewriting the promotion playbook. But being louder isn’t the answer. Explore: Why being the “reliable one” can quietly stall your career The hidden reason younger colleagues seem more visible and what you can learn from it How AI is changing what “valuable” looks like at work Why being…
E158 · 1 Mar 2026 · 36 min
How to Get People to Actually Listen to You at Work [W&S 158 ft Radio Host from MoneyFM 89.3]
Ever wonder why some people walk into a room and instantly have everyone leaning in… while others can’t get a word in edgewise? We pull back the curtain on what really makes someone memorable at work, and why being smart and hardworking isn’t always enough. If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, “I had so much to say… why didn’t it land?” this one’s for you. Here’s a taste of what we get into: Why “sounding polished” can still make people tune you out The subtle communication mistakes that quietly kill your credibility A simple structure that makes people listen from your very first…
E157 · 22 Feb 2026 · 58 min
What Budget 2026 Isn’t Saying About the Job Market [W&S 157, SG Budget 2026 Debate]
Get ready for an insightful episode where we break down the Budget 2026 and its potential impact on the workforce and economy. This isn’t your typical budget discussion. We’re diving deep into AI, labour market shifts, and future career trends. Meet the Experts: Hui Wen Woo: A Recruiter; Director at Binoculer, sharing insights into how the job market has become more complicated than ever. Dr. Pinchuan Ong: An assistant Prof at NUS Business School, offering a macro view of how AI is reshaping industries and careers. Somnath Kansabanik: Senior Leader in Energy Transition. A former full-time…
E156 · 8 Feb 2026 · 31 min
Why the Luxury Industry Hires Differently: Creativity, Judgment & Taste [W&S 156]
What really makes someone “creative” at work, and can you actually train it? We dive into a conversation that goes way beyond art and design. Kick off the year with a fresh perspective on growth, identity, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s professional world. We’re joined by Priscilla Tang, Luxury Mindset & Career Coach, who brings a unique blend of career coaching expertise and years of experience in the luxury industry, where excellence, precision, and high standards aren’t optional… they’re the baseline Together, they explore powerful ideas that might just change how you…
E155 · 1 Feb 2026 · 34 min
The Career Advice HR Will Never Tell You: Build Skills Outside Your Job [W&S 155]
What if you’re doing everything “right” - climbing the ladder, hitting milestones, building stability, but deep down… success still doesn’t feel secure? We dig into a growing mid-career reality: more professionals are quietly building skills outside their job; not because HR asked them to, but because they’re trying to protect their future. Because in today’s world, even the most stable job can start feeling… temporary. This episode’s guests: Dawn - Author of Take Back Control of Your Money and host of Wise & Shine (but today, she’s in the hot seat sharing her personal journey) Roy Teo - A…
E154 · 25 Jan 2026 · 40 min
$5000/Month?! The True Cost of Raising a Child in Singapore [W&S 154, Sponsored by OCBC]
Before kids, you spent freely. After kids, every dollar has a new purpose. But what if the biggest financial shock of parenthood isn't the tuition fee, but something you never saw coming? Join our host, SG Budget Babe, as she sits down with three parents from vastly different life stages to uncover the raw, unvarnished truth about how raising a family fundamentally reshapes your financial world and your emotional well-being. This isn't just about diapers and college funds, it's about the invisible cost of care and the guilt that comes with it. Tune in to hear: Eric Lim, Founder of Parendigm…
E152 · 18 Jan 2026 · 53 min
The 100-Year Life: Is Your Retirement Plan Still Valid? [W&S 152, Sponsored by OCBC]
"How would you spend the extra 20 years?" It's not a hypothetical question anymore; it's a demographic certainty. We are all living longer, and the traditional three-stage life of study, work, retire is officially obsolete. But what does a 100-year life truly look like, and how do we prepare for a future that is fundamentally different from the one our parents knew? Dive into the seismic shift of longevity, exploring the financial, career, and personal implications of a life that stretches far beyond the conventional timeline. You’ll hear from: Sher-li Torrey , founder of Moms at Work, on…
E152 · 11 Jan 2026 · 36 min
Workplace Harassment in Singapore: What’s Illegal - And What Isn’t [W&S 152]
What if harassment at work no longer looks the way you expect? It’s no longer just whispered comments in corridors or uncomfortable meetings behind closed doors. Today, it can show up in Slack messages, WhatsApp chats, LinkedIn posts — and sometimes in ways that are subtle enough to make you question your own instincts. Dive into a topic many experience, but few openly talk about: workplace harassment and bullying in the digital age. We explore: How workplace harassment has quietly shifted from physical spaces to online platforms The blurry line between “lawful but awful” behaviour and…
E151 · 4 Jan 2026 · 29 min
AI Can Do the Work — But It Can’t Do This [W&S 151]
In today’s fast-paced world, AI is not just reshaping industries; it’s redefining what it means to be skilled and indispensable in the workplace. But with all the buzz about automation and job loss, what does this really mean for you? Can you still be a "human who can't be replaced"? With experts Peck Hoon Low, Senior Career Coach at General Assembly, and Tamanna Bilandi, Practice Tech Lead & Recruitment Team Lead at Adecco, we explore the evolving definition of "skill"—from technical expertise to adaptability, innovation, and emotional intelligence. What’s in store: How AI is amplifying…
E150 · 14 Dec 2025 · 44 min
Do You Still Need A Remisier In 2026? [W&S 150, Sponsored by OUE REIT]
Are traditional, old-school stockbrokers becoming popular again, even though we’re now in a world of TikTok and modern trading apps like Tiger Brokers? Technology has changed how we trade, invest, and get financial advice… but what happens to the roles that existed long before apps and instant news alerts? And could these roles actually thrive again in a digital-first world? To help us unpack this surprising shift, we’re joined by two guests who sit on both ends of the old-meets-new spectrum: Our Guests S Nallakaruppan (Nalla) — President of The Society of Remisiers, with 31 years of market…
E149 · 7 Dec 2025 · 38 min
Reinvent Your Career in 2026 (2 Inspiring Stories You Need to Hear) [W&S 149]
Are you in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, and wondering how to stay relevant in your career? Feeling stuck or facing new challenges that make you question your next move? You're not alone Tackle mid-career reinvention with two incredible guests who share their personal stories of navigating change, facing redundancy, and continuously evolving in their fields. What you'll learn: How to pivot and reinvent yourself when you're already established in your career. The value of upskilling, networking, and staying visible, even when you’re balancing career and family. Real strategies for staying…
E148 · 30 Nov 2025 · 34 min
What Top Employers Really Look For in 2026 [W&S 148 ft Temasek]
Want to land your dream job at top-tier firms like Temasek? Here's what they are REALLY looking for. Hear from Sherlyn Lim, Head of Organisation & People, Temasek, as she reveals the secret sauce to standing out in today’s competitive job market. Learn: What makes a candidate "future-ready"? Hint: It’s not just about skills, but adaptability and curiosity. How to ace your CV without a branded school or industry experience—it’s all about the stories you tell. AI’s impact on hiring: Is it making or breaking careers? Red flags and green lights: What job changes really say about you. If you're…
E147 · 23 Nov 2025 · 36 min
How Gen Z Is Getting Hired in the Toughest Job Market Yet [W&S 147]
The job market today isn’t what it used to be, and if you’re a professional navigating it, you know it’s not just about grades or a prestigious degree anymore. Hear from Ainul Md Razib , a cybersecurity engineer and community builder, and Pang Xin Yi , a marketing and events expert redefining her career path. They share personal stories of how they landed their roles, what it took to break into their fields, and the lessons learned along the way, including: How to use social media to stand out in today’s hyper-competitive market. Why networking isn’t just about sending resumes. The…
E146 · 16 Nov 2025 · 39 min
I Look Successful, But I Still Feel Behind [W&S 146]
Feeling like you’re behind in your 30s or 40s… even though, on paper, you’ve done everything “right”? Dive into that quiet mid-career ache: when the promotions, pay raises, house, family and “LinkedIn wins” still don’t stop you from feeling… not enough. 🎧 Tune in if you’ve ever caught yourself scrolling LinkedIn thinking, “Everyone else is sprinting ahead. What am I doing with my life?” Here’s what we’ll explore: - Why mid-career success can still feel strangely empty – even when you’ve ticked most of society’s boxes. - The invisible pressure of LinkedIn & humblebrags – and how constant…
E145 · 9 Nov 2025 · 46 min
Are Singaporeans Still Hireable? [W&S 145, Sponsored by OUE REIT]
📢 Fresh grads can’t find jobs. Mid-career workers fear AI will replace them. But what’s really going on in Singapore’s job market? Dive into the truth behind the headlines — where hiring freezes, AI disruption, and shifting work expectations collide. Featuring: - Nilay Khandelwal, Senior Managing Director at Michael Page, unpacking insights from their Compete on Clarity report. - Han Khim Siew, CEO and Executive Director of OUE REIT, sharing how employers are rethinking talent, adaptability, and workplace culture. Learn more: - The surprising truth about hiring trends and what fresh grads…
E144 · 2 Nov 2025 · 44 min
I Left My Job to Care for My Family - Was It Worth It? [W&S 144]
Balancing career and family — can you really have both? Can stepping back from your career ever mean moving forward in life? Explore the real trade-offs behind choosing family over work — and whether it truly means falling behind. Joining two women who’ve lived it out in very different ways: 👩‍💼 Sarah Wong — Healthtech leader, venture partner, and podcaster who took time off to rediscover her purpose before re-entering corporate life. 🏡 Cheryl Liew — Chief Home Officer and former marketing & events professional, now navigating a season of caregiving while building a flexible, portfolio-style…
E143 · 26 Oct 2025 · 45 min
Before You Get Retrenched: What Every Professional Should Prepare Now [W&S 143]
Imagine it’s Friday at 4 p.m. — your boss calls you in. By 5, your access card stops working. What would you do? Learn what most professionals overlook until it’s too late, and how to protect your rights when job security is at risk. Unpack how you can prepare - legally, financially, and emotionally - before retrenchment happens. Featuring: - Amarjit Kaur, Head of Employment Law, Withers SG - sharing what most professionals overlook until it’s too late, and how to protect your rights when job security is at risk. - Brandon Lee, Assistant Chief Executive Transformation Support Group,…
E142 · 12 Oct 2025 · 42 min
Should You Take a Career Break in 2025? (The Truth About Getting Hired Again) [W&S 142]
Thinking about quitting your job… but without a backup plan? 🤔 Before you take the leap, you’ll want to hear this. We sat with Pui Wah Loh, Former Director of the NTU Career & Attachment Office (CAO) , a veteran with over 40 years of experience in employability, higher education, and career consulting. He has worked with thousands of graduates and professionals and now runs his own consultancy, keeping close to the pulse of the job market. Get answers on: - Is taking a career break riskier now than it was 10 years ago? - Why “underemployment” might be a bigger issue than unemployment. - How…
E141 · 5 Oct 2025 · 42 min
Working Overseas vs in Singapore: Salary, Costs & Career Growth [W&S 141]
Ever wondered if building your career overseas is really worth it—or if staying closer to home could actually give you more? Join us with two remarkable guests who’ve lived the global career life, then made the bold decision to return home. Here’s what you’ll hear: The real trade-offs between global roles abroad and regional success at home How family, identity, and balance shape major career decisions Surprising lessons about growth, discomfort, and redefining success What many professionals overlook when considering an overseas posting Meet our guests: Chris Ngoi – Chief Strategy and…
E140 · 28 Sep 2025 · 37 min
The Future Is Deep Tech: How Mid-Career Professionals Can Pivot [W&S 140 ft SGInnovate]
Thinking about switching careers, but unsure if leaving the stability of an MNC for a startup is the right move? In this episode, we dive into: - Why some mid-career professionals are pivoting to deep tech startups - The surprising opportunities in Singapore’s growing innovation scene - What it really takes to thrive in a startup environment compared to a corporate giant - How structured training can bridge the skills gap for those looking to make the leap Our Guests: - Kang Ming Song, Manager, SGInnovate Power X, who oversees the PowerX program designed to help professionals transition into…
E139 · 21 Sep 2025 · 34 min
Quitting Your Job to Save the World: The Singaporean Career Dilemma [W&S 139 ft ⁠Cheng Chai Hong, Martin Loh]
Ever thought of quitting your stable job to chase a dream? Meet Cheng Chai Hong, Director, Writer, & Producer, and Martin Loh, Co-Producer and Head of Marketing of the local film ‘We Can Save the World.’ They share: - Why they left stable careers to dive into filmmaking - How they navigated financial uncertainty without grants or product placements - The real struggles behind pursuing a creative dream in a practical society - Why they believe in telling Singaporean stories—in our own language Their journey is raw, unconventional, and deeply relatable — even if you’ve never thought of making…
E138 · 14 Sep 2025 · 42 min
Why So Many Lawyers Are Quitting Singapore’s ‘Dream Career’ [W&S 138]
Law is one of the most prestigious and traditional careers in Asia — but what happens when the dream job comes at a cost you didn’t expect? We speak with *Lalitha Rajah* (former lawyer turned yoga teacher & mom of two) and *Iman Ibrahim* (former divorce lawyer, now a burnout coach). 🔹 What sacrifices lie behind the glamour of the profession? 🔹 Why do so many lawyers quietly walk away after years of hard work? 🔹 And what unexpected skills from law still shape their lives today? If you’ve ever wondered whether the price of prestige is worth paying — tune in. This is an honest conversation you…
E137 · 7 Sep 2025 · 47 min
How to Pivot Into Cybersecurity (Without a Tech Degree) [W&S 137]
Can you break into cybersecurity without a tech degree? The answer might surprise you. We unpack the myths, the must-have skills, and the real pathways into one of today’s hottest industries. What you’ll hear: The many roles in cyber beyond coding The biggest hurdles for mid-career switchers The soft skills that matter most How AI is reshaping the field With guests: James Lim, Co-founder of the Center for Cybersecurity Institute, who has trained hundreds of career switchers into cyber. Wee Suan Ng, from ST Engineering’s Cyber Business Division, who shares his own story of moving into…

About Wise and Shine

Wise and Shine is a English business podcast from The Financial Coconut. 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.

Publisher: The Financial Coconut
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 39 min
Latest episode: 11 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1757885657

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