Siew Hoon Yeoh – Is Making Travel Better

Our guest this week is Singapore-based, travel entrepreneur Siew Hoon Yeoh.

Siew Hoon is one of the humblest people you’ll meet. She refutes the idea that she’s an innovator and a pioneer in her space. But ask anyone in the travel industry in Asia “who is the most innovative woman you know?” and Siew Hoon Yeoh is nearly always the answer.

Siew Hoon’s company Web in Travel (or WIT as you’ll hear her say in the interview) is a content and events company focused on online travel. Those in the know say Siew Hoon’s efforts to bring digital front and centre have been instrumental in helping the travel industry, particularly in Asia Pacific, move more quickly in the face of disruption. She sold WIT for an undisclosed sum four years ago but continues to run the business she loves.

In this episode you’ll hear Siew Hoon talk about:

– How her childhood as the daughter of a refugee in Penang, Malaysia shaped her views about the importance of community
– Why it’s a golden time for innovation in Asia right now
– How she thinks about building something new and innovative and;
– Why it’s so important to accept who you are and play to your strengths.

Enjoy this conversation with Siew Hoon Yeoh …

Want to find out more about Siew Hoon or Web in Travel (WIT)? Links of interest:

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Sherilyn Shackell – Has Found Her Purpose!

This week’s guest is the uplifting Sherilyn Shackell.

Sherilyn spent the first part of her career, by accident she says, as a formidable headhunter in the UK. She borrowed millions to buy the company she worked for in her mid 30’s and grew the business to be hugely successful. As successful as it was she felt like she was on a treadmill …earning more money to spend more money. Her physical and emotional health suffered.

A near death experience in her early forties led Sherilyn on a journey to find her purpose.

Sherilyn is now the Founder & CEO of the Marketing Academy, an international not for profit organisation dedicated to inspiring and developing talented stars in the Marketing, Media & Communication industries to become the leaders and influencers of tomorrow. She says these sectors have unique power to shape our collective opinions as a society.

In this episode you’ll hear Sherilyn talk about:

– How she liberates her decision making with the question “what’s the worst thing that can happen?”
– How she has gone about finding her purpose
– Why spending time with the people who will come to your funeral is crucial
– And, how she lost 21kg in 2017 and used blogging to keep herself accountable

Sit back and listen to the human dynamo, Sherilyn Shackell!

Want to find out more about Sherilyn and/or the Marketing Academy? Links of interest:

The Marketing Academy (TMA) Links:

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Kate Vale – Has an Uncanny Eye for Picking…

This week’s episode of Don’t Stop Us Now! is with the wonderful Kate Vale, a distinguished leader in the technology and media space in Australia.

Kate was Google Australia’s first employee and Managing Director, and built the Australian business from one employee to hundreds. She then did the same for YouTube.

In 2011 she joined Spotify, the Swedish music, video and podcast streaming service before most of us had ever heard of music streaming, let alone the name Spotify. She grew their business in Australia to be a hugely successful brand. Clearly she has an eye for the winners and a great talent in starting and growing strong teams in the digital space.

She’s recently moved to LA with her husband, a serial entrepreneur, and her two children. She’s a Non Executive Director for two prestigious tourism boards in Australia, Tourism Australia and Tourism Tasmania, and is currently enjoying a sabbatical with her family before she jumps into her next venture.

In this episode with Kate you’ll learn:

– How asking for help is one of the most fundamental success factors for female leaders, particularly those who have a family.
– How terrifying, yet exhilarating, it was to be Google’s first employee in Australia
– How she bounces back from adversity
– Her strategies for feeling strong and confident

Enjoy!

Photo credits: AFR

Had a listen to Kate and hungry for more? Links of interest:

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