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Episode Summary What happens after a first-generation college student enters the professional world? In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, executive coach, leadership consultant, and author Michele Y. Hoover introduces the concept of the first-generation professional—someone who enters the workplace without inherited knowledge of how professional environments operate. Drawing from her own journey as the daughter of South Korean immigrants, Michele explores the unwritten rules of professional life, including why good work rarely speaks entirely for itself, why relationships are part of the job, and why the criteria for advancement constantly change. She also discusses how first-generation professionals can advocate for themselves without abandoning their cultural values, how educators and employers can better support them, and how experiences once viewed as disadvantages can become powerful professional strengths. The conversation also offers a preview of Michele’s upcoming book, From First to Fearless, and reflects on storytelling, identity, family responsibility, mentorship, and the chance experiences that shape our careers. Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to On the Mic With Thought LeadersMeet Michele Y. Hoover, executive coach, leadership consultant, former journalist, and founder of PEM Leadership. 02:20 — What Is a First-Generation Professional?Michele explains how first-generation professionals enter the workplace without inherited knowledge of its expectations, relationships, language, and unwritten rules. 04:00 — Realising “It Wasn’t Just Me”Michele shares how reflecting on her own difficult career journey led her to interview other first-generation professionals and discover common patterns in their experiences. 07:15 — Growing Up as the First American in Her FamilyFrom making appointments to completing official forms at a young age, Michele reflects on how responsibility, representation, and early independence shaped her professional identity. 11:10 — Connecting Journalism, Education, and LeadershipMichele connects the dots between her early career as a journalist and her later work in executive education through three recurring themes: people, storytelling, and communication. 14:40 — Three Unwritten Rules of Professional LifeYour work does not always speak for itself, relationships are not extracurricular, and the rules for advancement change at every career level. 18:45 — Preparing First-Generation Students for the WorkplaceThe discussion explores what universities can do beyond helping students secure their first jobs—including teaching self-advocacy, relationship-building, feedback, visibility, and workplace navigation. 22:30 — The Hidden Strengths of First-Generation ProfessionalsMichele highlights resourcefulness, observation, problem-solving, loyalty, intrinsic motivation, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility toward family and community. 26:15 — Self-Advocacy Without Losing Your Cultural IdentityHow can professionals advocate for themselves while respecting values such as humility, hierarchy, collectivism, and family responsibility? Michele offers culturally congruent ways to become visible. 32:05 — Turning Career Advice Into Practical ActionMichele explains why generic advice such as “network more” is often ineffective and how coaching, role-playing, scripts, and step-by-step guidance can help people approach difficult professional conversations. 35:10 — Writing, Vulnerability, and Helping People Feel SeenMichele reflects on moving from clinical thought leadership toward more personal writing—and why sharing her own experiences allows readers to recognise themselves in her work. 40:40 — From First to FearlessMichele introduces her upcoming book and explains how first-generation professionals can reframe experiences previously viewed as disadvantages into leadership capabilities and professional superpowers. 48:45 — A Chance Event That Changed EverythingMichele recalls receiving a journalism scholarship at 17 and travelling alone to San Francisco—an unexpected experience that expanded her understanding of the world and what was possible for her career. 52:55 — The Career Lesson We Wish We Had Learned at 22The episode closes with Michele’s question for the next guest: “What’s something you understand about how careers work now that you wish somebody had explained to you when you were 22?”

Shownotes:00:00 Introduction00:55 Eric's life in defining chapters 06:55 How has success altered over time for Eric09:36 Creating multiple identities to connect and relate12:50 How to move through transitions smoothly17:05 How to conquer a difficult 'task'18:55 What is the concept of Combo-Specialist23:11 What would an updated edition of Combo-Specialist look like in the era of AI28:40 How do we train our critical thinking skills34:39 Building a community through food and walks36:07 How has Eric's book brought about a positive impact on his readers41:10 What mindset shifts have helped Eric to become more visible43:38 Building meaningful visibility48:48 Eric's advice on managing negative remarks53:15 Where is Eric's "attention" focused now55:30 Share a story of how an unplanned event positively influenced Eric's career and life57:50 Question for the next speaker About Speaker With over 2 million followers on LinkedIn, Eric Sim, CFA, is one of the most followed finance professionals on social media globally. He is the author of “Small Actions: Leading Your Career to Big Success”. Previously, Sim served as a Managing Director at UBS Investment Bank and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He founded the Institute of Life to trains professionals to achieve success at work and in life.

Speaker's Information:Mark Franklin (M.Ed,P.Eng) leads the team at CareerCycles, a career management practice based in Canada, that has helped 5000+ people manage their careers for the future. He co-founded narrative tools leader, OneLifeTools, through which he co-authored the Who You Are Matters! game and Online Storyteller platform. Mark teaches career management at University of Toronto and received the Stu Conger Award for Leadership in Career Development. Mark consulted with hundreds of organizations in his earlier industrial engineering career. Changing careers, he earned a Masters in counseling psychology and led student services initiatives in two of Canada’s largest universities. Always seeking ways to unlock the power of storytelling, Mark hosts the Career Buzz podcast and radio show showcasing inspiring career stories. His career insights have appeared in Canadian media including Globe and Mail, National Post, CBC and CTV.   0000 Introduction02:11 Who is Mark Franklin - A Deep Listener in a Wounded World 04:50 From a Professional Engineer to a Career Practitioner7:55 Transition to starting out Career Cycles 12:30 Why "Career" is mostly misinterpreted 15:45  What is a Narrative Approach 22:12 One Life Tools Framework for a Holistic Assessment32:25 Encouraging Clients with their What's Next37:23 Thriving in the AI Era41:25 Doing Well AND Doing Good45:50 Building a Community of Story Listeners48:40 AI Stewardship Programme52:30 What brings hope for Mark54:50 Cross-pollinating #CDBee movement 58:30 Question for the next speaker1:00:50 Wrap-up from the co-hosts Citations mentioned: Stebleton, M. J., & Franklin, M. (2023). Applying narrative approaches to support undergraduate career decision-making. In M. Buford, M. Sharp, & M. J. Stebleton (Eds.), Mapping the future of undergraduate career education: Equitable career learning, development, and preparation for a new world of work (pp. 183-199). Routledge. Franklin, M., Yanar, B., & Feller, R. (2015). Narrative method of practice increases curiousity and exploration, psychological capital, and personal growth leading to career clarity: A retrospective outcome study. The Canadian Journal of Career Development, 14(2), 12-23.Franklin, M., & Feller, R. (2017). Using the One Life Tools framework: From clarification to intentional exploration with East Asian female. In L.Busacca & M. Rehfuss (Eds.), Postmodern career counseling: A handbook of culture, context and cases (pp. 273-284). American Counseling Association. Stebleton, M. J. (2010). Narrative-based career counseling perspectives in times of change: An analysis of strengths and limitations. Journal of Employment Counseling, 47(2), 64-78. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-1920.2010.tb00091.xStebleton, M. J., Franklin, M., Lee, C., & Kaler, L. S. (2019). Not just for undergraduates: Examining a university narrative-based career management course for Engineering graduate students. Canadian Journal of Career Development, 18(2), 64-77. https://cjcd-rcdc.ceric.ca/index.php/cjcd/article/view/32

00:00 Introduction00:50 Who is Dr Candy Ho and what drives her05:10 Sharing on the "Career Influencer" concept - Every conversation can be a career conversation11:11 Life-career as a constellation of one's many life roles, paid and unpaid12:50 Why is career development so important 16:55 Working with young adults - Not all who wander are lost22:11 The wisdom of indecision24:10 Sitting with the discomfort of the unknowns and uncertainties30:30 Dr. Candy Ho's current works32:27 Working with educators to incorporate the United Nations 17 SDGs into the curriculum 39:15 Career service providers in the age of AI43:30 What is giving you joy at this current phase of your life49:00 Bee as a career metaphor50:30 Question for the next speaker52:00 Wrap-up from the co-hosts Ho, C. T. Y. (2024). Enhancing a career development curriculum by embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Journal of the National Institute for Career Education and Counselling, 53(1), 24-35. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.5304 Ho, C., & Stebleton, M. J. (2024). Not all who wander are lost: Redefining career exploration and indecision in undergraduate students. Journal of College and Character, 25(2), 196-204. https://doi.org/10.1080/2194587X.2024.2326220 Hoover, A. (2026, March 3).  RIP Resumes. Business Insider.https://www.businessinsider.com/hiring-managers-arent-reading-resumes-slop-2026-3 Klotz, A. (2026). Jolted: Why we quit, when to stay, and why it matters. Penguin Random House.  Krumboltz, J. D. (1992). The wisdom of indecision. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 41(3), 239-244. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/0001-8791(92)90025-U Michel, J. P. (2024). The world needs you: A new mindset for student career exploration. JP Michel.  Stebleton, M. J., & Ho, C. (2023). Career development is everyone’s responsibility: Envisioning educators as career influencers. Journal of College and Character, 24(3), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.1080/2194587X.2023.2224577https://padlet.com/candyho11181/share-your-cdbee-story-dufrpcxx4yhae439

0:00 Introduction by co-host Samantha1:30 Felicity in her own words - Who she is and what drives her3:00 Experiencing redundancy at 244:00 Who does Felicity support, and what problems is she solving right now5:50 What she loves about her work6:52 How did she get started in career development work10:30 Young Felicity14:25 Taking a gap year16:55 Most important career decision21:11 What's next23:20 Career life lesson learnt29:50 Last words

In this episode, we sit down with Marjorie Woo, an inspiring leader whose career journey spans psychology, social services, corporate leadership, and executive coaching. From her early days growing up and studying in the United States to founding her own business in Asia-Pacific, Marjorie shares the pivotal moments, mindset shifts, and lessons that shaped her path.0:20 Learnings from Felicity1:40 Who is Marjorie Woo5:20 Growing up as a child7:55 Moving to States 10:00 What motivated her to do Social Services and Psychology13:50 Adapting to her new life in the States21:45 Having a business was not a 'proper' job 23:00 Her journey with Xerox28:40 Applying what she has learnt from Psychology31:30 Moving back to APAC and upskilling in MBA36:15 How did she stand out in the midst of competition and unconventional norms40:05 Most important career decision46:00 Beginning her coaching career47:35 What's next for Marjorie 49:50 Best career advice

0:00 Host's introduction of guest speaker, Jonathan1:01: An overview of Jonathan's career journey3.50 What drives his career reinvention6:40 What problems is he solving now8:20 What is purpose-driven10:02 Biggest lesson when he was teaching first graders11:50 Younger days15:00 How did Jonathan get started in his career17:20 Most important career decision to date20:25 Defining leadership21:13 What's next23:23 What's the desired outcome24:48 Coming from 'me' to 'we'25:38 Best career advice28:16 Being 'broken open' vs as 'broken'

In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, we sit down with Rahul Nath, founder and creative director of Vertical Slice Games Media. From an unconventional start in the gaming industry to directing films and building an immersive media studio, Rahul shares how resilience, curiosity, and a love for craft have guided his career. He reflects on pivotal life moments, lessons from failure, and why staying uncomfortable fuels growth. This conversation is rich with insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and designing a career on your own terms.Shownotes: 0:00 Learnings by the hosts 4:12 Introduction of the guest 5:20 About the guest - Who is Rahul 7:15 What motivates and drives him 11:05 Getting started in the gaming industry 12:20 Create your own luck 13:15 Do it for the love of craft and other things will follow 15:00 Formative years 19:53 3 pivotal moments 22:28 Starting film directing 25:55 Most important career decision to date 29:30 Lessons learnt in life 33:18 What's next 39:15 Best career advice

In this episode of the APCDA Career Journey podcast, co-hosts Felicity Brown and Samantha Ng speak with Akshay Sharma, an Indian-born entrepreneur and technologist who has spent the last 12 years building a life and career in Vietnam. From giving up a secure engineering job in India to co-founding a proptech startup and a social impact venture producing affordable prosthetics, Akshay shares the mindset behind his bold decisions, lessons from failure, and what drives him to keep learning and contributing. This is a candid conversation about risk, resilience, and redefining success across borders.00:05 Introduction of the guest01:10 Learnings by the hosts03:05 About the guest - Who is Akshay04:35 What problems is Akshay solving right now?05:40 How did Akshay end up in Vietnam14:15 What shapes you to who you are today18:18 How to choose between being an employee and becoming an entrepreneur21:45 Biggest career decision till date24:45 Dealing with uncertainty 27:45 Life is short30:00 What's next31:55 Best piece of career advice35:20 What inspires Akshay

In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, Felicity Brown sits down with Jimmy Pham AM, founder of KOTO and co-founder of VietHarvest, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. Speaking from his car in Hanoi, Jimmy reflects on his early life journey from Saigon to Sydney, the founding of Vietnam’s first social enterprise, and the core values that have guided his decades-long commitment to empowering marginalized youth. From personal philosophy to future plans, Jimmy shares stories of resilience, purpose, and service—offering not only insight into his work, but a powerful reminder of how one person’s vision can shape thousands of lives.⏱️ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:32 Key takeaways from both hosts 3:35 Introduction to guest, Jimmy Pham AM 4:45 Who is Jimmy – Early years 6:55 Getting started in Vietnam 10:15 Jimmy's set of guiding values 12:35 What is KOTO 16:45 Lessons learnt 21:30 Philosophy behind KOTO 26:29 What keeps Jimmy going 28:10 What's next 31:05 Best career advice

Tamerlaine Beasley: Life-changing high school student exchange leads to intercultural business. In this episode Felicity and Sam interview Tamerlaine Beasley, Founder and CEO of Beasley Intercultural. Tamerlaine recounts how her influential early experiences living in Thailand led to a successful business delivering intercultural training programs to a diverse, globally connected workforce. 0:20 Key takeaways from Samantha and Felicity4:00 Introducing Tamerlaine5:30 Her growth spurt in Thailand11:05 Purpose-driven work13:10 Tips for working with people from different cultures16:00 Getting into business at a young age23:00 Hustling before hustling was a thing27:00 Most important career (business) decision to-date31:55 What's next?34:24 Be willing to sit slightly outside of your comfort zone 36:50 Best career advice

Benjamin Loh recounts his career journey from a bullied child and introvert through to becoming a public speaker to audiences of thousands. His insights on developing confidence and defining success are memorable. Join us to hear about this Singaporean who is bucking career stereotype trends everyday. 0:00 Benjamin Loh's career journey and insights 2:22 Introduction to Benjamin Loh 3:23 From accounting to sales to professional speaking  6:03 The leap (of faith) 8:04 Building confidence and overcoming challenges 10:05 Balancing career and personal life 14:25 Defining success 15:27 Biggest lesson learnt 18:50 Drawing boundaries - How do we know that we have given enough as a helper 21:22 One most important career decision till date  25:01 Future plans and legacy https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminlohcoach/

APCDA Podcast is a monthly series on career-related discussions. The podcast is in its fifth season in 2025, continuing the theme of ‘Career Journeys’ where the co-hosts interview a range of people with fascinating career journeys to learn about their key career decisions and career advice.0:05 Hosts' learnings2:05 Introduction to Angela 4:13 What drives her 5:32 How she got started in her business6:28 Early career exploration8:20 Happenstance and Career Management14:32 Coping with burnout16:32 Balancing different life roles19:45 Angela's career values 23:48 One most important career decision29:42 Best career advice30.27 Best self-care tip

Abe is the founder of Future Proof Global which is a business transformation consultancy that specializes in strategy, response to disruption, ESG implementation, organization design and development, leadership development and talent management. In his previous engagements, he has held senior management roles across geographies and functions in a career spanning more than 30 years.Join us in this chat with Abe to learn more about his journey. 00:06 Introduction 02:12 Current Work 05:26 Early Years 09:12 Defining Years at Singapore Army 11:42 Career Thoughts in Secondary School 13:07 First Degree and First Job 15:27 Approach to Career Decision Making 20:48 Key Influences 23:30 Using Self-Awareness to Become Learning Agile 27:28 Importance of Mastery and Leadership in a Career 29: 54 What is next? 32:30 Best and Worst Career Advice 34:20 Closing Remarks Guest: Abe Jacob | LinkedIn Profile

In this episode, Dr. Maze shares her inspiring journey from a career in mathematics and computer programming to her impactful work in career counseling and assessment. She discusses her early influences, time in the Peace Corps, and the founding of APCDA, offering insights into how personal drivers like happiness shape our career paths. Dr. Maze also explores the role of AI in career counseling and offers practical advice for anyone seeking growth in their personal and professional life. Tune in for her reflections on life lessons, career advice, and what’s next on her horizon.00:59 Introduction to Dr Marilyn Maze01:58 Personal drivers - happiness02:19 Current work03:11 Career start in mathematics teaching and computer programming04:34 Peace corps work in the Philippines05:52 Computerised career assessments08:42 Birth of APCDA09:27 Why career counselling?10:54 AI and career counselling12:11 Childhood influences and hobbies14:48 Early career planning16:17 Career advice16:59 Life lessons17:44 What's next?18:17 Favourite motto18:52 Final words