After the Bar – Détails, épisodes et analyse

⛔️ Stop telling yourself you can’t pivot your career.

Think it’s impossible? Meet Lara Quie.

She went from:

➨ Lawyer to Montessori Teacher

➨ Teacher to Kitchen Designer

➨ Designer to BD Manager

➨ BD Manager to Coach

➨ Coach to Podcast Host

Lara Quie, dubbed the “Queen of Pivots” 👸🏻, has done it all.

She’s thrived in diverse roles across Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, Spain, Germany, and Belgium.

Each transition wasn’t just a move—it was a reinvention. 🔥

—

Our latest podcast episode features Lara’s incredible journey of transformation.

Curious about:

➥ How to navigate a mid-life career switch?

➥ Can you make a U-turn if it fails?

➥ How to brand yourself on LinkedIn?

Join us as Lara unveils the secrets of her career pivots, offering you a roadmap to follow.

Learn from a top executive coach who’s just moved from Singapore 🇸🇬 back to the UK. 🇬🇧

🌟If Lara can pivot her career across multiple industries and countries, why can’t you?

Ready to rewrite your career story?

Follow Lara Quie:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie/

Podcast with Lara Quie: 

https://thelegalgeniepodcast.buzzsprout.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

• 00:00 Start of Episode

• 00:40 Introduction

• 01:48 The Queen of Pivots: Lara’s Multiple Careers

• 08:34 Lara’s Opportunity Cost When She Pivoted

• 10:06 Having a Supportive Husband and Friends When Pivoting

• 12:55 The Legal Industry: Expectations vs Reality

• 14:47 Looking Back: What Lara Would Have Done Differently

• 16:00 Lara’s Coaching for Career Pivots

• 20:12 What to ‘Unlearn’ to Change Career Paths

• 23:22 Learn From Lara’s Experience in Career Pivots

• 26:24 How to Gain Clarity in What You Want to Do

• 29:22 If Money and Failure Were Not a Concern: What Would Lara Do 

• 31:06 Lara’s Journey on LinkedIn

• 34:45 Tips for Personal Branding on Linkedin

• 42:56 How to Start on LinkedIn

• 45:39 Lawyers on LinkedIn with Strong Personal Branding

• 47:09 Lara’s Farewell to Singapore 

• 48:56 Rapid Fire Round

• 51:09 Outro

Meet the powerhouse behind Psychobitch.

Amanda Chong is a lawyer trained in Harvard and Cambridge, with endless accolades.

Outside of law, she’s an award-winning Poet, Playwright and Advocate for Social Justice.

Her play 'Psychobitch' sold out in record time, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer. (Could she be Singapore’s answer to Taylor Swift?!)

Simply put, she is a powerhouse you absolutely need to hear from.

In this episode, explore:

🧩 The perception of single women in our society.

🖋️ Her unique approach to Poetry and Playwriting.

🎭 The story behind ‘Psychobitch’ and why it resonates with so many.

🌟 How she advocates for women and children, challenging societal norms and driving change.

-

Named ‘Her World’s Young Woman Achiever” in 2022, Amanda holds nothing back in this episode.

Hear how she addresses gender dynamics, privilege, and the emotional layers behind her creative process.

Join us as she shares her insights with humour and honesty.

Listen now on Spotify! 🎧

#AfterTheBar #AmandaChong #Psychobitch #GenderEquality #ArtAndLaw #Inspiration #Podcast

Follow Amanda Chong:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawzchong/

More of Amanda Chong’s work: 

Buy Professions at: https://epigrambookshop.sg/products/professions or https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789811112362. 

Support Psychobitch’s run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024: https://www.wildrice.com.sg/event/234995-psychobitch-2/ 

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode

01:02 Intro

02:48 Amanda on Being Single

06:23 Accessibility to Opportunity, Being Placed On A Pedestal

10:12 Did The People Around Her Start to Treat Her Differently?

12:09 One Thing Amanda Wishes Other People Knew About Her

15:08 Her Journey As A Playwright

23:10 On The Success Of Psychobitch 

27:11 Knowing The Boundaries of Taking Inspiration From Personal Life

32:31 Revisiting Memories In The Process Of Writing Psychobitch

37:20 What To Note When Writing Confessionally 

41:55 Being Vulnerable & Honest In Work

47:31 Her Legal Career and Advocating for Women and Children’s Rights

54:44 Amanda’s Experience Prosecuting Sex Crimes Informs Her Art

01:00:08 Thoughts On Her Mom’s Sacrifice To Become A Homemaker 

01:03:36 Rapid Fire Round

01:06:16 An Excerpt from “Monsoon Girls”

01:07:03 Outro

Join us on this podcast episode as we speak with Lyn Lee, the Head of Group Legal at OCBC Bank, as well as a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer. Coming on to After the Bar a second time, Lyn delves deeper into how she finds and maintains balance in life with her faith, family, and friends. While being successful herself, she also maintains that the definition of success takes on a very different meaning for each individual.

She also shares what motivated her to get the certification for Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker, Coach, and Trainer, and how this has helped her in her work.

Lyn also reflects on some of the challenges of having the ‘Achiever’ as one of her strengths on the CliftonStrengths Assessment, and how she went about finding peace with it.

Throughout her life, Lyn has continuously tried out new things and is not afraid to learn from people younger than her.

This episode is one about understanding one’s intentions in life and lifelong learning. If you are feeling lost in your career or life, this might help you to find some clarity.

Lyn has previously appeared in Season 1 Episode 9 (https://youtu.be/eRSeYgjq9ac) talking about mentorship and re-defining one’s own success.

Lyn Lee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyn-lee-1b7a1713/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode

02:14 Finding and Maintaining Balance in Life

04:20 Process of Finding What You Want in Life and Being Intentional About It

06:19 Defining Your Own Success: Two Ladies, Two President Scholars, Two Different Paths of Success

07:58 Lyn’s Motivation to Getting Certification for Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Speaker

08:55 Favourite John Maxwell’s Books

09:13 Weakness of the ‘Achiever’ Strength

14:28 What Else Lyn Hopes To Achieve in the Future

17:23 The Extent of Faith on Lyn’s Work

20:42 Lyn’s Advice to Her Younger Self

22:50 Tips and Predictions for Future Lawyers

25:10 Rapid Fire Questions

Join us in this episode as we speak with Yingyu Wang, an accomplished Tech & IP lawyer for Simmons & Simmons. Watch as she shares her journey in the legal and business world. Yingyu opens up about her experiences in managing a law firm and the challenges she faced along the way. She also shares her insights on the intersection between the tech world and the legal industry, and how her decision to move into tech has impacted her career.

But it doesn't stop there. Yingyu is also a mother, and in this episode, she opens up about the juggle between the responsibilities of being a successful lawyer and being a mother. You'll hear her share her personal struggles and how she manages to strike a balance between work and family life.

If you're interested in hearing about the legal industry, the tech world, and the challenges of being a working parent, this episode is for you. Tune in and find out more from Yingyu's valuable insights and experiences.

Yingyu Wang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yingyu-wang/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode

02:06 Yingyu's Journey in Law & Business

06:11 The Juggle between Managing a Firm and Being a Mother 

07:24 Overcoming Challenges when Managing a Firm 

11:17 The Decision to Close Her Own Law Firm and Joining Another Firm 

16:25 Demystifying the Tech World - Crypto, Blockchain, Web3 etc. 

19:38 The Move into the Digital Assets World

22:21 Legal Complications in Web3

23:36 Outcome of Investing in Crypto

24:12 Yingyu’s Thoughts on Crypto

26:57 The Next Thing to Look Out for in the Digital Assets World

28:43 Yingyu’s Main Concern as a Female Lawyer

29:51 How Yingyu’s Attitude has Changed Towards Her Practice

31:26 Yingyu’s Thoughts on Being a Mentor to Younger Lawyers

35:51 Yingyu’s Support Circle in her Career

40:30 Moving Away from Toxic Environments

42:01 What Yingyu Wished She Had Known About Work and Women Earlier

45:01 How Can Support Be Given to Women Aspiring to Venture into Tech

47:48 Tips to People Who Aspire to Start a Family and Still Thrive at Work

50:12 An Advice to Lawyers Who Dream of Entering Tech

50:26 Rapid Fire Questions

Join us on this podcast episode as we speak with Lok Vi Ming, Senior Counsel, about his path to becoming a Senior Counsel and his illustrious legal career. He provides valuable insights into how his personal values have shaped his approach to law and the significant effort he has dedicated to his craft. 

Most importantly, he sheds light on how he made it a point not to change the kind of person he is, even after achieving the prestigious title of Senior Counsel. 

We also dive into some of Lok Vi Ming's past high-profile cases, including the SilkAir MI 185 case and the Slim 10 saga, and he shares the challenges and rewards of working on such complex legal battles.

Additionally, Lok Vi Ming reflects on his experience striking out on his own and in starting his own law firm. He shares valuable lessons learned from his journey in entrepreneurship, leadership and law firm management. 

Whether you are an aspiring lawyer or simply interested in the world of law, this episode offers a wealth of valuable insights and inspiration.

Lok Vi Ming - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vi-ming-lok-sc-a327071a5/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode
01:55 Receiving the CC Tan Award
02:37 Vi Ming’s Approach to His Legal Practice
04:23 Thoughts on Being Made Senior Counsel
07:24 The Biggest Difference in Vi Ming’s Career After Being Made SC
08:53 Alternate Career Trajectory If Not Made SC
10:00 Important Values to Vi Ming
11:11 Motto of ‘Never Say Never’ in Life
11:59 High Profile Case SilkAir MI 185
16:07 The Role of Faith During the SilkAir MI 185 Case
22:34 High Profile Case Slim 10 Saga
29:14 Outcome of the Slim 10 Saga
32:29 Overcoming Challenges on Doing the ‘Right’ Thing
34:02 Why Start A Firm in Your Fifties?
36:37 Why Do Lawyers Choose to Apply to LVM Law Chambers?
38:38 Thoughts on the Next Generation of Lawyers
43:41 Criteria of Hiring Associates
45:33 Vi Ming’s Role Models
46:30 Advice to Lawyers Aspiring to Become an SC
47:40 How Vi Ming’s Definition of Success Has Changed
49:47 Vi Ming’s Way Forward as an SC
51:50 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode, we sit down with Maree Myerscough, COO & General Counsel for Aquila Clean Energy Asia Pacific, a clean energy platform that funds, develops, builds and operates solar PV, wind power and battery storage assets across the region. Maree opens up about a traumatic time in her life after she was laid off from her previous company and how it has shaped her approach to professional setbacks. 

In the wake of so many lay-offs and retrenchments, it’s refreshing to hear from a legal leader willing to share about her job loss with such vulnerability. 

“I was told ‘It’s not personal, Maree’ – but it was hard not to take it personally when I had poured so much of myself into the role. It was much more than just a job to me.”

After embracing support from her strong network, Maree bounced back and has continued her successful career. It’s an inspiring story of a humble leader who has been paying it forward to help others facing similar situations. 

Beyond her work in the renewable energy sector, Maree is also an active proponent of pro bono projects, community service initiatives, and mentorship programs for young lawyers. She speaks candidly about her service leadership within the legal community and her passion for helping others succeed. 

Throughout the episode, Maree emphasises the importance of mental wellbeing, particularly in high-stress industries like law and energy. She shares her own strategies for coping with stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Gain valuable insights into the world of renewable energy projects, ESG considerations for business, as well as practical tips for navigating challenging career transitions and prioritising self-care. Join us for this inspiring conversation with a true leader in the renewable energy and legal communities.

Maree Myerscough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mareemyerscough/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode
02:06 Life as an Expat 
03:31 What is Renewable Energy?
06:01 Why Did You Choose In-House?
06:48 Managing Relationships with External Counsel
09:05 Growing a Team
09:47 Challenges Facing the Renewable Energy Market
11:46 The Work Involving ESG
14:04 Environmental & Social Issues In a Day to Day Work
16:04 Being a COO
21:08 Dealing With Risks
22:14 Coping with Retrenchment
29:06 Being a Part Time Legal Recruiter
30:08 The Juggle being a Working Lawyer Mum
34:04 Being Involved as a Board Member 
37:09 Being a Strong Advocate for Mental Wellbeing
40:53 Advice for Lawyers
43:03 Moving Forward
43:51 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode, we sit down with Ivan Cheong, an experienced lawyer who specialises in family and divorce law. He has helped many individuals navigate the legal system during challenging times, from custody battles to property division.

Ivan shares some of the common challenges that people face during divorce proceedings. Why mediation is a better option, instead of litigation and how therapeutic justice is solution-driven for families

Join us as we delve deep into the world of family law, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to resolve disputes between family.

Ivan Cheong - linkedin.com/in/ivan-cheong-7528485a

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode

02:08 Falling Finalised Divorce Proceedings in 2021

03:08 Reasons Behind the High Divorce Rates in Singapore

04:39 Stigma Among Divorce

06:06 Most Common Causes of Divorce

07:33 Uncommon Reason of Divorce

08:59 Therapeutic Justice

13:16 Post Nuptial Agreement

15:54 Reasons for Entering Post Nuptial Agreement

20:23 High Profile Cases 

23:09 Repeal of Section 377A

29:28 The Desired Changes in our Family Legal Regime

32:31 Pets in Divorce Proceedings

34:14 Ivan's Perspective on Marriage

36:58 Why Ivan Chose Family Law

38:58 The Most Enjoyable Part about Work to Ivan

42:30 Important Values for Family Lawyers

44:30 Self-Care as a Lawyer

45:41 Advice for his Younger Self

46:58 Advice for Married Couples

49:09 Rapid Fire Questions

In this International Women’s Episode Special, we sit down with three female lawyers - Debby, Kimarie, and Seow Hui - to discuss their experiences working in the law industry.

As women in a traditionally male-dominated field, Debby, Kimarie, and Seow Hui share their insights on what it's like to navigate the challenges of being a female lawyer. From facing gender biases to balancing work and personal life, they discuss the unique struggles that women in law often encounter.

They also shed light on the positive aspects of their careers, including the satisfaction of helping clients and the sense of accomplishment that comes with winning cases. Additionally, they offer advice for aspiring female lawyers, including the importance of finding a mentor and the need to advocate for oneself.

This episode provides a glimpse into the experiences of women in the law industry and the ways in which they are striving to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Debby Lim - linkedin.com/in/debby-lim-43a27a26

Kimarie Cheang - linkedin.com/in/kimarie-cheang

Seow Hui Goh - linkedin.com/in/seow-hui-晓慧-goh-吴-a997b66a

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:
00:20 Intro 
01:25 Was becoming a partner in law firm part of the plan? 
03:45 Becoming Female Lawyers 
09:39 Facing Unfairness as a Woman 
14:37 Experience Serving Underrepresented Communities 
16:11 Being a Female Leader in a Male-Dominated Industry 
20:40 Working in an All-Women Team 
23:30 Setting the Tone for Your Team 
24:22 Impostor Syndrome and Feeling Like a Fraud
29:30 Fears and Overcoming Them 
31:14 Balancing Children and Work 
35:36 Greatest Risks Taken
38:03 Doubts and Getting Over Them 
40:02 Advice on Building a Book of Business
44:15 Advice to Aspiring Lawyers Entering Private Practice
46:21 Most Significant Impact/Lesson from Law Practice 
48:45 Rapid Fire Round

In this episode, we delve into the world of criminal law with one of the top criminal lawyers in the business, Sunil Sudheesan. With over a decade of experience, Sunil has become known for his successful track record in representing high-profile clients in some of the most challenging criminal cases. From representing clients accused of white-collar crimes to those facing serious charges like murder, Sunil has seen it all.

We'll explore Sunil's journey into criminal law, his approach to defending clients, and the unique challenges he faces as a criminal lawyer. Sunil will share some of his most memorable cases, and provide insights into the strategies he uses to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of criminal law with Sunil Sudheesan, and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a successful criminal lawyer in today's legal landscape.

Sunil Sudheesan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunil-sudheesan-011ab1a8/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:23 Intro

02:11 Being a Criminal Lawyer

03:06 Working with the late Subhas Sudheesan

04:46 Personal belief as a Criminal Lawyer

06:40 Fighting for the Underdogs

08:55 Huang Na Murder Case

21:50 The One-Eyed Dragon Case

27:38 Representing Oneself in a Case

28:57 The Kallang Body Parts Case

32:18 Dealing with High Pressure as a Lawyer

35:31 The Shift away from Sensational Media

37:42 What to do when Arrested

39:43 First 48 Hours of Getting Arrested

40:42 Incriminating Statements

44:39 Three Things that Hopefully Can be Changed about Singapore’s Criminal Legal System

45:47 Clients Beyond Cases

46:51 Separating Emotions from Work

47:59 Pro-bono Work and Firm Culture

50:28 Diminishing Number of Lawyers Joining Criminal Law

53:16 Supporting the New Generation of Lawyers

54:13 Sunil’s Aspirations Going Forward

55:38 Rapid Fire Round

Shulin sits down with Jean Voronkova to talk about her journey leaving corporate law and how she built multiple passive income streams to enjoy an early retirement in Bali. Jean also opens up about the pushback she received from her family after leaving the corporate world and how they eventually accepted her new life path. 

Born in Singapore, Jean Voronkova worked as a corporate lawyer for several years before taking a leap of faith to pursue her passions full-time. With her engaging personality and unique perspective on life, she has since built a large following on social media and YouTube, where she provides insights on travel, surfing, and living a life of adventure.

A true inspiration to her followers, Jean’s story is a testament to the power of following one's dreams and living life to the fullest.

Jean Voronkova - https://www.youtube.com/@JeanVoronkova

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg