On My Own Terms is the podcast for career change, life pivots, and redefining success in today’s fast-changing world.
Hosted by John Lim—whose journey spans banking, entrepreneurship, tech startups, and e-commerce—it explores what it takes to build a meaningful career, especially in Asia where traditions run deep. From launching Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag business to navigating layoffs during the tech winter, John has lived the challenges of reinvention.
Each episode dives into real conversations with career changers, entrepreneurs, and unconventional thinkers, uncovering mindset shifts, strategies, and practical tips. If you’re exploring new career paths, adapting to the age of AI, or rethinking what success means, you’ll find inspiration, insights, and action steps here.
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#043: How AI is changing B2B sales in Asia ft. Marcus Cheu | #Uncut
Season 2 · Episode 6
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 05:49
In this uncut clip from On My Own Terms, tech founder Marcus Cheu explains why B2B lead generation in APAC is harder than in the US. Cold email strategies that work in the West often fail in Asia due to different buyer behaviour, trust dynamics, and communication preferences.
Marcus shares why prospects read but don’t reply, why mobile-first markets favour WhatsApp over email, and why Western outbound playbooks don’t translate to Southeast Asia.
🔍 Scale Score™— Free Quick Diagnostic for SMB Founders
Running a business that’s generating revenue but still feels heavier than it should?
Scale Score™ is a free short diagnostic designed for SMB founders to pinpoint where growth is actually getting stuck — across sales, delivery, positioning, and systems.
Most businesses don’t need more tactics or tools.They need clarity on the real constraint before investing time, money, or energy (including things like AI).
If you want a clearer signal on what to fix next — and what to ignore for now — 👉 Take the free Scale Score™:https://bit.ly/3MC4aiE
🎯Find practical tools and resources to guide your journey:
Salesforce: A global cloud-based software company where Marcus previously worked before transitioning into entrepreneurship. 🔗 https://www.salesforce.com
Apollo.ai: All-in-one platform for B2B sales prospecting. Find verified contacts, automate outreach, and close deals faster with AI-powered insights. 🔗 https://get.apollo.io/8yponvev3s15
The Hard Thing About Hard Things (by Ben Horowitz): A book discussed in the episode — known for its honest take on the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Source of “If you’re gonna eat sh*t, don’t nibble”🔗 https://amzn.to/4ocYwRO
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future (by Peter Thiel, Blake Masters): Another great book on entrepreneurship and building startups. 🔗https://amzn.to/3JgWnpb
The Michelin Men: Driving an Empire: Book about the remarkable story of how the Michelin brothers who turned the sleepy family rubber firm in the heart of rural France into one of the most innovative and successful tire makers in the world. Spoiler: Michelin Guide is part of the story. 🔗 https://amzn.to/3WomihH / https://amzn.to/4ogfPSe
About the host John Lim:
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
Note:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share tools, books, and resources I genuinely find useful or inspiring. Thanks for supporting the podcast!
#042: How Sustainability Is Changing Corporate and SME Growth ft. Janissa Ng | #Uncut
Season 2 · Episode 5
Friday, January 23, 2026 • Duration 04:42
In this uncut segment from On My Own Terms, Janissa Ng, Sustainability Communications Consultant and Certified ESG Analyst, dives deep into how sustainability and ESG are reshaping industries — from large corporations to SMEs. She discusses how retail and consumer goods sectors are transforming after COVID, how sustainability has become a powerful differentiator for brands, and what smaller businesses can realistically do to make an impact.
Janissa also unpacks the realities of ESG disclosure standards in the EU, supply chain resilience, and why collaboration between corporates, startups, and SMEs is key to real progress. She highlights how consumers, too, play a critical role in driving sustainable change through their choices and awareness.
If you’ve ever wondered how sustainability applies beyond big organizations or what ESG truly means for small businesses and consumers, this uncut conversation offers valuable perspective.
*Executive branding sprint (ideal for people in career transitions) at exclusive rate for podcast audience (YOU) → Quote “Podcast Executive Branding” when you contact Janissa
🔍 Scale Score™— Free Quick Diagnostic for SMB Founders
#034: The ONE Mindset Shift That Turned an Engineer Into a Founder ft. Kriang Khanijomdi
Season 2 · Episode 9
Thursday, December 18, 2025 • Duration 01:03:50
Meet Kriang Khanijomdi — a Shopify veteran turned startup founder and the creator of PuppetVendors, a multi-vendor marketplace used by e-commerce brands worldwide.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, host John Lim explores Kriang’s journey from big tech to entrepreneurship — the pressure of being the “last line of defense,” taking risks in your 30s, and the mindset shifts needed to build beyond your comfort zone.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
👉 Why solving a problem you personally experienced is the strongest foundation for a startup
👉 The biggest mindset shift from being a corporate employee to becoming a founder
👉 How AI is reshaping the future of e-commerce, small business, and product development
👉 Why conviction matters more than timing, and how to stay in the game long enough to see results
👉 The hidden skills from corporate life that become superpowers in entrepreneurship
👉 How to manage time, reflect daily, and build momentum without burning out
👉 What “living life on your own terms” means after transitioning out of big tech
—-----------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Why People Quit Too Early
02:02 Introduction
02:33 Who is Kriang Khanijomdi
04:47 What Shopify Taught Him About Winning
19:56 A 10-Year Problem Became His Business
33:11 Why He Says NO to Customers (On Purpose)
33:54 How He Levels Up
36:18 The Toughest Part of Building
#033: What Really Happens When You Leave the Military for the Corporate World? ft. Vik Zeng
Season 2 · Episode 8
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • Duration 01:01:09
Meet Vik Zeng — a former SAF intelligence officer who walked away from a stable, structured system to reinvent his entire career from scratch.
From military intelligence to consulting, leadership development, and the private sector, Vik’s story is one of courage, identity loss, resilience, and the messy reality of a mid-career switch in Singapore.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, host John Lim sits down with Vik to unpack the emotional and practical truth behind a military-to-corporate transition. No glamorised story. No quick wins. Just an honest look at rejection, uncertainty, self-doubt, and the mindset needed to find clarity when your old identity no longer fits.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
👉How leaving the military triggered an identity crisis — and why many mid-career professionals feel the same
👉The emotional journey of starting over and facing rejection during a career pivot
👉The most transferable skills ex-military and PMETs already have (but often overlook)
👉Why “the problems you solve determine your paycheck”
👉How to evaluate job offers without falling into fear-based decisions
👉The mental frameworks Vik used to navigate a career transition in Singapore’s competitive job market
👉Why taking action creates clarity — and overthinking doesn’t
👉How millennials can build resilience, adaptability, and relevance in a fast-changing work landscape
👉What Singapore professionals need to know about switching industries in 2025 and beyond
—-----------------------------
#032: When Your Career Looks Like a Playlist on Shuffle | Kelly Lim
Season 2 · Episode 7
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 • Duration 38:22
Meet Kelly Lim — a Singapore-based professional who’s built one of the most unconventional, fascinating careers you’ll ever hear about. From helping grieving families as a funeral undertaker to navigating the chaos of crypto and thriving in Fortune 500 tech sales, Kelly’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, courage, and finding humor in the unexpected.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, host John Lim sits down with Kelly to unpack her extraordinary journey — one that proves you don’t need a perfect plan to build a meaningful career.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
How she went from the family funeral business to tech sales
Lessons from surviving the crypto industry and dealing with dishonesty
The real reason she started posting on TikTok — and how she turned it into a paid side hustle
What most people get wrong about content creation
Why AI will never replace salespeople — and what humans still do better
—--------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:10 She Chose Death Over Taxes
06:45 Inside the Wild World of Crypto
10:50 How Curiosity Became Her Superpower
13:22 Why She Started Posting on TikTok
23:11 When Work and Content Collide
23:57 Her Secret to Balancing It All
26:52 Can AI Really Replace Salespeople?
#031: From Salesforce Layoff to Building AI Startup with Brother ft. Marcus Cheu
Season 2 · Episode 6
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 53:18
What happens when you get laid off from a dream job — and decide to turn that setback into your biggest leap forward?
Meet Marcus Cheu — a former Salesforce professional who lost his job during the tech layoffs and used that moment to redefine his career completely. Instead of returning to corporate life, Marcus chose to build something of his own — a startup born out of curiosity, courage, and conviction.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, Marcus sits down with John Lim to share his raw, unfiltered journey of embracing uncertainty, building from scratch, and learning to trust the process — even when there’s no roadmap. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to create a life and career on your own terms.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
Why he left the corporate path to pursue entrepreneurship
Lessons from failing, pivoting, and rebuilding
The hardest part of building something from scratch
The truth about working with a sibling as co-founder (and why a “founder prenup” matters)
How Southeast Asia’s B2B sales landscape differs from the US
Why curiosity beats talent in an age of AI and change
How AI is reshaping lead generation—and what founders should focus on before automating
—--------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:42 Who is Marcus Cheu?
04:53 When Success Stops Feeling Like Success
14:52 Would You Start a Business with Family?
#030: From Corporate PR to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Consultant: Why Janissa Ng Bet on Herself Mid-Career
Season 2 · Episode 5
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 • Duration 01:04:15
What happens when you walk away from a successful 10+ year corporate career to start over — as a student, in a new country?
Meet Janissa Ng — a former Senior Account Director from Singapore who took a bold leap to rebuild her career in sustainability. After over a decade in corporate communications, she left everything behind to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany, eventually crafting a remote, purpose-driven portfolio career on her own terms.
In this episode of On My Own Terms, Janissa opens up about her journey of starting over, finding freedom through flexibility, and redefining what success means in your 30s and 40s. If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or wondering whether it’s too late to start over — this conversation is your permission slip to rethink what success looks like.
💬 In this episode, we talk about:
What inspired Janissa to leave her corporate career and move to Germany
How she managed studying abroad debt-free in mid-career
The challenges of starting over and finding purpose again
Building a remote, portfolio-style career in sustainability
The reality of burnout and how to create meaningful work-life balance
Why it’s okay to stop chasing titles and start designing your own path
This is an honest, heartfelt story for anyone in their 30s or 40s who’s questioning their path, craving change, or looking for meaning beyond the 9-to-5.
🎧 Watch till the end for Janissa’s lessons on freedom, identity, and building a career that feels truly yours.
#029: From $13/Hour Job to AI Founder: Rizuan on Automation, Career Pivots & the Future of Work
Season 2 · Episode 4
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 58:19
In this episode of On My Own Terms, I sit down with Mohd Rizuan, founder of Rice Labs, to talk about career pivots, building a business around AI and automation, and what the future of work means for everyday professionals.
Rizuan’s journey is anything but typical:
From marketing & sales to tinkering with AI tools before they were mainstream
Taking a $13/hour part-time job just to buy himself time to build his startup
Helping agencies and SMBs scale without hiring more headcount through automation
Busting the myth that AI is instant — and why it takes real work to make it reliable
Sharing how patience with results and impatience with action became his formula for growth
We also dive into:
Real-world examples of automation that save hours every week
The hidden effort behind good AI prompts & why “prompt engineering” matters
What it means to stay “lean” as a business in the AI era
Rizuan’s perspective on Agentic AI and why we’re still early in adoption
If you’ve ever wondered how to future-proof your career, use AI effectively, or make the leap from corporate life into entrepreneurship — this conversation will give you both practical takeaways and a dose of inspiration.
Takeaway Quote
“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” – Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: The AI Shift We’re Not Ready For
#028: How This Working Mom Went From Tech Burnout to Helping Others Make Work Feel Like Play | Shuyi Goh
Season 2 · Episode 3
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 • Duration 49:25
#CareerPivot #BurnoutRecovery #RedefiningSuccess
Feeling stuck in your career or battling burnout? 💡
Shu Yi “Shuyi” Goh is a Gallup‑Certified CliftonStrengths coach and founder of The Strengths Co, specializing in helping mid‑career professionals discover their innate talents and build fulfilling careers. With over 16 years in technology and leadership roles at Accenture, Standard Chartered Bank, and Salesforce, she now blends strategic business frameworks with positive psychology to guide individuals through bold career transformations.
In this episode, Shuyi shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to launching a strengths‑based coaching practice, and provides actionable insights on career pivots, playing to your strengths, and leveraging AI tools for personal and professional growth.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
How Shuyi turned corporate burnout into a purposeful career pivot.
Why CliftonStrengths (Gallup StrengthsFinder) is key to unlocking career growth.
Practical strengths-based coaching strategies to break free from feeling stuck.
How to use AI like ChatGPT as a tool for personal and career development.
Essential lessons for solopreneurs on finances, business setup, and resilience.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
03:42 Who is Shuyi Goh?
04:53 Why I Walked Away from a “Successful” Career
07:26 The Breaking Point
13:17 Starting Over Isn’t Easy — Here’s How I Did It
#027: I Was Laid Off. What Came Next Shocked Me | Michael Foo
Season 2 · Episode 2
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 • Duration 55:05
“I lost my job… and it changed everything.”
In this raw and inspiring episode, Michael Foo reveals how being let go from a top tech company at age 49 forced him to question his identity, confront cultural shame, and completely redefine what success means.
Instead of letting the setback break him, Michael turned it into the greatest opportunity of his life — to build a career filled with purpose, not just titles.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job, scared of a career change, or lost after a layoff, Michael’s story will show you that rock bottom can be the start of something greater.
🔥 What you’ll discover in this episode:
The emotional truth about being laid off (that no one talks about)
Why so many of us tie self-worth to our jobs — and how to break free
The 3 powerful questions Michael asked himself to rebuild his life
How to turn setbacks into stepping stones for a meaningful career
👉 Whether you’re going through a career transition, recovering from a layoff, or searching for purpose beyond your paycheck, this episode will give you the clarity and courage to take the next step.
💡 If you’ve ever asked yourself “What should I do after being laid off?” or “Am I more than my job?” — this conversation is for you.
Running a business that’s generating revenue but still feels heavier than it should?
Scale Score™ is a free short diagnostic designed for SMB founders to pinpoint where growth is actually getting stuck — across sales, delivery, positioning, and systems.
Most businesses don’t need more tactics or tools.They need clarity on the real constraint before investing time, money, or energy (including things like AI).
If you want a clearer signal on what to fix next — and what to ignore for now — 👉 Take the free Scale Score™:https://bit.ly/3MC4aiE
🎯Find practical tools and resources to guide your journey:
ChatGPT (OpenAI): Conversational AI platform for idea generation and workflows. https://chatgpt.com
WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature): Environmental organization where Janissa previously worked, focused on wildlife conservation and sustainability. https://www.worldwildlife.org
About the host John Lim:
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
📌 Keywords: sustainability in Singapore, ESG for SMEs, corporate ESG roles, supply chain sustainability, sustainability communication, retail transformation, consumer behavior, ESG trends 2025, sustainability disclosure, circular economy, sustainability in business
🔍 Scale Score™— Free Quick Diagnostic for SMB FoundersRunning a business that’s generating revenue but still feels heavier than it should?
Scale Score™ is a free short diagnostic designed for SMB founders to pinpoint where growth is actually getting stuck — across sales, delivery, positioning, and systems.
Most businesses don’t need more tactics or tools. They need clarity on the real constraint before investing time, money, or energy (including things like AI).If you want a clearer signal on what to fix next — and what to ignore for now —
👉 Take the free Scale Score™: https://bit.ly/3MC4aiE
🎯Find practical tools and resources to guide your journey:
Support the podcast here: https://buymeacoffee.com/onmyownterms
📌 References, Recommendations & Resources:
✅Shopify — Where Kriang learned shipping intensity and product execution. Start your Shopify free trial here 🔗 https://bit.ly/48tXjQL
✅Puppet Vendors — Shopify app that helps Shopify store owners convert their store into a full-fledge Multi-Vendor marketplace. Drop-shippers, marketplaces, and consignment businesses also commonly use the app to help better manage their sales, commissions, and payout reporting with 3rd party vendors. Click link for 14-day Free trial: 🔗https://bit.ly/4oJTHz2
✅ AI as an Enabler — How Kriang uses AI to speed up execution and decisions. 🔗 https://bit.ly/44h6JMU
✅ Rie Park Institute – OD Theories Map: Referenced for explaining the wide range of OD and leadership theories used in development work. 🔗 https://www.riepark.org / https://bit.ly/486ySc9
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
Note:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the podcast!
Gong — A leading revenue intelligence platform used by sales teams to analyze calls, meetings, and emails. Powered by AI, it helps improve sales performance by tracking communication patterns, talk ratios, and deal insights. 🔗 https://www.gong.io/ / https://bit.ly/3Jq2NT3
CapCut — A powerful, user-friendly video editing software by ByteDance. Kelly uses the Pro version on PC for editing her TikTok videos — ideal for creators seeking professional results with simple workflows. 🔗 https://www.capcut.com/https://bit.ly/498qlWT
Sales EQ: How Ultra High Performers Leverage Sales-Specific Emotional Intelligence to Close the Complex Deal - by Jeb Blount: https://amzn.to/3Xh2mxr
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
Note:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share tools, books, and resources I genuinely find useful or inspiring. Thanks for supporting the podcast!
Salesforce: A global cloud-based software company where Marcus previously worked before transitioning into entrepreneurship.🔗 https://www.salesforce.com
OpenAI: The artificial intelligence research company behind ChatGPT — mentioned in the episode while discussing how AI is reshaping sales, creativity, and productivity.🔗 https://openai.com
Apollo.ai: All-in-one platform for B2B sales prospecting. Find verified contacts, automate outreach, and close deals faster with AI-powered insights. 🔗 https://get.apollo.io/8yponvev3s15
The Hard Thing About Hard Things (by Ben Horowitz): A book discussed in the episode — known for its honest take on the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Source of “If you’re gonna eat sh*t, don’t nibble”🔗 https://amzn.to/4ocYwRO
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future (by Peter Thiel, Blake Masters): Another great book on entrepreneurship and building startups. 🔗https://amzn.to/3JgWnpb
The Michelin Men: Driving an Empire: Book about the remarkable story of how the Michelin brothers who turned the sleepy family rubber firm in the heart of rural France into one of the most innovative and successful tire makers in the world. Spoiler: Michelin Guide is part of the story. 🔗https://amzn.to/3WomihH / https://amzn.to/4ogfPSe
Note:
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share tools, books, and resources I genuinely find useful or inspiring. Thanks for supporting the podcast!
*Executive branding sprint (ideal for people in career transitions) at exclusive rate for podcast audience (YOU) → Quote “Podcast Executive Branding” when you contact Janissa
🎯Find practical tools and resources to guide your journey:
ChatGPT (OpenAI): Conversational AI platform for idea generation and workflows. https://chatgpt.com
WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature): Environmental organization where Janissa previously worked, focused on wildlife conservation and sustainability. https://www.worldwildlife.org
About the host John Lim:
Born and bred in Singapore, John is a husband, father and a curious business and tech enthusiast. John began his career in banking, co-founded Singapore’s largest indoor laser tag events company, led regional business development for a tech startup, and took a leap into e-commerce just before the Covid pandemic hit. Just when he thought he was crushing it at his dream company, he got laid off in the tech winter. In his journey, he's embraced uncertainty, growth, and reinvention—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same.
(career pivot stories, burnout recovery journey, mid-career change inspiration, career coaching tips, AI in personal development, how to deal with burnout at work, career transition motivation)
(career transition, life after layoff, what to do after being laid off, finding purpose after job loss, career change success stories, laid off from tech job, stuck in my job what to do, how to reinvent yourself after job loss, redefining success, purpose beyond paycheck, career advice for millennials, how to bounce back after being laid off, self-worth and career, meaning of success career change, is my job my identity)#OnMyOwnTerms #LayoffRecovery #CareerTransition #CareerChange #FindingPurpose #LifeReset #career #CareerGrowth #Singapore #RedefiningSuccess #Millenial #StartOver #WorkLife #Jobs #RealTalkPodcast
