Explore every episode of the podcast On The Go With Manav
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Ash Bhardwaj is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author based in London. He appears as a travel expert on BBC One’s Morning Live, Channel 5 and Sky News.
Before becoming a travel writer, Ash was a ski instructor and science teacher. He is a captain in the British Army Reserve and completed his studies at the University of Nottingham (BA in Philosophy) and King’s College London (MA in Strategic Communications).
His debut book, ‘Why We Travel’, is framed from 20 years of his travel experiences and explores 12 motivations for travel. It was awarded Best Travel Book of 2024 by The Independent. Ash regularly delivers talks and workshops around the themes of the book.
He also produces and presents The First Mile and The Human Advantage podcasts, hosts The Moth storytelling events in London and delivers workshops and keynote talks on leadership, influence, career strategy, storytelling and motivation.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Falling in love with travel after a rugby trip to New Zealand - Starting out in writing and journalism - Writing the first book, 'Why We Travel' - Reflections on fatherhood and career highlights - Putting yourself out there and navigating modern media - Future aspirations and advice to 18-year-old self
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Ria is the CEO and Founder of Matriarch, the business on a mission to help people tackle life’s toughest moments with less fear through education.
Ria’s business developed from a solo blog which covered topics ranging from lifestyle to culture. Her goal is to help at least one person a day, making the world a better, more inclusive place in the process. Now, through game-changing workshops, Matriarch helps schools and companies tackle taboo topics and leave with practical skills to face them.
Ria has two English degrees focused on colonial histories, immigrant narratives, decolonisation and critical race theory. Her knowledge helped her to set up Matriarch along with her first job experience in the Learning & Development industry and her own lived experience.
Ria works with schools, corporate companies and individuals from the ages of 11+. She has also worked with the likes of Verizon, Amazon and FTI. Ria has facilitated workshops to over +400 participants.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Childhood and early influences - Navigating grief - The birth of Matriarch and 2022 being a pivotal year - Balancing work and passion, making sacrifices - Lessons on patience and burnout - Future aspirations for Matriarch and advice to younger self
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Alice Morrison is a full-time adventurer, TV presenter, best-selling author and journalist with over 25 years of experience, including BBC and Sky News.
Alice has been described as ‘Indiana Jones for girls’, travelling to the furthest places on earth and walking through its toughest habitats - she is the first woman to walk The Draa in Morocco. Her adventures include crossing the Sahara on foot, Morocco to Timbuktu, Jordan Trail, Atlas to Atlantic and more.
Alice’s new BBC series, Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabateans is now live. She also hosts the Alice in wAnderland podcast.
In a world first, in 2025, Alice will be walking the length of Saudi Arabia on foot with camels from the border of Jordan to the border of Yemen.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Alice’s upbringing living in different cities and studying Arabic at the University of Edinburgh - Alice’s early career jobs include working as an editor/writer and teaching English as a foreign language and how she found her passion for the Arabic language & culture - How Alice transitioned from writing to television and presenting and eventually landed her own TV show - Alice’s low moments in her career include destroying her non-governmental organisation and how this led to her full-time role in adventuring - Alice’s upcoming adventures and her advice on not stressing but keep working as you are on the right path
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
From Engineering to Personal Branding: A Journey of Passion with Nur Habibah Saidi
Nur Habibah Saidi is a content creator, content strategist and copywriter specialising in personal branding, social media and audience growth.
Nur completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in Malaysia and then moved to Scotland to complete her Master’s degree in the same subject. Nur achieved high grades and worked as a Civil Engineer for a brief period then decided to make a career move into the world of marketing, which is where she discovered her passion in the sector.
Presently, Nur works as a freelance copywriter and works closely with B2B founders and high-ticket coaches on LinkedIn to enhance their personal branding on the platform. She continues to build her own personal brand too.
In the podcast, we discussed: - How Nur decided to change careers from engineering to marketing and personal brand where her true passion lies, going against stereotypical Asian jobs - Nur moved from Malaysia to the UK as an international student to study for her Master’s degree - In Nur’s words on why personal branding is important as part of her service and how to put yourself out there and build a community - Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, overcoming rejection and believing in yourself - Nur’s advice on embracing opportunities and taking risks
LinkedIn: Nur Habibah Saidi
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Hiking Beyond Boundaries: Discovering Passion and Purpose with Peter Elia
Peter Elia is known as ‘The Man Who Hiked The World’. He is also a Lonely Planet and BBC featured journalist and a photographer who travels around the world in search of incredible walks from less travelled paths.
Peter loves to find ways to inspire his audience. Whether that may be off-the-beaten-track destinations or unusual angles on well-known places, he’ll hike any distance, anytime, anywhere to capture the imagination of the reader. So far he’s trekked on four continents and over 30 countries.
His Instagram platform has grown to a loyal community of 75,000 followers, and his work has been featured in BBC Travel, The Guardian, BBC Countryfile Magazine, The Independent, The i paper and elsewhere.
In the podcast, we discussed: - How Peter found his passion for hiking and adventure after his first hike in Nepal - Peter working in the corporate world during his 20s and how he did not go on his second hike until he was in his early 30s - How Peter came up with the name ‘The Man Who Hiked The World’ as part of his identity and used social media to put himself out there to build a supportive community of loyal followers - How a YouTube video posted by Peter from his trip to Greenland opened his doors to the world of journalism, and the journey of overcoming his writing insecurities through time - Peter’s advice on working hard to find your passion in life
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Mindful Leadership and Wellness Retreats with Niki Smirni
Niki Smirni is the creator of Travelgems, Europe’s leading retreat company focused on the body, mind and soul.
Niki is a proud Greek, a mom of twin boys, and her motto is “Think with your HEART, do with your MIND now”. She mentors students and women entrepreneurs and has travelled to over 50 countries. Niki is passionate about well-being and mindfulness and enjoys sharing her knowledge with the travel industry and corporate world.
Before founding Travelgems, Niki worked in various corporate roles in marketing, business development and strategy, and has two master’s degrees - an MBA in mindful leadership and international marketing.
In the podcast, we discussed: - How the personal and professional experiences in Niki’s life helped her to create Travelgems - How Niki embraced spirituality after accepting that her first business did not work out - How Dr. Deepak Chopra accepted to do a wellness retreat with Travelgems last year and for the second time this year - Some of the upcoming retreats for 2024 and 2025 that Travelgems is offering, along with the leaders & themes for guests to immerse themselves - Niki’s two crucial tips to her younger self: no stress and no multitasking
PS - 2025 retreats on Travelgems’ website are selling out fast, book your dream retreat getaway now!
Instagram: @nikismirni / @travelgemscom LinkedIn: Niki Smirni Twitter: @smirnin Contact in the Travelgems website: info@travelgems.com
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Sara Mush is an international award-winning Henna Artist and a leading natural henna supplier in Pakistan.
Sara grew up in Hong Kong where henna was always a part of her culture. After studying Art Foundation at Loughborough University in the UK, Sara returned to Hong Kong where she worked in her dream job for some time before leaving to turn her passion for henna into a profession.
After living in Pakistan for almost 10 years, Sara moved back to Hong Kong in 2023, where she now lives with her husband and two children. Presently, Sara works full-time as an Operations Manager in a wellness and hypnotherapy centre while doing henna on the side.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Sara choosing the unchartered entrepreneurial path of being a Henna Artist in Hong Kong over a stable job trajectory - The challenges of starting over several times as she moved countries first for marriage, then for family and lastly for a brighter future for her kids - Sara believing that everything happens for a reason - COVID-19 giving Sara the opportunity to open a small salon with her mother in Pakistan - Sara’s advice on doing what makes you happy
Instagram: @sarashenna
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Agency Advisor and Co-Living Pioneer: A Dual Path with Robin Bonn
Robin Bonn is an agency advisor and leadership coach to some of the world’s best-known agencies - McCann, MullenLowe and DDB, and leading independents, such as MSQ, AnalogFolk and Stink Studios.
He is the CEO and founder of Co:definery, an advisory and coaching practice that specialises in helping agencies create their own ‘Market of One’. Robin is also the co-founder of Clevernest Property Group, which creates modern and thoughtfully designed Co-Living spaces for working professionals.
Before Robin launched Co:definery in 2016, he spent nearly 20 years in agency growth roles, from start-ups to global networks. Big wins he’s worked on include P&G, Skype, Eurostar, Microsoft, Spotify and more.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Robin’s first job in sales after studying cell biology at university - Robin’s experience during his agency career - How Robin manages his full-time job and side hustle - Robin’s outlook on failure, growth and what motivates him - Robin’s advice to his 18-year-old self
LinkedIn: Robin Bonn
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Andrew Bloch co-founded Frank, one of the UK’s most respected and award-winning PR agencies. In 2020, he stepped down from his day-to-day role as managing partner of the agency. He remains a shareholder in the company.
Presently he runs ‘Andrew Bloch & Associates’ where his portfolio includes non-executive director, board advisory, consultancy and project roles for a range of businesses and agencies, mainly within marketing and communications.
Andrew brings an ultra-effective, practical and straightforward approach, and his extensive trusted network to bring the best people in the business to support when necessary.
In the podcast, we discussed: - How Andrew co-founded Frank PR - The highs and lows while running his PR agency - Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey - Balancing multiple projects / how to avoid burnout - Andrew’s tips on enjoying what you do
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Off the Beaten Path: Adventures Abroad with Tom Page
Tom Page is a travel content creator and a podcast host of ‘The Worst Traveller’ with 100,000+ followers on TikTok. Tom also briefly works as an actor.
Tom was inspired to create content from his personal travel experiences. There were particular moments that shaped his desire to explore the world (mentioned in the episode - yes they are entertaining!).
The Worst Traveller is a podcast of travel stories where trouble is involved - e.g. death threats in India to walking across frozen lakes in Canada.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Tom’s interest in travelling around the world & wild stories on the road - What he was doing after high school - including an unforgettable trip to India - How Tom started podcasting & travel blogging, and how this helped during COVID-19 - Tom’s plan to move abroad to Hong Kong - Tom’s tips on travel blogging & podcasting
Instagram: @tomjpage Podcast: The Worst Traveller Podcast on TikTok: @theworsttraveller / Instagram: @worsttraveller / YouTube: @TheWorstTraveller Also available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Listen Notes, Boomplay Music etc
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Empowering Mental Health: Insights with Tanya Marwaha
Tanya Marwaha is an award-winning mental health, disability and suicide prevention advocate who is passionate about raising awareness of the interconnection between the mind and body.
Tanya struggled with her mental health from a young age and was undiagnosed for 7 years, and eventually was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at age 15.
During the pandemic, Tanya founded Championing Youth Minds which presently supports over 900 young people globally and founded Chronically Strong Blog which aims to help raise awareness surrounding chronic health conditions, invisible disabilities and mental health.
Tanya also strives to break down barriers of the cultural sensitivities around such topics and the stigma attached to mental health and disability in the South Asian community.
TW: Discussions around mental health
In the podcast, we discussed: - Tanya’s mental health journey & diagnoses - Mental health in the South Asian community - Balancing entrepreneurship and a full-time job - Rejection and self-belief - Tanya’s success stories in her career so far & advice she would give to her younger self
LinkedIn: Tanya Marwaha Instagram: @tanyamarwaha_
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Julian Cole is a Strategy Trainer and the Founder of the Strategy Finishing School, a programme with over 4,000 members dedicated to strategists and strategy enthusiasts to get the training they need to become world-class strategists.
Julian’s clients include TikTok, Apple, Uber, Disney, Facebook, Snap, etc.
Julian previously worked as the Head of Comms Planning at BBDO Worldwide where he grew the team to 16 skilled strategists. He also worked at BBHY in New York City where he led the comms plan for the launch of PS4 to become the biggest launch in the history of gaming.
In the podcast, we discussed: - What made Julian want to pursue a career in Strategy - His move from Australia to New York City - The regrets in his career - His work with PS4, a key career highlight - How he founded the Strategy Finishing School
You can find Julian on: Instagram: @byjuliancole LinkedIn & Twitter: Julian Cole YouTube: Strategy Tips - Julian Cole Strategy Finishing School website: https://strategyfinishingschool.com/
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Luke is the Chief Digital and AI Officer at Four Agency Worldwide, a leading independent international media, creative and communications agency. He is responsible for driving digital transformation and harnessing the latest innovations for Four and its clients.
In 2006, Luke graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Classics and joined Four’s first graduate scheme. During the seven years, he worked his way up to Head of Digital and Integrated Content. Afterwards, Luke joined the London Legacy Development Corporation, where he helped transform Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (used for the London Olympics) into a local park for locals.
In late 2015, Luke co-founded Marmelo Digital, a small agency of creative technologists working on everything from websites and apps to VR and exhibition displays. Four bought Marmelo Digital in 2021, and he led the group’s Creative Technology Unit, a team of designers, developers, producers, UX experts, strategists and integration specialists. He continues to tackle large-scale digital platform and transformation issues as well as the use of AI in digital projects.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Studying for a degree that interests you - First job experience at Four Agency - Lessons learned from career development - Navigating creativity and AI in the workplace - Building a creative technology agency - Embracing change with AI and advice on using AI
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Lessons from Adversity: Growth and Resilience with Aaron Pang
Aaron Pang is the bestselling author of the book ‘Unstuck’, encouraging people to forgive their younger selves, trust their current selves, and create their better selves. He is also a 3-time book author and hosts a top 3% globally ranked podcast, Transformative Purpose. Aaron is also a business transformation and personal transformation coach who is able to develop deep conversations - making him a leading thought leader in self-improvement.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Aaron’s experience with Bell’s palsy at ages 20 and 32 - A life-changing incident that took place on April 7 2019, with his first newborn son - His rollercoaster ride at university and his early career experiences - Realizing his passions - Learning to maintain a positive work-life balance
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn
Climbing the Corporate Ladder: From Grad to C-Suite with Tonia Savchenko
Tonia is the Chief Executive, Media at Four Agency Worldwide, one of the leading independent integrated communications agencies in the UK and the Middle East. Tonia started off as a graduate trainee back in 2006 and throughout the past 17 years, she climbed her way to C-suite in the same company. At Four Agency Worldwide, Tonia now leads a business unit of 75 media specialists.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Tonia’s career progression from a grad to C-Suite - Career highlights and special memories - Self-doubt & burnout - Being a working mother - Tonia’s tips and advice for people starting out / in their careers
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn
The Entrepreneurship Mindset; Trying and Succeeding with Manish Sethi
Manish founded Rescued Glass, a social enterprise that up-cycles used glass bottles into innovative household item. This project started as a high school CAS project and a few years later is now established and has worked with many leading institutions around the world. The core behind Rescued Glass is to create impact and make a positive difference; one bottle at a time!
In this podcast we discussed: -His entrepreneurship journey (the highs and lows) -How to make the most of university -The importance of putting yourself out there -Being self aware and reflecting on what success means for you -And a reminder that no one has it all figured out
LinkedIn: Manish Sethi Instagram: @rescued_glass
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn
Unleashing the Power of AI and Data with Robyn D’Arcy
Robyn D’Arcy is the Head of Data at AMV BBDO, a creative advertising agency in London. She is passionate about using the latest AI trends in her data and insights work.
In the podcast, we talk about why AI and data are crucial now, the risks that come with it, and how her French Literature degree led her to work in the data field.
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn
Why do we exist? Awakening Wonder with Sahara-Dolly Mirpuri
This episode features Sahara-Dolly Mirpuri, the author of ‘Mama Gaia', a children's book that seeks to understand our existence. She integrated spirituality into the book, making the story more fascinating.
Sahara tells us how she was inspired to write the book after a powerful experience with a stranger. She also mentioned how she turned her fears on whether people will ‘get’ it into action, as the story has positively impacted children and adults.
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify / Apple Podcast / Google Podcast. You can also stay up to date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn
Overcoming Job Hunt Struggles as an International Student with Idris Din
This episode looks at Idris Din’s journey after completing his Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in the UK as an international student from Malaysia before getting a job in London. He now works at a start-up that connects freelance marketers to other start-ups and scale-ups.
Idris had a range of experiences and two degrees from the university, but he still struggled in the journey to get a graduate job as an international student. In the podcast, we discussed how Idris overcame his job hunt struggles as a fresh grad.
LinkedIn - Idris Affrin
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube, follow @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
How to Achieve your Dream Internship with Samah Nair
This episode highlights Samah Nair’s journey as a former finance placement intern at Warner Bros Entertainment during the 2021-22 academic year in London. After 34 consecutive rejections, Samah’s chance to secure an internship before her final year of university was limited. After applying to Warner Bros, she did not expect to beat out hundreds of applicants to land her dream internship. During the podcast, we discuss Samah’s experience working at Warner Bros, what she did to get the role and how it has prepared her for future opportunities.
This episode discusses Stella Kozmér's journey as a first-year PhD Medical Studies student at the University of Exeter specialising in eating disorders. In 2022, Stella graduated with a First Class Degree in Psychology at the University of Exeter. Her original plan was to attend medical school, but this did not work out. During the podcast, we discuss Stella's journey since receiving her PhD offer at age 22 and how she's dealt with rejection and imposter syndrome over the past few months.
Martin works at Perfetti Van Melle as Global Marketing Manager, leading the global strategy for the iconic Chupa Chups (lollipop) brand across global markets. He has over 15 years of experience in marketing and product/portfolio management.
Martin was born and raised in Brazil. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, he moved to the US for three years to gain more experience living abroad. Martin moved cities every six months and completed internships in various industries.
After moving back to Brazil, he worked in some marketing roles, including the popular Mars company as a Product Manager, before moving to Perfetti Van Melle. For the past three years, he has been based at the global headquarters in the Netherlands, playing a crucial role in helping expand the brand’s international presence and driving strategic marketing initiatives across Asia, Europe, and EMEA.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Growing up in Brazil - Living abroad in the US - Lessons from 20s - Career path to a global marketing leadership position - Moving abroad again, this time to Amsterdam - Advice for aspiring marketers and reflections on life
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Chris Tang is an entrepreneur, the Director at Star Anise Limited in Hong Kong, and an ex-Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) lawyer. He is also the Chair of the University of Exeter Hong Kong Alumni.
Chris was born and raised in the UK and studied law at the University of Exeter (Class of 1996). After graduation, he trained with a Top 20 UK law firm (Irwin Mitchell) as a Corporate M&A lawyer and then worked in two major commercial law firms.
In 2010, Chris moved to Hong Kong to set up a legal recruitment business with his sister (Star Anise). With no contacts and no experience in the recruitment industry, he immersed himself and quickly developed a client and candidate base.
In 2021, Chris co-founded Star Anise Leadership and Training (SALT) - the education and training for lawyers that law schools won’t, and in the same year, co-founded YUZU, which aims to empower lawyers with dynamic career opportunities that align with their professional aspirations and personal lifestyle preferences.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Growing up in the UK - Student life at the University of Exeter - Transitioning from law to entrepreneurship - Building a network in a new city - The impact of AI on the legal profession - Lessons learned throughout the career
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Kelly Forbes is the founder of A’ARU Collective, a luxury hotel booking platform dedicated to redefining luxury travel through meaningful, responsible, and transformative experiences.
Kelly began her career at the age of 18, leaving college to join Carrier Luxury Holidays, where she spent eight years honing her expertise in high-end travel. She then embarked on two years of global exploration, deepening her understanding of diverse cultures and destinations. Following her travels, she built a distinguished career in sales and marketing, working with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.
In 2020, Kelly returned to education as a mature student at Oxford Brookes University, graduating in 2023 with First Class Honours in Business and Marketing Management. That same year, she stepped away from her role as Director of Sales and Marketing at a leading B Corp-certified travel PR agency to focus fully on building A’ARU Collective.
Committed to shaping the future of sustainable luxury travel, Kelly now has her sights set on pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainable Leadership.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Putting others before yourself - Resilience in the travel industry - Navigating the challenges of 2020 - Going to university later in life as an adult - Transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship - Take more opportunities and travel
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Mush Panjwani is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Coffee Wagera – one of the fastest-growing coffee shop chains in Pakistan. He is also a certified ‘happiness trainer’ and trains at corporate and non-profit events.
Mush has been a successful sales trainer and motivational speaker for over 30 years. He has worked with corporates, entrepreneurs, managers and sales teams in 20 countries across Asia Pacific. He is also the author of “Dhinchak Life” – a book about living a fantastic life.
Mush started his career as a Tutor for a couple of years then dropped out of university to pursue a career in sales and marketing in Pakistan and later Hong Kong. Since 2017, he’s been based in Pakistan continuing to further grow his coffee business in the country.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Climbing up the corporate ladder - Getting fired - Being positive and looking for the good in every situation - Transitioning from a corporate job into entrepreneurship - The birth of a coffee brand - Setting goals and commitments
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Underwear, Uncertainty & Unbreakable Grit with Luigi La Tona
Luigi La Tona is the founder of ThunderWear Asia, empowering men in their choices of the first clothing items they put on each day and helping them ‘feel like thunder, down under’. Currently, he lives in Singapore with his family.
Before Luigi became an entrepreneur, he started his career as a volunteer firefighter in Canada while working at Home Depot. After backpacking around the world and becoming a scuba diving instructor while teaching in various countries, he moved to Hong Kong to work in corporate for a number of years and then relocated to Singapore in 2019, where he pursued an MBA at the National University of Singapore.
While Luigi pursued his MBA, he was the COO, then CEO, and then the Director of Operations at a Singapore based self-storage company. He left his corporate job in October 2024 to pursue his business, ThunderWear Asia, full-time.
In the podcast, we discussed: - The initial dream of becoming a firefighter - Getting life experience by ‘just doing’ - You’re never too old to start something new - Not caring about what others think - The inspiration behind ‘ThunderWear Asia’ - Transitioning into entrepreneurship from the corporate world
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
OWN Your Journey: Career, Education, and Entrepreneurship with Natalie Chan
Natalie Chan is an entrepreneur, film producer, engineer, and educator. Before entrepreneurship, Natalie worked at Deloitte as a consultant and afterwards worked in various side jobs in the education field while completing her Master’s of Education degree. Natalie also worked in film production, where she realised she could create something out of nothing.
In 2016, she founded OWN Academy, a career education company developing young talent through hands-on career experiences. Currently, her team is building the One World Network, a global community transforming employers into educators.
Natalie’s diverse achievements include being selected as a Davos 50 Global Shaper, being an Ashoka Changemaker x Change fellow in 2019, and in 2021, she was awarded a fellowship by the Cartier’s Women Initiative as one of 24 female entrepreneurs around the world making an impact with their work.
In the podcast, we discussed: - How Natalie felt lost when she attended boarding school in the US during her teen years while trying to figure out her self-identity - How Natalie got a job at Deloitte during the 2009 financial crisis and realised that instead, she enjoyed understanding how people work and think - Post Deloitte: Natalie moved back to Hong Kong, started her Master’s Degree, worked in different jobs until she started her own company, and continuously dealt with her parents’ expectations throughout her career journey - How Natalie founded OWN Academy and her future vision for the company. At the moment, she is on a 15-30-year roadmap plan to turn her dreams of building her own school into reality - Natalie’s lessons as an entrepreneur, the dark side of entrepreneurship, what motivates her, and her advice to those who are 21 years old or younger
Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow the same name on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.
Juggling Passions, Profession, and Family Life with Muskkan Samtani
Muskkan Samtani is a financial planner & entrepreneur by day and a broadcaster on RTHK Radio 3 by night where she co-hosts and interviews many South Asian celebrities on her show called Network South Asia.
If that isn’t enough to keep her busy, she plays cricket on the weekends, is a mom of two, and is an avid presenter and emcee, hosting many prestigious events, including her favourite sport, cricket.
Muskkan was born in India and raised in Canada before moving to Hong Kong a few years after university, where she presently lives with her family. She worked in marketing, events, and business development before working in financial planning.
In the podcast, we discussed: - Muskkan’s first job experience during university at General Motors, which was also her favourite job, working in their regional marketing department - Moving to Hong Kong, getting married at the age of 24 and how this affected her personal and professional life - Muskkan’s entrepreneurship journey in Hong Kong, exploring diverse ventures in different industries (e.g. tech/food & beverage) and the lessons learnt along the way - The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in your journey, dealing with failure and burnout - Muskkan’s present work in broadcasting and financial planning and how becoming a working mother has affected the choices she makes
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