The Thriving Misfits

Welcome to The Thriving Misfits…a space for anyone who’s ever felt like a square peg in a round hole.Here, we turn that feeling into strength. Through honest conversations, our guests share what it really takes to challenge expectations, navigate different worlds, and find where you belong.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit… you’re in the right place.Come as you are. Own your difference. Subscribe and thrive with us!

The Thriving Misfits is a education podcast hosted by Fyiona Yong, with 50 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Fyiona Yong hosts The Thriving Misfits, a education show with 50 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #7

  S3E7: Ivan Ng - The Visibility Gap

  Sep 24, 202642 minS3

  Why do so many high-performing Asian professionals stay overlooked despite doing everything “right”? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , Fyiona Yong sits down with Ivan Ng, a senior supply chain leader with 14 years of experience across APAC, having worked with global brands such as Sephora, Nike, Apple, British American Tobacco, and The Coca-Cola Company. Together, they unpack the uncomfortable truth behind the bamboo ceiling, why many Asian leaders struggle with self-promotion, and why great work alone is often not enough to get noticed. From navigating the tension between humility and visibility to owning your personal brand without feeling inauthentic, this conversation challenges the belief that hard work always speaks for itself. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-recognized, or stuck despite delivering results, this episode is for you.

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  Episode #6

  S3E6: Curtis Baker - Storytelling as a Bridge

  Jul 11, 202641 minS3

  What happens when you spend your life feeling like an outsider and discover that it's actually your greatest leadership strength? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Curtis Baker, a DEI leader and advocate based in Asia, to explore what it means to lead across cultures while embracing the identity of a misfit. From moving to China with no long-term plan to building a life and career across Asia, Curtis shares how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to be uncomfortable opened doors he never expected. Together, we discuss: • What it means to be a cultural misfit • Why diversity starts with embracing differences • The power of curiosity and lifelong learning • How language can become a bridge instead of a barrier • Leading with humility in unfamiliar environments • Building belonging while navigating different cultures Whether you're working across cultures, living abroad, or simply trying to find your place in the world, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, identity, and connection.

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  Episode #5

  S3E5: Charissa Tan - Redefining Strength for Women

  Jun 27, 202632 minS3

  What if the thing that makes you different is exactly what makes you successful? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Charissa Tan, fitness entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of one of Penang's fastest-growing fitness communities. Carissa shares her unconventional journey from social entrepreneurship and corporate life to building a thriving fitness business rooted in connection, belonging, and personal transformation. Growing up in a culture that often rewarded conformity, she reflects on what it means to embrace your uniqueness, stand out from the crowd, and create a life aligned with who you truly are. We explore:• Why being a "misfit" can become your greatest strength• The pressure to fit in and the courage to stand out• How community shapes confidence, growth, and resilience• Turning a pandemic passion into a successful business• What fitness can teach us about identity and belonging If you've ever felt different, out of place, or unsure whether to follow the conventional path, this conversation is for you.

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  Episode #4

  S3E4: Belinda Esterhammer - The Cost of Being the Bridge

  Jun 13, 202641 minS3

  What if your greatest strength is the very thing that once made you feel like you didn't belong? In this episode of The Thriving Misfits , I sit down with Belinda Esterhammer, CEO of The DO Asia, social innovator, educator, and community leader, to explore what it means to be a bridge between different worlds. Growing up in Austria with Chinese roots and building a career across cultures, Belinda shares her experience of navigating life between identities, languages, expectations, and communities. Together, we unpack the invisible emotional labor of being the person who connects people, translates perspectives, and creates understanding across differences. We discuss: • The hidden costs of constantly adapting to others • Why bridge-builders often carry unseen emotional labor • How living between cultures shapes identity and leadership • The opportunities and tensions that come with being "in-between" • How to stay true to yourself while connecting with different worlds If you've ever felt too much of one thing and not enough of another, this conversation is for you. Because sometimes the people who don't fit neatly into a box are the ones uniquely positioned to bring others together.

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  Episode #3

  S3E3: Vanessa Iloste - The Strength of Quiet Leadership

  May 30, 202649 minS3

  <p>What does it really mean to lead across cultures, identities, and expectations? </p><p>In this episode of The Thriving Misfits, Vanessa Iloste shares her journey from France to Asia and the lessons she’s learned about connection, creativity, and the hidden work of bridging different worlds. </p><p>A powerful conversation on leadership, belonging, and thriving beyond labels.</p>

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