The Side Hustle Club

In this episode, we will look at the five characteristics I see in the most successful podcasters I know. These are internal qualities — ways of thinking, ways of working — that shape everything you create. Characteristics that help you build not just a show… but a body of work. Whether you're just starting out, or you've been at this for a while and feel like your podcast could go deeper, I hope today's episode helps you reflect — and recommit — to the kind of creator you want to be.  In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:35) Characteristic 1 (04:06) Characteristic 2  (06:31) Characteristic 3 (08:30) Characteristic 4 (11:58) Characteristic 5 (15:31) Closing Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter    The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: https://cheryllau.com/email  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.  

Most people start building an online presence with one goal in mind: to be seen. To grow an audience, promote their work, and build credibility.But over time, that purpose often shifts. For those who stick with it, who keep showing up with intention, an online presence can become something far more meaningful. It becomes a platform to advocate for the things that truly matter. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Van Alstyne to talk about what it means to create content that goes beyond visibility. Jennifer is the owner of The Academic Designer LLC, and she empowers professors to feel confident showing up online through website design, social media, and bio writing. Because ultimately, your platform isn't just about you. It can be a powerful tool for change, if you choose to use it that way. This is a conversation about advocacy, community, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, with your values at the center. In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:40) Showing up after hate comments and going viral (06:11) Reviewing Jennifer's past content  (09:24) Developing your character as an entrepreneur  (12:56) Separating personal challenges from business  (16:34) Finding community online  (20:58) Realizing you are making an impact via your content  (24:38) Low engagement and small audience size  (28:44) Changes amidst AI (31:39) Safety vs AI (36:24) The meaning behind your work (40:30) Actionable Takeaways  Connect with Jennifer van Alstyne   Website: https://theacademicdesigner.com/ Website: https://jennifervanalstyne.com/ Work with Jennifer: https://higheredpr.as.me/meet-with-jennifer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervanalstyne/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenvanalstyne.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@higheredpr Instagram: http://instagram.com/higheredpr YouTube: http://youtube.com/@higheredpr Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0BCuleBpXeRcpko3t3AYC4?si=a2e570d559354141 Facebook: https://facebook.com/higheredpr X: http://x.com/higheredpr Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter    The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: https://cheryllau.com/email  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

There's a reason most people never become known for their thought leadership. It's not because they lack ideas… But because they haven't done the work to build their credibility or subject matter expertise. Today's guest is Simone Heng, a human connection specialist and award-winning author. Simone's mission is to inspire deeper connection in a world that's increasingly disconnected. Her book Let's Talk About Loneliness has received six international accolades. She's also spoken to thousands (ex: Harvard, Google, Meta, the United Nations, and more), and her work has been featured by CNN, Al Jazeera, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and BBC Radio. Simone built her career in thought leadership not through shortcuts, but through years of intentional work - Educating herself, building a credible brand, and publishing ideas that are not only polished, but profound. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to play the long game in a world that rewards speed… This is the conversation.  In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:57) “I've never seen an Asian woman speak like that”  (03:13) Developing a subject matter expertise  (07:17) Choosing your topic of expertise  (09:20) Being told to hide parts of you  (10:41) The behind the scenes work (12:36) Your story isn't enough  (16:09) Do you need a PhD to be a thought leader?  (22:24) Reviewing Simone's past content  (26:52) Become a speaker or author  (30:49) What's next for Simone  (35:43) Actionable Takeaways  Connect with Simone Heng   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simoneheng  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-heng-speaker  Website: https://simoneheng.com  Thought Leaders Now: https://www.thoughtleadersnow.com  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter    The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: https://cheryllau.com/email  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

There's a moment when we're taught to quiet ourselves. Maybe someone said they couldn't understand your accent. Maybe you were told you were “too much.” Or maybe something happened that made you start playing small just to stay safe. And so your voice - your real voice - gets buried under layers of doubt, conditioning, and fear… But what happens when you decide you're done with that? Today's guest is Jam Gamble, an educator, award-winning media personality, and one of the fiercest advocates for vocal empowerment I've ever met. She's the CEO behind Slay The Mic, a program that helps speakers, content creators, and entrepreneurs transform how they use their voice. In this episode, we talk about reclaiming your voice after it's been silenced, why your story is more powerful than you think, and how giving yourself permission to be heard might just be the most pivotal thing you do. Because somewhere out there, someone is waiting for you to go first. In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) Introduction (01:39) Who's Your Kanye? (Framework) (03:04) Who was Jam's Kanye? (05:30) 3 Types of Kanye  (08:40) Acknowledging the elephant in the room  (11:42) Resonating with your audience  (14:47) Reclaiming your voice  (23:56) Reviewing Jam's past content  (31:39) Vocal roadblocks  (32:41) Speaking with an accent  (36:31) You ARE the example  (41:38) Actionable Takeaways      Connect with Jam Gamble   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjamgamble  Website: https://www.iamjamgamble.com  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter    The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: https://cheryllau.com/email  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

As creators, many of us start with a hunch, a curiosity, or a simple “let's see where this goes.” Today's guest, Dexter Zhuang, embodies this experimental mindset. He's the founder of Portfolio Path and a fractional product leader who's spent the last 12 years leading teams across the U.S., Southeast Asia, and Latin America at companies like Dropbox and Xendit. In 2023, Dexter launched Money Abroad—a newsletter exploring personal finance for expats—as an experiment. Over time, it evolved into Portfolio Path, an education platform that helps high-performers grow their portfolio careers and manage their money with intention. Today, Portfolio Path reaches over 7,000 subscribers. Along the way, Dexter has leaned into audience surveys, embraced feedback, and navigated the common insecurities that come with publishing your ideas publicly. In this episode, we unpack that journey—from testing an idea to building something that resonates deeply with a growing community.     In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (02:02) Starting a newsletter as an experiment  (06:11) Pivoting the newsletter  (11:10) Reviewing Dexter's past content  (16:26) Insecurities when building the newsletter  (20:49) Content is a stepping stone for the audience  (23:24) Conducting surveys with your audience  (30:52) Underrated parts of building a newsletter  (37:26) Actionable Takeaways  Connect with Dexter Zhuang   Newsletter: https://www.theportfoliopath.com/subscribe  Website: https://www.dexterzhuang.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexterzhuang  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau ANNOTATIONS - The Newsletter    The edits that got cut from the podcast. Every interview on EDIT HISTORY runs about 60 minutes. But less than 40 minutes makes it into the final cut. This newsletter is where the rest live. ANNOTATIONS is where I share the 33% I left behind — and the insights that came after we stopped recording. Subscribe at: https://cheryllau.com/email  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

Have you ever listened to a podcast and thought, “That was good… but I don't really feel anything new?” This is something I was wondering about in my own podcast. Yes, the conversations were insightful, but they weren't always sparking that “Ohhh… WOW” moment that sticks with you long after the episode ends. So on today's solo episode, I'll be sharing one thing that's working, one thing that I'd do differently moving forward, and one thing that I'm experimenting with right now. I also answer a few questions from listeners. In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:47) What's working (05:25) What's not working  (11:41) What I'm experimenting with  (15:46) Q&A 1: You don't talk about leaving law school or the PhD much anymore! (22:35) Q&A 2: Why did you choose to start a podcast?     Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryllau.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

We all have insecurities. And for most people, those insecurities and self-doubts are enough to stop them before they even start. They spend months, sometimes years, overanalyzing the right strategy, waiting for the right circumstances. But the truth is… nothing changes unless you focus on what's within your control right now and take action consistently, over and over again. Our guest today, Janice Tee, understood this. Janice is a business coach and social media strategist, and when she started her business, she didn't waste time worrying about what she didn't know. She focused on what she could do - Showing up, staying consistent, and trusting that confidence follows action, not the other way around. In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Janice and I dive into what it really takes to overcome self-doubt and refuse to let it hold you back.  In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:13) Janice's insecurities  (02:47) Judgment that Janice faced  (06:41) Consistent messaging  (10:46) Reviewing Janice's past content  (16:42) Confidence and conviction  (21:29) What Janice is excited about  (27:07) How Janice built her business and life  (30:59) Focused hard work (39:06) Actionable Takeaways  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Janice Tee   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janice.tee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicetee Podcast: Let's Kill It  Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

Have you ever thought about quitting your business? Not just in a fleeting moment of frustration, but in a deep, overwhelming way—when the pressure feels unbearable? Maybe it's the unexpected challenges piling up all at once. Maybe it's the clients who are unhappy but won't say why. Or maybe, it's the strangers online who seem to have an opinion about everything you do. Our guest today, Dielle Charon, knows this feeling firsthand. She's built a 7-figure business, helped over 300 clients, and grown a podcast with over 150,000 downloads. But even at the height of her success, she's faced harsh criticism from people who don't even know her, difficult moments with clients, and personal challenges that made her question everything. On this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Dielle shares how she's navigated these moments, built resilience, and continued to create a business that matters—not just for her bank account, but for the clients and community she serves. If you've ever felt like quitting, this conversation might be exactly what you need to hear. In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) Introduction (01:15) A rough 2024 in business & life  (04:23) The downside of sharing your struggles  (07:35) Putting coaches on a pedestal  (10:00) Reviewing Dielle's past content  (12:50) Haters can't take your business out  (16:04) Dielle did a livestream with a hater  (19:33) Learning from criticism  (22:21) Not showing up when things felt hard (26:11) The “business rules” that coaches box themselves into  (31:40) Comparisons & jealousy  (35:13) Your job is racist  (39:57) Actionable Takeaways  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Dielle Charon   Website  https://diellecharon.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/diellecharon/ Podcast https://diellecharon.com/podcast/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@diellecharon Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

What does it really take to become the go-to expert in your space? In a world overflowing with content, why do some people become known for what they do—while others struggle to be remembered? In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, we're breaking down the power of a signature series—why the most recognized experts double down on one thing and how you can do the same. Our guest today is Natasha Pierre, host of the Shine Online Podcast and a Video Marketing Coach for small businesses. So, if you've been showing up, creating content, and doing the work—but still feel like people don't really know you for what you do—this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover:   (00:00) Introduction (00:44) How did you decide what to be known for? (02:24) Insecurity with video (04:12) Worried about judgment  (05:18) Becoming confident on video (08:34) Reviewing Natasha's past content  (15:30) Stressing over metrics  (17:27) Mental health vs metrics  (20:13) Comparing Natasha's recent content  (29:01) Creating a signature series  (33:37) Natasha's content plan  (35:37) Becoming known for something  (43:17) Actionable Takeaways      Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Natasha Pierre   3-Day Video Confidence Challenge: https://shinewithnatasha.com/challenge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2BMkT_7jIu5NeV_yAXScw  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinewithnatasha/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shinewithnatasha  Shine Studio: https://www.withshinestudio.com/ Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

The truth is, authority isn't given; it's built. It happens when you keep showing up, refining your message, and sharing what you know, even when self-doubt creeps in. Authority isn't about knowing everything—it's about taking up space, speaking up, and leading the conversation instead of waiting for permission. But most entrepreneurs and creators never reach that moment because they're too busy second-guessing themselves. This is the premise for this episode of EDIT HISTORY. Our guest is Latasha James, the Founder and Creative Director of James + Park Creative. She is also the host of the award-winning Freelance Friday Podcast and has taught thousands of people to start and grow their businesses through her courses and content. So. If you've ever wondered whether your content is “good enough,” or whether you have what it takes to become the go-to person in your space—this is the episode for you.     In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (01:51) How do you know when you've built authority?  (05:14) Insecurities as a creator  (07:07) Showing up in spite of your insecurities  (10:39) Reviewing Latasha's past content  (16:48) Resonating with your audience by being relatable  (18:37) The formula for success as a content creator  (21:44) Content that felt out of alignment  (25:17) “Authority” content  (31:39) Hesitating to share your viewpoint  (36:32) How do you know if you're in the right direction?  (38:46) Actionable Takeaways     Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Latasha James   Website: https://www.latashajames.com  YouTube: youtube.com/@thelatashajames  Instagram: instagram.com/thelatashajames  Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.  

A few months ago, I didn't know what to do with my podcast. After years of podcasting, I felt stuck. The growth wasn't where I wanted it to be, I felt like I had run out of things to say on the show. And I even briefly toyed with the thought of - Is this the end of podcasting for me? But, instead of walking away, I decided to completely reimagine my approach to this podcast. On today's solo episode, I'll be sharing one thing that's working, one thing that I'd do differently moving forward, and one thing that I'm experimenting with right now. I also answer a few questions from listeners. In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (1:50) What's working (5:11) What's not working  (6:36) What I'm experimenting with  (9:55) Q&A 1: What surprised you about the rebrand? (12:05) Q&A 2: Audio vs video podcasting  (14:44) Q&A 3: The cringiest content Cheryl has posted  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

In a world where we are bombarded with content and marketing from businesses and brands, how do you make sure yours stand out? And how do you build a brand that stays relevant—not just today, but for years to come? This is exactly what we explore on this episode of EDIT HISTORY. Our guest today is Jasmine Haitalani, who is the marketing and creative director of Highflier Powerhouse, a creative agency that specializes in guiding service-based entrepreneurs through rebranding and creative direction. If you're an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone trying to carve out your space in a crowded world—this one's for you. Let's dive in.     In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (1:28) Making business decisions to stay relevant  (3:48) Flip-flopping in your business (7:02) How long does it take to know if it's working? (9:02) Reviewing Jasmine's past content  (12:21) Standing out  (14:56) Developing your creativity  (17:34) Identify your strengths (20:56) Brands that became irrelevant  (24:33) Finding inspiration  (31:27) What Jasmine would improve on  (33:56) A brand framework  (35:39) Jasmine's body of work  (38:34) You're capable  (42:32) Actionable Takeaways      Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Jasmine Haitalani   Website: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/  Podcast: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/podcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highflierpowerhouse/  Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

There's a moment we all face—the hesitation before hitting ‘post.' The fear of saying the wrong thing. The pressure to appear polished, professional, perfect. But what does it really take to show up online—not just to be seen, but to be fully yourself? Our guest, Susan Hyatt, knows this better than most. She built her business in the Wild West of social media—back when MySpace ruled and Facebook was invite-only. At first, she played by the rules: look the part, say the right things, avoid ruffling feathers. But the moment she stopped filtering herself? Everything changed. So, if fear has ever held you back from speaking up, showing up, or building the life you actually want—this episode might just change the way you see yourself. Let's dive in.   In this episode, we cover:    (00:00) Introduction (1:15) Imposing rules on how you can show up online (5:35) What authenticity looks like  (10:36) Vulnerability hangover  (11:47) The work behind showing up audaciously (14:34) People's opinions of you (19:02) Judging others online  (21:04) Envying others online  (26:50) Cheryl's favorite content from Susan (28:40) How women hold themselves back from showing up online (30:46) Professionalism  (32:16) Being willing to try  (36:38) Letting opportunities slip right past you  (40:28) NOT letting opportunities slip right past you (44:50) Actionable takeaways      Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryllau.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau     Connect with Susan Hyatt   Website: https://susanhyatt.co  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanhyatt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.ohyatt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SusanHyatt/videos  Podcast: You've Got Nerve     Free Resource for Podcasters    THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit      Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

As an entrepreneur or content creator, there's always pressure to focus on what makes “strategic business sense.” But what happens when those so-called “smart” decisions start to feel anything but right? In this episode, Jeremy Enns shares his journey through podcasting and business strategy. We revisit his business-aligned podcast that ultimately felt more like an obligation than an authentic creative outlet. Jeremy also discusses how quitting business projects that no longer serve you can lead to greater clarity, allowing you to focus on what truly resonates with your evolving identity and grows your business as a result. Tune in to hear how quitting the wrong projects can unlock success in both your creative process and business strategy.   In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:42) Podcasts in Jeremy's Business  (03:18) Past podcasts vs current podcasts  (06:27) Forcing yourself to keep podcasting  (09:06) When a misaligned podcast still grows your business  (13:24) Reviewing Jeremy's past content  (15:56) Artistry vs Strategy  (20:03) What Jeremy did right  (24:59) Archiving misaligned content  (27:16) AI vs podcasters  (32:55) Actionable takeaways  Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryllau.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau     Connect with Jeremy Enns    Website: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjeremyenns LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-enns Free Podcast Marketing Audit: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/audit Scrappy Podcasting Newsletter: https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/scrappy-podcasting-newsletter Podcast Marketing Trends Explained:  https://podcastmarketingacademy.com/podcast-marketing-trends-explained Roast My Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastmarketingacademy  Free Resource for Entrepreneurs    THE AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  Audit 9 different parts of your body of work Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your business apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit      Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

As entrepreneurs, we've all thought at one point: “If I don't come off as professional, no one will take me seriously. They'll think I'm a newbie, and I won't be able to sign clients or grow my business.” But here's the truth: looking professional alone won't cut it. In this episode, Rae Fung and I revisit a past video that captures Rae's evolution from a self-conscious newbie entrepreneur to a confident professional speaker & coach. She shares how honing her unique voice transformed her content creation process, highlighting the importance of authenticity, confidence, and strategic thinking. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or professional wanting to elevate your communication skills, this episode provides actionable advice to help you stand out and make a lasting impact using your voice.   In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:31) The role of content in Rae's business  (03:23) The stages of Rae's business  (06:57) Reviewing Rae's past content  (10:46) Newbie coach vibes (15:06) How to develop substance  (20:20) Being proud of past you  (21:51) When business feels misaligned  (25:57) Inspired and strategic content  (31:58) Professionalism vs authenticity  (41:20) Actionable takeaways      Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryllau.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryllau.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau      Connect with Rae Fung    Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/raefungx Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raematrix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raefung Blog: https://raefung.com/blog  Free Resource for Entrepreneurs    THE AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  Audit 9 different parts of your body of work Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your business apart from the rest.   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

Can you *really* grow your business and sign clients without being consistent on social media? And if consistency isn't the answer, what is? Ruby Lin, a sales mastery coach, shares how authenticity trumps consistency when growing your online coaching business. Reflecting on her rapid business growth, she emphasizes that strong sales skills, not daily content, helped her sign clients and grow her coaching business. We also revisited one of Ruby's past Instagram videos and discussed how her content has evolved as Ruby matured as an entrepreneur. Tune in to learn how you can grow your business, even if staying consistent feels challenging.   In this episode, we cover:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:50) Inconsistency in Ruby's content (03:27) Growing the business despite being inconsistent (05:24) Creating 10k in the first 90 days (09:24) Different stages of Ruby's business  (12:40) Prioritizing Instagram (16:27) Who LinkedIn is for (and NOT for) (20:17) Novelty creates consistency  (21:48) Reviewing Ruby's past content  (28:43) Commenting on Ruby's past content (30:17) Bashing on your industry  (33:23) Critiquing your industry  (36:40) Advantages of taking your time  (38:32) Experimentation  (40:40) Being proud of your work  (42:21) Being a hidden gem (45:05) Actionable takeaways  (48:27) Free resource for entrepreneurs    Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau   Connect with Ruby Lin    Newsletter: https://bit.ly/bombassnews-cheryl-pod  [Private] Podcast: bit.ly/salesbrainpod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubysparks.co    Free Resource for Entrepreneurs    THE AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  Audit 9 different parts of your body of work Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your business apart from the rest.   Get the Audit here: https://cheryltheory.com/audit    Contact   Please email hello@cheryltheory.com for business inquiries.

Welcome to EDIT HISTORY - A show where successful entrepreneurs and creators revisit, review, and roast the content that got them to where they are today.   Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau   Free Resource for Entrepreneurs    THE AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  Audit 9 different parts of your body of work Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your business apart from the rest.   Get the Audit here: https://cheryltheory.com/audit 

Launching in January 2025: EDIT HISTORY | Successful entrepreneurs and creators revisit, review, and roast the content that got them to where they are today Stay tuned

On episode 193 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - Delivering on what you said yes to - Growth is uncomfortable - Stretching your capacity and creating more opportunities    

On episode 192 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - Saying yes to an opportunity even if you don't think you're qualified - When practical obstacles get in the way of an opportunity you want - Filling in your own gaps and being proactive with your learning and development    

COWORK & CHILL with Cheryl (CCC) - A personalized and strategic 1:1 content creation experience Becoming recognized for your thought leadership starts with having a substantial, compelling, and consistent body of work. In CCC, you'll get in-depth feedback on not just the content you're writing during our coworking session, but also how this piece fits into your body of work and thought leadership strategy at large. For the program details: https://cheryltheory.com/ccc To book a discovery call: https://cheryltheory.com/discovery   

How does someone go down the unconventional career path of building a global community of over 2300+ entrepreneurial and creative women from the Asian diaspora? That is what Emily Fang unpacks on episode 191 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Quit Story” series.   Topics we touch on include: Feeling not good enough but still proactively take steps to try new things and create your dream life  The challenges and failures while building the Asian Wander Women global community  Finding support and continuing to move forward when your loved ones don't support your decisions    About Emily: Emily is the Co-Founder of Asian Wander Women Media and community, a tight knit Facebook group of 2300+ entrepreneurial and creative women from the Asian diaspora. Many are remote entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and more. She is also known as The Fang Girl, a content creator on YouTube that talks about travel and remote work, with the belief that working abroad or building a business is similar to a self-guided MBA. She previously worked at Google, OmniSci, and Stripe building online communities and running operations. Nowadays, she rotates her time between Taipei and San Francisco.   Connect with Emily: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFangGirl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyifang Asian Wander Women Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asianwanderwomen  

What do you do if an interviewer expresses concern over your personal brand on LinkedIn? This was the final nudge Adrian Tan needed to big farewell to the corporate world. In Adrian's words: “After spending a decade running my own businesses, I realised I'd become virtually unemployable.” That is a taste of the conversation we had with Adrian Tan on episode 190 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Quit Story” series. Topics we touch on include: What does it mean to be “unemployable”? How does someone know if solopreneurship is the right path for them? The honest reality of being your own boss: Adrian's highs and lows with self-employment Building a personal brand on LinkedIn and practical tips on positioning yourself on LinkedIn    About Adrian:   Adrian Tan is the author of the Amazon SG Bestseller No More Bosses—The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment. A father of four and owner of two dogs, he is also a prominent HR Key Opinion Leader and B2B marketing expert with over 20 years of experience. Adrian is the founder and Chief Market Strategist of Marketing Sumo, a B2B marketing agency focused on serving HR tech companies. He previously co-hosted the “Work It” podcast by CNA, a popular career-focused show. Currently, he hosts “The Adrian Tan Show,” a podcast where he interviews people shaping the future of work. Through his website, adriantan.com.sg, he shares insights on self-employment and how to navigate modern work.   Connect with Adrian:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/

How does a corporate professional leverage LinkedIn and a newsletter to set themselves up for more career opportunities? That is what Nicholas Braman explores with us on episode 189 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Work in Progress” series. Topics we touch on include: What it looks like to build a presence on LinkedIn and write a weekly LinkedIn newsletter for reasons NOT related to growing a business  Building thought leadership on LinkedIn  Being consistent on LinkedIn while maintaining a well-balanced life outside of work   About Nicholas: I'm Nicholas Braman, a Korean-American who grew up in Seattle and has lived in Asia for a total of almost 15 years. With over 8 years of experience in the B2B tech space, I currently serve as the Marketing Director for APAC and Japan at Kyriba. My role revolves around driving demand and revenue growth across the region, building innovative campaigns, and working hand-in-hand with our sales team. I'm passionate about using data to optimize our marketing strategies and outcomes and am always looking for new ways to push the boundaries in marketing. Outside of work, I try to spend as much time with my wife and two-year-old daughter as possible. I'm a devoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, which I enjoy for the great exercise, social community, and intense challenges of “human chess”. When I'm not on the mats, I'm often in the kitchenexperimenting with different cuisines, out traveling or hiking, or spending time at home reading and writing.    Connect with Nicholas: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasbraman/  Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-weekend-wind-down-7180124794724519936/ 

What is it like to build a podcast centered around a niche but uber-important topic AND has longevity, while balancing multiple priorities in your career and personal life? That is what Kyle Leung shares on episode 188 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Work in Progress” series. Topics we touch on include: What it looks like to build the “What Kind of Asian Are You” podcast - The thought process and behind-the-scenes  How to grow a niche podcast that has longevity even with multiple personal and professional priorities going on  How to find the right guests, maintaining privacy while growing your body of work online, and other practical podcasting tips    Connect with Kyle:   KYLE LEUNG (HE/HIM) What Kind of Asian Are You? Podcast | Host/Producer/Founder  ~A podcast featuring conversations about being Asian    Link: https://bit.ly/3LfLEWR Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/whatkindofasianpod Instagram: https://bit.ly/3kkwiEY Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3wyevjM Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3r1IZb4 Youtube: https://bit.ly/3yGyRtT

How does someone create a podcast show that's #1 in the tech category within Southeast Asia's tech (and top 10% globally) and garners 60,000+ listeners… On top of multiple other roles and identities (such as being the COO at Lucence, a father of two, and an avid science fiction nerd)? That is a glimpse into the conversation we had with Jeremy Au about on episode 187 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Work in Progress” series. Topics we touch on include: The craft of podcasting and Jeremy's thought process behind his podcast episodes  Self-awareness is critical for both podcasting and building thought leadership Don't podcast just because you want to podcast… Podcast because you want to be a nerd in a subject matter    Enjoy :)   About Jeremy: Jeremy Au (区汉辉) is the COO of Lucence, the leading biotech AI startup fighting cancer with precision oncology tests and backed by Openspace, Heliconia and IHH Healthcare. He also hosts BRAVE, Southeast Asia's #1 tech podcast and global top 10% podcast with 60,000+ monthly listeners. He co-founded Orvel Ventures (network-driven VC fund), leads the regional chapter of Harvard Business School Alumni Angels and is an angel investor in 24 startups. Harvard MBA and UC Berkeley honor degrees in Economics & Business Administration. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Prestige 40 Under 40 and LinkedIn Top Voice. Previously, Jeremy was a VC investor and Chief of Staff at Monk's Hill Ventures, Southeast Asia's pioneer Series A fund. Jeremy founded and led CozyKin, an early education marketplace, to Series A and acquisition by Higher Ground Education. The startup was recognized for winning Harvard Business School's New Venture Competition and the MassChallenge grand prize. Jeremy also co-founded and bootstrapped Conjunct Consulting, an impact consulting platform, to profitability, 100+ clients and thousands of trained impact leaders. He was a Bain management consultant and an infantry sergeant in Singapore. Jeremy is a keynote public speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership and community engagement for thousands, e.g. Harvard, Deutsche Bank, e27 Echelon, Singapore Global Tech Network, Boston SPARK Council, Institute of Policy Studies and Civil Service College. Author of BRAVE10, showcasing the journeys of Singapore's top tech leaders. Jeremy volunteers by teaching VC fund strategy and entrepreneurship at National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University. Jeremy enjoys science fiction, hiking and being a father to his two daughters.   Connect with Jeremy: www.bravesea.com www.lucence.com   

How does a content creator balance stay consistent with weekly audio & video podcast episodes ON TOP of a full-time job, planning a wedding, going out, and everything that goes on when you're in your 30s? That's exactly what we chatted with Wendy Vaz about on episode 186 of The Thought  Leader Club Podcast as part of the “Work in Progress” series. Topics we touch on include: How Wendy balances multiple priorities on top of her full-time job and stays consistent with her podcast  Defining success and setting goals as a podcaster  Specific time management tips and a behind-the-scenes look into Wendy's podcasting workflow     Enjoy :)   About Wendy:   Wendy is a passionate content creator and advocate for self-improvement, self-care, and self-love. Through her podcast, Small Girl, Big Talk, she creates a space to openly discuss the challenges of adulthood, covering topics like money, health, identity, and mental well-being. Inspired by her personal journey, Wendy offers candid conversations to provide comfort and remind others they are not alone. She also designs digital templates and tools to simplify life, helping individuals embrace their best selves and thrive.   Connect with Wendy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendyvazzy/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WendyVaz  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hpsOiYHmJBUvWlZQja3TF?si=6e0a2293ca184dd6  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-girl-big-talk/id1685443638 

On episode 185 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - How to balance being professional vs. being authentic - Defining self-expression and authenticity - Trying to impress others vs. expressing yourself     

On episode 184 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - My 2024 goal that I fell off track with  - 3 Perspectives on rebuilding consistency and commitment to your goals - An update on Cheryl's 2024 goal (hehe)    

On episode 183 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - Why "thought leadership" is seen as a fluffy buzzword - An alternative perspective on the concept of thought leadership - A non-conventional example of thought leadership  

On episode 182 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - The discomfort of being a beginner again  - Expanding your breadth of perspectives and learning things you know nothing about  - Creating your own curriculum and motivating yourself to learn  

On episode 181 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - Trying to write like the LinkedIn "Top Voices" or Instagram girl boss coaches  - A case study: What it looks like before vs after you write from your own voice  - 3 Tips to identify what your unique voice is     

On episode 180 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast:  - A personal anecdote on how my story impacted someone... And vice versa - Value is not limited to just educational content and how-to tips - If you're thinking: Is doing all this work even worth it when no one seems to care? Am I even really helping anyone? What's the point?     

On episode 179 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast: - Your story, perspectives, and expertise + skills contribute to your "source credibility" - A thought leadership case study - What you *think* you're supposed to be known for vs what you truly want to be known for     

On episode 178 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - The mindset highs and lows behind the launch of my signature program: The Thought Leader Club - A deep dive into the mindset behind the marketing assets for the launch (Instagram, podcast, and email sales content) - The mindset you need to build thought leadership and grow your business     

On episode 177 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - A behind-the-scenes breakdown of a launch where I sold a new, one-time offer (The Podcast Club group program) - The results of the launch, what worked, and what resonated with my clients  - Leveraging thought leadership to launch your offer and build your business     

On episode 176 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - What a Content Bank is - What to include in your Content Bank  - How to use your Content Bank    

On episode 175 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - Comparisons with other entrepreneurs or with your past success  - How to keep moving forward when you feel behind and unsuccessful in your business  - A recent example of how I failed in my business and felt behind compared to other entrepreneurs and my past success   

THE THOUGHT LEADER CLUB (TLC): A 3-month 1:1 program to build thought leadership ✨ In TLC, we will create a thought leadership strategy to help you step into this identity both online and offline ✨ In 3 months, you will take concrete steps to become known for your unique thought leadership, create a 1-3 year plan centered around your thought leadership, and also embody this mindset and lifestyle outside of your business  Get all the details: https://cheryltheory.com/tlc You can schedule a discovery call here: https://cheryltheory.com/discovery 

On episode 174 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - 2 Podcast content strategies I'll be focusing more on as a podcaster  - 2 Podcast distribution strategies I'll be continuing to double down on   

On episode 173 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, you'll hear a replay of our 2024 Masterclass: How to be Prolific and Consistent (On just 0-2 hours a day) The most common question I get is "Cheryl, how do you do it all? How do you balance it all and still get everything done?" In fact, my most downloaded podcast episode in 2023 was Episode 108: How to Structure Your Week as a Side Hustler Needless to say, my peeps are high achievers who want to do it all - They want to attract cool opportunities (ex: Paying clients, speaking gigs, etc) AND still be able to make time for the non-work parts of their life that matter to them. I've made this happen by becoming prolific and consistent in building a body of work and becoming known for my unique thought leadership. Here's how I define the following: Prolific = Rather than focusing on the quantity of content, I care more about staying top of mind because of the quality and substance of your output (i.e. The depth, caliber, and value that you're embedding in your body of work) Consistent = This refers to whether your audience can rely on you to show up week after week This is precisely what I want to help you with inside this comprehensive masterclass.    

On episode 172 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - Lessons from speaking at Podfest Asia (Philippines, 2024)  - Sharing your point of view as an Asian podcaster  - Thinking bigger and stepping up your game as an Asian podcaster   

On episode 171 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we answer your questions: -  What do you do when you feel stagnant or stuck in a rut? - How do you deal with money concerns or inconsistent income? - How to manage FOMO and shiny object syndrome in business - How to balance between certainty of your plans/strategy and creating time for new (but uncertain) ideas - How to prioritize your well-being  

On episode 170 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - The changes you can implement right away to move closer to your dream solopreneur lifestyle - Scheduling mandatory time-off for rest - A breakdown of a week in the life of Cheryl's chill AF solopreneur lifestyle   

On episode 169 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - What to focus on in your business as a full time business owner  - What is Pen & Paper Time, and some examples of exercise you could do today - Cheryl's weekly schedule breakdown as a full time entrepreneur     

On episode 168 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast, we cover:  - What do you need to do for your business this week? - What support, coaching, tools, habits, etc do you need in place to facilitate you taking action on your business this week? - Cheryl's weekly schedule breakdown as a side hustler    

In this episode: How to balance what your Asian immigrant parents want versus what you truly want Cheryl's story of quitting law school, quitting PhD, and building my own entrepreneurial career  Taking responsibility over your decisions, even if your Asian parents don't support you    COWORK & CHILL WITH CHERYL:  A 3-month 1:1 experience for solopreneur podcasters to become a prolific and consistent in the most relaxed way possible. ✨ Get LOTS done for your podcast in a lighthearted and efficient AF way so you can do good work, create good content, and help a lot of people… And still be able to go out and live your best life ✨ Become prolific and consistent with your body of work and set yourself up for awesome opportunities in 2024 and beyond  ✨ Recognize your own voice and express that confidently through your podcast  Get all the details here.   THE THOUGHT LEADER CLUB 1:1 + COMMUNITY PROGRAM: Join us in the Thought Leader Club - A 4-month weekly 1:1 and community program This is THE room to: ✨ Start putting in the reps to create your thought leader career ✨ Build a body of work that lets you become known for your unique thought leadership, your story, and how amazing you are at what you do ✨ And ultimately set yourself up for making your 1-3 year dreams a reality Get all the details here.  Our next cohort starts in July 2024   BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL: https://calendly.com/cheryltheory/60-minute-call  FREE WEBINAR: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/webinar INSTAGRAM: @cheryltheory LINKEDIN: Cheryl Lau WEBSITE: www.cheryltheory.com EMAIL NEWSLETTER: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/email/  ASK ME A QUESTION ANONYMOUSLY: https://forms.gle/ydYdyNEjxEKogTdZA 

In this BONUS Q&A episode, I answer the following questions: What is your weekly (or monthly) content creation routine? (Ex. 2 instagram posts, 3 stories, 1 podcast and 1 email)? What's the best piece of advice you either were given or you learned along the way that would be helpful for someone new to entrepreneurship? I am not yet exactly sure what is it that I want to be know for? How can I start building a body of work? Did you have this feeling of feeling behind in life? If yes, how do you deal with it?  How can we keep training our minds with positive thoughts so anxiety will slow down?   COWORK & CHILL WITH CHERYL:  A 3-month 1:1 experience for solopreneur podcasters to become a prolific and consistent in the most relaxed way possible. ✨ Get LOTS done for your podcast in a lighthearted and efficient AF way so you can do good work, create good content, and help a lot of people… And still be able to go out and live your best life ✨ Become prolific and consistent with your body of work and set yourself up for awesome opportunities in 2024 and beyond  ✨ Recognize your own voice and express that confidently through your podcast  Get all the details here.   THE THOUGHT LEADER CLUB 1:1 + COMMUNITY PROGRAM: Join us in the Thought Leader Club - A 4-month weekly 1:1 and community program This is THE room to: ✨ Start putting in the reps to create your thought leader career ✨ Build a body of work that lets you become known for your unique thought leadership, your story, and how amazing you are at what you do ✨ And ultimately set yourself up for making your 1-3 year dreams a reality Get all the details here.  Our next cohort starts in July 2024   BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL: https://calendly.com/cheryltheory/60-minute-call  FREE WEBINAR: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/webinar INSTAGRAM: @cheryltheory LINKEDIN: Cheryl Lau WEBSITE: www.cheryltheory.com EMAIL NEWSLETTER: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/email/  ASK ME A QUESTION ANONYMOUSLY: https://forms.gle/ydYdyNEjxEKogTdZA 

In this episode: How to be committed and consistent How to own your insecurities Express, not impress  Learning the lessons necessary for shaping you to become the entrepreneur you're meant to be Time will pass… So what are you going to do with this time?   COWORK & CHILL WITH CHERYL:  A 3-month 1:1 experience for solopreneur podcasters to become a prolific and consistent in the most relaxed way possible. ✨ Get LOTS done for your podcast in a lighthearted and efficient AF way so you can do good work, create good content, and help a lot of people… And still be able to go out and live your best life ✨ Become prolific and consistent with your body of work and set yourself up for awesome opportunities in 2024 and beyond  ✨ Recognize your own voice and express that confidently through your podcast  Get all the details here.   THE THOUGHT LEADER CLUB 1:1 + COMMUNITY PROGRAM: Join us in the Thought Leader Club - A 4-month weekly 1:1 and community program This is THE room to: ✨ Start putting in the reps to create your thought leader career ✨ Build a body of work that lets you become known for your unique thought leadership, your story, and how amazing you are at what you do ✨ And ultimately set yourself up for making your 1-3 year dreams a reality Get all the details here.  Our next cohort starts in July 2024   BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL: https://calendly.com/cheryltheory/60-minute-call  FREE WEBINAR: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/webinar INSTAGRAM: @cheryltheory LINKEDIN: Cheryl Lau WEBSITE: www.cheryltheory.com EMAIL NEWSLETTER: https://cheryltheory.lpages.co/email/  ASK ME A QUESTION ANONYMOUSLY: https://forms.gle/ydYdyNEjxEKogTdZA 

JP and I crossed paths on the internet around late 2018. He was one of my first “beta coaching clients” back then, and I always enjoyed my conversations with JP.   We lost touch over the years and reconnected in early 2024.   During our catch up, I got to hear JP's story in more detail. And honestly, I was at loss for words.   JP's story is filled with character and resilience, and I am beyond grateful to have him as our guest on episode 165 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast to share exactly that.    In this conversation, you'll hear about:   What led JP to do the current work he does today, and his thoughts on the importance of confidence vs English skill when it comes to helping ESL folks  The real sh*t that JP navigated from his younger days that shaped who he's become  I've always remembered JP as someone who was well spoken and would drop nuggets of wisdom - So, we also touched on why JP thinks he's good with words  And other profound stories of resilience and taking ownership over your life's direction     Enjoy :)    P.S. And if you loved the episode, you can 1️) Leave a 5-star rating and an awesome review, and 2️) Share the episode on your social media   About JP:   Hello I'm JP. I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. I grew up with a single mom who raised 7 children. Childhood was challenging and I was kicked out of public schools because of my poor reputation and eventually graduated to selling drugs. By the time I was 25 years old, I had 4 children by two different women. Eventually, I got convicted of selling drugs and served a short stint in the penal system.    After I got out I was determined not to return. I volunteered as a way of "showing" rather than telling me I had changed my life around. Overtime, I earned my GED, BA, and Masters Degree. Yet, my peppered past limited my opportunities to teach at the college level even though I graduated magna cum laude with 3.8 GPA. By the grace of God I was able to do maintain good grades while often working 2 jobs, sometimes 2 full time jobs.    I was born and raised in the USA, but I currently live in the Philippines. Currently, I help diffident emerging leaders communicate with confidence and eloquence to their international colleagues. I hold a master's degree in History from The University of Akron as well as a TOEIC and multiple TEFL certifications.    I am a leadership coach, ESL teacher, self-published author of a series, public speaker, and educator with several years of experience in hiring, interpersonal skill training, confidence coaching, and supervising staff as well as teaching various topics: US History, Business Etiquette & Leadership (tactful performance conversations and conflict management scenarios), interview preparation (via mock interviews),  cultural nuances about the historical social issues in USA, professional development, and personal governance.   Connect with JP:   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/watkinsglobal E-mail: jp@watkinsglobal.network WeChat ID: WatkinsGlobo Twitter X: WATKINS.GLOBAL

Rae first connected via Instagram around late 2020, and we've been besties ever since.    We started out as long-distance internet friends (she was in Singapore while I was in Hong Kong) during the pandemic    We finally met in person after I moved to Singapore in 2022   Over the years, we've seen each other stretch out of our comfort zones as entrepreneurs and go after our big audacious dreams    We've also seen each other cry during our lowest lows      One thing I've always appreciated about Rae is her openness to share her lessons and how she, too, is a work-in-progress    I've learned a lot through Rae's sharings and point of view, and I'm confident that you will too   This is why I am super duper excited to invite Rae onto episode 164 of The Thought Leader Club Podast as part of our “Quit Story” guest interview series    In this conversation, you'll hear about:   Why Rae chose to pursue entrepreneurship and coaching instead of doing what her classmates did after graduation (i.e. find a job) The “boxes” that Rae had to break out of in order to do the work she does today What Rae is working on right now as an entrepreneur, content creator, and speaker  Rae's perspective on traveling  And other conversations that are both deep and wholesome at the same time    Enjoy :)    P.S. And if you loved the episode, you can 1️) Leave a 5-star rating and an awesome review, and 2️) Share the episode on your social media   About Rae:   Rae Fung is a speaker and coach who guides rising leaders to own their voice. She went from being the girl with low self-esteem who didn't have a voice, to now having trained and spoken to over 5000+ people globally. With over a decade of experience as a communicator on stage and online, she considers it her mission to create a world where everyone feels safe to speak up and own their voice.   Connect with Rae:   Newsletter – latest stories and insights on what it means to #OwnYourVoice https://sendfox.com/raefungx  IG: https://www.instagram.com/raematrix/