You Can Do This!

Feeling stuck or stagnant in your career, business, or life? Maybe you've simply stopped being curious. When was the last time you asked new questions, challenged old assumptions, or saw a problem from a fresh perspective? In this episode, we explore why curiosity is crucial if you want to keep moving forward.Birdie Salva is the co-founder of Curiosity, Inc., a boutique design research agency that helps organizations solve problems by understanding people better. An expert in business innovation, systems thinking, UX research, and game design, he has helped startups and global foundations alike tackle real-world challenges by asking the right questions.

If you've ever found yourself overanalyzing situations, obsessing over every detail, or worrying about What-ifs that may never happen, you know how exhausting overthinking can be. It's like a mental hamster wheel that drains your energy, clouds your judgment, and keeps you stuck. Left unchecked, overthinking can leave you feeling overwhelmed, paralyzed by indecision, and too mentally drained to enjoy life.To help us stop the mental spiral is an executive coach who helps leaders and creatives simplify complex thinking to prevent overthinking and burnout.  A former copywriter and creative director, she blends creativity with strategy to help her clients build trust, authority, and influence through sharp messaging and compelling narratives.

Do you hesitate speaking up in meetings or spend too much time perfecting an email over the fear of committing grammatical errors or mispronouncing words? There's so much bad English everywhere—in mass media, social media, business correspondence, and even everyday conversations. With Taglish taking over as our lingua franca, AI doing all the writing, and the prevalent smart-shaming of English speakers, does being fluent and articulate in English and upholding high grammatical standards still hold weight? Can communicating clearly and confidently in English still level up your life and career?Tik Tok's “Grammar Nazi,” a.k.a “Pepe Word Smith” weighs in. With over 1 million followers on social media, he creates content to provide free, innovative, and unconventional English lessons to Filipinos. A former corporate executive for industry giants like HSBC, Globe Telecom, GCash, and Home Credit, he now does one-and-one English coaching, teaches courses in IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) proficiency and has a column in The Manila Times called “Grammarama.”

Exhausted and overwhelmed trying to keep up with life's demands? Feel so drained that no amount of vacation leaves seem to recharge you? Must be burnout. In today's always-on culture, chronic stress has become an all-too-common struggle.This episode's guest has a lasting solution: to reset your body and mind from the inside out. A Functional and Integrative Medicine physician and licensed medical acupuncturist, she is the co-founder and medical director of Centro Holistico, where she combines conventional and functional medicine with holistic healing practices to reverse chronic diseases and help her patients regain balance, restore energy, and recover from burnout naturally.

Ever cringe when you hear your own voice? Hesitate to use it in meetings, presentations, recordings, or even conversations? Your best voice ever is achievable, and this episode helps unlock it for you!Back on the show (check out Ep.113!) are my voice coaches and two of the country's most iconic voices, certified Vocal Yoga HLM coaches who've been teaching their “Best Voice Ever” workshop for over 20 years. You'll recognize her voice from ads for Dove, Cebu Pacific, Pond's, Smart, and Second Avenue, and voiceovers for major events like Bb. PIlipinas; and his voice from countless commercials and movie trailers in his 30 years as a broadcaster, event host, and talent trainer. Together, they're launching Voice Con, a conference designed to help professionals, leaders, and content creators speak with confidence and authority.

How do you rebuild your life when it hits rock bottom? A painful breakup, failed business, or unexpected life crisis can make starting over feel impossible. But our lowest points can become the turning points that lead to something even greater.After her marriage fell apart when her kids were still young, Cathy transformed her heartbreak into healing—not just for herself, but for others. In 2001, she created a little sanctuary in Tagaytay called Nurture where women could rediscover their self-worth, strength, and resilience. It has since grown into the sprawling Nurture Wellness Village, which she owns with her husband Mike Turvill.This award-winning spa and wellness pioneer is the President of the Wellness Tourism Association of the Philippines, an internationally certified Health and Wellness Coach, Nutritional Therapist, Chef Coach, Living Foods Educator, and author.

Five years ago, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, she took a massive financial and life-risking leap—flying to London with no guarantees, no safety net, and only her self-belief, resilience, and grit to chase her dream of becoming an international fashion model. Despite setbacks and moments of doubt, her gamble paid off.A UP Los Baños Chemical Engineering graduate who once wanted to work for NASA, Ella discovered her true passion in modeling. Once pressured to conform to beauty pageant standards, winning a modeling competition led her toward high fashion instead. Today, she's thriving in London, working with global brands like Rayban Meta, Pandora, Primark, Adidas, Puma, Glenlivet, Sephora, Boots, ASOS, Boohoo, and Nasty Gal, among many others. She has also founded her own mother agency called Eiveren Models to help Filipino models break into the international sceneIf fear or doubt has ever held you back from your dreams, this conversation is for you!If you're interested in collaborating with our podcast through brand partnerships, advertisements or other collabs, please send an email to our management: info@thepodnetwork.com

Society tells women to be strong—but not too aggressive. Ambitious—but not too selfish. Nurturing—but never too emotional. Navigating between these conflicting expectations is exhausting and often causes us to second-guess ourselves and play small. Believing these cultural norms holds us back from stepping into our power and fulfilling our biggest potentials.Helping us unlearn the conventional beliefs we've been programmed to accept and harness our strengths as women instead is executive coach and organizational development consultant Sheila Tan, a Neuro-Semantics trainer, NLP Master Practitioner, and licensed Meta-Coach with the International Society of Neuro-Semantics.

With all the challenges women face in leadership—bias, cultural expectations, self-doubt, what does it really take for a woman to rise to the top? Is it about working harder, being more confident, or knowing the right people? And do women really have to be louder, tougher, or more aggressive to get ahead—or is there another way?Coach Sheila Tan studied how the most successful executives lead their organizations towards success in “The X-Factor of C-Suite Executives,” her thesis for her Master's of Science In Organization Development at Pepperdine University published in the Transdisciplinary Journal Management. She is a Neuro-Semantics trainer, NLP Master Practitioner, Meta-Coach, executive coach, and organizational development consultant.

Can love really thrive when you're miles apart, navigating time zones and technology gaps? Long-distance relationships (LDRs) are often seen as challenging, but they can also be a powerful testament to trust, communication, and commitment. Navigating the essentials and intricacies of LDRs is a certified relationship coach from The Relationship School and host of Nuggets of Nikki, a podcast on healthy relationships and the winner of the 2024 Philippine Podcast Search. She previously worked as an editor at Summit Media.

When your relationship is tested by life's most challenging crises, what does it take to weather the storm together and come out stronger on the other side?Ricardo Cepeda and Marina Benipayo were models and friends in their 20s, but it wasn't until their mid-40s—after previous marriages and raising two adult children each—that their love story truly began on the set of My Binondo Girl. Over the past 13 years, their relationship has not only flourished but also withstood both personal and public challenges.Their greatest test came just over a year ago when Ricardo was unexpectedly detained for nearly a year due to an estafa case tied to a company he had represented as a brand ambassador. Through it all, their love remained steadfast. Here, they share the hard-earned wisdom they've gained about lasting love, resilience, and commitment—and the strength to stand by each other, no matter the obstacles.

If your dating life has been an endless series of swipes, disappointments, heartbreak, and skepticism, it can be hard to stay optimistic about ever finding your true match. But even if you've been burned, are now jaded and feel hopeless—stick around! Love often shows up when you least expect it, so never lose hope that real love is still out there waiting for you.Joelle Yuvienco, top TikTok content creator andPaano Kungpodcaster known for her fearless and feminist dating advice, and her husband, HR and international mobility expertLenard Santos found their happily ever after, and so can you. Their modern love story had Bumble beginnings, exciting ups and downs along the way, and led to a cool wedding that not only reflected their unique personalities but also went viral and global! This episode will inspire you  to take risks, stay hopeful, and do loveyourway.

Had it with dating? Maybe you've experienced the fear of rejection or the frustration of ghosting or you've been swept off your feet, only to realize those butterflies were red flags. Dating can be overwhelming. Whether your goal is to find The One ASAP or to just have a fun and active dating life until you're ready for a serious commitment, we've got the right coach for you.Back on the show is a certified relationship coach from The Relationship School and the winner of the 2024 Philippine Podcast Search whose podcastNuggets of Nikki teaches listeners how to have healthy relationships. Combined with her extensive dating experience, she's the perfect guide to help us navigate the complexities of modern dating in this episode.  

Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your plate? If you're constantly battling distractions, procrastination, or feeling overwhelmed, here's how to maximize your time and energy while staying balanced and focused.Anton Gonzalez is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. The founder and president of Planet Sports has led the expansion of 200 stores nationwide and managed iconic global brands. He's also the president of Map Active Philippines, overseeing 600 shop-in-shops for brands like Hoka, New Balance, and Converse. Also an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach, he now helps business leaders achieve peak productivity, transformative growth, and work-life balance.

Overwhelmed, stressed out, and bogged down by all the mental clutter? Unable to appreciate and enjoy important moments because your mind is always elsewhere? Practicing mindfulness helps you clear the mental fog and create space for more focus, calm, clarity, and joy. It can even help improve your relationships—at home and at work!

Ready to make this year the one where you finally show up for yourself? As women, we often put ourselves last, prioritizing our families, relationships, work, and societal expectations over our own needs, leaving little room for self-care or pursuing our dreams. Time to put yourself at the top of your list and finally achieve your goals! Our guest expert is a career and leadership development coach with over 19 years of corporate and coaching experience and an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach and workshop facilitator who has empowered over a thousand professionals to achieve their ultimate career goals. She is also the author of Thirtysomething and Retired: How to Get Out of the Life That Drains You.

"Not enough time” for a passion project, personal goals, fitness, a dream in the making? But we all have the same 24 hours, so what if the real problem isn't lack of time, but how we're choosing to use it? In this episode, Darlyn Ty Nilo says “Yes, you can have it all, if you choose it!” and shows us how you, too, can start winning back your day—and your life. The CEO of Viviamo, Inc, and creator of the famous Belle de Jour Power Planner has empowered countless women in the last 19 years by helping them reclaim their time and refocus their energy on what truly matters. She makes time to live her multiple lives that includes being an Implementing Partner and Consultant for Events and Campaigns for UN Women Philippines, a life coach, wife and mother of two, open water swimmer, and Spartan racer.

New year, new start, new you…not? How many times (and years!) have we promised to change, only to fail? Will this year be any different? Myke Santos thinks so. His promise: If you build it, it will come. The author of Brick by Brick: Building the Change You Want  shares his new approach change that makes our promises to ourselves stick. A strategy and HR consultant with over 25 years experience, the founder of Brick Management Consulting is a certified coach for Transformative Coaching® and The Leadership Circle® and a certified facilitator of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method, which he helped pioneer in the Philippines. His signature 5-Brick Change Model has guided countless individuals and teams create the change they desire with clarity and confidence.

Frazzled by the whirlwind of the Holidaze and the year that flew by? With so much chaos and unpredictability in the world and our own personal struggles, it's easy to overlook the good around us. Before rushing into the new year, take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. By regularly practicing gratitude, you can shift your perspective, build resilience, and transform your mindset, relationships, and career—ultimately leading to more happiness. This episode's guest has built her life around finding beauty and meaning in the everyday. Through her storytelling and advocacy, the award-winning author, journalist, host, podcaster behind Soulful Feasts, TED Talker, and mother of two has inspired her community to embrace gratitude as a transformative tool, enriching their lives and deepening their connections with themselves and others.

"Manifest" is The Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2024, thanks to celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, and Simone Biles attributing their success to manifesting. Whether you're wondering if it's scientifically possible to manifest your dream life into reality, or is just another “woowoo” trend that reeks of toxic positivity, this episode can open up your eyes and mind. One of the first life coaches in the Philippines, Kimi Lu, a.k.a. the Mother Pusher, says that although its results are magical, manifestation is not magic, but science. Beyond just positive thinking, she espouses taking intentional and inspired action toward creating the life you want, as well as accountability and support from a like-minded community. Having empowered countless people to unlock their potential and manifest their desires, she shares the steps, tools, and mindset shifts you need to start manifesting your dream life next year. Kimi is a licensed Certified Master Neuro-Linguistic Hypnotherapy Life Coach, corporate coach, Reiki Master Practitioner, certified NIA instructor, certified Sister Stories facilitator with over a decade of experience in coaching individuals and businesses alike. She is the author of Masturdating: Intentional Guidebook to Celebrate Life! and the mover behind the Manifestival and ManifestSLAYtion manifestation events.

Got a big dream but are holding back, overwhelmed by the magnitude, paralyzed to even start, wondering if you're capable of achieving something so monumental? Sam Sewell makes big dreams come true regularly, taking bold risks and overcoming crazy challenges as the executive producer of GMG Productions. She's mounted epic productions of the world's most iconic musicals here in the Philippines, such as "Miss Saigon,"  the Asian premiere of "Hamilton," "Six,” "Mamma Mia," "The Lion King," "Wicked," "The Phantom of the Opera," and “Matilda.”  Named one of the Inquirer's "Women of Power" in 2023 for her significant contributions to arts and culture, she boasts of over ten years of extensive experience in the ticketing and entertainment industry, spanning Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, with a primary focus on the Philippines.

Whether you're high or low maintenance when it comes to beauty, channeling your inner kikay could be the key to unlocking confidence, self-love, your true self, and transforming your life—from the inside out, or the outside in, as you'll find out in this episode. Belle Rodolfo has influenced the way we view beauty, self-expression and authenticity in the last decade, spending years shaping beauty narratives that go beyond the conventional and promoting inclusivity. A  top beauty content creator, former beauty editor (Preview and L'Officiel), and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, she is also an in-demand speaker who gives talks on beauty, self-empowerment, and the evolution of beauty standards, particularly in the context of Filipino culture. She recently gave a TEDx Talk on  “Democratizing The Beauty Industry Through Social Media” and a few months ago, was selected, along with her partner Deng Garcia, Pia Wurtzbach, and Iza Calzado, to be a brand ambassador for L'Oreal's #ImWorthIt campaign aimed at transforming preconceived standards of Filipino femininity through empowerment and resilience.

Does your heart palpitate at the mere thought of speaking in front of an audience? Whether you're asked to address a boardroom, host an event, or even just share ideas in a meeting, public speaking is an essential skill we should all get better at and stop fearing, because research shows those who excel in it are more likely to succeed.  Sharing her tips here is one of the most sought-after and most seasoned professionals in public speaking and live hosting. With 25 years of experience hosting high-profile corporate, business, and lifestyle events across various platforms, she has won multiple awards including three ALIW Awards for Best Female Emcee, PMPC Star Awards' Best Lifestyle Show Host, the 2020 Best Host Award for excellence in online hosting. She is also an award-winning stage, film, and TV actress and the President and Head Trainer of 1Lit Corp, which specializes in hosting services, public speaking training, and events management and production.

Feeling a little off and not like your usual self but can't put your finger on it? Experiencing symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, hair loss, allergies, bloating, or even unexplained weight gain but brushing them off, hoping they'd go away? Or you've had them checked but have failed to get any clear answers or solutions? These could actually be signs of hormonal imbalance, and, if left unaddressed, can affect your overall health. Shedding light on your quandaries is Dr. Sheree Bondoc, co-founder of and medical director of The CORE Clinic, whose mission is to help people live better quality lives by not just treating symptoms but addressing the root causes of health issues. Her holistic approach empowers people to improve their well-being at the core, ensuring they can live long and live well. A board-certified Fellow by the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecology Society (POGS), she is also a Certified Fellow in Metabolic, Nutritional, and Functional Medicine from the Metabolic Medical Institute (MMI) of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and George Washington University.

People will pay for what you know—if you know how to sell it, believes Digital Solopreneur founder Allan Ngo, who has helped more than 4,000 subject matter experts and service providers monetize their knowledge into digital products for over 10 years. Whether you're fantasizing about escaping the 9-5 grind to run a profitable business from home or want to harness your expertise and connections into a reliable online income stream, this episode is for you.  This former accountant and banker has mastered the art and science of building a one-person business that's not dependent on putting in long hours at the office. Here, he shares his insights, experiences, and strategies to inspire and empower you to take that leap.

What's the last thing you told yourself today? Did it lift you up or put you down? The daily dialogue we have with our inner voice is a crucial factor in creating our personal and professional success. Our self-talk determines how we make decisions, overcome our struggles, and interact with others. And if it's always negative, this derails us from unlocking our full potential. Teaching us how to master our self-talk to empower us to succeed is a globally recognized and award-winning executive coach and master coach trainer whose holistic approach has transformed countless leaders and coaches. She is an International Coaching Federation-Professional Certified Coach, a three-time Best APAC Coach and Best Executive Coach awardee, one of the Global Top 100 Exemplary Coaching Leaders and one of NY Weekly magazine's Top 10 Life Coaches of 2024.

Not only do most people hate the sound of their voice, as I once did, they struggle to find their voice—their true voice. So we keep quiet, stay in the shadows, and waste the chance of being seen, heard, and contributing to helping make the world a better place. In this episode, the top voice talent (a.k.a the in-flight voice of Philippine Airlines), content creator, podcaster (Sleeping Pill), and host shows you how to not only discover your voice but also use it to live your best most most authentic life and empower those around you. Once afflicted with stage fright and content to exist behind the scenes, Inka was suddenly thrust into the spotlight during the pandemic when a TikTok video she posted featuring herself and her mom doing their iconic Philippine Airlines voice-overs went viral. She has since become a force for empowering women, promoting body positivity, fighting misogyny and other injustices, and embracing her true self in a world that prioritizes perfection over authenticity. Inka's trademark therapeutic voice isn't just something people love to hear—it's a tool she has used to build a mega-platform that inspires and connects with her huge community as she speaks her mind about controversial issues and speaks her truth to spread her message of self-love and authenticity.

Words wield power. They shape how we view the world and each other, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like mental health. In a society where stigmas and misconceptions still persist, the language we use can either reinforce harmful stereotypes or help break them down.  Journalist Pola del Monte is the content creator behind the hit social media account Miss Chief Editor. Through her content and work, she advocates for the responsible use of use language to impact our society in more positive ways. In her speech at the 2024 Cosmo Women of Influence Awards, she stressed her belief that while language can perpetuate harm and oppression, it also has the power to uplift, heal, and make a real difference. In this episode, we talked about how being more mindful of our words—whether in casual conversations, on social media, or in the media—can challenge and shift the way we think about mental health and reduce the stigma around it.

Feeling overwhelmed and anxious at work? Grappling with productivity anxiety and the constant pressure to perform at your best? When your workload is jam-packed, deadlines seem impossible, and worse, if your workplace feels toxic, how can you even balance putting in a good performance at work with prioritizing your mental well-being? This episode's guest expert gives you insights, strategies, and solutions that can empower you to thrive while taking care of yourself as well as get the support you deserve from your employer. Cat Triviño is the co-founder and Chief Product and Data Officer of MindNation, a global mental health organization which provides mental health services such as talks, training, and therapy to companies here and abroad. Her own personal journey and struggles with anxiety and depression have led her to a lifelong commitment to fight for mental healthcare accessibility and affordability.

Once you've written that book that's been aching to come out of you (after listening to Ep.169, Part 1), the next step is to get it published. This episode sheds light on the ins and outs of today's publishing scene in Southeast Asia and is filled with Singapore-based best-selling author Claire Betita de Guzman's helpful and encouraging inside info, insights, anecdotes, and tips from her 20 years of writing books.  Claire is the author of six novels: Hue City, which debuted at No. 2 on the Straits Times Bestseller list, and Suddenly Superstar, which made it to No.8 on the same list, as well as Miss Makeover, Budget is the New Black, Girl Meets World, and No Boyfriend Since Birth. She has worked with three publishers (Penguin Random House Southeast Asia, Marshall Cavendish, and Summit Books) on five books and self-published Miss Makeover. If you're interested in collaborating with our podcast through brand partnerships, advertisements or other collabs, please send an email to our management: info@thepodnetwork.com

They say, “Everyone has a book inside them,” and if you're reading this, you must feel that calling, too. This is your sign to stop overthinking it and make it happen: Whether you're aching to tell your story, stories about others, or share your ideas and insights with the world, you know that writing a book can create a lasting impact and legacy and open doors to new opportunities.  Motivating you to turn your author dreams into reality with her tips, lessons learned from her own experiences, and helpful insights relevant to the current times is a Filipina writer based in Singapore and author of six novels, including Hue City, which debuted at No. 2 on the Straits Times Bestseller List, and Suddenly Superstar, which made it to No.8 on the same list, both published by Penguin Random House Southeast Asia. She also wrote Miss Makeover, Budget is the New Black, Girl Meets World, and No Boyfriend Since Birth, which was adapted into a TV series starring Alessandra de Rossi. A former journalist, she started as a news reporter for Today and was a lifestyle editor for magazines including Preview, Cosmopolitan Philippines and Harper's Bazaar Singapore. She is a member of the Singapore Writers Group and has led talks and panels at literary events in Southeast Asia, including the Singapore Writers Festival.

Did you grow up in a conservative household or go to a religious school where talking about sex was off-limits or considered sinful? Maybe you've felt guilty, embarrassed, or confused about your own sexual desires and don't know how to embrace them? Or have been shamed and judged by others for doing so, or are uneasy or squeamish when sex is discussed, but wish you weren't?  If you want to go from feeling sexually repressed to being empowered and feeling more confident about your sexual self and identity, listen to guest Trish Bautista, the co-founder and creative lead of Unprude, Asia's first sex therapy app and sexual wellness ecosystem offering expert guidance and intimate wellness products. She is also an international digital creative strategist and a popular content creator who explores the intersections of intimacy, relationships, and culture in her relatable content that resonates with Filipinos, Fil-Ams, and immigrants worldwide. Born and raised in Manila, she moved to the U.S. at age 18 to study at UCLA, bringing a cross-cultural perspective to her work.

Who says you can't have it all? Baus Rufo is living proof that you can have your cake and eat many other  career cakes, too, as he embraces and incorporates his varied interests into a successful, extraordinary, and lucrative multi-faceted career and life that fellow multi-passionates can learn from.  In Part 2 of last week's episode, he helps you Strat-Plan your life as he reveals how he has prepared for, juggled, and woven his many passions into a synergistic and fulfilling career path. He also gives us a reality check as he shares his experience and practical advice in navigating the challenges of balancing one's time, energy, and mental, emotional, and physical well-being that come with this adventure. 

Multi-passionate: A.k.a. multi-talented, multi-potentialite, polymath, renaissance person, slashie, scanner, generalist—people with multiple interests supposedly having a hard time settling on a career. “Jack of all trades, master of none.” If you are torn between your many passions and are resisting staying in just one lane despite societal pressure, this episode is for you. Get inspired by this host, podcaster, and content creator known for his workplace parodies with over 1.3 million likes on TikTok. Named by CNN in 2023 as one of the top local stand-up comedians to watch for, he leverages his 10-year experience in corporate advertising to encourage people not to take things too seriously. He has collaborated with major brands like Procter&Gamble, McDonald's, and GCash, all while staying true to his unique mishmash of creativity and humor.

Ever feel like you're always saying yes when you really want to say no? Do you find yourself avoiding the discomfort of speaking your mind—and then being resentful afterwards? If you're overwhelmed by the demands of others or afraid to assert your needs without feeling guilty, this episode will teach you how setting boundaries can transform your well-being, personal and professional relationships, and overall happiness. Coach Nikka Santos coaches professionals and teams to build self-mastery, resilience, and leadership skills by sharpening their focus and increasing their mental and emotional agility. An International Coaching Federation-certified and credentialed-leadership coach, she is the founder of The Future Leaders Program and a Care Coach for the world's leading coaching platform, BetterUp, where she provides resilience coaching for companies like Google, Warner Media, Chevron, and NASA.

Ever found yourself reacting impulsively to a stressful situation and wished you could have handled it better? You know, snapping at a co-worker at the office or a loved one after a long day at work, or bingeing on junk food as a stress-eating coping mechanism—then regretting it immediately? In this episode, you'll learn how mastering your emotions can be the key to unlocking success in every aspect of your life. Nikka Santos coaches professionals and teams to build self-mastery, resilience, and leadership skills by sharpening their focus and increasing their mental and emotional agility. An International Coaching Federation-certified and credentialed-leadership coach, she is the founder of The Future Leaders Program and a Care Coach for the world's leading coaching platform, BetterUp, where she provides resilience coaching for companies like Google, Warner Media, Chevron, and NASA.

Dubbed as the “torchbearer of the underrepresented” by Wonder, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo's impactful win “marks a significant step toward a more inclusive Philippines, encouraging others like her to confidently take up their own space and claim their place in society.” Mostly overlooked in the course of the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant, she was not perceived as a strong contender among the favorite frontrunners and veterans—a situation paralleling her youth, where she was not just unnoticed but singled out, bullied, and rejected because of her skin color and hair type. In this episode, she shares her transformative story of overcoming these challenges. Her insights on self-belief, authenticity, and resilience will empower you to embrace your own uniqueness and make a lasting impact, whatever your background, circumstances, career, or profession.

His words say one thing, but his eyes, ears, nose, arms and legs say another! Ever wonder if someone is lying to you? In Part 2 of our conversation with body language expert Sheila Tan, she shares fascinating insights on how to spot deception and untrustworthiness and teach us how understanding these subtle cues can help us navigate both personal and professional interactions more effectively. Sheila is a Neuro-Semantics trainer, NLP Master Practitioner and Meta-Coach licensed by the International Society of Neuro-Semantics, and an executive coach and organizational development consultant.

Do people often make a false impression of you before they get to know you? Scientific studies repeatedly show that actions speak louder than words, and that our body language influences others' perceptions of us and our potential for success more than we know. The good news is, we can learn how to use non-verbal communication more effectively to transform our life at work, in relationships, and beyond. Executive coach and organizational development consultant Sheila Tan is a Body Language Expert, Neuro-Semantics trainer, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner and Meta-Coach licensed by the International Society of Neuro-Semantics. She has a Master's degree in Organizational Development at Pepperdine University and was part of Probe's documentary on past Philippine Presidents and the Top 5 Presidential Candidates in the last election.

Research shows that having close female friendships boosts your confidence, happiness, and overall health. When women spend time together, it increases serotonin and oxytocin (the bonding hormone), which lifts their mood and promotes positive behavior. On the flip side, women who feel isolated and lack female connections are more likely to experience depression and have weaker immune systems. In this episode, two BFFs share their experiences, advice, tips and secrets to cultivating meaningful female friendships and harnessing them towards solid happiness: Colourette Cosmetics CEO Nina Ellaine Dizon, and morena advocate and anti-colorism activist and beauty queen Ayn Bernos, both million-follower content creators, entrepreneurs, authors, self-empowerment advocates who are individual powerhouses in their own right. P.S. Make sure you listen to their solo episodes that come before  this one!

Women who believe—and more so, act as if, and proclaim—that they are beautiful (in colloquial speak, Gandang Ganda Sa Sarili) are still looked down upon as conceited or self-absorbed by society. Especially when their looks do not conform with conventional and deeply ingrained colonial beauty and body standards. And especially in the Philippines, where the tall, skinny, and fair Virgin Mary beauty ideal has pervaded since 1521. In this episode, top content creator, host and podcaster Ayn Bernos helps us unlock the power of believing in our beauty. At 5'3”, she broke beauty pageant ground when she joined Ms. Universe Philippines in 2021 and placed in the Top 16. During the pageant, she was bashed for looking “too common,” and for daring to join—even if she looked like the majority of Filipina women. Ayn speaks against colorism and advocates for empowerment through education through her content on confidence, education and empowerment. The entrepreneur behind the Morena the Label statement shirts for the kayumanggi community which is now a non-profit organization, she is also the author of the children's book My Name is Morena.

Who could ever believe that a hustler-since-childhood selling whatnots to her classmates in Pampanga and college dropout hawking ukay-ukay clothes, soap, and eventually, makeup could build a cosmetics empire now worth over $2 Million? Ten years ago, not many people did, and often, the only one who believed in and rooted for Colourette Cosmetics CEO Nina Dizon was herself. Her journey from a one-girl team no one took seriously to a celebrated venture capital-funded entrepreneur and almost 2 Million-follower social media influencer is a testament to her unwavering self-belief and determination to succeed. Get inspired to become your own biggest cheerleader as she shares her experiences, epiphanies, and advice. Nina is also the co-author of her memoir Rooting For Me: Breaking Boundaries as a Businesswoman.

Why can't everyone just get along? Indeed. Whether it's at work, with family, or among friends, we all face challenges in getting along with others that can affect our harmony, productivity, and even our mental health. Coach Andrea See offers practical advice to help you thrive in any team setting—from handling disagreements with coworkers to navigating family conflicts and maintaining peace in your friend group, discover how you can transform your relationships and become a better team player or team leader, no matter what group you find yourself in. Once a tough boss and challenging colleague herself, her wisdom and insights fuel her passion for helping her clients lead with more authenticity and effectiveness. A Professional Certified Coach of the International Coaching Federation and a Certified Action Learning Team Coach of the World Institute of Action Learning, she has worked for nine years with countless teams and leaders to evoke transformative clarity, achieve breakthroughs in performance, and sustain shifts in culture.

We already know we need to save and invest money for the future. But, it's one thing to know it and another to actually do it. This episode focuses on motivating you to bridge that gap between between knowledge and behavior by adopting the essential habits aimed at securing your financial future. Plus, what to do if you're the breadwinner of an overly dependent family, causing you to neglect your own financial happiness. Helping us do this is the award-winning journalist and author of Why Financial Literacy Alone Does Not Work (a crash course in Behavioral Economics) and FQ: The nth Intelligence, The Emotional Cycle of Investing.  An investment banker turned full-time homemaker, writer and speaker on money and family using Behavioral Economics principles, she has an Economics degree from the Ateneo and completed an Executive Course on Behavioral Economics at the Harvard Business School. She is the president of Investing For Everyone Management Advisers, Inc., a family business that helps others attain financial wellness.

Hello, my Can-Do Crushers! This special solo episode is my gift to all of you for my birthday month. Here, I reveal the tips, tricks, and tools that have worked for me in my many careers, incarnations, and life stages, including a candid admission of some mistakes and mishaps I went through and learned from. Think of this as an intimate convo with a confidence coach! But first, a disclaimer: You cannot cheat or short-cut your way to confidence, because it will take time and practice. What I can do for you in this episode is to jumpstart the confidence you desire by giving you a framework/toolkit/roadmap a.k.a. “cheat sheet” you can follow in order to get there faster. “ASAP” in the title does mean “as soon as possible,” so the sooner you get started on the baby steps I've outlined, the more confident you will be. Let's do this!

Whatever field you're in, whether you're an entrepreneur or employee, want to advance your career, improve your professional image, close more sales, or just make people like you more, having “good PR” is more essential than ever In today's competitive world.  Unlocking these skills is a 25-year PR veteran and the CEO of Greenbulb Communications and RedTorch Communications whose top clients include Adidas, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Mastercard, Nestle, McDonald's, Monde Nissin, Ortigas & Company, AG & P and many more. She is also a proud member of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) and a founding trustee of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines.

Mid-year alert! Have your New Year's resolutions to work out and eat healthier fizzled out? How do eternally fit people do it? How do they keep consistent at their fitness efforts, come what may? It's always easier to de-prioritize working out when work, stress, celebrations, couch potato-hood and “real life” get in the way. The good news is, it's not too late to hit your fitness goals this year—once you listen to this episode. Unlocking the key to building a long-term exercise habit is Lay Mijares, a renowned fitness coach of coaches. She became passionate about fitness at age 13 as a means of battling insecurity, and at age 20 built her own personal training company. Laystrength Inc., is a fitness, nutrition, and wellness company that serves top corporations in the country, provides virtual services here and in the US, and is changing how home service fitness is being delivered.

Meet the Q&A Queen whose words now proliferate in cyberspace in the form of quotable quote cards and memes capturing her quick wit and humor. Now nicknamed the “Flammable and Limitless Queen of the Universe” after her memorable quip at the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines, first runner-up Stacey Gabriel is considered small in stature (for beauty pageants) but her big voice, big thoughts, powerful words and huge ambitions she was unashamed about declaring made her tower over 52 giants in the competition. Her intelligence, charismatic presence, and unwavering conviction and drive to bring to attention to important issues made it so impossible to ignore her that she made it all the way to the top, missing her goal by just a hairline. Inspiring each of us to make a change in our own corner of the universe, she embodies the confidence and eloquence we all aspire to achieve. In this episode, the actress and sustainable swimwear entrepreneur shares her secrets and strategies to help us think on our feet better and sharpen our public speaking skills for the nerve-wracking situations in our own lives.

Unless you're a hardcore theater fan, you might think Kiara Dario is an overnight success. But it took 20 years of countless auditions and rejections before she would get her first lead role in local theater, and after just a few months, the biggest break any Filipino actor could dream of—the role of Gigi Van Tranh in the Manila run and international tour of Miss Saigon. She started theatre training at age five with Repertory Philippines, where she made her professional debut at the age of 14 in Disney's Camp Rock. Her first lead role in Snow White and the Prince last year got her a nomination as Best Performer in a Musical in the BroadwayWorld Philippines Awards. Previous theater credits include Mrs. Potiphar in Joseph the Dreamer, ensemble in A_ng Huling El Bimbo, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,_ and Annie. She was also the Philippine representative at the 2015 World Hip Hop Championships in California, and an actor in iWantTFC series Lyric and Beat. A songwriter and recording artist, she is a member of the self-produced Philippine pop girl group Daydream, nominated for Favorite Group at the 2022 AWIT Awards.

One of my top performing reels on Instagram and TikTok is called “Hiya: Malaking Hadlang sa Pag-Asenso” or “Big Obstacle to Success.” It resonated with so many, and I was particularly struck by one comment that read, “Opo, mas takot pa kong mamatay sa kahihiyan kaysa mamatay mismo” or  “I'm more afraid of dying of shame than dying itself!” So when I came across an Instagram post on @‌_sikodiwa_ discussing the concept and manifestations of Hiya, I knew it definitely merited an episode and sought out the expert behind the account. Carl Cervantes is a psychologist and researcher focusing on transpersonal and indigenous psychology. He has a master's degree from the Ateneo de Manila University, where his research focus was inspired mainly by the psychospiritual studies of Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao. He is currently a senior lecturer at UP Diliman. Sikodiwa (from Sikolohiya, or Psychology, and Diwa, or Consciousness) is the name of his blog, podcast, and Instagram account where he shares his research and insights.

No matter what we do for a living, we are all salespeople. Whether it's persuading our boss about a project idea or negotiating a raise, motivating our team to try a new way of doing things, getting more views and likes on our social media posts, convincing our family to try a new restaurant, or even getting our boyfriend to watch the movie we want, we're always selling something. In this episode, we'll explore not just how good selling and persuasion skills can do wonders for our work and personal lives but also the steps it takes to close any deal, whether or not you work in sales. Coach and corporate trainer Jerome Tuason's sales and account management career spans two decades and multiple industries including TV and media sales, IT consulting, real estate, consumer goods, telecommunications, educational technology, and food. He has given workshops to multinationals, FMCG corporations, banks, auto dealerships, schools, and even startups.