In this quick solo episode, Krista Goon, host and creator of Womenpreneur Asia, redefines leadership through a personal lens—arguing that leadership often looks different from the front of the room and that followership can be a powerful catalyst for change.

She shares how academic excellence gave her visibility, how a quiet act of contributing built an entrepreneurial community, and how a simple “yes” to follow created something larger than any single person could achieve.

The balance of leading and following—timing, context, and courage—becomes a practical framework for womenpreneurs in Asia seeking impact without waiting for a title.

Listen in for memorable insights, actionable takeaways, and a reminder that true leadership is a collaborative act.

• [00:00:00] Redefining leadership: leadership can show up as listening, supporting, or saying, “I’ll follow you.”
• [00:01:00] Leadership through strengths: excelling academically can increase visibility and respect.
• [00:02:00] Organic leadership: co-founding a women’s entrepreneur group that grew from 6 to 30 and beyond.
• [00:02:45] The power of followership: following a vision can create results bigger than one person.
• [00:03:00] Balcony vs. dance floor: leadership and followership are complementary; know when to lead or follow.
• [00:04:00] Core belief: leadership isn’t about titles; both roles create change when used fluidly.

Get the full show notes at WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

In this episode, I speak to Sonam Ludhani, a Dubai‑based revenue operations (rev ops) and AI strategist— who explains how to make every dollar count for small to mid‑sized businesses.

From pivoting from supply chain to GTM at tech giants to building small but powerful AI tools, she reveals practical steps to align people, processes, and tools (even with Excel) to grow margins.

Learn why “the nervous system” approach to rev ops matters, how to avoid AI hype and why prioritizing talent over tools can unlock real value.

Listen, subscribe, and stay connected for more practical guidance.

What You'll Learn:

- 00:00 – 00:10: Sonam’s current focus in rev ops and AI

- 00:10 – 00:20: Rev ops as the nervous system—aligning sales, marketing, and operations

- 00:20 – 00:30: Career pivot from supply chain to GTM/AI; why taking her MBA at London Business School was the only option

- 00:30 – 00:40: Building practical AI tools (getting hands-on) and the significance of a growth mindset

- 00:40 – 01:10: Why small startups can succeed with MVP tools (e.g. Excel, HubSpot)

- 01:10 – 01:40: Data visibility, funnel metrics, and stopping revenue leakage

- 01:40 – 02:20: AI use, change management, and the importance of culture

- 02:20 – 02:50: The new roles in AI - GTM Engineer and the evolving AI workforce

- 02:50 – 03:30: How she develops confidence and why she is keen to help other women get into tech

- 03:30 – 04:30: Practical playbook for business owners: diagnose, stop leaks, build systems

- 04:30 – 05:00: Final reflections and how to connect with Sonam especially if you're a young woman in tech

3 Key Takeaways

- Rev ops = the nervous system that unifies what your teams do, so you don’t rely on gut feel.

- Start small: Excel or simple tools can create a single source of truth and reveal where revenue leaks hide.

- AI is powerful when paired with change management and people; treat AI like an intern, delegate the drudge work, and focus on human‑level storytelling and face time with customers.

Like our show? Help others find our show when you rate/review Womenpreneur Asia.

For the full show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

If you’d like to show up online with clarity and confidence, check out my program at FromVisionToVoice.com and take part in the ongoing Weekly Visibility Challenge.

This episode is sponsored by RedboxStudio.com

What if your biggest insecurity could become the foundation of a business that changes lives?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I sit down with Beby Kale Lena, an Indonesian entrepreneur who lives in Bali who turned her struggle with curly hair into a viral beauty brand.

This episode was recorded in Beby Kale Lena’s villa in Sanur, Bali because I had booked a stay at her villa in August.

Growing up in Timor island, East Indonesia, Beby spent years trying to hide her natural curls. and big hair. She straightened and damaged her hair so much that a hairstylist said her hair was "crispy".

But when she learned how to care for them, she not only transformed her own confidence - she helped other women do the same.

We talk about how her homemade hair oil went viral on Twitter and TikTok, why she walked away from a 17-year career in finance, and how her mission today is about so much more than hair.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, this conversation will remind you that what makes you different might just be your superpower.

Show Notes with Timestamps

• [00:05] Meeting Beby in her Bali villa and how her story began with her hair.
• [08:00] From a financial and insurance career to following her dream of living in Bali.
• [13:00] How mixing oils for herself turned into a viral business by accident!
• [20:00] The life-changing feedback from women who used her products which changed how she perceives her products and business
• [38:00] Going viral on TikTok by breaking all its rules and the challenges, anxiety and opportunities. that emerged afterwards
• [55:00] Beby’s reflections what she considers a simple yet contented life in Bali.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Your insecurities can spark ideas that inspire and empower others.
2. Authentic storytelling is more powerful than polished marketing.
3. True self-love means treating yourself with care, not comparison.

For the full show notes and links to Beby's socials, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

Painting Bold Futures: How 17-Year-Old Danya Adriana Feri Is Redefining Malaysian Art

At just 17 years old, Danya Adriana Feri who is from Malaysia has already turned her passion for painting into a thriving art business. From discovering her style during lockdown to completing large-scale commissions for clients like YTL and Marriott, Danya is proof that age is no barrier to pursuing your creative dreams.

In this conversation, she shares how she balances school with entrepreneurship, the role her mother plays as her manager and biggest cheerleader, and why she’s committed to showcasing Malaysia’s cultural heritage through her bold, vibrant abstract art. Danya also opens up about her vision to inspire other young people to create and her dream of building a community art studio.

• [00:02] Discovering art during lockdown – How Danya began experimenting with abstract painting and found her unique style.
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• [00:08] First sale beyond family – The thrill of selling her artwork at Art Market Malaysia.
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• [00:12] Commissions with major brands – Working with YTL and Marriott on large-scale pieces.
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• [00:16] Balancing exams and entrepreneurship – How she manages schoolwork alongside her art career.
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• [00:21] Dreaming of a community art studio – Why she wants to teach and inspire young people through art.
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• [00:25] Staying rooted in Malaysian heritage – How her culture shapes her art and sense of purpose.
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Key Takeaways

• Passion can start small – Even simple experiments can lead to discovering your creative style.
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• Support matters – Having a champion, like Danya’s mom, can make all the difference in building a creative career.
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Heritage is powerful – Embracing your culture can give your art and business a unique voice.

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

Find all links and show notes at Womenpreneur Asia.

From biomedical engineer to wellness entrepreneur, Marie Tuason has reinvented herself through burnout, bold choices and a passion for health.

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Marie shares her journey from interning in Germany to creating ventures that bridge wellness, community, and entrepreneurship.

She opens up about the lessons of burnout, why she challenges common wellness myths, and how she’s building the Philippines’ first Longevity Social Club.

This candid conversation dives into identity shifts, the importance of bio-individuality, and how personal struggles with self-worth and anxiety became stepping stones toward her mission to help others live healthier, more intentional lives.

Marie’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention starts with listening to yourself and daring to align your life with your values.

In This Episode:

• [00:02] Growing up in the Philippines and finding resourcefulness without privilege
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• [05:45] Moving to Germany: discovering slower living, balance, and holistic health
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• [12:10] Burnout, gap year, and the unexpected pivot into entrepreneurship
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• [18:50] Building Kaya Connections and the Longevity Social Club
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• [27:00] Debunking wellness myths and embracing bio-individuality
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• [35:20] How struggles with anxiety and self-worth shaped her mission
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• [42:00] Marie’s advice for women on reinvention and health
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Key Takeaways

1. Reinvention often starts with discomfort — burnout became Marie’s launchpad for transformation.
2. Health is multi-dimensional — beyond food and fitness, it includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. Sustainable change requires identity shifts — becoming someone who values movement, resilience, and balance.

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

Get the full article at WomenpreneurAsia.com

In this episode, Krista sits down with Gabriella or Gabby Yan, a hospitality industry insider turned startup founder to discuss her journey from luxury hotel marketing to founding TRAppe - a platform dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible, aspirational and impactful.

Gabby shares the challenges she faced as a solo female founder, the problem of economic leakage in tourism and her vision for travel that benefits people and local economies.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Gabby’s background in hospitality and how that insider knowledge inspired her to start TRAppe
• The problem of economic leakage and woefully underpaid local staff in tourism
• The three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, Economy
• Challenges of fundraising as a solo female founder with no tech background and no tech co-founder
• How TRAppe works in creating authentic, community-focused travel experiences
• Why sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all and the importance of local context and nuances
• The business model: e-guides and a membership platform
• Tips for travelers to make more conscious, impactful choices without the guilt
• The importance of amplifying Asian thought leadership and Asian perspectives in the Asian travel industry

Practical Takeaways:

• Stay, eat, and buy local to ensure your travel spending benefits the community
• Book accommodations and experiences directly, not just through online travel agents or commercial platforms
• Look for farm-to-table restaurants and artisan souvenirs that benefits the locals
• Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems like restaurants, hotels and experiences that contribute to more local prosperity
• Take time to learn about the culture and needs of your destination
• Traveling better is about thoughtful choices, not perfection

Resources & Links:

• Trappe: trappetravel.com

Shoutouts:

• Special thanks to Michelle Coulson of Remote Rebellion for connecting Gabby and Krista

Connect with the host and the show:

• Host: Krista Goon on LinkedIn
• Full article about this episode on: Womenpreneur Asia

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

What if the path to your true calling isn't a straight line, but a winding journey across countries, cultures, and careers? For Rahel Podobsky-Stucki, embracing her Swiss-Filipino heritage became the key to unlocking her purpose, as she navigated from being a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BANTAYnet, an initiative that's revolutionizing digital literacy education in the Philippines.

In this inspiring episode, Krista sits down with Rahel, a changemaker whose journey spans continents, careers, and cultures.

From her early days as a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BantayNet—a digital literacy initiative in the Philippines—Rahel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s nonlinear paths.

She shares how her diverse experiences, struggles with identity, and mental health challenges ultimately led her to her true calling: empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Rahel Podobsky-Stucki is the Founder & CEO of BANTAYnet,, an initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and online safety in the Philippines. Drawing on her Swiss-Filipino heritage and a background in law, interpreting, and digital communication, Rahel creates accessible educational content and leads community workshops to help people of all ages stay safe online.

What We Discuss:

• Rahel’s multicultural upbringing and the contrasts between Switzerland and the Philippines
• The challenges and strengths of a nonlinear career path
• Overcoming identity crises and mental health struggles
• The founding story of BantayNet and its mission
• Digital literacy challenges in the Philippines: scams, fake news, and online safety
• Strategies for effective digital education and community engagement
• The realities of building a nonprofit and exploring social enterprise models
• Lessons in resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful or impactful
• Embracing your unique background and experiences can become your superpower
• Digital literacy is essential for everyone, especially in a rapidly changing online world
• Vulnerability and openness about challenges can empower others
• Sustainable impact often requires creative approaches and community involvement

Connect with Rahel & BantayNet:

• Facebook: BantayNet
• Website: BantayNet.org

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast platform.

Share this episode with friends who might be inspired by Rahel’s story, and join us next week for more empowering conversations with Asian women entrepreneurs!

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

For more inspiring stories and resources, visit Womenpreneur Asia.

How does a Japanese entrepreneur transform her passion for social impact into a cutting-edge fintech company in Malaysia?

In this episode, Krista Goon sits down with Fumiko Inada, founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteering in Vietnam and Bangladesh to building a digital microfinance business that’s changing the game for small and micro-entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Fumiko’s early experiences with NGOs and what sparked her interest in economic empowerment
• The challenges and lessons learned from starting over in a new country
• How Bee Informatica is using technology to make microfinance faster, fairer, and more accessible
• The realities of raising funds as a woman founder in fintech
• Why Fumiko chose business over the NGO route for sustainable impact
• The importance of resilience, mission, and community in entrepreneurship
• Practical advice for women entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a difference

About Fumiko Inada:

Fumiko is the founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance company based in Malaysia. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, she’s dedicated to empowering small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—through innovative financial solutions.

Connect with Fumiko:

Website: fundingbee.my

About Your Host:

Krista Goon is the creator and host of Womenpreneur Asia, a podcast that uncovers the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey.

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