APCDA Podcast

S5 Ep4: Jimmy Pham AM: Building Futures with Purpose and Heart

In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, Felicity Brown sits down with Jimmy Pham AM , founder of KOTO and co-founder of VietHarvest , for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation. Speaking from his car in Hanoi, Jimmy reflects on his early life journey from Saigon to Sydney, the founding of Vietnam’s first social enterprise, and the core values that have guided his decades-long commitment to empowering marginalized youth. From personal philosophy to future plans, Jimmy shares stories of resilience, ...

S5 Ep3: S5E3: From Thailand to the Boardroom: Tamerlaine Beasley's Intercultural Journey​

Tamerlaine Beasley : Life-changing high school student exchange leads to intercultural business. In this episode Felicity and Sam interview Tamerlaine Beasley, Founder and CEO of Beasley Intercultural. Tamerlaine recounts how her influential early experiences living in Thailand led to a successful business delivering intercultural training programs to a diverse, globally connected workforce. 0:20 Key takeaways from Samantha and Felicity 4:00 Introducing Tamerlaine 5:30 Her growth spurt in Thaila...

S5 Ep2: APCDA Podcast Season 5 Episode 2

Benjamin Loh recounts his career journey from a bullied child and introvert through to becoming a public speaker to audiences of thousands. His insights on developing confidence and defining success are memorable. Join us to hear about this Singaporean who is bucking career stereotype trends everyday. 0:00 Benjamin Loh's career journey and insights 2:22 Introduction to Benjamin Loh 3:23 From accounting to sales to professional speaking 6:03 The leap (of faith) 8:04 Building confidence and overco...

S5 Ep1: APCDA Podcast Season 5 Career Journeys Episode 1

APCDA Podcast is a monthly series on career-related discussions. The podcast is in its fifth season in 2025, continuing the theme of ‘Career Journeys’ where the co-hosts interview a range of people with fascinating career journeys to learn about their key career decisions and career advice. 0:05 Hosts' learnings 2:05 Introduction to Angela 4:13 What drives her 5:32 How she got started in her business 6:28 Early career exploration 8:20 Happenstance and Career Management 14:32 Coping with burnout ...

S4 Ep8: From Sales to Future Proofing Organisations

Abe is the founder of Future Proof Global which is a business transformation consultancy that specializes in strategy, response to disruption, ESG implementation, organization design and development, leadership development and talent management. In his previous engagements, he has held senior management roles across geographies and functions in a career spanning more than 30 years. Join us in this chat with Abe to learn more about his journey. 00:06 Introduction 02:12 Current Work 05:26 Early Ye...

S4 Ep7: Dr. Marilyn Maze on Life, Work, and Growth

In this episode, Dr. Maze shares her inspiring journey from a career in mathematics and computer programming to her impactful work in career counseling and assessment. She discusses her early influences, time in the Peace Corps, and the founding of APCDA, offering insights into how personal drivers like happiness shape our career paths. Dr. Maze also explores the role of AI in career counseling and offers practical advice for anyone seeking growth in their personal and professional life. Tune in...

S4 Ep6: Disability to Possibilities

Daniel Lee was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta commonly known as brittle bones disease. He has not let that define him and is now a para-athlete, motivational speaker, and a social impact leader. He is also the founder of 360 All Ability that works to create an inclusive world for people with disabilities. Join us in this chat with Daniel to learn more about his journey. 00:06 Introduction 01:11 Current Work 03:55 Childhood 07:57 Interests as a child 09:10 Thoughts on career as a young person ...

S4 Ep5: Opera Singer to Public Servant and CEO

Michael Wilson has had a career spanning opera singing, public service, international development, and active politics. He is now the CEO of e-water and is based in Australia. Join us in our chat with Michael to learn more about his journey. 00:35 Introduction 01:55 Career plan 03:26 Influence of personal values 04:23 Dropping singing as a career 07:05 Growing up years 10:25 Childhood heroes 14:45 Career thoughts during high school and university 22:21 Decision making at a key crossroad 26:14 Ch...

S4 Ep4: Street kid to Obama Scholar and Social Entrepreneur

Huong Dang is a 2023 Obama Scholar, 2022 Yale World Fellow, and the founder of Hope Box. Hope Box is a social enterprise that provides psychological and economic recovery services to victims of gender based violence in Vietnam. Join us on this chat with Huong Dang and listen to her incredible journey in life and career. 00:05 Introduction 01:45 Huong as a person 02:33 Current roles 05:32 Life story that led to Hope Box 12:54 Childhood Heros 17:05 Most important career decision 23:24 Trusting KOT...

S4 Ep3: Academics to AI Research Commercialisation

Dmitry Mikhaylov is professor, scientist, business innovator and an author in the area of big data and artificial intelligence. He is based out of Dubai. Join us in our chat with Dmitry to learn more about his journey. 00:04 Introduction 00:33 Guest Background 06:30 Childhood Years 13:45 Childhood Influences 15:34 Academic Journey 18:22 First Job 24:25 Balancing Teaching and Commercialisation 27:19 Most Important Career Decision 30:00 Key Achievements 33:35 What is next in the journey 35:47 Fina...

S4 Ep2: Management Consulting to Startup Founder

Azran Osman-Rani is the CEO and Co-Founder of Naluri. Naluri is a digital health therapeutics platform that combines behavioural science, data science, and digital design, to help users become mentally resilient and adopt healthy lifestyles that are sustainable. Join us in our chat with Azran to learn about his incredible journey. 02:05 Three principles; Connection, Curiosity and Courage 02:50 Younger years 05:57 Deciding his degree programs 10:33 Getting out into the real world 11:28 Job applic...

S4 Ep1: E-Sport and Sport Psychologist

Rebecca Wong works as a psychologist with elite sports teams and athletes to prepare them for global and regional competitions like the Olympics. Join us in our chat with Rebecca to learn more about her journey. 00:05 Topic Introduction 02:25 Growing Up Years 11:40 Admission into Sport Psychology 18:26 Move from Sports to eSports 25:06 What Rebecca likes best in her job 26:42 Most important career decision 30:37 Next steps for Rebecca 37:13 Life Motto Guest : Rebecca Wong | Esport and Sport Psyc...

S3 Ep9: Season Finale: Takeaways

This is the final episode of Season 3. Join me on this chat with fellow APCDA members Elisabeth Montgomery, Sujata Ives, and Liliya Tleukenova to talk about our learnings from the season. 00:12 Introduction 01:13 Guests Background 05:05 Career decision-making in different cultures 13:46 Micro credentials 27:05 Unique insights 34:09 Using industry information 41:59 Key takeaways Guests: Elisabeth Montgomery | APCDA Program Committee Chair | LinkedIn Profile Sujata Ives |APCDA Program Committee Co...

S3 Ep8: Central Asia – Insights and Opportunities

What kind of developments are taking place in Central Asia? What are the key labour trends in the region? What are the employability skills that are in demand by employers but lacking in job seekers? If these are some questions on your mind, join Liliya Tleukenova and I on this chat with Bolat Mynbayev and Natalia Timofeeva where we talk about the economic and talent landscape in Central Asia. 00:10 Topic Introduction 01:57 Guest Background 03:28 Regional integration updates 08:25 Impact of tran...

S3 Ep7: Water Security – Landscape and Careers

How can we start addressing water scarcity immediately? What is the government doing about water pollution? As the world moves towards urbanisation, will the cities have enough water to support the growing population? If these are some questions on your mind, join me on this chat with Ravi Subramanian where we talk topics related to water scarcity and opportunities available for the creative minds to tackle this urgent issue. 00:08 Topic Introduction 02:05 Guest Background 03:08 Targeted actions...

S3 Ep6: Business of Water – Industry and Careers

I thought water was just used for drinking and sanitation. How do companies use water? What are companies doing to address the water crisis? Given the looming water scarcity, what does the future of the water industry look like? If these are some questions on your mind, join me on this chat with Irshaad Hakim where we discuss issues that the water industry is looking to solve and how you can be a part of it. 00:18 Topic Introduction 02:37 Guest Background 03:52 Water Industry Landscape, Usage Is...

S3 Ep5: Supply Chain Trends and Emerging Careers

How do products reach us? What is the global supply chain crisis? Why do some companies take a longer time to restock my favourite products? If these are some questions on your mind, join me on this chat with Sharath Ram Santhanam where we will talk about developments taking place in the supply chain industry and careers that will gain prominence in the changing landscape. 00:25 Topic Introduction 02:10 Guest Background 04:40 Supply Chain Landscape, Vulnerabilities, and Reconfiguration 24:30 Eme...

S3 Ep4: Food Industry: Production

What is wrong with our food production model? Despite all the technological advancements, why are we still tackling hunger as a key challenge? Will be we able to feed our growing population with all the challenges that climate change is throwing at us? If these are some questions on your mind, join me on this chat with Howard Story where we will talk about the issues around food production and careers that are emerging as solutions. 00:12 Topic Introduction 02:05 Guest Background 04:15 Landscape...

S3 Ep3: S3 Ep3: New Space Economy

What is the New Space Economy? What kind of developments are taking place here? I am interested in space but I am not a scientist or an engineer. How can I be part of the new space economy? If these are some questions on your mind, join me on this chat with Zaheer Ali where we will discuss about the developments taking place in the New Space Economy. 00:06 Introduction 02:20 Guest Background 05:45 New Space Economy vs Old Economy 15:10 Spending on resources for space 24:40 Realistic business cas...

S3 Ep2: Trends in Information Technology

IT is booming. Is it realistic to transition there? What is happening in IT in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region? How can a non-tech person be part of the tech boom? Join me on this chat with Khalid Nizami where we talk about the developments taking place in the information technology industry. 00:16 Topic Introduction 00:57 Guest Introduction 02:23 Career Journey 06:52 Link to Sustainability 15:57 IT landscape in APAC and ME 25:55 Key Future Trends 34:55 Soft skills in IT 39:11 Reality of...

S3 Ep1: Understanding Renewable Energy

Why is the adoption of renewable energy so slow? Why are fossil fuels not being phased out? Should I join the renewable energy industry? Are these some questions that plaque you or your clients when you think about the renewable energy industry? Join me on this chat with Vignesh Nandakumar where we talk about the renewable energy industry landscape and opportunities that this emerging field presents to the job seekers. 00:21 Topic Introduction 00:32 Guest Introduction 01:48 Career Journey and Pi...

S3: APCDA Podcast Season 3 Introduction Episode

This is a brief introduction of the podcast host and what you can expect in the upcoming season. 00:08 - Welcome 00:26 - Host Background 01:22 - Theme for Season 3 01:48 - Objective 02:13 - Engagement 02:30 - Contact email 02:56 - Request for speakers 03:16 - First episode launch 03:24 - Thank you For further questions, please check the FAQ document or email podcast@asiapacificCDA.org...

S2 Ep20: Final Episode with Dr. Skip Niles on Mentoring and the Future

This final episode of Behind the Science of Career Development finds Brian interviewing his mentor Dr. Spencer “Skip” Niles. The interview highlights the influence of Drs. Ed Herr, Donald Super, Mark Savickas and others who influenced Skip’s career and his philosophy of paying these gifts he has received forward as a mentor. It is with the greatest gratitude for the opportunity to host this podcast and to have Skip join me here at the end that I thank you for listening. The interview is framed a...

S2 Ep19: The future of APCDA Podcast with Dr. Brian Hutchison

S2 Ep18: There is Chaos Everywhere with Dr. Jim Bright

Dr. Jim Bright, one of the originators of Chaos Theory of Careers (CTC) joins host Dr. Brian Hutchison to celebrate the Asia Pacific Career Development Journal’s first Special Issue focused on CTC. Jim always provides an exhilarating conversation that helps us understand the role chaos plays in our career lives and why we need to understand this better in our professional careers practice. You will not be bored during this fun, energizing conversation about our work. Chaos Theory of Careers orig...

S2 Ep17: Early Career Career Development Professionals with Tam Nguyen

Tam Nguyen, a career coach based in Montreal Canada, joins host Dr. Brian Hutchison to talk about her practice and transition into the career development field from a career in supply chain management. Tam is a fresh voice in the field who reminds us about why career development is such an appealing profession, how our personal stories impact our choices, and that all previous careers contribute to our current career. She helps clients reimagine their lives in a unique and different ways. In thi...

S2 Ep16: Women Led Social Enterprise in Vietnam with Ms. Phoenix Ho

Phoenix Ho, co-founder of Hướng Nghiệp Sông An, a career-focused social enterprise in Vietnam joins host, Dr Brian Hutchison, for this episode of Behind the Science of Career Development. Phoenix describes the work of Sông An and how it provides leadership in the field of career development in her country including training, supervision, and the translation of career assessment instruments. The conversation turns to the following topics (timestamp of this dialogue): Social entrepreneurialism and...

S2 Ep15: Social Workers Do Career Development Too

Host Global Career Guy Dr. Brian Hutchison hosts Amber Brown and Jennifer Luna, two career development experts in the social work career space. Amber Brown is a Career Advisor at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a focus on career services. Jennifer Luna is the Director of the DiNitto Career Center and Alumni Relations office in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She ha...

S2 Ep14: Finding Wellness, Hope, and Themselves in College Career Services

APCDA President Satomi Chudasama joins us in a very practical career practitioner focused episode. She sits down with host Dr. Brian Hutchison for a conversation about working with college students in a Career Services setting. Most present in our dialogue is the importance of helping students slow down, self-reflect, and see themselves in the process of career planning. Full of practical tips, insight into her personal career practice at Princeton University, and the important role career plann...

S2 Ep13: The Climate Crisis and Career Development: Finding Hope

Happy New Year! We kick off 2022 with a dynamic, important episode focused on the climate crisis and career development. Your host Brian Hutchison is joined by Trevor Lehmann, a career counselor who specializes in working with clients’ career decision while taking into account climate change and climate grief. This episode is full of so much great information including: (2:40) How climate anxiety shows up in career work (7:00) Why addressing climate is important (8:50) Long term thinking, hope a...