Leading From The Middle is the podcast for anyone navigating the complexities of life and careers and sometimes feel caught at the middle! Hosted by Zann and Jasbir, millennial leadership consultants from Singapore who balance leadership responsibilities, growth, and familial duties, each episode delves into the untold stories, challenges, and triumphs of thriving both personally and professionally during the pivotal mid-career, mid-life season. This podcast offers candid discussions and practical solutions for excelling in your career while thriving on the personal front. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or simply striving to juggle it all, this is your space to find inspiration, tools, and connection.
Episode 14: Owning Your Voice: Courage, Connection & Speaking Up with Jie Zhen
Have you ever struggled to speak up in a room, introduce yourself to someone you admire, or feel like your voice isn’t being heard? In this empowering conversation, host Zann is joined once again by Jie Zhen, entrepreneur, leadership consultant, and founder of the Mindful Mama Community and Mindful Leadership Collective, to explore how we can find and fearlessly use our voices. They unpack practical strategies for building confidence, navigating introversion, reframing limiting stories, and ...
4 Nov 2025
Episode 13: Can Women Really Have It All? Redefining Identity with Jie Zhen
What does it mean to “have it all” as a modern woman, leader, and mother? In this heartfelt conversation, host Zann sits down with Jie Zhen, founder of the Mindful Mama Community and Mindful Leadership Collective, to unpack the evolving seasons of motherhood, identity, and intentional living. Jie Zhen shares candid reflections on navigating identity shifts after childbirth, building rituals that keep her grounded, and redefining what success looks like in each season of life. Together, they ...
13 Oct 2025
Episode 12: Gen Z At Work: Leading The Future Workforce
Gen Z already makes up a quarter of the workforce—and they’re not here to quietly fit into old molds. Shaped by a different upbringing, they bring confidence, side hustles, and a hunger for purpose into every workplace. In this episode, Jasbir and Zann dig into the stories, tensions, and breakthroughs of leading Gen Z: why they sometimes clash with authority, why many hesitate to take on management roles, and what it really means to engage a generation that’s rewriting the rules of work. Fres...
5 Oct 2025
IWD Special Episode: Why Women Don’t Negotiate Job Offers—And What to Do About It
In this special International Women’s Day episode of Leading From The Middle, we dive into the gender gap in salary negotiations with Sharon Walker, executive search leader at Korn Ferry. Sharon unpacks why women are less likely to negotiate job offers, the key differences between how men and women approach salary discussions, and what women can do differently to secure the pay they deserve. If you’ve ever hesitated to negotiate or wondered how to advocate for yourself more effectively, this ...
1 Oct 2025
Episode 11: Thriving in Our 40s for Men With Dr. Michael Netzley
What really happens to a man’s body and brain after 40? In this unfiltered episode, we get real about what men face in midlife—from aching joints and shrinking muscle mass to brain fog and burnout. Dr. Michael Netzley breaks down the science of ageing for men and shares powerful, practical strategies to stay sharp, strong, and sane. We cover: •What’s going on in your body and brain after 40 •Whether cognitive decline is inevitable—or reversible •Mental health, stress, and the pressure of be...
14 Sept 2025
Episode 10: Thriving After 45: Part 2 with Dr. Michael Netzley
What if the biggest threat to your brain health isn’t age—but routine? In this second episode of our brain health series, Jasbir and Zann sit down with Dr. Michael Netzley, founder of Extend My Runway and Thrive After 45, to explore how we can preserve and strengthen brain health as we age. The focus this time: nutrition, social connection, and novelty. From debunking supplement myths and unpacking the power of protein, to revealing why friendships and fresh experiences literally rewire your...
18 Aug 2025
Episode 9: Thriving After 45: Sharper Thinking, Stronger Body, Longer Life With Dr. Michael Netzley, hosted by Jasbir Singh & Zann Lee
What if turning 45 wasn’t a sign of slowing down—but a perfect opportunity to reset and thrive? In this energising episode, we kick off our Midlife Brain Reset series with Dr. Michael Netzley, an expert in leadership and neuroscience-informed performance. Together, we explore: •Why 45 is a critical age for brain and body transformation •Whether the brain can truly rewire and grow stronger in your 50s and 60s •The connection between brain health and dementia — and why prevention starts now •T...
25 Apr 2025
Episode 8 - How to Ask for a Promotion?
You’re doing more, thinking bigger—but your title hasn’t caught up. In this episode, Zann chats with Eugene, ex-Managing Director of Korn Ferry Consulting Singapore, to unpack the delicate art of asking for a promotion. From feeling pai say to bring it up, to managing the sting of “not yet,” they dive into what really makes a case for promotion—impact, readiness, timing, and mindset. They also tackle tricky questions: What if your manager agrees you’re ready but can’t make it happen? Should y...
26 Mar 2025
Episode 7: When Is The Right Time To Leave Your Job?
In this episode of Leading From The Middle, we tackle the age-old question: Should you leave your job or stay put? With 30% of Singaporeans considering a move this year, we explore why job-hoppers might actually be playing the game smarter. It’s not just about money—growth, toxic culture, work-life balance, and personal values all factor into the equation. We share personal stories of career pivots, unpack the myth of the job-hopper stigma, and introduce a decision matrix to help you weigh yo...
19 Feb 2025
Episode 6: How to Negotiate Your Salary Like a Pro – Insights from a Headhunter
In this episode of Leading From The Middle, we sit down with Sharon Walker, an executive search leader at Korn Ferry, to uncover the secrets of salary negotiation. Sharon shares practical strategies for negotiating your offer, what to do if you’re unhappy with the package, and whether you really need to disclose your last drawn salary. If you’ve ever wondered how to confidently show your worth and secure the salary you deserve, this episode is for you!
13 Feb 2025
Episode 5: Managing A Difficult Boss
Ever loved your job—until your boss changed? Suddenly, what once felt great now feels unbearable. In this episode, we explore the tricky dynamics of managing a difficult boss. Should you quit and find something better, or can you turn things around? We break down how to make that decision and, if you choose to stay, how to navigate the relationship, regain trust, and get back on your boss’s good side. With personal stories and practical strategies, we help you take control of your career—even...
8 Feb 2025
Episode 4: Balancing Driving Results with Empathy
As a leader, should you prioritize results or relationships? The answer isn’t either-or—it’s both-and. In this episode, we explore how leaders can balance authority with empathy to create high-performing, engaged teams. We discuss how to identify your default leadership style and the risks of being too firm or too empathetic. Then, we dive into practical strategies to blend decisiveness with kindness—ensuring you drive results while maintaining trust and morale. Whether you lean toward being ...
15 Jan 2025
Episode 3: Tactics for Creating Work-Life Balance
Balance requires more than mindset—it takes strategy. In this episode, we dive into practical tactics like managing perceptions, mastering your calendar, and setting boundaries that stick. Learn how to say no, identify your unique contributions, and apply the “earn credit before you debit” approach to reclaim your time. Actionable tips to help you balance work, life, and everything in between! #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipTools #TimeManagement #LeadingFromTheMiddle
15 Jan 2025
Episode 2: Redefining Work-Life Balance
Is work-life balance really possible? Do you have it? In this episode, we uncover empowering mindsets to help you claim your balance and take full ownership of your life. Learn how to break free from work-first conditioning and embrace the idea that you can design a lifestyle that works for you. It’s time to balance work, family, and self with intention and purpose. #WorkLifeBalance #LifeByDesign #LeadingFromTheMiddle
4 Jan 2025
Episode 1 - Giving Feedback to A Peer - Career Suicide or Professional Maturity?
In this debut episode of Leading From The Middle, hosts Jasbir and Zann tackle one of the trickiest aspects of leadership—giving constructive feedback to your peers. They explore real-world scenarios, share actionable strategies, and discuss how to balance professionalism with empathy. Tune in for insights that will help you navigate these crucial conversations with confidence and build stronger, more collaborative relationships at work.
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