Hosts:

Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/

Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

Mustafa Rasheed https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafarasheed/

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Michael and Raz welcome Mustafa Rasheed, a seasoned professional in the SME and startup ecosystem. Mustafa shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Pakistan to his return to Singapore and contributions to the startup landscape. With over a decade of experience at KPMG, ING Bank, and Enterprise Singapore, Mustafa has helped over 3,000 businesses.

They discuss his approach to generalism, investment in the Bangladeshi startup Priyo Shop, and Singapore’s role as a hub for frontier market startups. Mustafa also shares his thoughts on personal growth, mental wellness, and lessons learned from working across diverse startup ecosystems. The episode concludes with practical advice for founders, insights into crafting effective pitch decks, and Mustafa’s personal development habits.

Links:

• Priyo Shop: https://priyoshop.com

• Accelerating Asia: https://acceleratingasia.com

• Enterprise Singapore: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg

• Udemy: https://www.udemy.com

• JFDI (Historical): https://www.jfdi.asia

Hosts: Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/ Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/ Guest: Geraldine Gauthier https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldine-gauthier-coach/ Episode Overview:

In this episode, hosts Michael and Raz sit down with Geraldine Gauthier, the founder of GoMasterCoach and a Master Certified Coach (MCC) passionate about helping others achieve their fullest potential through coaching and personal development. Geraldine discusses her transition from the finance industry to executive coaching, and how her personal growth journey inspired her career change. She shares her insights on common challenges faced by executives, including confidence issues, managing relationships, and overcoming burnout. Geraldine also dives into her philosophy of blending physical fitness with mental well-being, and the importance of coaching in developing resilience. Additionally, she reveals details about her new stealth AI startup aimed at enhancing coaching skills through digital tools, and offers her views on democratizing coaching across Southeast Asia.

Geraldine opens up about breaking boundaries, embracing new challenges, and how "daring more" can help anyone overcome personal limitations. She also provides advice for aspiring leaders and executives on leveraging their strengths, and offers tips for overcoming self-doubt. The conversation concludes with insights into Geraldine’s personal wellness routines, her new startup venture, and a thought-provoking discussion on how coaching can shape leadership in the Southeast Asian ecosystem.

Links: GoMasterCoach: https://www.gomastercoach.com F45 Fitness: https://f45training.com Yoga Movement: https://yogamovement.com Live Coach School Podcast: https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcasts Brooke Castillo - The Life Coach School: https://thelifecoachschool.com

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Carl Gough https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-gough/
  

Episode Overview:

In this episode, hosts Michael and Raz speak with Carl Gough, the dynamic Founder, Philanthropist, and CEO of meetmagic.org, a platform that links executives with cutting-edge technology trends like AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Transformation, while making a social impact. Carl talks about bootstrapping his business, the role of generalism in his career, and how meetmagic is contributing to both tech advancements and charitable causes.

Carl also shares his thoughts on the importance of Singapore as a strategic business hub, despite residing in Sydney, and reflects on the post-COVID landscape of business meetings. He emphasizes the necessity of social impact in business, discusses how he overcomes challenges as a founder, and offers advice to young entrepreneurs on navigating fear and building resilience.

Links:

• MeetMagic.org: https://meetmagic.org
• Ground2Cloud: https://ground2cloud.co
• Rory Sutherland’s Book “Alchemy”: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Surprising-Power-Ideas-Make/dp/0753556529
• Raphael Rowe Foundation: https://www.raphaelrowefoundation.org
• Inside the World's Toughest Prisons (Netflix Series): https://www.netflix.com/title/80116922
• DevRev: https://www.devrev.ai
• RingCentral: https://www.ringcentral.com
• Maybank Securities: https://www.maybank.com
• Salesforce https://www.salesforce.com/

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Denning Tan https://www.linkedin.com/in/denning-tan-7a26737/

In Episode 8, hosts Michael and Raz sit down with Denning Tan, an experienced entrepreneur and partner at the GenAI Fund, to explore his dynamic career in Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Denning recounts his transition from a litigator in Malaysia and China to working with major companies like AWS, 123RF, and Carsome.

Denning dives into the rapid rise of B2B Gen AI startups, how remote work has transformed the region, and the strategic focus of the GenAI Fund, which supports pre-seed and seed-stage startups solving critical industry challenges. He offers his perspective on Malaysia’s startup scene, shedding light on the country’s potential and the evolving nature of its ecosystem, especially in comparison to tech powerhouses like Singapore and Indonesia.

Links:

• Pieter Kemps https://www.linkedin.com/in/pieterkemps/
• Laurence Si https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencesi/
• GenAI Fund https://genaifund.ai
• 123RF https://www.123rf.com
• AWS (Amazon Web Services) – https://aws.amazon.com
• Carsome https://www.carsome.com
• Peak XV Partners https://www.peakxv.com
• SeedPlus https://seedplus.com
• Yahoo https://www.yahoo.com
• Catcha Group https://www.catcha.com
• Mayfield https://www.mayfield.com
• GSR Ventures https://www.gsrventures.com
• Qunar https://www.qunar.com
• Kleo (Netflix Series) – https://www.netflix.com/title/81234567
  

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Niko A https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolyaak/

Synopsis:

In Episode 7, hosts Razko and Michael engage in an inspiring conversation with Niko, a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a diverse international background. Niko recounts his extraordinary journey from Russia to South Korea on a LG Electronics scholarship, where he spent nearly a decade immersing himself in a new culture and advancing his expertise in software and technology administration. Transitioning from South Korea, Niko moved to Singapore to join Horangi, a dynamic startup co-founded by his friend Paul, and played a pivotal role in scaling the company from the ground up.

He shares insights into building a global cybersecurity community, influencing the industry, and navigating the acquisition of Horangi by Bitdefender. Throughout the episode, Niko emphasizes the importance of foundational education, continuous learning, and adaptability in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. He also discusses the impact of Asian cultures on his professional demeanor, the rising role of AI in cybersecurity defenses, and offers valuable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, Niko touches on his passion for languages, personal wellness, and maintaining a balanced life amidst a demanding career.

Links:

• LG Electronics https://www.lg.com
• Horangi https://www.horangi.com/
• BitDefender https://www.bitdefender.com/
• Palantir Technologies https://www.palantir.com/
• DuoLingo https://www.duolingo.com/
• DefCon https://defcon.org/
• Higher Loyalty (Book by James Comey) https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Loyalty-Leadership-Transform-Business/dp/1250306784
• Evolve MMA (One Championship Gym) https://evolve-mma.com/
• Sunland Mountain Resort https://www.sunland.co.kr/
• GitHub https://github.com/

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Candina Weston https://www.linkedin.com/in/candinaweston/
  

Episode Overview:

Our guest, Candina Weston, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the technology sector. Candina has held significant roles at Microsoft, including CMO and COO of Global Experiential Marketing and Director of Global Business Strategy. She has worked across the US, Europe, and Asia, driving transformative growth and innovation.

In this episode of The Generalists, Candina reflects on her journey, from starting as an intern to holding multiple global leadership roles across different continents, including Australia, the U.S., and Singapore. She shares insights into navigating corporate environments, driving transformation, and the value of building strong leadership foundations. The conversation touches on her decision to make Singapore home and the cultural shift she’s noticed in the entrepreneurial landscape of the region. Candina also delves into leadership styles, corporate change management, and the importance of being a strategic and people-oriented leader in today's fast-evolving business world.

We explore topics such as the role of leaders in facilitating organizational change, the importance of mentoring and sponsorship, and the critical need for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. As an advisor for She Loves Tech, Candina offers her thoughts on creating more inclusive work environments, fostering trust, and how leaders can cultivate spaces where diverse talents thrive. The conversation wraps up with Candina’s reflections on wellness, personal growth, and the transformative potential of AI in the marketing industry.

Links:

• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com
• She Loves Tech: https://www.shelovestech.org
• INSEAD Business School: https://www.insead.edu
• Erin Meyer’s Culture Map: https://erinmeyer.com/tools/culture-map-premium/
• Blinkist: https://www.blinkist.com
  

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Ilia Tivin https://www.linkedin.com/in/tivin/

Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Generalists, hosts Raz Kotler and Michael talk with Ilia, a cybersecurity expert who has made significant contributions in Singapore. Ilia shares his journey from Israel to Singapore, highlighting his extensive experience in various cybersecurity roles, from business development to security architecture. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in cybersecurity, arguing that solutions should be as transparent as possible for end users and critiquing the tendency to overcomplicate security measures. The discussion also covers Ilia’s recent venture, Self Hosted, a company that encourages individuals and businesses to take control of their data by hosting their services independently, rather than relying on third-party providers. Ilia stresses the growing concerns over data privacy and the benefits of self-hosting. He also shares insights from his generalist background, advocating for continuous learning and disciplined habits. The episode wraps up with practical cybersecurity advice and reflections on maintaining simplicity in both technology and daily operations.

Links:

• The Generalist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralistsPodcast
• Poddster: https://singapore.poddster.com
• Studio Direction: http://www.studiodirection.com
• Cloud Security Alliance: http://cloudsecurityalliance.org
• ISC2: http://isc2.org
• IMMICH (open source photo management): http://github.com/immich-app/immich
• SETAPP: https://setapp.com
• Humble Bundle: http://humblebundle.com
• Self Hosted: https://www.selfhosted.sg