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

Hosts:

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

Guest:

• Parin Mehta https://www.linkedin.com/in/parinjmehta/

Episode Overview:

In this episode of "The Generalists," hosts Michael Smith and Raz Kotler welcome Parin Mehta, a seasoned professional with experience at Google, Airbnb, and Menyala. Parin shares his career journey from the UK to Japan, the USA, and now Singapore, highlighting his leadership roles and experiences in various global markets. He discusses the importance of language and cultural understanding in APAC, his time at Google, and navigating the COVID-19 crisis at Airbnb. Parin also introduces "Coach Parin," his personal growth initiative developed during the pandemic, which has evolved into a successful newsletter and AI-driven coaching bot. Emphasizing curiosity, discipline, and balancing work with personal well-being, Parin's insights offer valuable lessons on career transitions, empathetic leadership, and personal growth.

Links:

• The Generalist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralistsPodcast
• Poddster: https://singapore.poddster.com
• Studio Direction: http://www.studiodirection.com
• Coach Parin: http://coachparin.com
• Go Master Coach: https://www.gomastercoach.com
• David Senra: https://www.founderspodcast.com
  

Hosts:

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

Guest:

• Melissa Tiong, Strategic Account Director NCC Group, https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissationg/

Episode Overview:

In this episode of "The Generalists," hosts Michael Smith Jr. and Razko Kotler welcome Melissa Tiong, an account director at NCC Group with over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity. Melissa shares her journey as a female leader in the cybersecurity field in Singapore. The discussion covers building an inclusive cybersecurity community, the challenges and progress in the industry, and the creation of the APAC cybersecurity community, which Melissa co-founded. This community brings together professionals to share knowledge, support each other, and celebrate successes. Melissa emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where professionals can discuss issues and learn from each other. The conversation also touches on the differences between the cybersecurity ecosystems in Singapore and Israel. Melissa's insights on risk management, community building, and continuous learning provide valuable lessons for anyone interested in cybersecurity and community development.

Links:

• The Generalist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralistsPodcast
• Poddster: https://singapore.poddster.com
• Studio Direction: http://www.studiodirection.com
• Hidden Potential: Hidden Potential – Adam Grant
• Startup Nation: https://startupnationbook.com
  

Hosts:

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

Guest:

• Borko Kovacevic, Founder of Poddster https://www.linkedin.com/in/borko-kovacevic/

Episode Overview:

In this inaugural episode of "The Generalists," hosts Michael Smith and Razko introduce the podcast and their first guest - Borko Kovacevic. Borko shares his journey from Serbia to Singapore and his transition from a corporate career at Microsoft to founding Poddster. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, building a startup from scratch, and the importance of networking and community.

Links:

The Generalist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGeneralistsPodcast

Poddster: https://singapore.poddster.com

Studio Direction: http://www.studiodirection.com

Tom Bilyeu: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomBilyeu

Alex Hormozi: https://www.youtube.com/alexhormozi