Education

CLOSER with Rachel Lim

CLOSER with Rachel Lim is about the conversations beneath the surface.

Rachel sits down with people who fascinate her to explore not just what they’ve done, but what has shaped who they are: the experiences, relationships, contradictions, failures, beliefs and questions that have made them who they are today.

Alongside long-form conversations are personal reflections from Rachel on what she is learning, unlearning and seeing differently in her own life. There may not always be a clear answer.. but perhaps the point is to come away seeing someone differently, seeing ourselves differently, and feeling a little closer.

To ourselves.

To each other.

To what matters.

Latest Episodes:

#3: Emotional Intelligence: Your Unbeatable Advantage with Joyce Chen Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

In today's fast-paced world, where success is measured by more than just technical skills, emotional intelligence emerges as a defining factor. Join me as we dive deep into the fascinating world of emotional intelligence and explore why it's the key to personal and professional success.

As Harvard Business Review asserts, "The most effective leaders are all alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of what has come to be known as emotional intelligence." But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it crucial in today's dynamic landscape?

In this episode, we'll debunk common misconceptions about emotional intelligence and uncover practical strategies for enhancing it in our daily lives. From understanding and acknowledging our feelings to cultivating emotional resilience, we'll discuss how embracing our emotions can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, and overall well-being. This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you thrive in today's fast-paced world. Let's dive in!

Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

Get connected with Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-chen-coach/

Additional resources on Emotional Intelligence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDEY8jgkdxk https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=sYH

00:00 Introduction 02:24 Get to know Joyce Chen 04:34 Topic: Emotional Intelligence 05:28 What is emotional intelligence? 07:06 Understanding core emotions 08:13 Common misconceptions of emotions 11:45 How to tune into our EQ and BQ 13:10 Above the line VS Below the line framework 17:26 The role of emotional intelligence in our lives 20:45 Application of emotional intelligence 24:09 The after-effects of repressing emotions 28:01 How to effectively release emotions 31:20 Ways to practice emotional intelligence 34:09 Final thoughts

#2: The Secrets to Living a Rich & Fulfilling Life with Robin Sharma Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Join me in this enriching conversation with the renowned personal growth expert and author of international best-sellers 'The 5AM Club' and 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari', Robin Sharma, as we delve into the transformative insights shared in his latest book, "The Wealth Money Can't Buy." In this episode, we explore the concept of the 8 Forms of Wealth, redefining success beyond monetary measures.

Robin shares invaluable advice for those seeking meaningful changes in their lives, navigating the fine line between pushing for growth and avoiding burnout. We explore the inspiration behind "The Wealth Money Can't Buy" and how it differs from Robin's previous works, uncovering a shift in redefining success. We also delve into common challenges faced by individuals striving for growth and leadership, and discover the key qualities that distinguish exceptional human beings.

Throughout the conversation, Robin elaborates on the 8 Forms of Wealth, highlighting the intersections of growth, wellness, and relationships in creating a fulfilling life. From practical strategies for personal development to uncovering hidden habits of the truly rich, join me as we discover the obstacles to true wealth and uncover the secrets to living a purposeful and fulfilling life, leaving behind a meaningful legacy.

Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/

Get 'The Wealth Money Can't Buy: The 8 Hidden Habits to Live Your Richest Life' here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9781846048296

Follow Robin Sharma here: https://www.instagram.com/robinsharma/

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Who inspired Robin Sharma to embark on his journey?

02:32 Common challenges in achieving growth

04:22 The key to sustaining success

06:47 Common traits of successful people

09:25 Balancing between elite performance and deep recovery

10:44 Diving into: The Wealth Money Can’t Buy

13:24 Cultivating daily personal growth

15:02 On discovering purpose

18:31 What are “PENAM Principles”?

23:11 The importance of choosing the right partner

25:40 The 10,000 Dinners Question

27:22 The hidden habits of authentically wealthy people

30:42 How does “Going Ghost” benefit us?

32:05 How can the “8 Forms of Wealth” transform lives?

34:44 What are the biggest obstacles to achieving true wealth?

38:10 Living a fulfilling life

40:17 Final thoughts

#1: A Brand New Chapter Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits. Join me as I delve into every facet of our lives — from work and family to relationships, self-discovery, and beyond. Experience a series of conversations and shared reflections that span from in-depth discussions with thought leaders around the world, to personal lessons shared with friends. Each episode offers valuable insights into our identities and pathways to self-improvement. Welcome to Who We Are — a podcast devoted to the continuous journey of uncovering our ever-evolving selves. Follow me here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ ——— 00:00 Welcome to a new season of the podcast 00:32 What I’ve been up to 01:05 Letting go of fear 02:11 Moving beyond Rach Reflects 02:55 The intention behind Who We Are 03:49 What to expect from this season 05:03 Introducing this season’s in-house guest expert 06:20 Final thoughts

Season One Finale | RachReflects Episode 22 Sep 28, 2023

Show notes

It's the FINAL episode of Season One :') I can't believe we are here! Join me and some guest listeners for this reflective, fun and celebratory episode as we look back and reflect on what we've learnt from the weekly episodes the past 6months. We shared our favorite guests, most meaningful takeaways, the personal growth and challenges we experienced. This episode is a tribute to all the elements that have made Season One unforgettable. PS Don't miss the exciting quiz and game, and find out who is the biggest RachReflects fan ;) As we bid farewell to Season One, I also offer a sneak peek into what's in store for Season Two, with even more inspiring content, thought-provoking conversations, and exciting surprises. Thank you for being part of the journey! Please share in the comments below and let me know what you'd love to see in the upcoming season! Your feedback will shape the future of RachReflects.

Chapters:

00:00 - Rach and guests introduction
03:05 - Quiz and game segment
11:01 - Who's your favorite guest/favorite episode?
14:18 - Was there a particular guest's perspective that left a lasting impression or impact on you?
20:13 - Have you found yourself applying the perspective or lesson that we learned?
26:40 - Any particular episode spark conversations with your partner or team members?
31:24 - Favorite quotes from the guests
34:31 - Ask Rach Anything
43:11 - Outro

Find RachReflects on :

⁠http://rachreflects.com

⁠http://⁠instagram.com/ms_rach

7 Most Asked Questions on Work | RachReflects Episode 21 Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Dive into this enriching video where we unravel the intricacies of navigating work environments and relationships in the professional realm. From assessing your ideal work setting to managing expectations and conquering fears in meetings, we've got it all. Join us on this enlightening journey through the complexities of professional growth and self-discovery with our #WorkBestie Crystal in our final work bestie episode for this season!

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
01:02 -" Start-up vs SME vs Corporate, how do I assess which type of working environment suits me the most?"
08:27 - "When the work environment is ever-changing and ambiguous, how do I provide clarity and assurance to the team without continuously sacrificing my own personal headspace?"
10:28 - "As a chronic people-pleaser, how do I better manage expectations on what I’m able to realistically deliver at work without feeling like I’m disappointing my managers /team?"
13:29 - "How do I overcome fears when being called out in a big meeting and still show calmness, even if I don’t know the answer?
16:46 - "How do I think on the spot when I'm asked for my opinion during meetings?"
19:44 - "I’m good friends with all my team members, so how do I draw boundaries to not let them abuse this closeness by underperforming while still staying as good friends?"
25:25 - "How do I know when it’s time to quit?"
28:50 - Last words/Outro

Crystal is the CEO and Co-founder of Forest Wolf, a global leader in future-ready skills, leadership, and corporate learning and development. In this episode, she answers 7 of the most asked questions on work, and provides us with advice and insights on how we should tackle them. Let’s dive right in!

Find RachReflects on : ⁠⁠http://rachreflects.com⁠ ⁠⁠http://⁠instagram.com/ms_rach⁠

Crafting A Life You Love: Lessons from ‘Designing Your Life’ | RachReflects Episode 20 Sep 11, 2023

Show notes

In a world filled with expectations and preconceived notions about success and fulfillment, this book stands out as a guiding light for those seeking to break free from the mold and design a life that's uniquely ours. Join me in this episode as we dive into the inspiring pages of 'Designing Your Life' by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
Through the lens of design thinking, we explore powerful concepts like reframing challenges as opportunities, creating a personal life compass, and crafting an Odyssey Plan to map out our ideal future.
But this episode isn't just about the book; it's a personal journey. I'll share my real-life stories, lessons learned, and the profound impact 'Designing Your Life' has had on my path.
So, if you're ready to unlock your potential, embrace creativity, and chart a course toward a more fulfilling future, tune in to this episode. It's time to pick up your life's blueprint and start creating a masterpiece.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to designing your life
01:53 Designing your life - what the book is about
03:04 1st Key takeaway - Reframing challenges as opportunities
05:02 Dysfunctional beliefs we can reframe
06:56 2nd Key takeaway - Our Life Compass
08:30 3rd Key takeway - Charting an Odyssey Plan and how RachReflects was birthed
10:33 Bonus takeaway - Prototyping
12:57 Summary and final reflections
13:58 Designing your life workshop for the RachReflects community
14:54 Outro

More RachReflects:

http://rachreflects.com

http://instagram.com/ms_rach

Indicate your interest for the course here :

https://forms.gle/sPcHCFUsLTzvBsKU6

Zone of Genius vs Zone of Excellence: Awaken Your Aliveness | RachReflects Episode 19 Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Are you truly thriving in your personal and professional life, or are you merely surviving? In this thought-provoking episode, my personal coach, Joyce Chen and I delve deep into the transformative concepts of the "Zone of Genius" and the "Zone of Excellence." Join us as we explore how understanding and harnessing these zones can lead to a life of purpose, passion, and unparalleled fulfillment. Discover what sets your heart on fire and where your innate talents truly shine as we dissect the Zone of Genius – the realm where passion and proficiency meet, creating a powerful synergy that can propel you to greatness. We'll share inspiring stories of individuals who've unlocked their Zone of Genius and reaped the extraordinary rewards. But that's not all! We'll also journey into the Zone of Excellence, the comfort zone where many find themselves, excelling in tasks but often feeling a nagging sense of unfulfillment. Learn how to differentiate between these two zones and how to gracefully transition from one to the other. This episode isn't just about theory; it's about action. We'll provide practical tips and exercises to help you identify your Zone of Genius and take those crucial steps toward living a life that's both professionally successful and personally fulfilling. Join us for a transformative discussion that might just change the trajectory of your life. It's time to uncover your Zone of Genius and start living your most exceptional life. Don't miss this episode – your future self will thank you. Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:25 - Joyce's introduction and background
02:53 - Zone of Genius explained
04:14 - Breaking down the four zones
14:36 - Somatic practice. Are you willing to live in your zone of genius?
16:20 - Fear guards the line between excellence and genius
19:33 - Four types of upper limiting beliefs
23:38 - What does living in our Zone of Genius feel like?
26:20 - Do we have to leave our career to move into our zone of genius?
28:16 - Taking little steps forward
29:56 - The Best Stuff exercise
32:40 - Final advice from Joyce
35:39 - Outro

Find Joyce here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-chen-coach/ http://instagram.com/joycechen_coaching www.conscious.is

More RachReflects: http://rachreflects.com⁠ http://instagram.com/ms_rach

Making life's best decisions with our head, heart & gut intelligence | RachReflects Episode 18 Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

"All of my best decisions in business and in life have been made with heart, intuition, guts... not analysis.” - Jeff Bezos In this episode, we embark on a captivating exploration of human awareness and decision-making through the lenses of Head, Heart, and Gut intelligence. The idea behind these three sources of awareness is that they complement each other and collectively contribute to how we make decisions. Join me with our #workbestie Crystal as we delve into the intricate interplay of these three sources of awareness that guide our choices in life, and how we can hone and strengthen each of them. Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to human awareness, decision making using our head, heart and gut intelligence
03:15 - Enhancing head intelligence for critical thinking and analysis
04:45 - Overcoming analysis paralysis
06:32 - Striking a balance across different intelligence
07:39 - Cultivating emotional intelligence and empathy
10:53 - Aligning core values to emotional intelligence
13:12 - Striking a balance between empathy and practicality
16:14- Gut intelligence. Should we trust it?
18:56 - Overcoming skepticism or resistance towards using our gut
20:50 - Honing our intuitive abilities
21:58 - A journey inward, looking for answers within us
26:57 - Support from community to make good decisions, challenge perspectives, giving us a balanced point of view
28:15- Crystal discusses the example of coaching an entrepreneur
29:48 - Outro

Find RachReflects on :

http://rachreflects.com⁠

http://instagram.com/ms_rach

Why Turning Inward Is The Way Forward With Yung Pueblo | RachReflects Episode 17 Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

“A change in one is a change in millions.”

My special guest on this episode is a living, breathing example of his favourite quote (above): Someone who has inspired change in millions when he decided to change himself one summer in 2011.

Diego Perez, perhaps better known by you and millions of others around the world as Yung Pueblo through his Instagram account and bestselling books — Inward, Clarity & Connection, and Lighter — uses his beautiful art of words and poetry to help himself and others recognise the power of self- healing, create healthy relationships, and tune in to the wisdom that comes when we truly work on knowing ourselves.

His self-healing journey began when, at 23, he thought he had reached the end of his life. A life of constant hard-partying as his way of escaping the sadness and anxiety he was experiencing, and never wanting to be alone with himself to feel difficult emotions, eventually pushed his body to the edge and gave him a mild heart attack. That was his wake-up call to come out of ill-fated patterns which kept leading him back to sorrow and misery. And the only way to come out of it, he realised, was to start telling himself the truth— that something was wrong, and he didn’t feel good. So he stopped fighting himself, and started meditating in 2012. That was how it all began.

The practice of meditation has, no doubt, changed the course of Diego’s life. In our chat, he talks about his personal journey with his practice: The immediate lightness and spaciousness he had felt even after the first time; how it has made a writer of him (“Honestly, meditation is the secret to my creativity.”); the ways it has improved his relationships with others and with himself; and how this scared time he spends with — and within — himself has helped him cultivate self-compassion, awareness, gratitude, and empowered him to choose the narratives of his life.

I’m truly grateful for Diego for sharing his wisdom, and with such peace and calm in his energy as always, on what he has learned on his personal growth about reframing our relationship with change (“We’re afraid of losing things because of change, but we don’t realise that we have gained things because of change.”), focusing on our own internal growth in the face of the many demands and expectations of a fast-changing, noisy external world, how to be more compassionate towards ourselves, unlearn old beliefs by letting go of “trash from the past”, the ideal state to approach life, and why one of the best skills we human beings can learn is the ability to enhance our self love.

I could go on and on, but it’s best I stop here and let you listen and soak in the beautiful, soulful, inspiring words of Yung Pueblo himself.

Keep an eye out for his upcoming book, The Way Forward, which will be released on October 10. I know I am.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Story behind pen name Yung Pueblo
01:45 - Diego's background on personal development and self awareness
03:19 - Do we all need to go through an extreme experience in order to be woken up?
04:13 - Hitting rock bottom, what Diego did to get out of the hole
05:49 - The process of sitting with our emotions
07:07 - Diego's meditation journey and experience & benefits from meditation
10:43 - What led Diego to writing
13:30 - Imposter syndrome and dealing with self-doubt
15:22 - Marriage tips and relationship advice
17:55 - Couple rituals
18:54 - A Common misunderstanding about meditation
19:51 - Encouragement tip for people starting out on Meditation
21:54 - Embracing change, navigating life's transitions.
24:02 - Balancing inner growth and the demands of the world.
25:41 - How to practise self-compassion
26:45 - What the ideal mental state is
27:36 - Learning and unlearning of old beliefs
29:31 - Enhancing your self-love
31:21 - "The way forward" sharing on upcoming book
32:27 - Diego's favorite quote
33:35 - Outro

Find RachReflects on :

http://rachreflects.com

⁠http://instagram.com/ms_rach

Reflections & lessons on marriage as we celebrate our 7th anniversary | RachReflects Episode 16 Aug 14, 2023

Show notes

This week, I have a very special guest, my husband Leo! As we celebrated our recent wedding anniversary, we thought it would be apt to share some of our reflections & lessons over the last 7 years as a couple.

In this episode, we share our personal anecdotes, stories and lessons that have helped us build a stronger marriage.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and welcome
02:53 - Ice breaker
04:56 - A better and stronger relationship starts with a better and stronger me
08:35 - Remaining curious about each other
11:42 - Learning to articulate my needs instead of expecting him to be a mind reader
13:22 -Timing matters
17:50 - Don't sweat the small stuff
22:44 - It's the little things that matter
23:53 - Lightness and humor
25:20 - Bids of connection
29:05 - Marriage is not 50/50
33:15 - Surrounding ourselves with couples with strong values
34:00 - Outro

Find RachReflects on:

⁠http://rachreflects.com⁠

⁠⁠http://instagram.com/ms_rach

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