The New Normal Podcast - Interviews with Asian Australian Founders and Entrepreneurs

Anthony Chi

Sharing the stories of Asian Australian founders, entrepreneurs, and operators. Join me as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. IG @thenewnormal_official

  1. 22 // Joseph Guo of Minimis Technologies - Building the future of functional wearables through community

    03/04/2024

    22 // Joseph Guo of Minimis Technologies - Building the future of functional wearables through community

    Joseph Guo, founder of Minimis Technologies, is a trailblazer in the arena of minimalist design and innovative functionality. On this episode we explore his quest to revolutionize how athletes interact with technology, breaking free from the constraints of phones and watches with a standalone heads-up display catered especially for triathletes. From the social media strategies to the intricate balance of personal life and a remote international team, Joseph shares his experience and the values that drive him: fairness, honesty, creativity, and, above all, minimalism. He reflects on his passage from a law background to embracing a tech-driven, entrepreneurial path, and how customer feedback has sharply focused their product development. We'll also delve into the challenges of pre-launch marketing, the nuances of building a brand identity, and the insights gained from Kickstarter crowd-funding. Joseph's multicultural team, which spans countries and expertise, symbolizes the evolving dynamics of global collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. So, as we unpack the ethos behind Minimus Glass and the vision to merge sleek design with unfettered utility, prepare to be inspired by a story that epitomizes what it means to live minimally, yet mightily. Visit Joseph at ⁠https://minimis.life/ ---------------------------------------- Welcome to The New Normal, where we aim to celebrate, support and inspire fellow Asian Australians founders, entrepreneurs and operators through meaningful storytelling. Join us - Anthony and Will - as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. Follow and connect with us on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thenewnormal_official

    1h 13m
  2. 20 // Jason Hoeung of The Lifestyle Co - Reinventing Men's Fashion through adversity by diversity

    01/17/2024

    20 // Jason Hoeung of The Lifestyle Co - Reinventing Men's Fashion through adversity by diversity

    Jason's story isn't just one of fashion and business savvy; it's a tale of cultural heritage, resilience, and the drive to overcome obstacles. With a background that includes Cambodian roots, a childhood immersed in Australia's clothing factories, and a divergence from his family's expectations, Jason's diverse experiences have shaped his unique approach to entrepreneurship. We'll delve into how Jason leveraged customer feedback to design products that resonate with a niche market, his strategic marketing moves, and how his brand navigates the complexities of international distribution. Get ready to explore the implications of privacy laws on advertising, the importance of diversity in branding, and the evolution of men's swimwear, which respects both style and sustainability. Join us as we uncover the layers of the multifaceted journey that brought The Lifestyle Co to life. From its inception amidst a global crisis to carving out space on retail shelves and crafting a diverse and inclusive brand identity, Jason's insights are a masterclass in adaptability and innovation. So, let's dive in and meet the mastermind behind The Lifestyle Co. Visit Jason at https://www.thelifestyleco.com.au/ ---------------------------------------- Welcome to The New Normal, where we aim to celebrate, support and inspire fellow Asian Australians founders, entrepreneurs and operators through meaningful storytelling. Join us - Anthony and Will - as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. Follow and connect with us on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠thenewnormal_official

    1h 3m
  3. 19 // Friska Wirya of Fresh by Friska - Embracing change as the norm, practical tips for building a personal brand

    12/06/2023

    19 // Friska Wirya of Fresh by Friska - Embracing change as the norm, practical tips for building a personal brand

    Friska is a dynamic individual with an impressive background in corporate life spanning over a decade. Having held high-profile roles in engineering, mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure within large organizations, Friska experienced the demanding nature of the industry firsthand. The constant traveling and hectic schedule took a toll on her personal life, causing her to miss precious moments like birthdays and weddings. Determined to find a better way to balance work and personal life, Friska embarked on a soul-searching journey when her last corporate role came to an end. Visit Friska at her website: https://www.freshbyfriska.com/ Or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friska/ ---------------------------------------- TIMESTAMPS [03:57] Corporate veteran seeks more control, takes leap. [06:41] "Reflection on corporate route, safe paychecks, change." [11:08] Focus on what you can control and seek clarity in change. [13:45] Fresh-inspired name, linked to past success. [16:12] Forced to adapt, turned to speaking. [21:20] Writing about commonly asked questions and topics. [24:24] Asian-Westernized speaker attracts broader market, warm reception [27:06] Asking for feedback helped identify strengths. [30:01] Confident pricing, time wasters filtered out. [35:09] Evergreen book distills years of experience. [39:05] Guide to Future Fit Organisation: Transform and Adapt [41:27] One experience opened doors to more opportunities. [43:19] Stylish wardrobe advice for busy moms. [46:29] Balancing work and relaxation for better control. ---------------------------------------- Welcome to The New Normal, where we aim to celebrate, support and inspire fellow Asian Australians founders, entrepreneurs and operators through meaningful storytelling. Join us - Anthony and Will - as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. Follow and connect with us on Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠thenewnormal_official

    47 min
  4. 18 // Jolynn Beh of Bobbleware - Journey to sustainability one Hello Kitty at a time

    11/22/2023

    18 // Jolynn Beh of Bobbleware - Journey to sustainability one Hello Kitty at a time

    Jolynn is the innovative mind behind Bobbleware, a side hustle she started at the end of 2019 while working a full-time job in the city. Her daily urban life, involving morning coffees in her keep cup and bubble tea lunches, sparked an idea that turned into the birth of Bobbleware. After noticing the absence of eco-friendly options for bubble tea drinkers, Jolynn envisioned a reusable cup tailored to accommodate the popular beverage. She spent seven months refining the concept in response to the widespread use of single-use packaging, resulting in a more sustainable solution for bubble tea lovers in Australia. Visit Bobbleware at https://www.bobbleware.com/ Or at Instagram @bobbleware ---------------------------------------- TIMESTAMPS [03:43] Soggy paper straws, transparent cups are missed. [06:56] Bobbleware: eco-friendly solution for bubble tea. [14:17] Starting Out [20:31] Accelerator Program [23:42] Starting a Shopify store, YouTube was essential, networking and mentorship help. [31:01] Timing and demand lead to new strategy. [44:26] Put yourself in buyer's shoes to help. [48:17] Grateful for journey with life partner [55:39] Contributing to the planet, joy through bubble tea [59:58] Turning point, crossing line, uncertain future. ---------------------------------------- Welcome to The New Normal, where we aim to celebrate, support and inspire fellow Asian Australians founders, entrepreneurs and operators through meaningful storytelling. Join us - Anthony and Will - as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. Follow and connect with us on Instagram: @⁠⁠thenewnormal_official

    1h 2m

About

Sharing the stories of Asian Australian founders, entrepreneurs, and operators. Join me as we share the stories of those who took the journey to change and evolve, to those who dared to challenge the status quo and to those who never settle and constantly seek The New Normal. IG @thenewnormal_official