Who We Are with Rachel Lim

Rachel Lim
  • 4.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits. Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves 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.

  1. #56: Minister Indranee Rajah: What Does It Take to Want a Future in Singapore?

    May 19

    #56: Minister Indranee Rajah: What Does It Take to Want a Future in Singapore?

    Singapore's total fertility rate has hit a historic low. But this conversation was never really about birth rates. It was about what modern life actually feels like for many Singaporeans today. The pressure. The exhaustion. The invisible weight of always having to keep up. And the quiet calculation so many people are running; about whether building a family here is something they can imagine, afford, or want. Minister Indranee Rajah leads Singapore's Marriage and Parenthood Reset. She is also single. And she has no children of her own. In this conversation, we go beyond policy. We talk about: - The invisible mental load women carry that no support system fully removes - ⁠The pressure parents feel before a child is even born - and why it starts earlier than most people realise - ⁠The women who have built lives they genuinely love - and aren't sure they want to give that up - What the public reaction to the word "detour" was really saying - What it means to lead this conversation as a single woman without children - The family she lost - and why their absence shaped her understanding of family itself - Whether modern Singaporean life still feels emotionally sustainable enough to build a family within Chapters 00:00:00 Minister Indranee Rajah: The Minister Tasked With Singapore’s Future 00:02:50 Growing Up Between Two Cultures & Faiths 00:05:59 Her Mother's Greatest Gift 00:06:57 How Her Legal Mindset Shapes Singapore’s Toughest Conversation 00:10:21 Why Singaporeans Are Rejecting the Life Script — Not Family 00:14:36 The Overachievement Culture That Made Good Enough Feel Like Failure 00:17:14 The Growing Pressure of Raising Kids in Singapore 00:21:08 The Invisible Mental Load Women Carry 00:22:31 The Woman Who Hid Her Fertility Treatment From Her Boss 00:23:37 Addressing Singaporean Work Culture & Fertility Stigma 00:29:56 Why Singaporeans Are Choosing Their Quality of Life Over Parenthood 00:32:07 The “Detour” Comment That Sparked Debate 00:35:37 Leading Singapore’s Parenthood Conversation as a Single Woman 00:38:10 Why Baby Bonuses Don’t Apply to Unwed Mothers 00:41:43 Why She's Doing This — Even When Everyone Says It's Impossible 00:44:47 What Makes Her Believe Singapore Can Change Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Minister Indranee here: https://www.instagram.com/indraneerajah/ Download the FSS fertility workplace support guide here: https://fertilitysupport.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FSS-workplace-support-guide.pdf Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    49 min
  2. #55: The Fertility Convo That's Long Overdue ft. Margaret Wang

    May 12

    #55: The Fertility Convo That's Long Overdue ft. Margaret Wang

    Most of us only start thinking about fertility when something suddenly feels urgent; a doctor’s appointment, a breakup, a birthday, or the quiet realisation that time may not feel as endless as we once thought. In this episode, I sit down with Margaret Wang, CEO of GenPrime and Rhea Fertility, for a deeply honest conversation about fertility, womanhood, pressure, timing, and learning to listen to our bodies before life forces us to. Together, we talk about: why fertility shouldn’t just be a “women’s issue” the invisible emotional load many women quietly carry ⁠egg freezing, aging, and the pressure surrounding motherhood and timelines the questions many of us don’t even know to ask about our own bodies and why so many women still feel alone in this conversation Margaret also opens up personally about navigating egg freezing, heartbreak, societal expectations, and the tension between building a career, building a company, and hoping to one day build a family. Whether fertility feels far away, deeply present, or painfully emotional for you right now, this conversation is an invitation to get curious, ask earlier questions, and feel a little less alone. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:09 Get to Know Margaret Wang: The Woman Reshaping Fertility Care Across Asia 00:04:18 A Holistic Approach to Redefining Fertility Stigma 00:06:12 Egg Freezing: Progress, Freedom and the Gaps We Don’t Talk About 00:08:52 Why Fertility Conversations Still Feel Taboo 00:13:22 Nobody Taught Us How Fertility Actually Works 00:15:51 How to Ask the Right Questions About Fertility 00:19:01 Numerical Age vs Biological Age: Is It Too Late? 00:21:08 Debunking Fertility Myths and Misconceptions 00:23:20 The Personal Cost of Working in Fertility Care 00:25:53 Margaret Wang’s Message to the World 00:27:07 Final Reflections Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Connect with Margaret here: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/margaretmwang Find out more about Rhea Fertility here: https://www.rheafertility.com/ Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    28 min
  3. #54: Nathania Ong: First Singaporean to Lead the West End, And She Almost Gave Up

    Apr 28

    #54: Nathania Ong: First Singaporean to Lead the West End, And She Almost Gave Up

    Nathania Ong is the first Singaporean to lead both Les Misérables and Hamilton on London’s West End. But before any of that, she was 18, alone in a foreign city, rejected by every drama school she applied to in a single week. This is a story about the years nobody sees.. the flight home after every door closes, and the quiet season where you have to decide: Do I keep going, or do I let this go? In this conversation, Nathania opens up about: the rejections that almost broke her the stage fright she developed after going viral ⁠the best friend who talked her back from the edge and the philosophy that has carried her through every closed door since “Sometimes it’s not no. Sometimes it’s not yet. And what is for you will not pass you by.” Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:29 Meet Nathania Ong: From Singapore to the West End 00:02:35 Growing Up in a House Full of Voices 00:07:11 The First Win That Changed Everything 00:10:00 Losing Singing — and Finding Herself Again 00:13:57 Five Rejections in One Week 00:18:00 “I Almost Gave Up” 00:19:47 The Second Chance She Almost Didn’t Take 00:25:55 Her Greatest Triumph Wasn’t Success 00:28:10 What Keeps You Going When Nothing Does 00:29:18 Why Rejection Feels So Personal 00:32:22 Becoming Éponine — And Redefining the Role 00:37:00 When Success Brings Fear 00:38:28 Stage Fright, Anxiety, and Finding Ground Again 00:41:04 Pre-Show Rituals & Becoming the Character 00:42:04 Creating Something Honest for Herself 00:43:33 What She’d Tell Her Younger Self 00:45:11 Advice for Anyone Chasing a Dream 00:45:38 Final Reflections Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Nathania Ong here: https://www.instagram.com/nattyong/ Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    1h 2m
  4. #53: Diane von Furstenberg: How She Became the Woman She Wanted to Be

    Apr 16

    #53: Diane von Furstenberg: How She Became the Woman She Wanted to Be

    “I did not know what I wanted to do. But I knew the kind of woman I wanted to be.” Diane von Furstenberg’s mother survived Auschwitz at 29 kilos. Doctors said she would die in childbirth, that her child would not be normal. The following December, Diane was born. In this conversation, DVF takes us through the moments that shaped her: the principles her mother gave her that she never let go of, the little dress that became a flag of freedom, the empire she built, lost, and rebuilt, and the philosophy of life she has arrived at after 79 years. We talk about: How to stay whole across love, ambition, and motherhood Why kindness is a currency that compounds What it means to own who you are; not perform it Aging as living, not losing The one relationship we cannot afford to lose This is not a conversation about fashion. It’s a conversation about what it means to be in charge of your own life. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:24 Diane von Furstenberg: Born a “Torch of Freedom” 00:03:53 The Childhood That Shaped Everything 00:05:11 The Little Dress That Changed Her Life 00:06:14 Finding Her Door to Success in New York 00:08:20 Making 25,000 Dresses By 27 00:09:27 The Fall & Reinvention of DVF 00:11:03 Taking Back and Owning Her Legacy 00:12:12 Diane’s Most Important Advice to Women — Don’t Lose Yourself 00:14:02 Breaking the Fear of Aging in Women 00:14:56 Choosing 3 Words That Defines Her Year 00:16:11 Diane von Furstenberg’s Message to the World 00:17:13 Discovering The Power of Self & Kindness: Currency That Compounds 00:20:34 Embracing Her Winter Season in Life Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Diane von Furstenberg here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdvf/ Purchase ‘Own It: The Secret to Life’ by Diane von Furstenberg here: https://www.amazon.sg/Own-Secret-Diane-von-Furstenberg/dp/B0BGN66CK4 Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    22 min
  5. #52: 450 People Depending on Her — Then She Lost Her Job

    Apr 7

    #52: 450 People Depending on Her — Then She Lost Her Job

    Jennifer Baile is the Vice President of Global Services & Solutions at HP; one of the world's most recognised technology companies. But what drew me to her wasn't the title or the résumé. It was the quiet steadiness underneath it all. Four weeks after moving her entire life to Singapore, her role was eliminated. She had 450 people depending on her. And instead of panicking, she did something that changed the trajectory of everything that came after. In this episode, Jennifer and I talk about: What it actually means to lead when certainty is unavailable and the data is incomplete Why she stopped trying to do it all — and what she outsourced instead The mindset that turned job loss into a better role How to ask for help without feeling like a failure What titles, status and success actually mean once you've had enough of them Raising four children to know they are enough in a world that constantly tells them otherwise The dinner table ritual she started when her girls were small - and why it changed everything This is a conversation about the long game. About trading titles for purpose. About what age, experience and a few very good mentors can clarify in you over time. If you're navigating a hard season — professionally or personally — this one is for you. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:12 Meet Jennifer Baile: A Leader with an Unlikely Career Path 00:02:25 Learning to Sit in the Storm 00:04:47 Unlocking the Courage to Ask for Help 00:06:10 How to Lead Without Certainty 00:11:58 What People Get Wrong About Leadership 00:14:18 How to Steward Strong Business Mentorships 00:18:04 Redefining Success After 30 Years in Business 00:19:38 Growing a Family Amid Heavy Responsibilities 00:23:02 Dealing with Mom Guilt and Not “Doing It All” 00:26:09 Raising Confident Daughters in a Social Media World 00:31:17 You’re Only as Happy as Your Unhappiest Child 00:32:50 Strengthening Your Marriage After Having Kids 00:34:52 The Message Jennifer Baile Hopes to Leave Behind Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Connect with Jennifer Baile here: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/jenbaile Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    36 min
  6. #51: Tan Kheng Hua: On Choosing Yourself Without Apology

    Mar 10

    #51: Tan Kheng Hua: On Choosing Yourself Without Apology

    Tan Kheng Hua is one of Singapore’s most beloved actors; known for Phua Chu Kang, Crazy Rich Asians, and three seasons of Kung Fu on The CW. She has spent a lifetime choosing herself, not selfishly, but deliberately. And in doing so, she became a better mother, a better artist, and a more grounded human being. She did not build a long and remarkable career by chasing what looked good or what felt safe. She built it by returning, again and again, to what felt true. To joy over ego. To interest over image. To a life she did not have to shrink in order to hold. In this episode, Kheng Hua speaks with striking honesty about what it really takes to stay rooted in your craft, your relationships, and yourself. We spoke about: motherhood, and why she refused to let it shrink her life. ⁠the decision-making rule she has followed for decades that gave her her longevity. ⁠divorce, co-parenting, and how a friendship outlasted a marriage. ⁠the honesty cave: going inward, admitting the ugly feelings first, and choosing the next step from truth rather than fear. ⁠therapy, and why she believes gathering the tools to be better is not optional, but a responsibility to everyone who loves you. This is a conversation about living from the inside out. About following joy over ego. About learning that being responsible and being happy are not opposites after all. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:34 The Childhood That Quietly Shaped Everything 00:06:50 What Her 25-Year-Old Self Would Never Have Predicted 00:10:32 Why She Treated Her Daughter Like a Person, Not a Project 00:16:12 "My Purpose Was Never Just For Her" 00:22:25 The Secret to Co-Parenting With Someone You Divorced After 27 Years 00:27:16 The 8am Class Nobody Wanted That Changed Her Life 00:35:12 The One Habit Behind 30 Years of Staying Power 00:36:29 Her Golden Rule for Choosing Every Project 00:40:13 11 Years, One Family, One Stage — Inside Phua Chu Kang 00:42:10 What Crazy Rich Asians Taught Her About Letting Go 00:48:22 The Honesty Cave — How She Faces Every Hard Moment 00:49:56 Why She'd Rather Call Her Therapist Than Her Best Friend 00:54:10 Be Better. Do Better. Live Guided By How You Want to Die. 00:56:54 What Kheng Hua Wants You to Know If You're Still Finding Your Way Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Kheng Hua here: https://www.instagram.com/khenghua/ Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com.

    1 hr
  7. #50: What a Trial Lawyer Learned About Love, Arguments & Raising Kids

    Feb 24

    #50: What a Trial Lawyer Learned About Love, Arguments & Raising Kids

    What does a trial lawyer — someone trained to win arguments — learn about love, emotional regulation, and parenting? In this episode, Jefferson Fisher shares the courtroom lessons that completely changed how he sees conflict, persuasion, and connection. We explore: ⁠The hidden cost of winning arguments What people are really fighting for beneath the surface How to regulate yourself before you react The breathing technique Jefferson teaches his clients — and his kids The 3 steps to shifting someone’s perspective with empathy Why he lets his children argue — and what that builds in them How to model repair, humility, and recovery at home And why being a safe space matters more than being right This conversation goes beyond communication tips. It’s about security, ego, humility, and choosing kindness.. especially when it’s hard. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wishing you handled it differently, this episode will stay with you. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:07 Meet Jefferson Fisher: From Trial Lawyer to Communication Coach 00:03:14 The Cost of Winning an Argument 00:04:44 A Technique That Turns Timidness Into Calm Confidence 00:08:02 Jefferson’s Biggest Lessons From the Courtroom 00:11:22 3 Steps to Changing Someone’s Mind 00:14:47 Thinking Like a Lawyer in Everyday Conversations 00:17:39 Parenting With Humility: Modelling Recovery 00:19:29 Becoming a Safe Space for Your Children 00:22:24 Why Jefferson Fisher Allows His Children to Argue 00:26:21 What People Are Really Fighting For Beneath Arguments 00:29:37 How to Stay Grounded When Triggered 00:36:03 The Message Jefferson Fisher Hopes to Leave Behind Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Jefferson Fisher here: https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/ Purchase ‘The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More’ here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9780241719886 Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com

    38 min
  8. #49: Leo: "The Most Humbling Season Of My Life"

    Jan 27

    #49: Leo: "The Most Humbling Season Of My Life"

    Over the past year, I’ve watched Leo move through what he describes as one of the most humbling seasons of his life. In this conversation, he reflects openly on what it has meant to start again, to build from scratch, and to remain teachable after years of experience. He speaks honestly about doubt, ego, frustration, and the courage it takes to stay with the work when things feel uncertain. What made this conversation especially meaningful for me was how deeply moved I was by his honesty.. watching him name his struggles, sit with discomfort, and keep choosing growth in real time. This is a story of growth in progress; honest, unfinished, and grounded in real life. Chapters 00:00:00 A Year of Reflection with Leo 00:02:14 Fatherhood, Presence, and Breaking Old Patterns 00:06:21 Finding Joy Again Through Cooking and Showing Up Consistently 00:07:58 Starting Over at 52: Building Something New from Scratch 00:12:02 Marriage Under Pressure and Choosing to Stay 00:14:00 Learning to Stay Open During Hard Conversations 00:17:01 Letting Go of Ego and the Need for Control 00:20:58 Becoming More Open and Staying Teachable 00:28:24 When Self-Worth Is Shaken and Slowly Rebuilt 00:31:16 Closing Reflections Follow Rachel here:  https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/ Follow Leo here: https://www.instagram.com/mr_agleooleo/ Discover ANON here: https://www.instagram.com/thehouseofanon/ Write in to the team at hello@rachreflects.com

    33 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits. Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves 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.

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