YT85 | This banker walked away from a lot of money to follow her passion. THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED

Ever felt like you were living but not alive? That’s exactly how Anna Ong describes her 15 years in banking. In this episode of Yana TV, I sit down with Anna, the fearless founder of What’s Your Story Slam, Singapore’s top storytelling show. From escaping a “golden handcuffs” career to dancing tango in Argentina and finding her voice through improv, Anna’s journey is anything but ordinary. We talk about family expectations, creating your own stage when none exists—and how storytelling became her life’s calling.

Discussion Topics: This banker walked away from a lot of money to follow her passion

• What if your career success felt like a slow death?
• Growing up between cultures—and not quite fitting into any of them
• The surprising dream Anna’s mum had for her future (hint: it involves marriage and money)
• Quitting a high-paying job to chase… nothing?
• From dance floors in Colombia to boardrooms in Silicon Valley—what went wrong?
• How a comedy show heckle changed everything
• The moment her body walked on stage before her brain could stop it
• From 10 people and Tinder dates… to a 300-person storytelling sensation
• The truth about staying at the top (no one tells you this)
• Why being truly seen on stage changes your life off it
• The story behind launching Singapore’s most-loved storytelling show
• The five-year-old who said what no adult in her family ever had

Our Guest: Anna Ong

Anna Ong is a professional speaker, storytelling coach, and the creator of What’s Your Story Slam—a storytelling show born in Singapore and now growing into a global movement.

After 15 years in banking, she left the corporate world—not in protest, but in search of something more human. Today, she helps leaders ditch the jargon and tell stories that actually land. Her approach blends theatre, improv, and real emotional connection to turn everyday experiences into unforgettable narratives.

She’s trained thousands globally and coached over 300 leaders 1:1—because storytelling isn’t fluff. It’s influence.

When she’s not on stage, she’s brewing kombucha, painting watercolours, or mentally editing your story.