For decades, we’ve been told how to succeed: work harder, climb the ladder and never show weakness. But do those rules still apply?
This edition of The Tok for Professionals explores the shifting landscape of work—where personal passions fuel success, leadership is built through failure and the best opportunities come from lifting others up.
On Rewrite The Rules, Josefhine Chitra reveals why hobbies aren’t just a side activity—they shape how we think, problem-solve, and connect.
In TiE Talks Singapore, Sanjeev Kapoor redefines success. Never approaching business as a zero-sum game, he believes real impact comes from sharing knowledge, not hoarding it.
On Hard Truths by Vertex, Jeffrey Tiong shares the brutal reality of leadership. Confidence isn’t something you start with but something you build by proving yourself, over and over again.
One thing is clear: the future belongs to those who break free from outdated workplace norms and create new ways to grow, lead and succeed.
The takeaways:
- Your best ideas don’t come from work. Hobbies, side projects and curiosity fuel innovation in ways the office never will.
- Real leaders don’t just climb; they lift others.
- Self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re failing.
If you’re looking to share such insights that truly matter to a large audience, consider podcasting in partnership with CrazyTok. Book a chat with our founder, Amit Ray, and start amplifying your voice today!
— The CrazyTok Team
Rewrite The Rules | Is it Safe to Drop The Mask at Work?
“Life is bigger than just work. Do things that make you feel fulfilled, because the mindset you build outside the office is the one you bring into it.” — Josefhine Chitra
Why Your Hobbies Might Be Your Biggest Career Advantage
- Hobbies aren’t just for fun—they shape you. The discipline, creativity and focus you develop outside work spill over into your career.
- The best employees know life exists beyond their job. People with passions bring fresh energy, better problem-solving and a stronger sense of purpose to the workplace.
- Shared interests build stronger teams. Whether it’s hiking, reading or whiskey tasting, common hobbies create bonds that make collaboration effortless.
TiE Talks Singapore | Defying Traditions: How Sanjeev Kapoor Redefined Being A Chef
“A chef once placed a menu at my feet, touched them, and cried—every dish was mine. In that moment, I realised: great business isn’t just about taking. True success comes from giving and sharing freely.” — Sanjeev Kapoor
Success Isn’t a Solo Sport
- Hoarding opportunities won’t take you far. The smartest businesses don’t just compete—they collaborate, share and build something bigger.
- Climbing alone is a tough climb. Real success isn’t about racing to the top; it’s about bringing others with you.
- The best leaders play the long game. When you give generously, you don’t just win—you create a ripple effect that multiplies success.
Learning from India’s Near-Misses in the Olympics
“An Olympian doesn’t become one alone. It takes a team—coaches, trainers, supporters—who build confidence and push you forward. When you fall, they remind you it’s not the end. You rise, fight again and come back stronger. That’s what makes a champion.” — Navdeep Singh
The Power of a Strong Support System
- Greatness is never achieved alone. Every success story is backed by mentors, teams and supporters who challenge, inspire and push us forward.
- Belief fuels confidence. When surrounded by those who see our potential, self-doubt fades, and resilience takes its place.
- Setbacks aren’t the end—they’re the lesson. The most successful don’t avoid failure; they use it to adapt, grow and come back stronger.
Hard Truths by Vertex | Burnout, Feedback, and the Making of a Leader: Patsnap CEO’s Story
“An investor once banged on the table and told me, ‘Jeff, you’re not fit to be a CEO. You can’t even pitch properly.’ And for a moment, I believed it. But confidence isn’t something you start with—it’s something you build.” — Jeffrey Tiong
Self-Doubt Doesn’t Mean You’re Not a Leader
- Every great leader questions themselves. The difference? They push through the doubt and grow stronger because of it.
- Confidence isn’t a requirement—it’s a result. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one; you just need the resilience to keep learning.
- Criticism can break you or build you. The most successful leaders turn tough feedback into fuel, proving their doubters wrong with action.
Persuader Podcast | Why Overachievers Must Forgive Their Parents
“Wealth doesn’t change our humanity. Whether rich or poor, we all experience the same emotions. I treat everyone the same, from the taxi driver to the world’s wealthiest, because respect should have no price tag.” — Sylvia Yu
True Wealth Has Nothing to Do with Money
- Wealth doesn’t change what truly matters. No matter how much money someone has, they still seek love, purpose and belonging.
- Sincerity is priceless. Whether in grassroots communities or billionaire families, those who genuinely care leave the biggest impact.
- Respect isn’t about status—it’s about character. The person driving your taxi and the billionaire in the boardroom deserve the same level of dignity.
Magical Change Formula to Persuade Anyone in Seconds
“Some of Messi’s passes are simply unreal—splitting defenders in ways no one could predict. He’s not calculating them beforehand; he’s in a flow state, letting his unconscious mind take control. When you trust your creative brain, it unlocks the unimaginable.” — Magical Rafi
Stop Overthinking, Start Flowing
- Your best ideas come when you’re in the zone. Like a footballer making an impossible pass, true mastery happens when you stop forcing it and trust the moment.
- Creativity is your biggest asset. When you let your mind work freely, it pieces together solutions you never could have planned.
- Learn to trust your instincts. Overanalysing kills innovation—sometimes, the smartest move is the one you didn’t see coming.
Marketing in the Age of AI
“AI isn’t going away—it’s only getting better. Marketers can’t ignore it. We need to understand its limitations, recognise where human creativity transcends machines and learn how to combine AI’s capabilities to unlock new possibilities.” — Mark Schaefer
AI in Marketing: A Tool or a Threat?
- Ignoring AI is not an option. It’s already reshaping marketing, and those who resist it will struggle to keep up.
- AI enhances human creativity but doesn’t replace it. The real power comes from combining machine efficiency with human insight.
- Success lies in strategic adoption. Learn where AI adds value and where human judgement is irreplaceable—this is how you thrive.
TechTonik | From Barter to Bitcoin: A History of Money
“Money is actually also a form of technology. We think of technology as laptops, smartphones, the internet—but technology could be conceptual things as well. They are invented by humans as some kind of utility item.” — Azmul Haque
Rethinking Money: Are You Playing the Right Game?
- We chase money, but what we really want is what it can buy. That is, freedom, security and peace of mind. Are you focusing on the tool or the outcome?
- The way we think about money is unique to our environment. It is shaped by habits, upbringing and culture. If you never question those beliefs, are you really making your own financial choices?
- The rules of money are changing—fast. Understanding new trends like digital currencies and AI-driven finance isn’t just smart; it’s necessary.
CuHRious Show | Why HR is Dead & You Need a People Function Instead
“No matter how small your company is, you have to prioritise creating a great people experience. Because at the end of the day, the way people feel at work impacts everything—engagement, productivity and even long-term success.” — Tanya Pallavi
Building A Startup? Don’t Skip These Three Steps
- Start with a clear vision. Your company’s purpose isn’t just a tagline—it’s the foundation for growth. Define it early and ensure every decision aligns with it.
- Hire with intention, not just urgency. The first people you bring in shape everything from culture to execution. Prioritise quality over speed when building your team.
- Invest in your people, no matter your size. A strong employee experience isn’t just for big corporations. Even in a small startup, engagement and well-being drive long-term success.
Quotes That Hit
“The way you see the world shapes how you move through it. If you think of persuasion as a battle, it’ll feel like one. But if you see it as a dance, everything shifts. You are nothing but the sum of your metaphors—change them, and you change your life.” – Magical Rafi
“I used to see every argument as black and white—either for or against, right or wrong. But in real life, winning a debate doesn’t mean winning people. The real skill is balancing facts with empathy—because how you communicate matters as much as what you say.” – Josefhine Chitra
“People are motivated by different things—money, learning, purpose. A 50% raise won’t inspire someone who craves innovation but lacks the right tools. The key to rewarding people effectively? Align it with what truly drives them, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.” – Tanya Pallavi
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