We hear a lot about what it means to be a “working mom”… and what about a “working dad”? His perspective? His struggles? His wins? His attempt to create work/life balance, while raising kids and providing for them at the same time?

This episode I sit down with Alex Shlaen to hear his perspective on how he has been raising 2 children with his wife Lana - and bring “an equal, hand-on, engaged parent… and a professional executive at work!” Now with two grown sons and a thriving career, Alex brings a refreshing perspective on parenting beyond traditional roles.

In this conversation we challenge the status quo, gender roles, why the world has so much sympathy for “working moms”, and why the voices of “working dads” need to be included into the conversation too!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Discover the secrets of thriving as a working dad.
(03:30) How to excel at work and home without compromise.
(06:30) Confronting the hidden struggles every father faces.
(10:00) A New Kind of Dad: Reimagining fatherhood for the modern world.
(13:00) Why breaking the rules makes you a better dad.
(16:00) Strategies for fathers seeking balance and fulfillment.
(19:00) What no one tells you about being a dad.
(21:00) Practical Tips: How to use your strengths for a more rewarding parenting journey.

Alex Shafran, CFA

Senior Vice President, is Head of Performance and Client Reporting at Cohen & Steers. He has more than 20 years of industry experience in this field. Prior to joining the firm in 2017, Mr. Shafran was with AllianceBernstein, where he oversaw post-investment portfolio analytics across all products in support of client servicing, marketing, risk and portfolio management. Previously, he was part of the global portfolio strategy group on Bernstein's sell-side research team, and held project and operations management positions within Bernstein's fixed income department and was part of the investment planning team within Bernstein's wealth management division. Mr. Shafran is a regular speaker at the Performance & Risk industry conferences. He holds an MA from New York University and is based in New York.

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Since 2012 Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential through private coaching, group workshop, soulful retreats, bespoke keynotes, online immersions and public teachings.

Yana is a former mentor at Singapore’s Council of Women Organisations (SCWO), former Co-Chair for Speakers Academy at Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS), current Golden Door Ambassador and current Community Chair on The Leadership Team of Eco-Societies.

She has also been professionally interviewing thought leaders and change makers all over the world since 2015 .

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

Yana is also a producer and a host of YanaTV - an independent and highly popular Singapore grown talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful and conscious people of Asia.

==► YanaTV : https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

How did a high-flying aviation manager turn into a famous blockbuster movie producer? What life lessons did he learn along this journey?

Dive into this episode with Jomon Thomas, the creative force behind 'Monkey Man’ (and also other well known movies 🎥 like ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity’, ‘Hotel Mumbai’ and more!), as he recounts his remarkable transition from the aviation industry to the dazzling world of cinema. Hear firsthand how a deep-rooted passion for films and a daring career switch propelled him from airport runways to red carpet premieres. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of a second act in their careers. Join us for a journey of relentless curiosity and bold life changes with Jomon!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Who is Jomon Thomas? - Unveil the journey from aviation to the silver screen.
(03:30) A Shift in Scenes - Discover the pivotal decision that changed everything.
(06:00) The Call of Cinema - What lures a successful manager to film school?
(09:00) Embracing New Beginnings - Jomon discusses the challenges of starting over.
(12:00) Fueling Creativity with Curiosity - How diverse influences shape a filmmaker’s vision.
(15:00) From Passion to Profession - Transitioning from aviation to award-winning films.
(18:00) The Essence of Age and Ambition - Why it's never too late to follow your dreams.
(21:00) Reinventing Oneself - Insights on personal growth and career transformation.
(24:00) Art, Perception, and Authenticity - Jomon reflects on staying true to one's artistic vision.
(27:00) Looking Ahead - What’s next for Jomon in the world of cinema and beyond.

JOMON THOMAS

Jomon has produced a remarkable portfolio of cross-cultural films that have enjoyed both commercial success and critical acclaim. Notable among his recent works is "Monkey Man," which won the Audience Award at SXSW 2024 and is now enjoying a successful theatrical release globally.

Beyond his recent successes, Jomon Thomas has left an indelible mark on the industry with an array of award-winning films. From the gripping "Hotel Mumbai" to the acclaimed "The Man Who Knew Infinity," his films have garnered recognition at prestigious festivals worldwide.

He is the former Director of Onion Media Group in Australia (2003-2010) and was involved in the initial production of the award-winning sports documentary The Code on the Foxtel network. Jomon is on the board of the Australia India Film Council.

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Since 2012 Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential through private coaching, group workshop, soulful retreats, bespoke keynotes, online immersions and public teachings.

Yana is a former mentor at Singapore’s Council of Women Organisations (SCWO), former Co-Chair for Speakers Academy at Asia Professional Speakers Singapore (APSS), current Golden Door Ambassador and current Community Chair on The Leadership Team of Eco-Societies.

She has also been professionally interviewing thought leaders and change makers all over the world since 2015 .

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

Yana is also a producer and a host of YanaTV - an independent and highly popular Singapore grown talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful and conscious people of Asia.

==► YanaTV : https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

Ever felt overwhelmed by the endless push to improve? This new year, let's switch gears! What if instead of setting ambitious goals, you celebrated what already makes you uniquely brilliant?

Dive into today's episode where I'll share insights from the intriguing Japanese concept of Ikigai, guiding us to find fulfillment in our existing talents and joys. Let’s embark on a journey of self-appreciation and discover how embracing our inherent gifts can lead to a more satisfying life. Ready to leave the pressure behind and enjoy being you? Join me and let’s find out together!

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential since 2012 and interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

==► YanaTV: https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

Feeling the pressure of being always on display as a content creator?

As we near the end of 2024, I'm taking a moment to share my journey and insights from the past year, focusing on the crucial lessons of teamwork, delegation, and the value of privacy. Discover how letting go and trusting others can not only improve your work but also reclaim your personal space and energy. Join me as we discuss the delicate balance between sharing online and preserving our private lives, and why sometimes, less is truly more. Dive into a reflective episode that might just change how you approach your content and life in 2025!

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential since 2012 and interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

==► YanaTV: https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

What’s the secret sauce to being a great leader in today’s world?

On this episode of Timeless Teachings, I sit down with Sascha Menesi, a global leader whose journey spans continents and industries. From his roots in Croatia to a thriving career in the U.S., Sascha’s path is a masterclass in adapting, leading, and thriving across cultures.

We dive into the nuances of leadership—what makes it conscious, empathetic, and transformative. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or just aiming to lead yourself better, Sascha’s insights will inspire you to step up your game.

Tune in to uncover the mindset and strategies behind impactful leadership!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) What does winning a green card have to do with leadership?
(02:00) From Croatia to Germany: A journey that shaped a leader.
(06:00) How global travel rewires your leadership mindset.
(09:00) What leaders get wrong about working across cultures.
(12:00) Empathy decoded: The secret sauce of great leadership.
(16:00) Micromanagement vs. trust: The battle every leader faces.
(20:00) Are leaders born—or made through life's challenges?
(25:00) Why your childhood shapes the leader you become.
(27:00) The one week that transforms a new hire's success.
(29:00) Sascha’s golden rule for authentic leadership.

Sascha Menesi

Sascha Menesi, a global leadership enthusiast, entrepreneur, and author of "Leading the Way: Unleashing Your Leadership Potential." Over the past 35 years, he had the privilege of working in both corporate and entrepreneurial spaces, helping individuals and organizations unlock their true potential.

Born in Croatia and raised in Germany, he has spent his life exploring and working in incredible places like Dubai, Qatar, Hong Kong, and Switzerland before making the United States his home. These experiences shaped his understanding of leadership and taught him how to connect with people across different cultures and backgrounds.

Connect with Sascha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/saschamenesi/ / sascha@meetus.us

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been helping global leaders to realise their full potential since 2012 and interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

==► YanaTV: https://youtube.com/@yanatvsg

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked among top 3 podcasts in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving full potential.

What’s the secret to an empowered birth experience?

In this episode, I sit down with Ho Kin Ing, a mom of three from Singapore with three incredible and unique birth stories. We met through the Mindful Mama’s Walks, and today she opens up about her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the wisdom she shares with other moms through her work at Kindle Space.

From navigating anxiety as a first-time mom to embracing primal instincts during a home birth, her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and intuition we all have within. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical insights, and a celebration of motherhood!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) How different can three birth stories be?
(01:00) The anxious mom’s first journey begins—what was the biggest surprise?
(03:00) Challenging the myth: Is there only one way to give birth?
(06:00) The mental battle: What changed after a simple 15-minute decision?
(09:00) The power of surrender—how instinct overrides expectations.
(13:00) Beatrice's dramatic entrance: What happens when birth plans collide with reality?
(17:00) Roaring through labour—why embracing primal instincts might just work.
(22:00) Cherish’s arrival: What happens when a birth defies all expectations?
(27:00) A home birth story—raw, real, and unforgettable.
(29:00) What’s your true north? Finding stability through motherhood’s transitions.

Ho Kin Ing

Ms Ho Kin Ing is a passionate advocate for women’s well-being throughout their life stages, with a particular focus on the transformative journey of pregnancy and motherhood. KinIng’s background is a tapestry woven from experience in both the corporate world and the world of wellness. Having honed her leadership skills in Fortune 500 companies and top fashion retailers, she understands the unique demands placed on women in today’s fast-paced environment. However, a deep desire to connect with women on a more profound level led her to pursue a new path – childbirth educator.

https://kindlespace.sg/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

What do you do when after having a successful corporate career for many decades you turn 60 and retire? You go to Africa, of course. And you start bringing other executives with you to help them to reconnect with nature and become better leaders.

Well, at least that’s what Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar did. My guest today is a former corporate executive turned wilderness and leadership guide who, at 60, began leading leadership retreats in the African wilderness. He has done it for 10 years and led his last group when he was 70. With over 2,500 participants joining his transformative journeys, Dr. Van Droffelaar shares his insights on nature’s impact, self-discovery, and the power of silence and presence. Join us as we dive into his journey from boardrooms to riverbanks and what he's learned about leadership, life, and love along the way!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) What drives a man to reinvent himself at 60?
(03:30) Nature’s “billion-star hotel” – more than just a view
(06:30) Alone in the wilderness: a moment of pure stillness
(08:30) The “talking stick” lesson every leader needs to learn
(12:00) Walking among giants: an unforgettable lesson of respect
(16:30) Can nature reveal who we really are?
(19:30) Age is just a number when you find purpose
(23:00) Why true leadership begins with listening
(29:00) Love and care: the hidden strength in leadership
(32:00) A journey home: discovering what truly matters

Our Guest: Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar
Dr. Boy Van Droffelaar currently works at the Department of Cultural Geography, Wageningen University & Research. He does research in Quantitative Social Research and Qualitative Social Research. Their current project is 'The role of wilderness experiences in leaders' development toward authentic leadership'.

Connect him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boyvandroffelaar/

Your Host: YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.

Women go through so many life changing situations - period, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, menopause….

In this episode, I sit down with Divya, a feminine wellness coach from Singapore who’s on a mission to help women find harmony with their menstrual cycles and hormonal health. She opens up about her personal journey with hormonal struggles, from teenage years to motherhood, and how it shaped her path toward wellness. Together, we dive into the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with our natural rhythms, and embracing kindness to ourselves. This conversation is packed with practical tips every woman can apply to live more balanced and joyful lives!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) How Divya’s Journey with Hormonal Health Began
(01:30) The Surprising Solution That Worked… Until It Didn’t
(03:30) A Life-Changing Diagnosis After Years of Mystery
(05:00) Real Talk: The Pressure to “Bounce Back” Post-Pregnancy
(08:30) Does Modern Society Fail New Mothers?
(10:00) The Hidden Challenge of Postpartum Anger
(13:00) Rediscovering Purpose Through Personal Healing
(16:30) The Secret Benefits of Following Your Body’s Natural Rhythms
(23:00) How Simple Foods Can Transform Your Health
(36:30) Embracing Kindness: The Advice Every Woman Needs to Hear

Divya Malar Chandragesan
Divya Malar Chandragesan is a personal growth and wellness coach dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. With four years in tech and startups, she founded Soulsisters Network Malaysia, a nonprofit supporting women's growth journeys through workshops, wellness events, and mentorship. Her passion for coaching was ignited through her work as a facilitator and mentor, leading her to pursue an ICF accreditation. Divya specializes in guiding motivated individuals through life's transitions, helping them find clarity and purpose as they strive to show up as their best selves.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-malar-chandragesan-b9104812a/

YANA FRY

Yana is the founder of the Timeless Teachings Podcast. She is a global speaker, impact coach, wellness retreats facilitator, spiritual teacher, co-author of three books, award-winning poetess, and truth illuminator who inspires, empowers, educates globally.

Yana has been interviewing thought leaders and change makers since 2015 . You can find more of her thought-provoking interviews on YanaTV, an online talk show that amplifies the voices of impactful, influential and conscious people of Asia.

CONNECT with YANA ►

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/yanafry

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanafry

—-

Timeless Teachings by Yana Fry has been ranked as a top 3 podcast in Singapore. We talk about human advancement, self-mastery and achieving your full potential.