The Financial Coconut Podcast

What happens when faith meets fintech? When mosques couldn’t collect donations—and banks couldn’t help—one man built a solution from scratch.Meet Harimann Hayak, the corporate veteran who created Giving Friday, a digital platform empowering mosques to receive donations seamlessly, uphold amanah (sacred trust), and plan with certainty.Now used across communities, his vision is expanding beyond Singapore—into a full ecosystem for Muslim institutions, powered by tech and faith.We explore:🔹 Why banks failed Friday donations🔹 How he overcame regulations and doubt🔹 The rise of AI Ustaz and what’s nextThis isn’t just an app. It’s a movement.Whether you’re into fintech, social impact, or underdog stories, this episode is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities—with heart.Tune in anywhere you get your podcast!---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You need more than spreadsheets and suits to thrive in finance today. Forget the Wall Street stereotypes — the game has changed.You’ll discover:- The ONE mindset shift top finance pros swear by (hint: it’s not about suits or spreadsheets).- Why LinkedIn visibility is now your secret weapon (even in compliance-driven roles!).- The unspoken rules no one teaches you — until you learn them the hard way.- How "work-life integration" beats balance (and why passion trumps paychecks).Meet our powerhouse guests:- Angela Ang, Head of Policy & Strategic Partnerships, APAC @ TRM Labs (Blockchain intelligence): From MAS regulator to crypto innovator — and a LinkedIn thought leader redefining policy influence.- Zhong Liang Han, Senior Investment Strategist at BlackRock, Forbes 30 under 30, LinkedIn Top Voice in Finance with the blue tick, decoding volatile markets and building a personal brand from the trading floor.They’ve shattered ceilings in traditional finance and crypto — and they’re spilling truths about grit, authenticity, and why finance is WAY more diverse than you think.Don’t miss this candid crash course on building a finance career that doesn’t just pay well… but fuels you.Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts!---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chin Heng Soh, former Deputy CEO of CPF, shares his extensive experience in financial planning and retirement strategies. He discusses the complexities of the CPF system and warns how it can be both a foundation and a trap. Soh reveals his 'boring-but-brilliant' investment approach that focuses on low-risk strategies rather than stocks. He highlights common healthcare gaps people overlook and emphasizes the importance of financial education. With his insights, he aims to help listeners simplify their finances and achieve true independence.

Gifting is a broken business, but one visionary dropout is on a mission to fix it. How? By merging cutting-edge tech, cultural insights, and sheer hustleTune in as we sit down with Dong Wenhao, Co-Founder of Smilie, the maverick entrepreneur who turned industry pain points into a scalable solution. Here’s a sneak peek:- Why traditional gifting giants struggle to adapt- The surprising role mindset plays in innovation (hint: it's huge)- How data and digitalisation are key to bringing transparency to an opaque industry- The challenges of fundraising in a tough market – and unconventional partnerships that emergedPlus, he shares raw wisdom for budding entrepreneurs about starting up, building the right relationships, and finding true freedom in business.It's a conversation packed with hustle, insight, and a unique take on disrupting a massive market.Don’t miss this unfiltered conversation about resilience, infrastructure, and the art of turning ‘cannot’ into ‘can.’#SingaporeBusiness #CorporateGifts #SMEsSG #SingaporeStartups---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is job-hopping really the key to better pay and faster promotions? Or could it be quietly harming your long-term career in Singapore?We speak with two seasoned professionals—Shelly Chan and Yinn Ewe—who stayed over a decade in the same organisation and climbed the ladder through internal mobility, not constant switching. We unpack:- The real cost of job-hopping vs staying- Whether 30% pay jumps are worth the risk- What hiring managers actually think of frequent job changes- Internal talent mobility: how to grow without leaving- How mindset, personal purpose and people-fit impact your long gamePerfect for Singaporean professionals wondering: Should I stay for stability or leave for growth?Whether you're mid-career, exploring your next move, or in HR thinking about talent retention, this episode gives you candid insights and frameworks that go beyond surface-level career advice.Leave a comment if you’ve ever struggled with this decision—and tell us what finally made you stay or go.06:27 How can you tell if someone left a job mainly for financial gain?10:29 How do you justify frequent moves to hire‑ers?13:27 Personal Experiences with Pay Increments23:43 What’s the first move when growth stops?28:27 How do you go from shy to assertive on raises?34:22 Dealing with Colleague Competition and Personal Growth#JobHopping #CareerAdvice #SingaporeJobs---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to walk away from a six-figure corporate career… at the peak of your professional game?Today’s guest did just that. He’s a digital marketing veteran turned financial rebel, founder of the Retire by 50 Platform… and he’s got a secret backup plan involving Cambodia.We dive into:🔸 The real reason he left — it wasn’t just burnout.🔸 How he structured his finances, insurance, and investments before quitting.🔸 A surprising property move in Cambodia — what was the thinking? Was it worth it?🔸 And the one thing most people don’t consider when planning a career break: what you’ll actually do with your time.Chris shares the emotional, financial, and practical layers of stepping off the treadmill — and why, for many, the 40s might be the last best chance to try something different.Tune in to hear a story that’s less about retiring early and more about designing a life that actually feels like yours.---Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 Dec 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 Explore the World Card🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Final Slice: Why a Beloved Bakery Chose to Close ForeverIn this emotional episode:- Heidi (Chef-Owner of Flor Patisserie) reveals the shocking trigger that forced her 15-year-old iconic bakery to shut its doors.- Hear the untold story behind the viral rent hike that exposed Singapore’s F&B struggles.- Why she walked away despite massive media attention and loyal customers.- Her candid take on hidden costs of mall operations ("an*l management" and contractor nightmares!).Plus: Her radical pivot to a surprising new venture:- Luxury Japanese cultural tours (pottery, tea harvesting, and chef collaborations).- Culture clashes: Singaporean vs. Japanese expectations.- "Unfair advantages" that made her transition possible.Heidi’s raw advice for entrepreneurs: "It’s not that bad. Even if you fail, it’s just another lesson."Don’t miss this no-holds-barred exit interview — a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and knowing when to walk away.---Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 Explore the World Card🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curious if an MBA still opens doors in today’s fast-evolving finance world? We pivot beyond textbooks to uncover what really fuels success in finance now. Join us as we dive into:- The shocking true cost & brutal trade-offs- Career crossroads: When an MBA transforms lives vs. when it’s a dead end- ROI: Why salary bumps aren’t the whole story- Admissions warfare: GMAT traps, scholarship strategies, and why "brand matters more than knowledge"- Singapore vs. Overseas: Where your MBA location determines your futureFeaturing two industry insiders:- Nicole Tan - Director, Graduate Studies at NUS Business School, with 20+ yrs in higher education, Career-switching MBA grad- Anna Ong - Ex-banker turned award-winning storyteller, Host of What's Your Story Slam, Singapore's #1 Storytelling Show, MBA network evangelist"I wanted to get paid like a white man – that’s why I did my MBA."– A candid confession you won’t hear elsewhereDon’t decide until you hear:- Why Nicole took a 50% pay cut AFTER her MBA- How Anna’s cohort became her million-dollar client pipeline- The "MRS-MBA" phenomenon elite schools won’t tell you aboutTune in for raw stories from those who gambled $300K – and what they’d do differently today.Is the MBA just a relic—or your secret weapon? Listen now to find out!---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From SG Budget Babe to Finance Mummy; Discover how Dawn evolved from extreme frugality to a smarter, life-centric approach to money—balancing career, family, and financial independence.Learn how she went from saving $20,000 on a $2K paycheck to building a million-dollar portfolio, an Amazon bestselling author of ‘Take Back Control of Your Money.’ And why does she say the system is designed to keep you broke.Why listen?Dawn’s no-nonsense wisdom cuts through the noise: “You don’t need a high salary to build wealth—you need a plan.” Whether you’re drowning in debt, juggling a side hustle, or ready to invest, her roadmap (detailed in her viral book) will change your life.Don’t miss this game-changing convo!#PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding---Unlock global business potential with WorldFirst:Your all-in-one business account for global payments. Pay in 100+ currencies, collect in 20+ currencies with local bank details including USD, MYR, THB, CNH and more by opening a zero-cost multi-currency account. No minimum balance required. Enjoy unlimited 1.2% cashback on business expenses with their World Card!Act now to claim exclusive rewards: New users receive a USD100 sign-up bonus with code “EXCLUSIVEOFFER” (valid until 31 May 2025). Dive into effortless global transactions today:🔗 Explore the World Card🔗 Claim Your USD100 Sign-up Bonus---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise[Connect with us]InstagramTelegramWhatsappNewsletterDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sales isn’t about charm—it’s about systems.This week, we’re bringing you battle-tested frameworks from Fortune 500 tech giants – adapted for SMEs.Meet our guest, Daren Yoong: A 15-year tech sales veteran turned coach, Daren designed Sales Excellence program at Sales Schools for Google and now fuels growth at AlphaSense. His mantra? “Work smart, sell smarter.”Tune in as he spills secrets on building scalable, tech-powered sales systems that turn small teams into revenue powerhouses.Learn about his playbook that works:- How to design a repeatable sales process that de-risks reliance on “superstar” reps- Why nurturing post-sale relationships is the unsung hero of growth- The 3 soft skills Daren prioritises over technical know-how when building elite sales teams- How to bottle your top performers’ magic and scale it across your team (without losing momentum).- How generative AI tools are leveling the playing field for SMBs—no Fortune 500 budget requiredDiscover how to build a self-sustaining sales engine that doesn’t rely on "superstar" reps… and why 85% of your impact could come from just 15% of your team."People don’t buy solutions – they buy YOU. The human is the differentiator."Ready to transform your sales game? Tune in now—where growth meets strategy.---Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more.Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut[Podcast, Vodcast]Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotifyApple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcastYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube[Connect with us]Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagramTik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktokTelegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegramWhatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channelNewsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-NewsletterCheck out our other shows: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlistsDisclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions.Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.