Unstoppable: Minister Indranee Rajah on the Mindset That Fuels Her Success
Is Singapore going extinct? Should we scrap the PSLE?Will flexible work ever be a reality?Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Leader of the House, Indranee Rajah, joins Shulin Lee for a bold, no-nonsense conversation on the biggest challenges shaping Singapore today.Just to name a few - education reform, workplace policies, women in leadership, and the generational shifts redefining success.🔥 Indranee doesn’t hold back. And for the first time, she reveals how her mother’s influence shaped the unstoppable mindset that drives her today.This isn’t just another leadership talk. It’s the hard truths, tough questions, and authentic conversations we need to have—right now.A special episode for International Women’s Day—because real change starts with real conversations.🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of After The Bar! 🚀Follow Indranee Rajah:https://www.linkedin.com/in/indranee-rajah/ Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sgWhat to listen for:00:00 Start of Episode 00:59 Introduction 01:26 Is Singapore Going Extinct? 04:53 PSLE: Outdated or still necessary?09:08 Why are Singaporean parents under so much pressure?15:44 Is Flexible Work Too Idealistic?21:14 The Mindset that drives Indranee Rajah’s success24:04 From law to politics: How she made the leap29:28 Why we need more women in Parliament31:46 Are women still facing barriers to leadership?34:36 Her Mum’s Influence: The Trap of Comparison37:18 Is Gen Z truly less resilient, or are we missing something?40:01 Key To Understanding Different Generations 45:46 Why career gaps don’t define potential48:10 How PAP has stayed connected to Singaporeans51:14 PAP's Progress Over the Years55:15 Rapid Fire Round58:42 Outro
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From Gangster to Lawyer: The Josephus Tan Story (Part 2)
Imagine losing everything—could you fight your way back?
In Part 2 of this episode, I continue my raw and powerful conversation with Josephus Tan, the "Gangster Lawyer." He reveals how he faced rock bottom and still found the strength to rise.
Despite his career success, Josephus hit some brutal low points:
Low Points:
- Overcommitted to free legal work—almost bankrupt.
- Marriage collapsed.
- Suffered a mild stroke.
- Ended up living in a van.
But Josephus didn’t just survive—he came back stronger.
His Comeback:
- Started smoking at 12, quit at 45—his latest victory!
- Rebuilt his life from nothing, twice.
- Went from a 1-room flat to a penthouse.
- Now a top lawyer, fiercely fighting for justice.
In this episode, Josephus gets real about the hardest moments in life, the importance of second chances, and the advice he’d give his younger self.
You’ll also hear critical tips on what to do if you’re arrested or caught in a police chase, and how defense lawyers handle client confessions.
Josephus Tan’s story is your roadmap to resilience.
This episode will move you—and leave you believing that no setback is final.
Follow Josephus Tan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:48 Pro Bono Overcommitment Leading to Debt
03:42 Near Bankruptcy and Failure of First Marriage
07:16 Suffering from a Medical Emergency
10:41 Going on Medication for the Rest of His Life
11:44 Becoming Pest Buster for Vessels
13:49 Dangers of Working on Vessels
15:30 Life of Living in a Van
18:38 Moments When Josephus’s Pride Is Shattered
22:15 Josephus’ Support in Tough Times
23:26 Josephus’ Advice for Life Struggles
25:49 From Pest Buster to Penthouse Owner
30:58 Josephus's Take on Embracing Second Chances
34:25 Remarkable Journey to Quit Smoking
40:33 Action Steps for Arrest Situations
42:49 How to Respond to a Police Chase Situation
45:45 How Defense Lawyers Handle Client Confessions
50:02 What Would Josephus Say to His Younger Self?
50:51 Personal Questions for Josephus
55:06 Outro
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From Gangster to Lawyer: Mental Health Struggles & Rising Through Faith – Josephus Tan (Part 1)
In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Josephus Tan, famously known as the "Gangster Lawyer," whose life story is a compelling testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and redemption.
Josephus shares candidly about his descent into gang life, his struggles with alcohol that led to destructive behaviour, and the moments of darkness that made him question his path.
At his lowest point, he nearly ended it all.
Discover how a profound spiritual awakening and a deep desire to make amends for his past guided him to quit drinking, pursue a law degree, and eventually train under the legendary criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan.
Join us as we explore his journey from despair to purpose, learning how he overcame his inner battles and embraced a life dedicated to justice and helping others. Plus, for the first time on After the Bar, Josephus reveals an exclusive update—his decision to quit smoking this year.
This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter one’s past, change is always within reach. Josephus Tan’s story will inspire you to believe in the possibility of redemption and the potential to create a better future.
Follow Josephus Tan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/
Connect with me on LinkedIn at / shulinlee
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:38 Introduction
01:41 From Bankruptcy to Owning a Law Firm
03:11 Formative Years of Josephus’ Life
05:52 Being a Victim of Bullying in School
10:22 Why Josephus Turned to Joining a Gang
11:45 The Reason Most Young People Join Gangs
17:12 Growing up Tough in a Blue-Collar Family
18:30 Understanding the Gangster Lifestyle
22:05 Why Do Gangsters Do What They Do
23:28 Josephus’ Epiphany: Moving On from Gang Life
25:38 Experiencing Fulfillment in National Service
27:07 Old Habits Die Hard
31:35 Finding Clarity Through Prayer and Self-Acceptance
36:16 The Journey Through Depression & Seeking Help
41:35 Josephus’ Push to Get His Diploma
49:43 Chasing a Law Degree Against All Odds
54:04 A Mother’s Love Fuels His Promise to Do Good
58:36 Outro
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Nailing Your Career Pivot, and Creating a Strong Personal Brand – Lara Quie
⛔️ Stop telling yourself you can’t pivot your career.
Think it’s impossible? Meet Lara Quie.
She went from:
➨ Lawyer to Montessori Teacher
➨ Teacher to Kitchen Designer
➨ Designer to BD Manager
➨ BD Manager to Coach
➨ Coach to Podcast Host
Lara Quie, dubbed the “Queen of Pivots” 👸🏻, has done it all.
She’s thrived in diverse roles across Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, Spain, Germany, and Belgium.
Each transition wasn’t just a move—it was a reinvention. 🔥
—
Our latest podcast episode features Lara’s incredible journey of transformation.
Curious about:
➥ How to navigate a mid-life career switch?
➥ Can you make a U-turn if it fails?
➥ How to brand yourself on LinkedIn?
Join us as Lara unveils the secrets of her career pivots, offering you a roadmap to follow.
Learn from a top executive coach who’s just moved from Singapore 🇸🇬 back to the UK. 🇬🇧
🌟If Lara can pivot her career across multiple industries and countries, why can’t you?
Ready to rewrite your career story?
Follow Lara Quie:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie/
Podcast with Lara Quie:
https://thelegalgeniepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
00:40 Introduction
01:48 The Queen of Pivots: Lara’s Multiple Careers
08:34 Lara’s Opportunity Cost When She Pivoted
10:06 Having a Supportive Husband and Friends When Pivoting
12:55 The Legal Industry: Expectations vs Reality
14:47 Looking Back: What Lara Would Have Done Differently
16:00 Lara’s Coaching for Career Pivots
20:12 What to ‘Unlearn’ to Change Career Paths
23:22 Learn From Lara’s Experience in Career Pivots
26:24 How to Gain Clarity in What You Want to Do
29:22 If Money and Failure Were Not a Concern: What Would Lara Do
31:06 Lara’s Journey on LinkedIn
34:45 Tips for Personal Branding on Linkedin
42:56 How to Start on LinkedIn
45:39 Lawyers on LinkedIn with Strong Personal Branding
47:09 Lara’s Farewell to Singapore
48:56 Rapid Fire Round
51:09 Outro
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Art, Law and Psychobitch: The Journey of a Multi-Hyphenate – Amanda Chong
Meet the powerhouse behind Psychobitch.
Amanda Chong is a lawyer trained in Harvard and Cambridge, with endless accolades.
Outside of law, she’s an award-winning Poet, Playwright and Advocate for Social Justice.
Her play 'Psychobitch' sold out in record time, cementing her reputation as a trailblazer. (Could she be Singapore’s answer to Taylor Swift?!)
Simply put, she is a powerhouse you absolutely need to hear from.
In this episode, explore:
🧩 The perception of single women in our society.
🖋️ Her unique approach to Poetry and Playwriting.
🎭 The story behind ‘Psychobitch’ and why it resonates with so many.
🌟 How she advocates for women and children, challenging societal norms and driving change.
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Named ‘Her World’s Young Woman Achiever” in 2022, Amanda holds nothing back in this episode.
Hear how she addresses gender dynamics, privilege, and the emotional layers behind her creative process.
Join us as she shares her insights with humour and honesty.
Listen now on Spotify! 🎧
#AfterTheBar #AmandaChong #Psychobitch #GenderEquality #ArtAndLaw #Inspiration #Podcast
Follow Amanda Chong:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawzchong/
More of Amanda Chong’s work:
Buy Professions at: https://epigrambookshop.sg/products/professions or https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789811112362.
Support Psychobitch’s run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2024: https://www.wildrice.com.sg/event/234995-psychobitch-2/
Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg
What to listen for:
00:00 Start of Episode
01:02 Intro
02:48 Amanda on Being Single
06:23 Accessibility to Opportunity, Being Placed On A Pedestal
10:12 Did The People Around Her Start to Treat Her Differently?
12:09 One Thing Amanda Wishes Other People Knew About Her
15:08 Her Journey As A Playwright
23:10 On The Success Of Psychobitch
27:11 Knowing The Boundaries of Taking Inspiration From Personal Life
32:31 Revisiting Memories In The Process Of Writing Psychobitch
37:20 What To Note When Writing Confessionally
41:55 Being Vulnerable & Honest In Work
47:31 Her Legal Career and Advocating for Women and Children’s Rights
54:44 Amanda’s Experience Prosecuting Sex Crimes Informs Her Art
01:00:08 Thoughts On Her Mom’s Sacrifice To Become A Homemaker
01:03:36 Rapid Fire Round
01:06:16 An Excerpt from “Monsoon Girls”
01:07:03 Outro
A podcast for anyone navigating career decisions, leadership challenges, and the evolving world of work.
Hosted by lawyer-turned-recruiter Shulin Lee, this podcast dives into real conversations about career pivots, workplace culture, and what it takes to build a career—and life—that actually works for you.
Join us for authentic, thought-provoking discussions that challenge the way we think about work, leadership, and what really matters in a career.
For more, connect with Shulin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/
Brasil