Crazy Smart Asia

“I wanted to do something so hard that people could not ever talk shit to me ever again,” says Gene Yu, co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity firm Blackpanda, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, the Taiwanese American shares the scary hostage rescue of a family friend that got him into cybersecurity, why military school was more traumatising than war and why Asian founders should holiday in Europe if they really want a break. 

“Innovation is supposed to be fun,” says Vince Siu, founder and CEO of Press Start Academy and Press Start Studios, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Siu shares why education needs a shake up, how his business started as “board game socials” he hosted for friends and how he navigates being an introverted CEO.

“We want them to be masterful, to look like superstars,” says Tryke Gutierrez, the co-founder and CEO of Tier One Entertainment, an esports and entertainment company, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Gutierrez shares why he’s inspired by the K-pop business model, how leadership is the only truly scalable element in business and how his approach to life is a blend of Japanese and Filipino cultures. 00:00 Introduction to Crazy Smart Asia00:37 Meet Tryke Gutierrez: from gamer to entrepreneur01:21 Quickfire questions02:08 Early life and influences03:40 Gaming and cultural influences 06:56 Inspirations and mentors10:05 Strategic career moves 16:15 Challenges in managing young talent17:23 Guiding young talents18:04 Handling disappointments 19:23 The free-spirited nature of young talent19:59 Mental health in esports21:36 Building a dynasty22:33 Rest and recovery for players24:11 Balancing business with passion25:55 Adapting to changing times27:10 The K-Pop business model in esports33:32 The reality behind the scenes36:20 Final thoughts and reflections

This week, we pick out five inspiring quotes from the guests of season nine of Crazy Smart Asia. From being at peace with fear and failure to how to create viral social content, these insights can help you build a better world, better business or better you.If you enjoyed these short clips, why not go back and listen to the full episodes: Fighting fear and finding peace, with former UFC fighter Ramona Pascual How to create viral social content, with TikTok’s “Lumpia Queen” Abi MarquezOlympic athlete Loh Kean Yew on his climb to the topLife as a space nutritionist and humanitarian, according to Kristine Jane Atienza Bringing healthcare to half of the world without it, with Reach52’s Edward Booty

“There are many kinds of people in the world. And you don’t have to change yourself to fit in,” says Cheryl Wee, founder of CW, the Company of Wellness. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on Crazy Smart Asia, the former Singaporean actress shares the harsh reality of being a young starlet in Taiwan, how she navigates working in her family business and what’s next for body confidence in Asia. 

“You need to be clear-headed during a mission, both as a humanitarian and in space,” says Kristine Jane Atienza. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the Filipina shares how she balances being a space nutritionist with her work in public health, what it’s like training for a mission to Mars and why crumbs are a big no no in space. 

“I don’t think you can ever guarantee that your video will go viral, but you can definitely control the factors to increase the chances,” says food content creator Abi Marquez, who has millions of followers on social media. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast, the Filipina shares more tips on creating viral content, her favourite collaborator and how she fried her first chicken at age four.

“So few people are trying to build markets for essential health products,” says Edward Booty, the founder and CEO of reach52, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Booty shares how we can transform the global healthcare system to boost access, why he doesn’t believe in generic startup advice, and the terrifying experience that left him locked in the back of a van for 48 hours.

“Every esports game might have a million-dollar price tag,” says Tiffani Lim on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Lim shares her journey from pro gamer to team manager and athletes committee chair at the International Esports Federation, navigating family estrangements as a result of her career choice, advocating for female gamers to receive equal opportunities and not being adept at mobile gaming.