Welcome to the world of human intelligence. Chief Change Officer is a Global Top 3% podcast on Listen Notes, ranked #1 in Careers and Top 30 in Business in the ...
Wayne Turmel: Hybrid Work Is Not a Strategy—It’s a Hostage Negotiation
Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, joins the show to unpack the chaos of remote and hybrid leadership. Is hybrid work really a strategy?
Wayne says it’s more like a game of tug-of-war—companies push for office days, employees dig in their heels, and somehow three days in the office feels like a compromise nobody loves. He dives into how proximity bias sneaks into decision-making, why intentionality is the secret sauce for great leadership, and how balancing deep work with collaboration can save everyone’s sanity. Whether it’s giving feedback on time (without needing to see someone’s face) or managing your team across time zones, Wayne serves up leadership advice with wit, practicality, and just the right amount of Zoom fatigue relatability.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
Lessons from History’s Leaders
“Genghis Khan ruled half the world without a Webex meeting. Julius Caesar? Brilliant in the field, but the office politics got him. Leading from afar isn’t new—it’s just evolved.”
The Proximity Bias Trap
“In hybrid setups, those in the office often get more attention and opportunities—intentionally or not. Awareness is key to ensure fairness across the team.”
Bridging the Trust Gap
“Leadership tasks haven’t changed, but relationships, trust, and proactive communication now require a conscious effort to avoid gaps and micromanagement.”
The Synchronous-Asynchronous Dance
“Effective hybrid work balances synchronous collaboration with asynchronous deep work. It’s not about clocking in at the same time but about delivering results with flexibility.”
Intentionality Over Chaos
“Hybrid solutions require intentionality. Schedule in-office days for meetings and collaboration. Leave remote days for focused work. Let people own their time to produce quality results.”
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Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Wayne Turmel
Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.
Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives
Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes
World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple
Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP
2.5 Millions+ Downloads
50+ Countries
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32:06
Lucy Gernon: The Big Leap Wasn’t a Blind Jump
Ever felt like confidence is just another buzzword? Lucy Gernon from Ireland is here to flip the script.
In this episode, Lucy breaks down the true essence of confidence—not borrowed quotes or empty bravado, but certainty in yourself, your ideas, and the value you bring. With candid insights and her own journey from self-doubt to self-assurance, she offers a fresh perspective on why confidence isn’t just a trait—it’s a gift you owe to yourself and your audience.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
The Fire Within
“I knew I was capable of more, but my inner critic kept me playing small. It wasn’t until a personal tragedy shook me to my core that I decided to stop living for others and start chasing my dreams.”
Building While Working
“I started small, coaching evenings and weekends to test the waters. It wasn’t glamorous, but it proved there was a demand. For over a year, I balanced corporate life with side hustle life, saving money, gaining testimonials, and upskilling wherever I could.”
Lessons from the Mirror
“Before starting my business, I leaned on big names and borrowed quotes. But a coach’s nudge reminded me: I had my own frameworks, built on life experience. That realization turned the mirror back on me—and boosted my belief in what I bring to the table.”
Confidence as a Gift
“Confidence isn’t about perfection or credentials. It’s about understanding what you’ve built, what you’ve learned, and using that to enrich others’ journeys. That’s the real win.”
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Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Lucy Gernon
Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.
Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives
Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes
World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple
Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP
2.5 Millions+ Downloads
50+ Countries
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30:07
From Diplomacy to Decarbonization: Irina Filippova’s Bold Journey into the Future of Energy
Meet Irina Filippova, the fearless trailblazer who swapped a career in diplomacy for a front-row seat in the energy and transportation revolutions.
Born in Moscow to a nuclear scientist, Irina took a hard left from splitting atoms to bridging cultures, then pivoted again—this time into reshaping the energy landscape at BP.
She’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk about change; she makes it happen, whether she’s revamping gas stations into sustainability hubs or electrifying entire fleets. With a dash of diplomacy, a ton of curiosity, and a knack for jumping into the unknown, Irina proves that courage and a good sense of humor are key to leading through global transformations.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
Moscow Roots and Global Aspirations
“I grew up surrounded by science—my father was a nuclear scientist—but my passion was languages and cultures. Choosing diplomacy as a career was a bold step, especially for a woman in Moscow, but it opened doors to a world of possibilities.”
A Curiosity-Led Career Path
“My journey has been anything but linear. At 35, I realized I wasn’t drawn to the idea of a traditional career path. Instead, I wanted to explore different facets of energy, leading me from corporate giants to startups—and each step fueled my curiosity further.”
Turning the Lens Inward
“I initially focused on the need for external leaders to change, but studying psychology at the Carl Jung Institute revealed a profound truth: the change had to start within me. Only by addressing my own internal growth could I effectively guide others.”
Solving the Fleet Transition Equation
“Fleet owners face a daunting challenge: embracing electrification without losing focus on their core business. Our mission is to handle everything from sourcing energy to ensuring reliability, allowing them to electrify without added burdens.”
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Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Irina Filippova
Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.
Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives
Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes
World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple
Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP
2.5 Millions+ Downloads
50+ Countries
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41:24
Singapore’s Youngest Female Parliamentarian, Tin Pei Ling: A Life-Altering Election
Singapore’s youngest female parliamentarian, Tin Pei Ling, reflects on her transformative journey from psychology student to public servant. Faced with early challenges like age bias, online criticism, and the weight of public expectations, she shares how resilience and authenticity became her guiding principles. Tin highlights the power of grassroots connections and meaningful actions to overcome stereotypes and build trust with her constituents. Her story is a testament to navigating adversity with purpose and determination.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
A Life-Altering Election
“My first general election was intense—personally and professionally. As the youngest candidate and a woman, I faced doubts and criticisms. Every day, I had to focus on helping constituents despite the noise. It was a challenging baptism of fire but one that shaped my resilience and growth.”
The Unique Burdens of Social Media
“Social media amplifies everything. Comments—relevant or not—come in waves, and the pressure can be immense. Learning to filter the noise and focus on sincere feedback was crucial. Ultimately, actions spoke louder than words. Over time, trust and authenticity won out.”
Resilience Through Adversity
“Facing biases about age and gender was tough, but time became my ally. By consistently engaging with my constituents and showing my sincerity, I was able to forge bonds that matter deeply to me. Challenges don’t just test us—they teach us to thrive.”
The Power of Perspective
“Looking back, I see growth. The moments of doubt and struggle turned into valuable lessons. Now, I approach criticism with a clearer head and use those experiences to inspire others. Resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about learning and evolving.”
_________________________
Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Tin Pei Ling
Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.
Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives
Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes
World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple
Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP
2.5 Millions+ Downloads
50+ Countries
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20:49
TV and Filmmaker Jean Zhou: From Small-Town Dreams to Blockbuster Stories
In this episode, we meet Jean Zhou, a filmmaker from China whose life is a testament to the power of pursuing a dream.
From her humble beginnings as a small-town girl to earning an MBA from Chicago Booth, Jean’s journey spans multiple industries—from sociology and accounting to venture capital and, ultimately, the entertainment world. Now an accomplished writer and producer of TV shows and movies, Jean shares how a simple love for TV series as a child ignited her passion for storytelling, leading her to craft narratives that captivate audiences.
Join us as we explore the story behind the storyteller.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
Creating Stories: Founding Wind Entertainment
“In 2019, I founded Wind Entertainment. Initially, we incubated writers and even won several Best Novel Awards. By 2020, we ventured into drama series, writing our first script, The Starry Love. It aired on four TV stations in China and was distributed to over 30 countries.”
Sociology: A Bridge Between Business and Humanity
“Sociology opened my worldview and helped me understand people better. Ultimately, the business world is about relationships—between people and people. Sociology gave me insights into the social mind and thoughts, which help decode the essence of business.”
The Seeds of a Producer’s Journey
“As a child, I had to go to bed at 9 p.m., even though TV programming continued until 10. That early frustration planted the idea in my mind—one day, I’d take control of storytelling. Fast forward to 2018, when I watched the TV series Ashes of Love and realized it was the most incredible thing to create a project like that. I decided it was something I had to try, at least once in my life.”
The Limitations of AI in Screenwriting
“While AI brings efficiency, its impact on screenwriting remains minimal. Scripts are tailored works of art, built to surpass expectations. AI, by contrast, is a summary of past material, often resembling a Wikipedia outline. Such drafts lack the depth and creativity necessary for a fully developed script that would appeal to buyers.”
_________________________
Connect with us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jean Zhou
Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.
Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives
Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes
World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple
Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP
2.5 Millions+ Downloads
50+ Countries
Welcome to the world of human intelligence. Chief Change Officer is a Global Top 3% podcast on Listen Notes, ranked #1 in Careers and Top 30 in Business in the US on Apple Podcasts, and Global Top 10 in Careers in over 20 countries across America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.
At Chief Change Officer, we harness change as a superpower. This power is fuelled by role models who candidly and generously share their human intelligence. This isn’t digitised knowledge or AI-generated advice; it’s real, time-tested, experience-driven intelligence that blends logic and love, art and science.
This show marks the 18th career transition for the host Vince Chan. Over the course of 17 prior transitions, countless role models have guided and inspired me. At critical junctions, no matter how lost or despaired I felt, I emerged stronger, better, and happier. Now, I’m here to pass that superpower on to you, uniting global voices to become your role models for career and life transformation.
If you’re a growth progressive, a black horse, someone who doesn’t fit the conventional mold and is determined to create your own life and career playbook—this is for you. Our mission is to help you become wiser in action, clearer in thought, and more ambitious in pursuing the change you seek. If this resonates, then you are a Chief Change Officer.
MAKE CHANGE WITH US at @chiefchangeofficer on Linkedin, Apple, Spotify and Youtube.