What does it mean to truly serve a community? In this powerful conversation, Crystal sits down with Dr. Hamid Razak, Member of Parliament and passionate advocate for migrant workers' rights, mental health, and creating a more joyful Singapore.

Dr. Hamid shares why he's dedicated his political career to championing those often invisible in our society;- the migrant workers who build our homes, care for our loved ones, and keep our city running. He opens up about what the COVID-19 pandemic was like for him as a doctor, his experience with migrant workers and their mental health struggles, the philosophy behind creating a "happy and joyful Singapore," and what it really takes to serve with authenticity and heart.

Whether you're navigating your own career in public service, searching for more meaningful work, or simply wondering how to contribute to your community, this conversation will remind you that impact isn't about grand gestures, but rather it’s about seeing people, listening deeply, and showing up with humility.

Dr. Hamid Razak is a Member of Parliament representing Jurong Spring division in West Coast-Jurong West Group Representation Constituency. A passionate advocate for social justice, he has dedicated his political career to championing the rights of migrant workers, advancing mental health awareness, and building stronger, more compassionate communities.

Known for his empathetic leadership style and hands-on approach to community service, Dr. Hamid has been a vocal voice in Parliament on issues often overlooked, from improving living conditions for foreign workers to destigmatising mental health challenges. His vision of a "happy and joyful Singapore" goes beyond economic metrics to embrace the human dimensions of wellbeing, belonging, and dignity.

What does it take to lead with both warmth and competence in one of the most demanding roles in public service?

In this deeply personal conversation, Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling opens up about her journey from investment banker at Deutsche Bank to Temasek to becoming one of Singapore's most beloved politicians.

We explore her unique leadership style that combines rigorous data analysis with genuine empathy, her experience thriving in male-dominated environments from Deutsche Bank to Parliament, and the honest realities of being a working mother who juggles elder care, two young daughters, and the demands of public service.

This conversation goes beyond politics into the psychology of identity, the concept of "ghost ships" (the lives we didn't choose), and why she spends her Sundays reading children's books to help both kids and adults discover their worthiness.

If you've ever struggled with FOMO, mother's guilt, or finding your authentic leadership voice in spaces that weren't designed for you, this episode is a masterclass.

Resources mentioned:

• Prof Martin Seligman’s PERMA Model of Wellbeing - Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment - ⁠https://positivepsychology.com/perma-model/⁠
• Writer Cheryl Strayed’s essay on Ghost ships

⁠https://cherylstrayed.substack.com/p/the-beauty-of-what-is⁠

Follow SMS Sun Xueling on IG at: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sun.xueling/

The festive season can be Overachiever hell! In this episode, Crystal shares her therapist-office breakdown and the 7 changes she made this year to stop being the "complaints department for the whole world." This isn't a prescriptive playbook—it's permission to choose what actually works for you.

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Cold open: "I feel like the complaints department for the entire world" [02:00] Why the festive season is a mental health hazard for overachievers [05:30] The therapist conversation that changed everything [08:45] "You're treating everyone like you're their line manager" [12:00] Change #1: Outsourcing the cooking (hello, private chef!) [16:30] Change #2: The Christmas Day shopping trip tradition [19:00] Change #3: Renting the Christmas tree [21:30] Change #4: The "no gifts" conversation with extended family [24:00] Change #5: Pre-briefing family like a CEO [28:00] Change #6: Disconnecting the wiring behind your buttons [32:00] Change #7: Resourcing yourself (sleep, self-care, massages!) [36:00] The invitation: You get to choose

QUOTABLE MOMENTS:

"The more you do, the more you get. You've trained everyone that you're the go-to person."

"You're treating everyone like you're their line manager. You're taking responsibility for outcomes that aren't yours to own."

"You can participate without orchestrating. You can show up without sacrificing yourself."

"Family will always push all your buttons. They know which combination activates the nuclear sequence. But you are the one who can disconnect the wiring behind the buttons."

"The festive season doesn't get to steal your sanity. Not this year."

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Chef Danny Tan – Private chef for festive gatherings (Christmas, CNY, and more) Instagram: ⁠@craftandfood⁠