What happens when traditional career paths don’t quite fit? Diletta Legowo, founder of Small and Scale, shares her journey from creative beginnings to building a social innovation consultancy that helps governments, NGOs, and think tanks design better solutions.

In this episode, host Jeanette Cheah and Diletta discuss the challenges of finding meaningful work after university, debunking the myth of hyper-confidence, and how reinvention is key to growth. From winning federal government contracts to shaping social impact initiatives, Diletta draws upon her Indonesian background and networks to help her win contracts, and proves that niching down and doing things your own way can lead to incredible opportunities.

How do you build a business that thrives between two worlds? Hung Huynh, founder of Intelligence 4 Start, shares his journey from Vietnam to Switzerland, France, and finally Melbourne—where he’s helping businesses expand between Australia and Vietnam.

Host Jeanette Cheah dives into Hung’s experience of cultural adaptation, the power of speaking the culture (not just the language), and how he overcame his own introverted nature to grow an international business network. They also discuss the unique challenges faced by Vietnamese entrepreneurs entering the Australian market and how strategic connections can be a game-changer.

What does it take to walk away from a comfortable corporate career to start your own business? Sangeeta Mulchandani, founder of Jumpstart Studios, shares her path from banking to entrepreneurship, helping others make the transition from employment to business ownership.

Host Jeanette Cheah and Sangeeta explore the mindset shifts required for success, why startup and small business entrepreneurship are different, and how Melbourne’s diverse ecosystem fosters innovation. Sangeeta also explains how she leverages her Indian heritage and networks to help Australian business navigate the Indian market. They also discuss Press Play Ventures, an accelerator supporting women founders, and why India, UAE, and Africa are the next big markets for Australian startups.