Ever wondered what it takes for a group of young women from flat, humid Singapore to climb Mount Everest?

When I sat down with Peh Gee Lee, Jane Lee, Li and Hui Lee, and I wasn’t just expecting stories of grit—I found lessons in building strong teams, facing doubt, and tuning up that inner light when no one else believes in your big, crazy dreams. From pulling off a historic first for Singaporean women to carrying those Everest lessons into their work and life, these women share what it really means to keep going when the mountain feels too high. It’s a conversation about climbing into history, leading while learning, and yes, having fun even when the stakes are life and death.

Join me for this one—it’s a masterclass in quiet courage and doing serious things with a smile.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Think Everest is crazy? Try why they did it.
(01:25) 50 strangers, one wild plan—what could go wrong?
(04:20) The silent teammate lesson you didn’t know you needed.
(07:45) Coming down is the real climb—why?
(14:00) Doubt vs. dreams—who wins?
(19:00) What Everest taught them about work.
(25:30) The year everything almost fell apart.
(31:30) Big goals, lonely roads—sound familiar?
(37:25) When your values get tested for real.
(41:20) The rule they rewrote—and you might too.

Lee Peh Gee
Army Officer, Singapore Armed Forces

A believer in living a purposeful existence, Peh Gee is inspired to be of service to others through her life.

With the achievement and lessons she has gained from Everest, backed by decades of experience in training and development and deep understanding of how adults learn, Peh Gee is able to present clear and practical solutions to a presentation or event programme.

Jane Lee
Hello, I'm Jane. 26 days. That's the longest I have gone without a shower. It is still unclear if that was a contributing factor to being stalked by a polar bear. I was completing a ski-crossing of the Greenland icecap, becoming the first Southeast Asian female to do so.

I was born in Singapore, and lived in the United States, Switzerland, Japan, and New Zealand. I moved to Australia in 2020, and Byron Bay is home today.

I was also the first Southeast Asian female to complete the "Seven Summits", the tallest mountain on each of the continents, and the leader of the Singapore Women's Everest Team. It was arguably the most badass all-female climbing team of all time, if you take into account the fact that Singapore is a flat, tropical island nation. Talk about overcoming odds!

Lee Li Hui
Li Hui is a product innovation manager with Swiss Re's Solutions Group. She drives the execution of future health strategy across Asia and facilitates ideation and co- innovation of future ready solutions for today.

Li Hui is the first woman from the Singapore Women's Everest Team to summit Mt Everest (8,850m) on 20th May 2009. For these achievements, she was awarded the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni, Herworld Young Women Achiever Award and received a special commendation by the President of Singapore in 2009. In 2014, Li Hui was inducted into the Singapore Women Hall of Fame.

Meet the Host,

Ritu Gupta Mehrish:

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.

https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/

https://www.ritumehrish.com/

What makes a senior banking executive step up as a champion for women at work?

In this episode, I speak with Bruce Perry—MD Head of Operations for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa at Barclays, and co-chair of the bank’s Women’s Network in the region. We dive into Bruce’s unexpected journey from elite university rowing to supporting gender equity in the boardroom. He shares how sport shaped his views, what he's learned from working closely with women leaders, and why male allies need to show up—authentically and intentionally.

A candid, thoughtful conversation with someone who's rewriting the rules from the inside out.

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) The tricky tightrope male leaders walk today
(02:06) How Bruce became the guy leading a women’s network
(03:44) What rowing taught Bruce about gender and real equity
(06:52) Job ads, confidence gaps—and what women still won’t apply for
(09:00) What space suits and air conditioning reveal about hidden bias
(10:21) Allyship or overstepping? Where men still get stuck
(13:00) The quiet reason women fear promotions
(17:10) The one thing women don’t do enough at work
(19:30) Asia vs. the West—who’s doing inclusion better?
(23:20) One personal rule Bruce completely rewrote

Bruce Perry
Bruce Perry is the MD and Head of Operations, APAC at Barclays. With global experience across Singapore, New York, Zurich and Paris, he’s known for leading large, cross-functional teams and delivering complex financial strategies. He has held senior COO roles and worked across investment banking, wealth, and corporate operations. A CIMA-qualified leader, Bruce also serves on boards of Cambridge University sports bodies, bringing business rigour to not-for-profit spaces.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-perry-a0b7116/

Meet the Hosts,

Ritu Gupta Mehrish:

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Rajita Saxena
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajita-saxena/

Kalyani Vaidya
I’m a fractional marketing manager with a diverse background and a passion for brand activations, podcasting, and business development. As both a sportsman and podcaster, I enjoy offering fresh perspectives and adding value to start-ups. I have a special interest in the domain of parenting, education, and wellness.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-vaidya/

Women groups—essential or overrated?

I sat down with Yolanda Lee, founder and CEO of Uncommon, to unpack why women leaders need spaces to connect, share, and grow. Yolanda’s journey—from navigating leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies to building a global network—proves that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely.

We dive into confidence, burnout, setting boundaries, and why women sometimes hesitate to ask for help. Are women-focused communities the key to thriving in leadership? Tune in to find out!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Why leadership can feel lonely—and how to change that
(03:10) The power of safe spaces: Do women really need them?
(04:34) The confidence trap: Are you holding yourself back?
(06:30) Do men secretly struggle with work-life balance too?
(07:04) The first signs of burnout you might be ignoring
(13:15) How to give without guilt (and stop people-pleasing)
(16:23) The hidden benefits of learning from different experiences
(18:55) Growing up as an outsider: How it shapes leadership
(21:18) Remote, hybrid, or office? The workplace battle continues
(22:56) Who do you call when you're on the verge of burnout?
(24:59) The one rule every leader needs to rewrite

Yolanda Lee
Yolanda Lee is the Founder & CEO of Uncommon, a coaching community designed to help women leaders connect, grow, and thrive. With over 15 years of experience across industries—from launching retail stores in the U.S. to building a food delivery startup in West Africa—she brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, resilience, and empathy to leadership. Yolanda believes that leadership isn’t just about a job title—it’s about embracing your unique spark and using it to drive impact. Her mission? To create spaces where leaders can support each other, set boundaries, and rewrite the rules of success.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-lee-8b936626/

Meet the Hosts,

Ritu Gupta Mehrish:
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Rajita Saxena
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajita-saxena/

Kalyani Vaidya
I’m a fractional marketing manager with a diverse background and a passion for brand activations, podcasting, and business development. As both a sportsman and podcaster, I enjoy offering fresh perspectives and adding value to start-ups. I have a special interest in the domain of parenting, education, and wellness.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-vaidya/

Could your hobbies shape your career success?

Dive into this episode of Rewrite the Rules where our host Ritu discusses the art of bringing your whole self to work with Josefhine Chitra. Josefhine, the Head of Corporate Communications at GoToGroup and a mentor at WomenWorks, shares her insights from Jakarta on balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities. From handling life's curveballs to integrating personal hobbies at work, Josefhine's story will inspire you to think about how much of you should really show up at work. Join us as we explore the intersection of personal identity and professional life with a leader who masters both!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) Is your hobby your secret career weapon?
(01:30) How do personal roles shape professional success?
(03:30) The art of mixing personal upheavals with professional steadiness.
(06:00) How to Master the art of crisis management before the fire starts.
(08:55) What does firefighting look like in the tech world?
(12:00) The secret to driving consensus among top executives.
(15:00) Can a job improve society?
(18:30) Behind the scenes of major corporate milestones.
(21:30) What's next for leaders in the tech industry?
(23:00) A final nugget of wisdom—don't miss this!

Josefhine Chitra:
Josefhine Chitra, a mentor at WomenWorks and a key figure at GoTo Group, has a diverse background spanning public affairs, journalism, and academia. At GoTo Group, she strategically manages the organization's reputation to ensure its continued positive impact on stakeholders. She excels in preempting and mitigating crises through robust policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement, adeptly navigating the complexities of a fast-paced tech environment. Passionate about mentoring and advancing issues like gender equality, environmental protection, and education, Josefhine's work is marked by significant contributions such as GoTo's landmark IPO and impactful social initiatives.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefhinechitra/

Meet the Hosts,

Ritu Gupta Mehrish:
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.

https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/

https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Rajita Saxena
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.

Kalyani Vaidya
I’m a fractional marketing manager with a diverse background and a passion for brand activations, podcasting, and business development. As both a sportsman and podcaster, I enjoy offering fresh perspectives and adding value to start-ups. I have a special interest in the domain of parenting, education, and wellness.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-vaidya/

How can you become a better ally for women in your workplace and beyond?

I'm your host, Ritu, and today we're diving deep into this topic with Amit Ray, a former tech guru at Uber turned serial entrepreneur, and Richa Goswami, one of the world’s top CMOs and a trailblazer on global private equity boards. In this episode, they share their firsthand experiences with allyship, overcoming industry biases, and the personal challenges and victories of their impressive careers. Don't miss this explosive conversation where we challenge if inclusivity is truly beneficial or just a well-intended misstep!

IN THIS EPISODE
(00:00) A Boardroom Bombshell? The Unexpected Turn at Uber’s Diversity Announcement!
(01:30) Breaking Barriers: Meet Our Guests Redefining Leadership!
(02:30) The Power of Curiosity and Commitment: Unlocking the Secrets of Allyship
(04:30) Revealed: The Simple Acts That Make a Big Ally
(07:00) Navigating Diversity: A Leader’s Challenge and Triumph at HSBC
(09:00) The Unsung Hero of Progress: Understanding the Subtle Art of Allyship
(13:30) From Kiddie Parties to Boardrooms: Women Lifting Each Other Up
(18:00) Moments That Define Us: Life-Altering Support in Unexpected Places
(21:00) Behind Every Leader: The Unseen Allies Shaping Our Paths
(25:30) Seeking Allyship: Practical Tips for Building Your Support Network

Amit Ray
Amit is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and the founder of CrazyTok, a ‘new media’ content marketing firm focused on podcast and YouTube production for CxOs, founders, and business owners.

Prior to founding CrazyTok, he worked at a mix of mature and fast-growing organizations, most recently at Grab and Uber. He has worked in India, the Philippines, and the US and currently lives in Singapore with his wife, son, and dog, Pepper.
Connect with Amit at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amitray/

Richa Goswami
Board member, purpose-driven investor, and mentor to visionary social entrepreneurs tackling global challenges at scale. A trailblazer in digital transformation and building high-impact, disruptive customer experiences, I’ve redefined what’s possible for major brands as the first Group Chief Marketing & Brand Officer at Fidelity, Global Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at HSBC and Global Chief Digital Officer at J&J. Passionate about AI, sustainability, and creating purpose-led change, I back ventures that are radically committed to making the world a better place—a vision fully aligned with my own. Bold, curious, and focused on meaningful growth, I’m dedicated to helping brands seize opportunity in the face of disruption and drive a positive future through fearless, innovative leadership. Both as a mom and a trailblazing global C-Suite leader from a small town in India, I break barriers and champion honest conversations that pave the way for the next generation of leaders.
Connect with Richa at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richagoswami/

Your Host
Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

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This podcast is powered by CrazyTok: We help experts become influencers by helping launch, produce and grow your custom-branded audio and video podcast channels. Find us on our Website, LinkedIn and Instagram

Ready to shake up the status quo?

Dive into "Rewrite the Rules: Powerful Stories of Senior Asian Women Leaders" with authors Ritu Gupta Mehrish and Rajita Saxena! This episode flips the script, putting our usual hosts in the hot seats. Hear firsthand how they captured stories of resilience and triumph that are changing the narrative for women in leadership. From challenges to actionable insights, this book isn’t just a read—it’s a movement. Tune in, get empowered, and start rewriting your own rules!

Meet the Hosts,
Ritu Gupta Mehrish

Ritu Gupta Mehrish is a speaker, executive coach and author, with 20 years of corporate experience working in companies such as P&G, GE Capital and GE spin-off Genpact. In her last role, Ritu ran a multimillion-dollar business vertical with 1000 people across eight countries and five continents. Throughout her extensive career, Ritu has had the opportunity to work, coach and converse with leaders across the globe from diverse industries. Her business and leadership experience has enabled her to bring in a pragmatic approach to leadership development. Her client list of Google, PayPal, Swiss Re, JP Morgan, Applied Materials, Intel, Knight Frank, Johnson & Johnson, AIA, Medtronic, Wharton Executive Education highlights the level of expertise she brings to the leadership topic.
https://www.letsrewritetherules.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritugmehrish/
https://www.ritumehrish.com/

Rajita Saxena
Rajita Saxena is a leader and people manager with over 20 years of business experience in sales, sales support, strategic operations, and learning & development. She builds strong, high-performing teams and believes in being a Level 5 leader to unleash the potential and performance of teams. She thrives in an environment that provides an opportunity to problem solve or create impact, whether it is a situation that is full of change and ambiguity or one that requires creating a strategy.

Kalyani Vaidya
I’m a fractional marketing manager with a diverse background and a passion for brand activations, podcasting, and business development. As both a sportsman and podcaster, I enjoy offering fresh perspectives and adding value to start-ups. I have a special interest in the domain of parenting, education, and wellness.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalyani-vaidya/

Links to buy REWRITE THE RULES -
Amazon: https://www.amazon.sg/Rewrite-Rules-changing-leadership-paradigm/dp/981520467X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2R2KZMN1686MX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PcFtOUgQuM_d2MkFj_ALcqPEKP0xi3P_XZ6hgaiezMZqnazcRFbubseRtGTdLt1o.KpMDfBxJ4HAapX7-N6LTSBlLr0bwTdFaCl7SYbJCK_4&dib_tag=se&keywords=rewrite+the+rules+ritu&qid=1735205054&sprefix=%2Caps%2C256&sr=8-1

Kinokuniya: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9789815204674