Before We Get There

12. Redefining Success Through Parenthood with Laurence Chinery

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Laurence Chinery, a stay-at-home dad and former educator who has lived in Hong Kong and now resides in the Netherlands. They discuss Laurence's experience of becoming a stay-at-home dad, the challenges of isolation in a new country, the decisions around childcare, and the values he hopes to instill in his children. The conversation explores cultural differences, societal expectations, and personal growth through fatherhood, culminating in insights into how Laurence balances parenthood with his personal projects, like his podcast 'Dad Dialogue.Laurence's links (Dad Dialogue): Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddialogue/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2dCWuwh4GLOuP7GD8t2XIB?si=6b1e237dde1e41f7 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DadDialoguePodcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
00:00 Meet Laurence Chinery03:39 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Stay-at-Home Dad07:25 Parenting Resources and Community15:19 Balancing Parenting Roles with a Partner23:24 Cultural and Societal Reflections26:27 Moving to Hong Kong: A Life-Changing Decision39:05 Future Plans and Reflections

Special Ep. 1: Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination

Join host Nicholas Braman for the first solo episode of Before We Get There. He discusses the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination. He emphasizes how the journey, with its challenges and learning experiences, is crucial for personal growth and ultimate success. Nicholas shares personal anecdotes, particularly highlighting his experiences with Jiujitsu and parenting, to illustrate how embracing each step can lead to greater fulfillment. He advises listeners to be mindful of their current stage in any endeavor and to derive satisfaction from every part of the journey, rather than fixating solely on the end goals. The episode encourages listeners to apply this perspective to their careers, hobbies, and personal development.Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/
00:00 Introduction to Before We Get There 02:25 Real-Life Examples: Jiujitsu and Career 05:24 A Personal Story: Walking to the Playground 09:03 Lessons from Jiujitsu: The Blue Belt Syndrome 19:46 Applying the Journey Mindset to Your Career 25:13 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Now

11. The Holiday Episode: Reflections on 2024 and Guest Appearances

In this special holiday episode, Nicholas reflects on an amazing 2024 filled with personal growth, travel, and podcasting milestones. From watching his daughter grow into a bubbly toddler to launching Before We Get There and connecting with incredible guests, Nicholas shares his favorite moments and lessons from the year.
You'll also get to hear clips from two guest appearances Nicholas made this year:
The Thought Leader Club Podcast with Cheryl Lau: A candid discussion about personal branding, thought leadership, and why authenticity matters.
Dad Dialogue with Lawrence Chinery: Insights into fatherhood, cultural nuances, and balancing parenting with a career in Singapore.
Join us as we celebrate the journey so far, highlight key moments, and look forward to an exciting 2025 with more diverse guests and stories.
Guest Links: My episode on The Thought Leader Club Podcast
My episode on Dad DialoguePodcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast
 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 03:15 Year in Review: 2024 Highlights 05:22 Travel Adventures and Memorable Moments 06:47 Gratitude and Future Plans 08:33 Guest Appearance on The Thought Leader Club Podcast 10:32 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 20:07 Balancing Life and Stress Management 28:32 The Value of Humility in Training 30:25 Guest Appearance on Dad Dialogue 44:02 Balancing Work and Family Life 47:55 Reflecting on Fatherhood 50:02 Conclusion and Farewell

10. Chasing Adventure and Finding Belonging with Ruby Tan

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman sits down with Ruby Tan, a Singaporean who pursued her dream of becoming an outdoor adventure guide, leading her to New Zealand. Ruby shares her story of leaving a traditional 9 to 5 job, dealing with cultural and personal challenges, and finding her true calling in the outdoors. The conversation covers her struggles with family expectations, the impact of COVID-19, and the personal growth that came from following her passions. Ruby candidly discusses her mental health journey and the resilience needed to live a life true to herself.Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyrubytan/ Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
00:00 Introduction 
04:04 Discovering a Love for the Outdoors
07:38 Career Path and Existential Crisis
09:55 Pursuing Outdoor Education in New Zealand
18:26 Family Reactions and Cultural Challenges
21:18 Returning to Singapore During COVID
24:52 Rediscovering Passion in South Korea
31:59 Balancing Work and Personal Life in the Outdoors
39:41 Making Friends and Building Community
43:02 Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts

9. Living Authentically and Embracing Failure with Bella Liu

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Isabella Liu, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster with over a decade of experience in marketing and business strategy. Isabella shares insights from her varied career, including working over 50 jobs before the age of 22 and founding multiple businesses. She discusses her views on failure, the interconnectedness of life aspects like business, spirituality, relationships, and finance, and the importance of enjoying everyday moments. Isabella also emphasizes self-reflection, taking prompt action, and balancing multiple interests while maintaining emotional and financial security. Join Nicholas and Isabella for an inspiring conversation about personal growth, resilience, and the journey towards success.
Guest Links: Bella's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-liu/Invincible Co: https://www.linkedin.com/company/invinciblecompany/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_invincibella/ Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbramanWebsite: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:28 Bella's Mission and Goals
12:46 Exploring Career and Passions
17:24 The Value of Diverse Experiences
26:44 Journey from Graphic Design to Entrepreneurship
30:05 Embracing Failure and Learning from It
33:15 Balancing Life and Work
42:45 Community Building and Networking
47:12 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Success
48:40 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

8. The Unexpected Path to PR Success & Entrepreneurship with Christel Goh

In this episode of Before We Get There, your host Nicholas Braman talks with Christel Goh, founder and CEO of Grow Public Relations. Christel shares her inspiring journey from working in PR for big brands to starting her own social enterprise and eventually founding a successful PR firm. The conversation covers how her personal experiences, such as caring for her grandmother which led her to create a game for seniors and eventually take the leap into entrepreneurship. Christel discusses balancing motherhood and growing a business, the importance of origin stories in PR, and how she leverages LinkedIn for personal branding. She also shares how her husband joined her in running the agency and the future goals for her company and personal life. Tune in to hear about Christel's unique path and the lessons she's learned along the way.Guest Links: Christel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christelgoh/ Grow Public Relations: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-public-relations/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christelyay/ Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:32 Christel Goh's Origin Story in PR
05:07 Transitioning to Freelancing and Building a PR Business
09:27 The Decision to Go Full-Time with Freelancing
13:25 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
20:20 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
24:36 Understanding Your Point of View
27:03 Navigating the Media Industry's Changes
30:24 Challenges and Successes in Business Growth
36:52 The Value of Coaching and Continuous Learning
40:57 Future Goals and Personal Aspirations
43:06 Connecting with Christel
 

7. Strength, Strategy, and Self-Motivation with Glen Lee

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Glen Lee, an amateur MMA fighter, and coach from Singapore. Glen discusses his early interest in martial arts, the rigorous training schedules, and the unique challenges of balancing multiple combat sports disciplines. He also reflects on his transition from business studies to sports science, his commitment to staying motivated, and the nuances of coaching clients with different fitness needs. Throughout his journey, Glen emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, learning from losses, and making impacts on others' lives, all while pursuing his passion for MMA and coaching.Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glen__rockstar/  https://www.instagram.com/fieldassembly/  https://www.instagram.com/physiocircle.sg/ Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Motivation
01:29 Glenn Lee's Martial Arts Journey
07:23 The Psychology of Competition
15:40 Training Clients vs. Training Self
17:50 Career Transition and COVID Challenges
35:30 Future Goals and Personal Reflections
38:12 Conclusion and Social Media

6. Purposeful Careers and Work-Life Integration with Abby Ling

In this episode of 'Before We Get There,' host Nicholas Braman interviews Abby Ling, an experienced marketer who currently leads the Singapore branch of an international marketing agency. Throughout the conversation, Abby shares insights into career planning, setbacks, and the challenges faced by working moms. She discusses her experiences with various organizations like TEDx Singapore and her journey from Beijing to Singapore. Abby emphasizes the importance of networking, community involvement, and the notion of 'integration' over 'balance' in managing professional and personal life. Her tips on job searching, adapting to new environments, and supporting working parents offer valuable guidance for listeners at different stages of their careers.
Guest Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbysaysthat/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyling/ Podcast links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/ 
 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
04:55 Moving to Singapore: A Personal Journey
08:07 Navigating Job Search Challenges
08:54 The Importance of Networking
16:06 Agency vs. In-House Marketing
19:11 Cultural Differences in Companies
21:02 The Importance of Perspective, People, and Potential
24:41 Career Planning and Long-Term Goals
29:42 Challenges and Strategies for Working Moms
34:18 Gender Bias and Leadership
40:04 Inspiring the Next Generation
42:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

5. From the Boxing Ring to the BBQ Pit: Chasing Passion with Davis Ng

In this episode of Before We Get There, host Nicholas Braman interviews Davis Ng, a professional boxer and chef. Davis recently won the WBC Silver Asia Middleweight title and runs a unique fusion restaurant in Singapore, Kemuri BBQ, which combines Texas barbecue with Japanese culinary influences. Davis shares insights into his boxing career, overcoming setbacks, starting a food business while in culinary school, and his epic internship in a famous Austin barbecue joint. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of opening and running his restaurant and balancing his boxing career. Tune in to hear about Davis's journey, his inspirations, and future aspirations.
Guest links: Kemuri BBQ: https://www.instagram.com/kemuribbq.sg/ BaconKing SG: https://www.instagram.com/baconking.sg/ Davis Ng: https://www.instagram.com/davistheking/ Podcast links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:25 Davis Ng's Boxing Journey
02:33 Overcoming Defeats and Challenges
07:52 Starting a Culinary Career
13:57 Building a Food Business
17:00 Opening a Restaurant
33:04 Future Plans and Reflections
37:47 Conclusion and Contact Information
 

4. Leveling Up: Lessons from Gaming and Jiujitsu with Michael Thompson

In this episode of 'Before We Get There,' host Nicholas Braman interviews Michael Thompson, a Canadian game designer who has lived in Singapore for over 15 years. Michael discusses his extensive career in the gaming industry, working on major titles like FIFA and NHL for Electronic Arts and Ghost Recon for Ubisoft. Currently, he is the course chair for the Department of Game Design at DigiPen Institute of Technology in Singapore. Michael also shares his experiences and insights from over 20 years of training in Brazilian Jiujitsu, touching on the growth of the sport in Singapore and how to stay fit as you age. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of both fields, highlighting the parallels between them. Michael also offers advice to those aspiring to enter the gaming industry.Follow Michael Thompson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onmyasana/ Podcast links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforewegettherepodcast/  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nicholasbraman Website: https://nicholasbraman.com/before-we-get-there-podcast/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2h9gsrWKH9C1KY1OzR12kr?si=2a4d19970632465f Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/before-we-get-there/id1775182252 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:29 Michael's Journey to Singapore
04:54 The Reality of Working in the Gaming Industry
10:45 Challenges and Rewards of Game Development
19:40 Transitioning to Teaching
23:30 Analyzing Game Design Flaws
25:25 How building games is similar to Brazilian Jiujitsu
26:08 Early Days of Training and Grind of Jiujitsu
33:35 Measuring Progress in Jiujitsu
36:47 Staying Healthy and Disciplined
39:32 Growth of Jiujitsu in Singapore
43:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts