The Better Me Experience

Owen is an innovative data analyst with a background in Engineering and Masters in Data Science. He currently specialises in using data to optimise transportation assets in his current role. But Owen's journey to becoming a data analyst was not a straight path. He faced challenges and obstacles that many of us can relate to. In this episode, Owen will share his story with us - how he discovered his passion for data analysis, the hurdles he overcame, and the lessons he learned along the way. Thank you for listening.

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains extremely humorous yet empowering stories that will help you feel more grateful and positive in achieving your goals. Dohyun "Kim" Han, 29 year old Kiwi-Korean (like myself), is a great friend of mine, whom I met during my Uni days through my friend Ray (E02). On this episode, Dohyun shares his "crazy" life changing stories & how to navigate your OWN path to success - while keeping true to himself and some of the Korean values. The episode starts from: 02:12 Summary of topics: 1. "Working like a dog" throughout Uni to build a "strong" CV & to chase his "dream" job (4:47). 2. The secret to getting his first job out of Uni - being street smart vs book smart (11:04). 3. The drastic change from being in a once-desired corporate job to being a teacher (16:07). 3.1. Story 1: the big move to Japan from NZ to get his foot in the door to teaching (16:22). 3.2. Story 2: dangerous encounter with the Yakuza in Japan (25:12). 3.3. Story 3: Going through near death experiences & severe panic attacks due to health complications (31:20). 3.4. Story 4: Dohyun explains how he survived through it all and the steps he took to recovery and stay positive (37:39). 4. Dohyun on gratitude & having goals is the new cool (51:24). 5. Dohyun exposes his "expensive" hobby for the first time (1:05:31). 6. Find out what Dohyun tells his 10 year younger and older self (1:15:23). BONUS: Dohyun gets deep and emotional about the motive behind his pursuit of happiness and success (1:17:37). Thank you once again for tuning in today and we appreciate your love and support. Paul.

WARNING: This episode contains extremely powerful and insightful information for those that are studying / researching in life sciences who are curious or have a strong desire to move into the industry. Feinga Lotu Tupou, 29 year old highly driven and inspirational New Zealand born Tongan, is a great friend of mine, whom I met during my Uni days. On this episode, Feinga drops the knowledge bomb on how he crafted his career after finishing his postgraduate degree to be in one of the top international chemistry (colorant) companies in the world.  The episoide starts from: 02:12 Summary of topics: 1. Feinga explains the importance of the first few steps in kickstarting his career (6:00). 2. Common mistakes that 90% of academics make when looking for industry jobs (15:36). 3. Why Kiwis push the pedal to the metal when they move across the ditch (21:19). 4. #1 key to success EXPOSED: providing value (28:09). 5. How to prepare your mind to get over your fears: the scientific approach (36:23). 6. Things that sparked Feinga's curiosity in science that no one knows about (39:35). 7. How to solve problems in the easiest way possible (46:03). 8. Paul and Feinga share their common childhood challenge for the first time (51:27). 9. What success means to Feinga - shockingly truthful (1:00:31). 10. Find out what Feinga tells his 10 year younger and older self (1:05:49). Thank you once again for tuning in today and we appreciate your love and support. Paul.

Rayomand Shahlori, 29 year old entrepreneur and visionary from Auckland, is a great friend of mine, whom I met during my Uni days. On this episode, Ray reveals his journey of creating a business from a single idea and how he's battling the struggles of being a young entrepreneur. He also shares his secrets to making his vision into a reality.  Summary of topics: 1) Ray opens up about his journey after PhD: acquiring the "F**k it" mindset in carving your own career (10:44) 2) Ray explains how he pushes through the challenges in life (23:40) 3) Why having a "work in progress" mentality is so important when starting anything (31:57) 4) "There is no difference in the highest forms of selfishness and selflessness" - the healthy cycle of helping others that helps you and vice versa (43:32) 5) Ray exposes his secret to keeping motivated everyday (49:35) 6) The meaning behind the start up's name (55:27) 7) The end of an era of studying for the sake of getting a job and sticking to what you studied in your future careers (1:01:30) 8) Find out what Ray tells his 10 year younger and older self (1:18:35). Thank you for tuning in today and we appreciate your love and support.  Paul.

Hamesh Prajapati, passionate 31 year old Kiwi-Indian from Auckland. He is a great friend of mine whom I studied chemistry with back at Uni. On this episode, Hamesh openly breaks down the cultural barriers he had to face and pioneer throughout his 20s, all the way up until now.  Summary of topics: 1) The changes in the dating scene: online vs offline (8:33);  2) The cultural expectation of relationships (19:25);  3) Studying vs experience (34:50);  4) Taking the risk in pursuing your passion (41:30);  5) Hamesh explains how to get over your fears (44:30); 6) Being able to express your feelings openly now vs our parents days (54:20); 7) Channelling your inner child in the pursuit of finding your passion (1:07:58); 8) Hamesh gives advice to his 10 year younger and older self (1:28:53) Thank you for tuning in today and we appreciate your love and support. Paul.