

Who We Are with Rachel Lim
Rachel Lim
Who we are is an ever-evolving journey without limits.
Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves into every facet of our lives — from work and family to relationships, self-discovery, and beyond.
Experience a series of conversations and shared reflections that span from in-depth discussions with thought leaders around the world, to personal lessons shared with friends. Each episode offers valuable insights into our identities and pathways to self-improvement.
Welcome to Who We Are — a podcast devoted to the continuous journey of uncovering our ever-evolving selves.
Join the ever-curious Rachel Lim as she delves into every facet of our lives — from work and family to relationships, self-discovery, and beyond.
Experience a series of conversations and shared reflections that span from in-depth discussions with thought leaders around the world, to personal lessons shared with friends. Each episode offers valuable insights into our identities and pathways to self-improvement.
Welcome to Who We Are — a podcast devoted to the continuous journey of uncovering our ever-evolving selves.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2024 • 32min
#21: Up Close & Personal: Reflections, Growth, & Honest Conversations
In this solo episode, I’m inviting you into a deeply personal and intimate space — one where we can reflect, grow, and have honest, heart-to-heart conversations. It’s a chance for us to connect on a more meaningful level, exploring the lessons life has been teaching me lately and how I’m finding my way through them.In this episode, I cover: Reflections and key takeaways from past episodes Areas I’m currently focusing on to improve Behind-the-scenes look at upcoming projects close to my heart Finding clarity during seasons of uncertainty The power of saying no to prioritize what truly matters Two book recommendations that have shaped my journeyThis isn’t just an episode; it’s a personal conversation between us, grounded in reflection, growth, and the shared journey we’re all on. I hope it resonates with you, brings comfort or inspiration, and reminds you that we’re navigating life’s twists and turns together — one step at a time 🤍00:00 Welcome & Introduction01:45 Catching Up with Rachel03:11 Reflections on Key Insights from Past Episodes12:01 Current Focus: What I’m Working on Improving15:06 Behind the Scenes: Updates on Ongoing Projects18:37 Navigating Uncertainty: Encouragement for Those Feeling Stuck21:00 Book Recommendations & Personal Reflections31:17 Closing Thoughts & FarewellFollow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/Books Involved:The Obstacle Is the Way: https://a.co/d/4nkapVvThe Courage to Be Disliked: https://a.co/d/4uJeYRC

Aug 20, 2024 • 54min
#20: From Modelling to Entrepreneurship: Valeria Lipovetsky’s Evolution & Journey
In this episode, I sit down with Valeria Lipovetsky, a woman whose journey from the world of modeling to the heights of entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. I first met Valeria two years ago at a personal growth retreat in Ibiza, and since then, I’ve been deeply moved by her relentless drive, her commitment to self-improvement, and her ability to gracefully navigate the many roles she plays—as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and content creator.
Together, we explore the pivotal moments that shaped Valeria’s life, from her upbringing to her career in modeling, and her bold transition into the entrepreneurial world. Valeria opens up about the challenges she faced in starting her first business, Verie. We dive into her YouTube career, where she shares how she stays true to herself amidst the pressures of public life, and what it takes to maintain authenticity in a digital age.
Valeria also offers invaluable insights into balancing work with marriage, revealing the key factors that have helped her and her husband, Gary, thrive both personally and professionally. We discuss the complexities of motherhood, the ever-present tension between ambition and contentment, and how she confronts self-doubt while striving for growth.
This episode is a deep dive into the life of a woman who is constantly evolving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative at heart, or someone seeking inspiration in your personal life, Valeria’s story will leave you with valuable lessons on how to define and pursue your own path to success.
00:00 Introduction00:43 Meet Valeria Lipovetsky: A Journey of Growth04:43 Influences and Lessons from Valeria’s Upbringing09:52 Insights from a Modelling Career12:21 From Content Creator to Entrepreneur: Valeria’s Evolution15:38 Building a YouTube Empire17:13 Staying Authentic in the Spotlight19:17 Closing a Meaningful Chapter with Verie22:34 The Reality of Pursuing Passion in Business25:37 Valeria’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs27:36 Redefining Success: Valeria’s Perspective28:39 Navigating Business and Marriage with Your Spouse32:30 Resolving Conflict in Marriage37:01 The Complexities of Motherhood43:13 Confronting Self-Doubt46:35 Balancing Ambition and Contentment48:44 Valeria’s Biggest Life Lessons51:11 Timeless Fashion Advice52:47 Final Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/Follow Valeria Lipovetsky here: https://www.instagram.com/valerialipovetsky

Aug 13, 2024 • 40min
#19: Crucial Skills for Couples: Insights from Relationship Experts, The Freemans
In this episode, I sit down with Jocelyn and Aaron Freeman, the dynamic couple behind Empowered Couples University, to explore the real challenges that every relationship faces. With over 802,000 couples served, Jocelyn and Aaron share their personal journey from navigating their own differences to becoming sought-after relationship coaches. They reveal the key skills that every couple needs but often weren't taught — how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and maintain connection amidst life’s chaos.
We dive into their insights on love, partnership, and the everyday rituals that have kept their marriage strong. Whether you’re struggling with recurring arguments, balancing busy schedules, or simply looking to deepen your connection, this conversation offers practical, heartfelt advice that every couple can relate to. Tune in for an episode that’s as inspiring as it is real, and discover how to take your relationship from surviving to thriving.
00:00 Introduction
00:26 Get to Know The Freemans
02:11 Common Relationship Challenges
05:36 Practical Reconciliation Tools
08:02 Is Love Enough?
09:20 The Love Account Check-In
11:10 Repair in Relationships
13:42 Tools for Effective Communication
17:58 Identifying Your Relationship Needle Movers
19:58 Navigating Parenthood Together
26:02 Staying Connected with Your Partner
28:00 The Freemans’ Healthy Marriage Rituals
32:28 Weathering Life’s Storms Together
35:09 Encouraging a Resistant Partner
38:11 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow The Freemans here: https://www.instagram.com/meet_thefreemans

Aug 6, 2024 • 45min
#18: The Gift of a New Chapter: Janice Koh’s Wisdom from Cancer
In this personal and inspiring episode, I sit down with Janice Koh, a renowned Singaporean actress, to explore her courageous journey through tongue cancer. At the beginning of 2022, Janice's life was upended by a persistent ulcer that was diagnosed as cancer. Facing multiple surgeries and losing a significant part of her tongue, Janice had to redefine her identity and cope with the loss of her voice—an actor's most cherished tool.
Janice candidly shares her emotional turmoil and the resilience required to navigate such life-altering changes. She reflects on finding strength in vulnerability, discovering new sources of joy, and living mindfully in the face of uncertainty. Janice delves into finding inner peace amidst chaos and the significance of suffering in personal growth. She shares her reflections on the preciousness of time, the gift of presence, and the journey of letting go of old identities to embrace new possibilities.
Join me as Janice takes us on a journey of rebirth and renewal, offering a testament to the power of the human spirit. Her story is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope and the potential for a new beginning.
Whether you are facing your own struggles or seeking inspiration, Janice's journey will leave you moved, uplifted, and deeply inspired by the lessons she has learned and the wisdom she imparts.
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00:00 Introduction
00:26 Get To Know Janice Koh
02:00 Receiving a Cancer Diagnosis
07:34 Discovering Inner Strength
09:30 Understanding Her Diagnosis
13:08 The Habits That Grounded Her
16:03 How Cancer Transformed Janice’s Life
18:45 Redefining Herself as an Actress
26:57 The Power of Asking for Help
29:27 Experiencing a Rebirth
31:01 Her Relationship with Her Children
33:10 Advice to Her Younger Self
34:38 Balancing Faith and Doubt
35:53 Redefining Success
37:48 Embracing the Present Moment
39:05 Welcoming a New Chapter
41:09 Closing Reflections
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Janice here: https://www.instagram.com/janiceymkoh

Jul 30, 2024 • 40min
#17: Montessori Parenting: Nurturing Critical Thinkers and Lifelong Learners
As a parent myself, I'm always seeking ways to expand my knowledge and create a nurturing environment for Ollie and Keira. The Montessori approach has been particularly intriguing to me because of its emphasis on fostering independence, curiosity, and respect in children. By providing tools for success, encouraging their abilities, and giving them space to develop independently, the Montessori way offers a powerful alternative to conventional parenting. It helps children develop critical thinking, self-discipline, and a love for learning while maintaining a respectful and collaborative parent-child relationship.In this episode, experienced Montessori educators and advocates Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike share invaluable insights on integrating Montessori principles into the daily lives of school-aged children. We explore key differences between Montessori and traditional parenting, debunk common misconceptions, and offer practical tips for cultivating respect and handling tantrums with grace.Discover how to balance nurturing and spoiling, create meaningful connections, and bring joy into modern parenting. Simone and Junnifa also discuss the importance of co-regulation, unlearning traditional parenting practices, and adjusting to the Montessori approach.Join us as we uncover how the Montessori way can help support our child's unique potential, develop critical thinking skills, and foster a respectful and collaborative relationship between parent and child.00:00 Introduction00:30 Get to know Junnifa Uzodike and Simone Davies 03:21 Montessori Parenting vs. Traditional Parenting 07:40 Misconceptions of Montessori Parenting 09:52 Cultivating Respect at Home 13:20 Handling Tantrums and Meltdowns 16:58 Spoiling vs. Nurturing Your Children 21:59 Navigating Values and Principles 26:18 Creating Connection and Joy as Modern Parents 29:18 Co-Regulation Tips with Toddlers 32:00 Unlearning Traditional Parenting33:00 Adjusting to Montessori Parenting 36:40 Advice for Modern Parents 38:16 Final Thoughts Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/Follow Simone Davies here: https://www.instagram.com/themontessorinotebook/Follow Junnifa Uzodike here: https://www.instagram.com/montessori_nduoma/Purchase 'The Montessori Child' here: https://a.co/d/c2JSvQLPurchase ‘The Montessori Baby’ here: https://a.co/d/cxAxQhoPurchase ‘The Montessori Toddler’ here: https://a.co/d/9YHKQXq

Jul 23, 2024 • 31min
#16: From Desire to Action: Mastering the Art of Willing Change
Have you ever found yourself wanting to make a change in your life or career, yet feeling inexplicably stuck? You're not alone. The gap between knowing what we need to do and actually doing it is a common struggle that many face. In this episode with our in-house guest expert Joyce, we dive deep into this challenge and uncover why it's so hard to get “unstuck.”
We delve into the ‘knowing-doing gap’ and the emotional immune system, uncovering why we often resist change despite our best intentions. Joyce walks us through the immunity map, revealing how hidden commitments and limiting beliefs hold us back.
With practical strategies and personal examples, Joyce offers insights to help you bridge the gap between wanting change and making it happen. Whether you’re aiming for a career shift, better relationships, or personal growth, this episode provides the tools to move from desire to action.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on mastering the art of willing change.
00:00 Introduction
00:57 The Human Struggle with Change
02:18 The ‘Knowing-Doing Gap’
04:05 Understanding Our Emotional Immune System
05:18 Wanting Change vs. Making Change
08:18 The Immunity Map
25:53 Cultivating Courage for Change
27:37 Joyce’s Advice on Making Change
28:18 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Get connected with Joyce: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-chen-coach/
Additional resources:
[DOWNLOAD] The Immunity Map: https://bit.ly/4cTsjto
[READ] 'The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership’: https://a.co/d/fyaTVKW
[LEARN MORE] Conscious Leadership Group: https://conscious.is/

Jul 16, 2024 • 47min
#15: Financial Freedom with Your Rich BFF: Vivian Tu's Journey and Advice
In this engaging episode, I sit down with financial guru and content creator Vivian Tu, known as "Your Rich BFF," to explore her inspiring journey from a hardworking immigrant family to Wall Street and ultimately to her role as a financial influencer. Vivian shares pivotal moments, such as leaving her high-paying job at JP Morgan to pursue content creation, and discusses the profound impact of her mentor on her financial habits and career trajectory. She offers insights into why financial literacy is often neglected, especially among women, and provides strategies to bridge this gap.
Vivian delves into common financial mistakes, how the pandemic reshaped her views on financial security and practical tips for maximizing earnings and overcoming the fear of investing. She also explains her belief in equity rather than equality in relationships, offering advice on how couples can strive for equity to ensure a healthy partnership.
Tune in to gain valuable financial wisdom and be inspired by Vivian's journey and insights. Whether you're starting your financial journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking discussions that will resonate with and inspire everyone.
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Get to Know Vivian Tu
01:01 Vivian Tu’s Upbringing
03:18 The Start of Vivian Tu’s Journey
08:08 3 Important Financial Lessons
11:36 Breaking Gender Stereotypes in Financial Literacy
13:12 The Most Common Financial Mistake
14:25 How To Start Investing
17:43 Overcome Your Fear of Investing
19:18 Budgeting for Investing
21:23 The Brag Book
23:05 How To Ask for a Raise
25:50 Mindset Shift for Women
27:59 Equity vs Equality in Relationships
31:06 Financial Tips for a Healthy Relationship
34:21 Vivian Tu’s Perception of True Richness
37:13 The ‘STRIP’ Method
39:21 RICH AF: Vivian Tu’s NYT Best Seller Book
41:56 Vivian Tu’s Purpose as Your Rich BFF
42:54 Talk to Your Friends About Money
45:17 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Vivian Tu here: https://www.instagram.com/your.richbff/
Purchase ‘Rich AF: The Money Mindset That Will Change Your Life’ here: https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9780241644966

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 10min
#14: From Gangs to Glazes: Whye Kee’s Redemption Story
In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Whye Kee, whose life story is a powerful testament to the human capacity for change, redemption, and the pursuit of new dreams. From his turbulent upbringing and experiences as a gang leader to his transformative journey in prison, Whye Kee’s path has been anything but ordinary.
We delve into his early years, exploring the challenges he faced growing up amidst loan shark harassment and violence. Whye Kee shares candidly about his descent into gang life, the allure it held, and the identity he forged as a leader. Yet, it was in the darkest moments of imprisonment and his father's death that he began to question his choices and seek a different path. Discover how Whye Kee found solace and purpose in pottery, a craft that not only rekindled his childhood dreams but also paved the way for his redemption.
This episode is a moving reminder that no matter how far one strays, redemption is possible. Whye Kee’s journey from gang leader to respected artist and mentor will leave us deeply moved and inspired to believe in the power of change.
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00:00 Introduction
00:52 Whye Kee’s Upbringing
03:50 Joining a Gang
12:01 Becoming a Gang Leader
17:04 Life Being Detained Without Trial
20:08 Life After Prison
27:22 The Hardest Wake Up Call
31:52 Discovering Pottery
34:02 Turning Points
39:26 Becoming an Assenter for Mr. Tharman
43:05 Serving the Underprivileged Youth
50:02 Honing His Craft
59:36 Transformative Power of Pottery
01:02:50 Whye Kee’s Unique Perception of Redemption
01:05:05 Internal Battles
01:07:13 Advice to His Younger Self
01:07:49 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Whye Kee here: https://www.instagram.com/qipottery/

Jul 2, 2024 • 31min
#13: Lessons from the Harvard's Longest Study on Happiness with Dr. Robert Waldinger
Dr. Robert Waldinger, from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, shares insights on happiness, quality relationships, intentional living, and mindfulness. Discusses generational patterns of happiness, advice for strong relationships, and the impact of technology on well-being. Offers valuable guidance for living a happier, more intentional life.

Jun 25, 2024 • 51min
#12: The Power of Modern Etiquette with Sara Jane Ho
In this special episode, join me for an exclusive live recording featuring the esteemed Sara Jane Ho, internationally renowned etiquette expert and host of Netflix's "Mind Your Manners." Recorded during our recent CLOSER event in Singapore, Sara Jane shares her fascinating journey from founding an etiquette school in Beijing to becoming a global authority on modern manners.
We dive into a range of topics, from the most unusual etiquette practices she's encountered to the essential role etiquette plays in today's fast-paced digital world. Sara Jane's unique approach combines tradition with contemporary relevance, offering practical insights that are both enlightening and entertaining.
Highlights include:
- Surprising etiquette practices from around the world
- Sara's most memorable success stories and testimonials
- Behind the scenes of "Mind Your Manners"
- The critical link between etiquette and emotional intelligence
- Light-hearted discussions on bedroom etiquette and Feng Shui
Whether you're an etiquette enthusiast or simply curious about enhancing your social skills, this episode promises to be an unforgettable journey into the world of modern etiquette.
Tune in and discover how mastering manners can transform your personal and professional life.
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00:00 Introduction
01:17 Unusual Etiquette Practices
03:39 The Start of Sara Jane's Journey
06:44 Sara Jane's Most Memorable Success Stories
10:43 Inside Her Netflix Show 'Mind Your Manners'
17:03 The Relevance of Etiquette Today
22:09 The Link Between Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence
23:41 Breaking Up Over Text: Sara Jane's Perspective
28:38 Knowing Your Worth: Don’t Settle for Less
30:58 Bedroom Etiquette: Tips and Insights
32:26 Feng Shui: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy or Practical Wisdom?
37:22 Q&A with Sara Jane
49:10 Final Thoughts
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/ms_rach/
Follow Sara Jane Ho here: https://www.instagram.com/sarajaneho/
Watch 'Mind Your Manners' on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81109061


