Be careful what you wish for - because in your career, getting what you think you want might be the very thing that holds you back.
In this brutally honest and thought-provoking episode, Adrian Choo unpacks the five most common career wishes that sound good on paper but secretly sabotage your growth:
1️⃣ “I wish I had my dream job.”
2️⃣ “I wish my job were easier.”
3️⃣ “I wish my boss would leave me alone.”
4️⃣ “I wish I knew my end goal right now.”
5️⃣ “I wish I could just take a long vacation.”
With wit, wisdom, and real-world insight, Adrian flips each wish on its head ... revealing why the pursuit of comfort, clarity, and control often keeps professionals stuck.
Tune in to learn how to replace these limiting wishes with powerful career strategies that drive agility, resilience, and long-term success.
🎧 If you’ve ever caught yourself saying any of these five things, this episode might just change the way you see your career - forever.
You’ve climbed the ladder, delivered results, and paid your dues — yet the higher you go, the heavier it gets.
In this episode, we unpack the five silent frustrations that mid-career executives rarely talk about — but every one of them feels:
1️⃣ The constant pressure to deliver results (with less support).
2️⃣ The fear of being replaced — by AI, a younger hire, or a cheaper alternative.
3️⃣ The dread of being priced out of the market you helped build.
4️⃣ The lack of professional development, as training dollars go to “emerging talent.”
5️⃣ And the dreaded glass ceiling — or worse, the career cliff no one warns you about.
If you’ve ever thought, “Is this as far as I go?”, this episode is for you.
We’ll talk about what’s really behind these frustrations — and more importantly, what you can do about them.
🎧 Tune in — it’s time to reclaim your career power before the system sidelines you.
You’re hustling hard - inbox exploding, meetings stacked, deadlines closing in. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: being busy isn’t the same as being valuable.
In this thought-provoking episode, we pull back the curtain on one of the biggest traps in mid-career life ... working hard on the wrong problems. Adrian breaks down the five invisible forces that keep smart professionals spinning their wheels instead of moving forward:
1️⃣ The Trap - Mistaking Activity for Progress: Why motion without direction is career quicksand.
2️⃣ The Urgent vs Important Test: A wake-up call straight from the Eisenhower Matrix - where does your time really go?
3️⃣ The Interesting vs Necessary Filter: How to stop chasing shiny distractions and start doing the work that truly moves the needle.
4️⃣ The Operational vs Strategic Divide: Are you the firefighter... or the architect?
5️⃣ Picking Your Battles Wisely: The difference between being indispensable and being promotable.
🎯 If you’ve ever ended a week wondering, “Why do I feel exhausted but not accomplished?” — this one’s for you.
🔥 Listen now to learn how to realign your focus, elevate your impact, and finally start working on the right problems.
Retrenchments are never easy.
But here’s the kicker: many companies unknowingly behave poorly during the process - and end up making themselves look bad in the eyes of employees, customers, and even future talent. 😬
In this episode, I reveal the common mistakes companies make during retrenchments - from tone-deaf communication to bad timing - and how leaders can avoid turning a tough moment into a reputational disaster.
✅ If you’re in leadership or HR, this is your playbook for handling retrenchments with dignity, fairness, and responsibility.
The headlines scream doom, but the truth is more nuanced.
The market isn’t collapsing — it’s punishing the unprepared.
Outdated skills and “wait-and-see” career management? That’s what’s getting people stuck.
This episode cuts through the panic to reveal the reality: Are your skills mismatched? Are you accessing the hidden markets? Is there Silent hiring, and why clarity and strategy beat fear every time.
If you’ve been asking, “Is the job market really that bad?” — the answer might surprise you.
Do We Really Need Friends in the Office?
Is quitting a job because you feel lonely a valid reason… or just an excuse?
In this episode, we unpack the “no friends at work” dilemma — from the risks of mistaking colleagues for confidants, to the reality that your so-called “office buddy” might actually be gunning for the same promotion as you.
We’ll talk trust, competition, and whether the workplace is for building friendships… or building your career.
Adrian present 3 quick #TrueCareer Stories about people who faced Retrenchment situations - and how it could happen to you!
Thinking of leaving the hustle for a simpler, saner work life?
Sounds tempting… but hold up.
Before you trade your title for tranquility, this episode unpacks 5 must-consider factors that could make or break your downshifting decision. From money and identity to future career risks, we cover the stuff no one talks about.
Because escaping the rat race is smart — but doing it blindly? Not so much.
Hit play before you slow down the wrong way.
The news is full of Negative Stories. Deadlines are looming. Your phone won’t stop buzzing.
And somehow… you’re supposed to keep it all together?
In this energizing episode, we unpack simple, science-backed strategies to stay grounded, clear-headed, and calm—even when the world feels like it’s spinning off its axis.
Whether it’s toxic workplaces, never-ending to-do lists, or just life being life, this one’s your mental reset.
🧠 Breathe in. Hit play. Sanity starts here.
Think your C-suite title guarantees a smooth interview? Think again.
In this no-fluff episode, we expose the surprisingly common mistakes even seasoned leaders make during interviews—like over-relying on their resume, dodging tough questions, or coming off… well, a little too polished.
Whether you're gunning for your next big role or just dusting off the blazer, this episode will help you avoid the traps that silently kill your chances.
Because at the executive level, it's not just what you say—it's how you say it.
👔 Press play before you step into that boardroom.
Jobhunting sucks when you're in your 40s - a 45 yr old client told me that the headhunter said he was "TOO OLD"!
But what are you doing wrong?
What can you do better?
- Are you over-relying on your CV?
- Are you too shy to network for leads?
- Or are you really too old in your ways to learn new job-hunting techniques?
Watch this episode and find out how you can get hired quicker!
Shopee sued an ex-Employee last January for a Non-compete when he joined their rival, TikTok. They lost. If you're about to sign an offer letter with a non-competition clause, are you at risk of a lawsuit? What are the red flags to watch out for... and what should you do? Adrian The Career Strategist shares these secrets with you
Have you wondered how much a Board Member is paid?
Or how much (or little) work they're required to do?
Or whether they can actually end up in Prison if things go wrong?
In this insightful episode, we talk to Carmen Wee, veteran HR Leader and Board Member of several major companies, on these questions and more!
Many have tried to do a mid-career switch - and failed.
What are some of the common reasons why it didn't work out?
What could be done better?
Adrian & Yen share these nightmare stories with you... and how you can do it better!
Trump's Terrifying Tariffs have the world in a Dizzy Spin!
Is he a Madman.... or a brilliant Genius?
What are the implications for the Singapore Job Market?
How can you ride this out?
Let Adrian share his thoughts, Frank and Uncensored.
You'd be surprised how many clients we meet, who are clueless as to what their NEXT ROLE is going to be.
Our Advice?
Get Off Your A$$!! Start making a plan! Get some CareerClarity!
Here are some great ideas for you!
Why does your HeadHunter Ghost you?
What do they expect from you?
And most importantly, how can you make the relationship work?
Listen to Adrian's fun episode for an Insider's Peek!
"Sorry, you're too Senior/Experienced/Expensive"
Haven't you heard this one before?
But there's a way around it - by unbundling your skills, services, time and format, there are ways to get your hiring manager to make you that job offer!
This week, in Frank & Unfiltered with Adrian, he shares his thoughts about what's REALLY going on behind DBS's pending Elimination of 4000 jobs due to AI.
He also talks about Undergrads not landing jobs, and of course, Elon's latest Email Edict - Respond or be Fired!
He also answers questions on:
1. The Biggest Resume Red Flag
2. Should I get an MBA
3. What Advice to give a Young Executive
