Mellonie Francis

Founder

Mel Francis Villas

At Mel Francis Villas, our mission is to release exquisitely designed villas, using premium building materials into Bali, all whilst delivering up to 25% ROI.

We are focused on delivering quality builds, which takes into account ROI & longevity & sustainability. 

Whilst we are extremely ROI driven, we won’t compromise on design, quality or sustainability.

If you are someone who is design-focused and cares about quality & ROI, we are the team for you.

Visit our website to see our latest projects: https://melfrancisvillas.com/

Chief Executive Officer

Mellonie Francis | Personal Branding |

We help serial entrepreneurs build their personal brand to create extraordinary possibilities.

Innovative Minds Podcast

Each week, I speak to personal brands and Business Leaders to unveil their marketing & business strategies to help you unlock the next level of you.

Host

Rareiio

I first work to get a deep understanding of each business, competitive landscape and understand what is their unique differentiator. Once that is clear, my team and I will build software, systems and marketing strategies for exponential growth. 

In Rareiio we have world class graphic designers, ui ux designers, software developers and marketing specialists to help you get your business to the next level. We will be your advisors & executors!

With Rareiio, we are with you from the beginning to the end. It’s a one stop shop!

Find Book Beauty

Find Book Beauty is a powerful booking engine helping customers find the best makeup, hair and beauty therapists in a location of their choice. Customers can filter by prices, reviews and more! 

The software enables beauty business to automate quoting, show live appointment availability, enforce cancellation policies, and generate leads 24/7 online. 

In many ways, the platform is similar to AirBNB where finding and booking beauty services is convenient and easy.

My role is to grow the lending book for Healthcare sector (e.g. Dentists, GPs, Specialists, pharmacists & childcare). I see what I do as more than just sales. I enjoy advising businesses on future strategy along with filling in the missing gap of how to use debt to scale a business.

Key highlights include:
•	Wrote $20 million in new lending within first 12 months
•	Built up a sales pipeline of $62 million within first 12 months 
•	Managed a $156million customer loan book 
•	Built in-depth network to generate medico leads
•	Developed and Managed a high performance team
•	Roll out a 6 week national broker training session to educate brokers on medico finance
•     Head up a national branding campaign  for sales development for ANZ’s Healthcare business

Senior Relationship Manager (Sales)

I was responsible for negotiating complex credit for businesses requiring 10 to 35 million of lending. I had a diverse client base with concentration in pubs and clubs, education and food and beverage businesses.

Senior Relationship Credit Manager

I was headhunted to move into this strategic growth oriented leadership and coaching role in a secondment capacity, based on my proven strengths in influencing positive change management, leading to highly constructive business development. In a nutshell, expansion and enhancement of what this division could offer and deliver to both current and prospective small business customers was my primary ambition.

This was spurred on by my overriding business objective of eliciting strong sales and revenue growth for ANZ. I therefore continually introduced customer-service-tailored business innovations that upped sales results along with team-wide confidence and capabilities. These included the construction and coaching of relationship management programs (particularly customer engagement) that were more reflective, reactive and downright effective.

My steady, hands-on leadership and coaching to develop a team of relationship management specialists, to cultivate self-driven and self-assessed change management activities, soon had the impact I’d hoped for. Sales and revenue targets continued to be exceeded, and the entire team felt better connected and united in its ambition of steering the right kind of strategic growth.

Area Manager 

Identified by my former employer as someone who could optimise relationship management activities including strategic growth with ANZ if I transferred my career there, I started out as an assistant manager and was senior-level manager within 12 months.

Above and beyond customer service including via never-before-considered business innovations to boost retention and subsequent sales and revenue, was what I stood for in this role. This included high risk client management, intelligent credit decisions, practices and protocol that made the overall service more proficient, transparent and cost-effective. 

I soon became the yardstick of best-practice strategic growth and relationship management. Very few customers within my portfolio were lost and/or left feeling dissatisfied. 

Furthermore, my leadership, coaching and moulding of business development driven infrastructure, including via cross-country workshops, produced the highest ever internal engagement results. The multi-site multicultural team was transformed into a single culture where optimal sales and revenue, founded on constructive relationship management, was what spurred them on.

Risk Management Specialist

PPB Advisory

First working here as a graduate analyst while completing my chartered accountant studies, it wasn’t long before I was recognised and appreciated for my ‘bigger picture’ perspective when analysing client portfolios. Here’s where I fine-tuned my business innovations oriented intellect, including my highly constructive relationship management, change management and business development capabilities.

While undertaking comprehensive sales and revenue influenced investigations, I developed an aptitude for digging deeper and negotiating further than was ever expected of me. My talent for exceeding financial goals and expectations showcased me as a fearless navigator of commercial markets and loopholes. I was an analyst that delivered data-validated recommendations for well-informed decision-making, including in relation to strategic growth. 

In addition to conducting analytical investigations, I also often coached and provided leadership to new team members. My in-built commitment to ongoing continuous improvements has always been multilateral, extending across multiple internal teams as well as multiple internal systems and practices.

Senior Analyst

Serial Entrepreneur | Personal Brand Expert | Investor

From experience, I know that…

Your personal brand should be bigger than your business. 

After ditching the corporate finance grind, I rerouted into marketing and started my personal branding agency.

Why?

Because, I saw what personal branding did for me. It gave me influence, a seat at the table, the stage at speaking events which turned into millions in revenue for my multiple businesses. 

So, I developed my own system to establish my personal brand in the online business world. I got from 0 – 7 figures in just under 2 years.  

And that’s how I became an expert in personal branding, content creation and LinkedIn growth, helping founders and serial entrepreneurs to get outstanding results. 

Now, I’m the go-to maven for personal branding, steering entrepreneurs to massive success. I’ve supported 50+ personal brands repositioning their messaging for success.

I’ve seen companies land $20 million+ in funding, attract top talent, feature on Forbes all through telling their story and sharing their thoughts. 

I started my podcast Innovative Minds where I interview the best minds around the world, who are influencers and have powerful personal brands.

Using this expertise, I get 3+ million post impressions a year, 250K on single posts, and 200-300 engagements per post on LinkedIn and speaker gigs at the biggest marketing events in Australia.

And on the side, I’m building a property empire in Bali. My personal brand spans and accelerates ventures. Yours could too.  

So, if you fancy going deeper into your personal branding journey, there’s a poolside spot with your name on it.

Remember, authenticity sells. 

Because, people buy from people they trust. It’s got to be all about you: your voice, your image and your values.

Nothing lights me up like seeing you, my client, win big with engagement, pitches, and deals.

Are you ready to be unforgettable? 

Still scrolling, huh?
Hey, I don’t blame you 😁

But here’s what you really need to know about me:

I help brilliant FOUNDERS get attention, build trust & credibility at scale on LinkedIn through powerful LinkedIn content, outreach strategies, emails, LinkedIn paid ads and more.

The truth is: 

You CAN break through and get your story heard:

All you need is:
◾A great product/service
◾ A genuinely human origin story
◾The right positioning, messaging, timing and outreach
◾Experimentation and creativity
◾Consistent value-add - to build trust, credibility and relationships
◾A long-term mindset

And that’s what we bring👇🏼
✅Creativity and deep expertise in LinkedIn
✅World class team of strategists, copywriters, video editors, graphic designers, content distribution specialists
✅Proven linkedin secret sales systems
✅All done for you service from strategy to content creation, distribution, growth hacks, reporting and more. To save you time.

Results:

📈25,000,000+ views in 24 months with $0 ad spend for our clients.
📈Inbound leads from brands like Mercedes Benz, Foxtel.
📈$100 Million+ dollars driven in partnerships.
📈Outreach strategies that book calls from customers, investors.

We weaponise LinkedIn for you. Are you ready? Visit our website:
https://www.areyoub2b.com

Eric Feng

Experts in Asia

At Experts in Asia, we believe that the right speaker can do more than inspire—they can transform. That’s why we specialize in connecting organizations with some of the region’s most accomplished thought leaders, professional speakers, corporate veterans, successful entrepreneurs, TEDx speakers, and practitioners.  

What sets us apart is our commitment to delivering results that go beyond the applause. Here’s how we do it:  

Here’s what makes us stand out:

- Experts Who Happen to Speak: We represent true experts—leaders who bring deep knowledge, real-world experience, and practical solutions. Their authority comes from what they’ve accomplished, not just their ability to speak.

- Beyond the Keynote: We go beyond inspiration, offering speech coaching for other presenters, experienced emcees and moderators to theme-weave your event, and follow-up workshops to ensure lasting impact.

- Gamified Learning: Through interactive tools and gamification, we engage participants in ways that make learning fun, memorable, and actionable. From real-time challenges to leaderboards, we turn passive audiences into active participants.

At Experts in Asia, we’re not just about speeches; we’re about creating events that inspire action, foster engagement, and deliver results that last long after the applause fades. 

Book our experts here -> www.expertsinasia.com

Founder (representing 100+ Asia-based experts)

Known Loved Respected

I speak to advisors, experts and founders on personal branding, community building and content marketing to acquire customers of today.

Till date, I have spoken in 38 countries globally, to more than half a million salespeople and entrepreneurs. My speaking style is energetic and persuasive. I use a lot of stories and analogies in my speeches. My content can also be customisable to the theme of your event. 

My goal for every speech is to help my audience become their dream customers' number one choice.

Popular speeches:

- Known, Loved, Respected (based on my latest book)
- Future of Sales: what does it take to win over customers of today
- The Impact of AI on how we sell

Professional Speaker 

Charisma Academy (Asia)

Professional Speaker (represented by Charisma Academy)

Conference Moderator (represented by Charisma Academy)

Public Speaking Coach (represented by Charisma Academy)

NUS Business School

The module that I am lecturing is BFS1001: Personal Development & Career Management, focusing on interpersonal communication skills. I also teach once every semester on business presentation skills.

Lecturer

StarCite Inc.

My main role in StarCite was to assist in building a comprehensive help guide for the company's new software. On top of that, I also support the QA and training team in StarCite.

Executive | Intern

Singapore Philadephia Innovators Network

SPIN was established to be an exclusive channel and bridge for entrepreneurs, investors and academia in both Greater Philadelphia Region and Singapore, creating key opportunities for expansion into both regions.

Lead the creation of the board of advisors, including eminent names such as Josh Kopelman, well known VC in the web 2.0 space.

Helped built strategic alliances with University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business and other entrepreneurial bodies in the Philadelphia region.

Student Body President

NUS School of Computing (Corporate Communications)

Maintain synergy and team work among 3 directorates: External Relations, Media and Web & Human Resource. Current strength: 80 associates.

Head the Media and Web team. Successful projects include faculty website (http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg) and SoC Information Portal which was awarded Dean’s Letter.

Led team to raise $30K worth of cash and product sponsorship for a three-day festival – Technology Lifestyle Conference.

Pioneered the Young Director’s Program, an elite HR program to groom potential leaders of the organization. First run on Feb 2005. Raised 20 leaders.

Managing Director

Conceptualized Chinatown Street Market 2003 with Singapore Tourism Board and Chinatown Business Association. Event featured in The Straits Times.

Headed project teams of more than 20 associates on high-profile projects including SoC Corporate Affiliates Tea & NUS Open House 2004.

Represented the undergraduates of School of Computing for International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) Tea Session.

Director of External Relations

Top Voice | I help trainers, coaches & entrepreneurs get paid to speak

Growing up, I was shy, scrawny, and super self-conscious. I didn’t get invited to birthday parties, didn’t have many friends, and was always overlooked when opportunities came.

And you’d think things would change when you grow up.

But no, nothing really did. Even in adulthood, I was still invisible. And my career suffered.

Until one day I found social media.

I started creating content, found my voice, built a platform… and that changed everything.

That platform opened doors to paid speaking gigs. I’ve now spoken in 38 countries and built a 400K following. It brought me wealth, freedom, and amazing people into my life.

But being an ex-nobody, I couldn’t just keep this to myself.

Now, I help founders, agents, and experts go from nobody to somebody because when you have a voice and platform, you don’t just change your life… you change the world.

Want to work with me? Here’s how:

✅ If you’re a corporate client or conference organiser:
Book me to speak on “From Invisible to Irreplaceable: How to Thrive in the AI & Attention Economy”, a keynote that will inspire and equip your audience to stand out and lead in today’s world.

✅ If you’re an expert or founder:
Join my free web class and discover how to get paid to speak. It’s one of the most powerful (and fun) ways to build your brand and grow your business.

✅ If you’re an agent or agency leader:
Message me directly. I’d love to send you a free copy of my latest book, “Known. Loved. Respected.” It’s written especially for you.

Content Creator

With 200K+ following on Facebook and 51K on Instagram, I have been using these platforms to share my knowledge on sales, marketing and branding. Target audience are service professionals who market directly to consumers (B2C).

Eric Feng (CSP) - Global Speaker

I thought I joined a leadership program.
Turns out, I signed up for a life reset.

When I enrolled into Deep Human Club Season 3 by Dr. Gregor Lim-Lange and Crystal Lim-Lange, I expected just insights and strategies.

What I didn’t expect was to cry.
To laugh.
To heal.
To meet the most extraordinary people.
And to come home to myself.

Here’s why this became one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had.

1. A powerful fusion of learning, mentoring and transformation

Every month was masterfully designed to combine teaching (workshops), application (mentoring), and embodiment (retreats).

Take Month 1 for example: “Nervous System Reset.” 

We started with an online workshop where I learned the science behind mindfulness. Then in group mentoring, Dr Greg guided us to apply mindfulness tools to real-life situations. 

We ended the month with a weekend retreat at Sentosa Capella with world-renowned psychotherapists Dr Robert and Leanne Robers. There, I learned techniques like havening and EMDR that have helped me calm my nervous system and feel all the nicer emotions like peace and joy.

2. World-class instructors who expand your mind and heart

Every session felt like a TED Talk meets therapy meets soul work!

We had Christel Buchanan (AI expert), Juliana Chan, PhD (LinkedIn expert), Zachary Young (scaling expert), Riyana Rupani (nutrition expert), Eric Lim (sleep expert), Anna Vanessa Haotanto 陳安娜 (super girl!), Craig Tunnell (love expert) and many more.

Special mention on Craig who led Love Code, a retreat that helped me realize I needed to become “The One” for myself first to find love and guess what, I did found someone special shortly after (no app needed!).

3. A rare community where high-achievers feel safe to be human

I’ve been in many groups. But none felt like this. Many here are successful corporate leaders and founders yet they show up with such humility, kindness and openness to grow. 

One of my most vulnerable moments was during shadow work, an afternoon where we met our “dark side” and processed long-held shame. I felt really exposed but during a powerful closing ritual (no spoilers), the love and acceptance I received from the group floored me.

And none of this would have been possible without Crystal and Dr Greg.

Crystal made me feel so deeply seen. From personally introducing me at the welcome party to reviewing my LI posts to offering a personal word during a hard moment, I’ll always be grateful.

And Dr Greg? 

He’s smart, kind, warm and funny. He mentored me through some of my toughest moments and modeled the kind of man, leader and partner I aspire to be. (Seriously, he’s German yet so joyful - how??)

So if you’ve been feeling the nudge to grow… not just as a leader, but as a human being, can’t think of a better gift to give yourself than Deep Human Club Season 4.

Applications are now open.

Say yes to the most powerful transformation you didn’t even know you needed. This might just be your reset too!

Documenting my journey of scaling without losing my soul

Maybe it’s not your fault that your life sucks.
Perhaps… it was your dad’s fault?

I watched a video this morning that wrecked me (see below):

A father stands with his kids, playing a “step forward” game.

“Step forward if you ate pizza at 6.”
“Step forward if your dad played with you after work.”
“Step forward if you had more than two pairs of shoes by age 7.”

The kids stepped forward.
The dad stayed still.

Until this line:
“Step forward if you had to work at 8 to support your family.”

That’s when he moved.

By then, the kids understood and ran back to hug him, realising he had given them everything he never got to have himself.

I cried too.

Because that wasn’t just a father’s love.
That was the end of generational trauma.

I've seen it in my own story too.

My dad was the “naughty one” in a family of four.
His dad (my grandpa) never believed in him.
And when life got tough, that wound grew deeper.

He loved us but unknowingly passed some of that pain on to me.

For years, I chased success to silence that voice:
“Maybe if I achieve this… I’ll finally be enough.”
But chasing one success after the other never healed me.

In retrospect, what I really needed… was to heal.
Because if I don’t, I’ll pass it on to my kids too.

And we’ll end up building a society of burnt‑out achievers who never feel whole.

Think about it:
If your boss is like that, how does it affect you?
If your life partner is like that, what kind of home do you live in?
If our leaders are like that, what kind of world are we creating?

That’s why the buck has to stop with us.
 
We have to clear the old pain.
Rewrite the scripts.
Heal what our parents couldn’t.

If you’ve already started, I’d love to know:
1. What helped you the most?
2. Was it journaling? Therapy? Nature? Retreats?

Drop it in the comments. You never know who it might help.
Let’s be the ones who end the cycle.
So new (loving) stories can finally begin.

There’s a kind of tired no amount of sleep can fix.

That’s exactly how I felt last year.

From the outside, everything looked like it was working well.

Clients were coming.
Content was landing. 
Community was growing.

I should’ve felt fulfilled.
But I didn’t. 

Instead, I felt "off". 
And I didn’t know why.

These are the subtle signs, maybe you feel them too. 

1. My body felt tight when I think about work

I used to get excited about work but I don't anymore. In fact, when I think about work on Sundays, I feel my body tensed up. I hold my breath when I work and I frown a lot more too. 

2. My rhythm disappeared

I used to flow with ease. Ideas and solutions came naturally. But now, everything feels harder than it should be. It’s like I have to push a 100-ton truck just to get things moving.

3. My inner voice went quiet

The calm, steady knowing that used to guide me faded. In its place: doubt, comparison and anxiety. Very noisy. There is also a lot of negative talk in my head. 

At a recent retreat, I finally brought this up and one of the teachers said something that got me going AHHHH.

“Eric, maybe your soul is resisting the life you’ve built.”

As if she knew I would push back, she gently added,
"Not because it’s bad but because it no longer reflects who you’ve become."

Because of that conversation, it sparked a year-long journey of re-alignment.
Of coming back to myself.

As I write this, I’m grateful to say that I’ve found myself again.

And I’ve quietly been making changes to my lifestyle and even my career.
(More on that soon)

But if you’re feeling these signs too…

Maybe it’s time for your own heart-to-heart.

Take a slow walk.
Journal.
Breathe.

Ask your soul:
1. What are you trying to tell me?
2. What part of my life no longer fits who I’m becoming?
3. What would feel more true?

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause long enough to listen.

Always here for you if you need a listening ear.

Just PM me.

P.S. Pics were taken last October when I had a health scare. It was during the few nights stay that inspired today's post. 

#awakeningachiever #scalingwithsoul

I used to think the universe rewarded hard work. Turns out, it rewards something else entirely.

Last week in Budapest, I met up with my friend Balázs Basky  after six years (see pic below).

We were catching up over Vietnamese pho (very on-brand for me) when he shared something that stopped me mid-chew:

“Everything you’ve ever dreamed of lives inside a grand mansion guarded by a bodyguard.

Every time you try to enter, he’ll ask one question:
‘Do you really want it?’

If there’s even a flicker of doubt, the gate stays closed.”

He continued:
“The universe doesn’t respond to hesitation.
 It mirrors your belief.
 
The moment you choose your dream with absolute certainty, not wishful thinking, not half-belief, that’s when the doors open.

Not because the guard disappeared,
but because you finally walked in like you belonged.”

Trời ơi (omg in Vietnamese)

I’ve spent so many years hustling thinking that hard work is the key to success. 

But lately I learnt that hard work only takes you as far as your self-belief allows.

You can be doing all the “right” things on the outside...
... but if your inner posture says “I’m not sure I deserve this,”
the universe reflects that right back.

So here’s my Tuesday reminder (to you and to myself):

Before you grind harder…
Stand taller.
Walk in like you belong.
Because maybe that’s the real work.

#ScaleWithSoul #AwakeningAchiever

⚠️ Trigger Warning: Suicide & Burnout
(Please read only if you have the emotional space today)

I lost a young student to suicide recently. 

Two years ago I lost a close friend the same way. 
And four founder‑friends to exhaustion.

They were high-achievers who looked “fine” on the outside but who knew the quiet battles they were fighting within?

Most experts would say it’s a mental health issue.
And yes, the mind plays a big role.

But what if it goes deeper than that?

What if what we call “burnout” or “depression” is really the soul crying out?

The more I study about inner work, the more I realise that suicide and exhaustion don’t start in the mind.

They begin when the soul feels unseen, unheard, and unable to keep going.

Allow me to elaborate. 

1. When the soul feels unseen...

This happens when you go so long trying to “be someone else” (the leader, the provider, the achiever) that you lose sight of who you really are underneath.

You get praised for your success… but no one sees your struggle.
You put on a smile… but no one notices your sadness.

And over time, you forgot who you are too. The part of you that’s vulnerable, playful, creative and kind. It gets buried under all the pretending.

2. When the soul feels unheard...

This happens when you stop listening to your own inner voice.

You start making decisions based on what others expect or what’s “practical" instead of what feels true to you.

You keep overriding that quiet nudge inside (some call it intuition), the one that says “This isn’t it” or “I need a break”.

3. When the soul feels unable to keep going...

This is when everything feels heavy.

You’re still showing up, still doing the work but it takes everything out of you.

You’re constantly exhausted. Even rest doesn’t help. You fantasize about disappearing. You feel like you’re breaking inside but don’t know how to stop.

If what I’ve shared resonates with you, maybe you were meant to see this today.

Maybe the Universe (or God if that’s your language) is gently reminding you that... 

you are loved
you are held, 
you are not alone. 

I was in your shoes once and I remember how heavy it felt. 
So if you are going through a hard season right now, HUGSSS!

And I want you to know that there is a way out of this. 
You can find your way back home! 

Some of the ways I have tried that worked for me:

 • Write a letter to yourself, say what you been wanting to say to yourself
 • Learn how to calm your nervous system down (ask me if you don't know how)
 • Let yourself rest without guilt
 • Release one expectation that no longer fits who you are
 • Do one thing that reconnects you to your soul (music, nature, prayer, art)
 • Sign up for a guided retreat (I can recommend)

Start small.
Start gently.
Start with one step.

You’re not lost, you’re just being called back to yourself.
My inbox is always open.
You matter more than you know.

#awakeningachiever #scalingwithsoul

Things I’m learning to let go of (quietly, gently, but necessarily):

☑️ The idea that I must inspire every time I post (for example this post!)
☑️ The pressure to be impressive instead of just being honest
☑️ The identity of “the speaker” who always has something powerful to say
☑️ The guilt I feel when I’m not being productive 
☑️ The belief that rest needs to be earned
☑️ The impulse to fix myself before I share anything
☑️ The urge to turn every experience into a lesson
☑️ The old belief that love must be earned not received
☑️ The story that I need to be “more” to be worthy of love or attention
☑️ The voice in my head that says “don’t share this, it’s too messy”

Letting go of these doesn’t feel “freeing” yet.
Sometimes, it just feels weird, even unsettling.

For example, saying goodbye to the version of me who once believed he had to earn love.

But slowly, I’m starting to trust…
that I don’t have to perform to be seen.
And I don’t have to be impressive to be loved.

How about you? What are you gently unlearning this season?  Feel free to swipe from my checklist above.

P.S. This post was inspired by a late night heart to heart chat with my bestie. 

#ScaleWithSoul #AwakeningAchiever

The hidden cost of “being impressive”

Not sure if it’s a Type 3 Enneagram thing (anyone else?) but I’ve had an obsession with being impressive for as long as I can remember.

It doesn’t help that I was a speaker for 15 years.
We were literally paid to perform!

To razzle and dazzle.
To light up a room even when we felt like burning out inside.

But lately I’ve started noticing how this performance energy seeps into the rest of my life too.

With close friends, I say what they want to hear not what I really feel.

In social groups, I find myself scanning the room, thinking about how I’m coming across instead of actually connecting.

Even in therapy (help!) I sometimes catch myself trying to be “a good patient”
instead of telling the truth.

And I’ll be honest... it’s exhausting.

Every actor will tell you, "Staying in character for too long drains the soul."
And that’s how I’ve felt.

But here’s what I learnt at a recent retreat:

The more you try to impress, the less connected you will feel...

To yourself. 
To others. 
Even to the work you used to love.

Why? 

Because performance creates distance.
People can’t connect with what’s polished.
They connect with what’s true.

So here’s a little fun assignment I’m giving myself this week (and you’re welcome to try it too if it speaks to you).

Post or say one thing that feels true even if it’s not impressive.
Just honest. Just human. No punchline. No polish.
Don't even try to get ChatGPT to improve it for you. 

If you’re up for it, share yours in the comments.
I’ll go first. 👇

See picture below: I decided to just paint to express rather than impress. No references, no Pinterest. Just painting by feeling. I admit, it wasn’t the prettiest piece in the room but it felt the most like me... and that felt surprisingly healing.
Now your turn. Post or say one thing that feels true even if it’s not impressive.

#UnmaskToConnect #ScaleWithSoul

“Is it okay to feel joy when the world is grieving?”

That’s the question I found myself asking this week. 
And maybe… you’ve asked it too.

My feed has been flooded with heartbreaking updates from the Hong Kong fire.

Many of my followers and friends were affected and I teared up watching some of the videos too.

One especially hit hard (see below): 

A father, trapped in the fire, thought he was going to die.
He texted his friends, asking them to take care of his children.
By some miracle, he was rescued - crawling out through a narrow window, across scaffolding, down a ladder.

When he finally reunited with his family, it was a sob fest.
His wife cried till no more tears came.
His daughter kept repeating, “Daddy didn’t die.”
And his little boy sat silently, tears just streaming down.

I can’t imagine the trauma.

And I know there were others… who didn’t make it out. 
Like the woman on the 17th floor who died trying to warn her neighbours.

Meanwhile... I was in Fukuoka, Japan.
Cold air, good food, peaceful work trip.
And I hesitated to post anything that week.

Is it inappropriate to share joy when others are in pain?

Does it come across as insensitive… or selfish… or disconnected?

Lately, I’ve found myself censoring wins.
Not posting successes.
Not sharing joy.

Because I worry:

Will it feel like I’m flaunting?
Will it make someone else feel small?
Will it seem like I don’t care?

In a world where so many hurt and where so many are fighting unseen battles, it’s hard to know when to shine and when to stay silent.

So I’m asking you too:
How do we share the good in our lives… without guilt?

Is there a way to honour our joy and the world’s grief at the same time?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

#taipo

Everyone ran from the shooter at Bondi Beach. 
Except for one man. He ran toward him.

His name is Ahmed.

While others fled, he tackled the gunman, snatched his weapon and saved hundreds of lives. 

From the reports, he is now in hospital recovering from his wounds. 
What a hero! 

Most of us would have frozen at the sound of gunshots. I know I would.

So what made him move toward danger?
We may never know until he tells us.

But I suspect it was pure courage.

And that kind of courage?
It doesn’t come from training (he is a fruit seller). 
It comes from love.

But how do you love people you don’t even know?

I think in that moment, he didn’t see strangers.
He saw family.

And that made all the difference!

It reminded me of a conversation I once had with Geshe Michael Roach, a former monk and author of the bestselling book "The Diamond Cutter".

I just got into the professional speaking industry.

And I asked him, "How can I create a big impact in this world?"

He said, “See everyone as your father and your mother.”

At the time, I didn’t get it.
Now I think I do.

When you see people not as “others” but as kin - someone you love, respect, care for - everything changes.

You stop holding back.
You start stepping up. 

Just like what Ahmed did.

And maybe that’s why hero movies move us. 

When the hero or heroine runs into danger, we tear up. 

Not just because we admire them but because deep down, we want to be that brave too.

And we can.

By learning to see people as our family.
Not strangers but one human race.

This shift alone will give us the courage to fight for good.

And the funny thing is when you act from that place of service, the universe rushes in to help you. 

Doors open. 
People appear. 
Resources flow.

Because you’re now in alignment with something far greater than yourself.

So if you genuinely want to make a real impact in this world and become a hero or heroine in the eyes of others... start by seeing everyone as your father, your mother, your brother, your sister and your child.

Thank you, Ahmed for saving so many lives. 
And for reminding us that we too can be heroes. 

#BondiBeach

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The Battle

Mellonie Francis

Eric Feng (CSP) - Global Speaker

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The Battle

Mellonie Francis

Eric Feng (CSP) - Global Speaker

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Eric Feng (CSP) - Global Speaker's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreEric Feng (CSP) - Global Speaker's LinkedIn Performance