What happens when you combine physical mastery with passionate teaching and entrepreneurial spirit? Joy Ip's remarkable journey provides the answer.

From humble beginnings training for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in New York City to becoming a Pan-American champion and black belt, Joy has transformed her passion for movement into a mission that impacts countless lives. Her story reveals how stepping outside your comfort zone—whether moving from Hong Kong to study abroad, trying a new martial art, or leaving corporate life to follow your passion—creates the foundation for extraordinary growth.

As a CrossFit and Jiu-Jitsu coach specializing in building physical literacy, Joy takes a holistic approach to wellness that transcends mere exercise. She shares a powerful example of working with a selective mute child who, through patient coaching, not only found his voice but became one of the strongest students in her class. This transformation exemplifies Joy's philosophy: "A healthy mind and a healthy body makes a happy person."

The concept of building strong foundations runs through everything Joy does. For adults seeking wellness, she emphasizes daily movement (preferably in the morning as a "non-negotiable"), quality sleep for recovery, nutritious whole foods with occasional treats, and maintaining strong social connections. For children, she advocates exploring various sports while mastering fundamental movements that will serve them lifelong.

Joy's entrepreneurial venture, Grit—an athletic tape company for Jiu-Jitsu athletes—embodies her philosophy of "passion and perseverance for long-term goals." Her parting wisdom resonates deeply: "Looking at all the adventures I've done, I put myself out of my comfort zone a lot. In return, life gave me amazing experiences and lessons."

Ready to build stronger foundations in your own life? Listen now to discover how physical literacy can transform your wellbeing and how stepping beyond your comfort zone might reward you in ways you never imagined.

Contact Joy

https://www.instagram.com/joy.ip/?hl=en

Contact Vincent

Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

What makes work truly meaningful, and how do our daily interactions shape the cultures we live and work in? This thought-provoking conversation with Josephine Wong and Daniel Szuc reveals powerful insights from their 26-year journey researching human-centered design and workplace transformation.

After noticing a troubling disconnect between the empathy preached in human-centered design and the actual behaviors of practitioners, Jo and Daniel embarked on a mission to understand how we might create more meaningful work experiences. Their research culminated in two groundbreaking books: "Make Meaningful Work: From Sleepwalking to Sparkle" and "Make Meaningful Culture: Healthy, Intentional Conduct in Moments That Matter," with a third focused on education in progress.

At the heart of their philosophy lies a simple yet profound idea: culture is created through "how you conduct yourselves in the interactions and relationships between people in moments that matter." Rather than abstract theories, they offer practical frameworks for identifying, inspecting, and improving specific behaviors that create healthy or unhealthy conduct chains. Their SPARKLE framework—Supportive, Proactive, Adaptable, Respect, Kind, Listening, and Engaged—provides a memorable structure for intentional conduct.

What distinguishes their approach is its practicality. While many self-help and business culture books leave readers wondering "what do I actually do with this?", Jo and Daniels methodology pinpoints specific moments for intervention and encourages small, achievable actions. This bridges the crucial gap between knowing and doing that derails most change efforts.

Their most powerful advice? "It's not all about you. Be curious about other people, be curious about other cultures. Don't get caught up with narrow narratives." By expanding our perspectives, connecting dots between diverse ideas, and taking intentional action, we shape not only our personal narratives but contribute to healthier collective experiences.

Ready to transform your work experience from sleepwalking to sparkle? Discover how intentional conduct in moments that matter can create meaningful change in your workplace, relationships, and beyond.

Chapter Markers

• 0:16 It's Not All About You
• 1:18 Introduction to the Podcast
• 4:09 Meeting Josephine Wong and Daniel Szuc
• 10:01 Defining Meaningful Work
• 21:43 Make Meaningful Work and Culture
• 32:08 From Words to Practical Action
• 43:08 Make Meaningful Education
• 48:22 Advice for Listeners

Contact Dan and Jo

www.makemeaningfulwork.com

www.apogeehk.com

LI: www.linkedin.com/in/danielszuc/

LI: www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-wong-6801922/

Contact Vincent

Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

Swati was born and raised in India and she is married with two sons aged 11y and 13y. Swati’s health journey began in 2009, she was overweight, felt sluggish and was trying to control her health and nutrition in an uneducated manner. Later Swati moved to Hong Kong and decided to build her personal health. Later in Singapore she became a yoga teacher, she also became a Health Coach and Nutritionist. Swati found her calling in nutrition and holistic wellness. For more than a decade she has been helping individuals attain balance in their bodies and minds by teaching yoga and providing health coaching tailored to their needs. Swati designs yoga and nutrition plans based on a deep understanding of each client’s individual's phase of life, contextual situation and goals.

In the podcast Swati explains the importance of the question “What is your why?” It has to be sound and solid, it’s not using weight loss as a fad, it’s not a quick fix. Swati tells the story of a client who was undergoing treatment for diabetes, the client made some lifestyle changes and she was able to wean herself off the medication. Now the client is living a beautiful life, the doctors were surprised by her transformation.

Swati believes that listeners can help themselves by eating well. Take very simple steps, set small goals. Move intentionally, eat 1.5g of protein for every kg of body weight every day, prioritise your sleep, keep your routines consistent and incorporate strength training into your training schedule.

Timing

5:25 I am born and raised in India… I got married lived for some time in Hong Kong before moving to Singapore… I have 2 boys, 13 and 11y old… growing up too fast…

7:22 I used to feel life is linear – it’s not…

7:40 I studied in Mumbai … my health journey started there… I put on weight… I had PCOS… I started being active …

8:47 I later moved to Hong Kong… I decided to build my health… In Singapore I became a yoga teacher, I also became a Health Coach and Nutritionist…

13:25 Ever since I made the small changes in my life… those were my foundation days…

14:49 What’s your why?... It has to be sound and solid… not using weight loss as a fad…

16:55 [Client example]… a client having diabetic treatment – pills … she made lifestyle changes and she weaned herself off the medication… she‘s living a beautiful life… the doctors were surprised…

20:23 [Lifestyle Factors]…Eating well, eating nutritionally dense foods, sleeping on time, engaging on good content, surrounding yourself with like minded people, small wins that compound..

21:38 [Client story] A pre-diabetic client… lost weight, her blood work improved…again know your why…

25:55 As simple as how you talk to yourself… your body listens…

26:25 Know your why…

28:12 [How to help yourself]… very simple steps… set your own goals…start small…go slow…have a health coach…find your own tribe…move intentionally…

34:46 [Overcoming challenges]… finding like-minded people/friends always helps…

36:18 [Business development]… yoga and nutrition… perimenopausal woman… myofascial ball release…

39:48 Take time out… to reflect … to journal.

40:57 [Books] For the last 2.5y I have been reading a lot… Autobiography of a Yogi, The 4 Agreements, Atomic Habits, A Man’s Search For Meaning, The Power of one Thought, The Bhagavad Gita…

45:55 [Key Message]…

Contact Swati

• www.welnesswithswati.com
• Instagram - wellnesswithswati
• Facebook - Wellness with Swati

Contact Vincent

Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

Dr. Eleanor Kee is the founder of Elevate Life Chiropractic, a seasoned chiropractor with over 17 years of experience. Eleanor earned her chiropractic degree and license in the United States. She uses a comprehensive approach, integrating techniques such as manual adjustments and the Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T.) to support both the physical and emotional well-being of her clients.

Eleanor guides her clients in practices that promote balance and overall well-being. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace their innate healing potential and make informed choices for their health. In the podcast Eleanor explains that she helps people feel better in their bodies by supporting their spines and nervous systems based on the system of “vitalism’ – supporting her patients’ innate intelligence.

Many of her clients come in “with pain” often neck and/or lower back, headaches, numbness, tingling in the arms and legs, sciatica, shoulder problems, postural issues, children with scoliosis, everyone is different. Eleanor shares some client stories. Patients presenting with a wide variety of issues ranging from deep lines on the neck, lower back issues and a patient who developed PTSD following living through an earthquake. Changes can come quickly and some changes are not expected or anticipated like more strength and better vision. Eleanor also shares many preventative measures that listeners can profit from.

4:28 I was born in Hong Kong... moved to Canada(Toronto) when I was very young… I studied in Hong Kong and the US.

8:10 The reason I looked into Chiropractic…

9:41 I saw people struggling not just with physical health but also mental health…

11:37 I decided on Chiropractic… it made sense to me…

13:25 I went to the US to study Chiropractic…I went to Palmer College of Chiropractic, the best school for “Chiropractic Care”

14:37 I have been practicing for 17 years… I also learnt other techniques…

16:05 [How I assist people] I help people feel better in their bodies… by supporting “Their spine and their nervous system” – supporting the bodies innate intelligence…

18:58 A lot of clients come in “With Pain”… neck, lower back …. Everyone is different…

20:18 We talk about “Health Goals”… when people have a goal they are more engaged…often it is to not be in pain…

22:45 I do an examination with my clients, …range of motion, posture…weight balance scale… proprioception… orthopedic test, neurological tests…

24:56 [Client stories]… a lady with deep lines on her neck… mood issues, energy, posture… there was progress after one week… later she opened up to emotional issues… using BEST technique… another – an elderly person who had a lower back issue… the problem was resolved quickly… an other lady with PTSD following living through an earthquake…

33:38 Changes can come quickly… some changes are not expected changes… vision… more energy… more strength…

34:47 [What are preventative measures]… get the spine checked… do good segmental exercises, do exercise, exercise snacks, move throughout the day, sleep, sleep hygiene, make it into a routine, no social media after 9:00, breathwork, go out in nature… diet, what eat and drink, no Ultra Processed Food, …

41:19[Regular visits for a checkup] Now if it is the first time…

46:07 Eleanor gets adjusted a few times a week… everything flows after an adjustment… it clears the system…

47:50 [Key Takeaway] …

Contact Dr Eleanor Kee

https://www.elevatelifehk.com

IG elevatelifechiropractichk

Contact Vincent
Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

My guest on the podcast this week is Danny Fang, a certified Breathing Mastery coach, Somatic Therapist, a Freediving instructor and a student at the University of Hong Kong studying Buddhism. Danny’s life purpose is to pass on his knowledge through therapeutic breathwork and coaching. He believes breathing and awareness are the most powerful combination to transform one’s life.

In the podcast Danny shares his journey to Hong Kong. With good design skills he won design awards however he suffered with depression, long term depression, PTSD and double depression. He tried psychedelic therapy and saw many different therapists. He practiced “Free Diving” and he tells the story of his “mini awakening”. He thought that he should do something in with breathwork he met Dan Brule on line and flew to Mexico to study “Rebirthing Breathwork” a year-long study. From this and other trainings he has developed his coaching practice.

Danny shares a story in the podcast of a successful business woman who realized her career was not her path. Following coaching from Danny she connected back to her heart, she returned home and underwent a successful IVF program and had a child. “I am about waking people up” says Dani and one breath I teach to everyone is the “sigh” – it’s the homecoming breath, it can create a space between thoughts, a most healthy breath.

Timing

5:06 Maybe in Hong Kong I can make a difference…Bringing good design … I had learn how to hustle… I built a design company… I won design awards … however I was getting depressed…

7:56 I needed help… PTSD, long-term depression, double depression… went to therapy…

9:39 [An adventure]… coming to Hong Kong… I have always been good at out running ahead of my problems… living hard…

12:51 [Not being good enough]… I was trying to prove I was good enough…I was co-dependant…

16:28 I tried psychedelic therapy… setting an intention – a quest…

19:10 I am not the best …but I’m pretty good at everything I have done… intention is about being in the present… about who you want to be… everything started turning around…

21:24 Nobody talks about intention – I have a good story to tell… an ability to coach people…

22:14 I was a free diver … I loved teaching my friends… I had a mini-awakening….

24:15 Maybe I should do something with breathwork… I met a guy online… Dan Brule…that’s my guy… I flew to Mexico… we did “Rebirthing Breathwork”… an extra-ordinary state of consciousness… everything fell into place…

26:03 I’m not a healer, I keep you safe while you heal yourself…

30:00 [The cynic alchoholic]…

30:48 [Practitioner Training]… a year long training…get clients , rebirth them , write reports,

30:05 [Rebirthing Breathwork]… explained…awareness, breathing and relaxation…

37:46 [Practicing Rebirthing Breathwork]… plus other practices… medical Qi Gong… I worked with a family psychologist to help with communication with my mum… then my dad had a stroke… I restarted “breathing”…

45:05 [A client Story]… a successful business person she realized that her career wasn’t her path…she connected back to her heart, she returned home and did IVF and had a child…

50:52 [How can listeners help themselves] … I am about waking people up… the breath I teach to everyone is the sigh… the sigh is the home coming breath…

57:44 Life after forty – the last part of growing up…

Contact Danny

Website: thebreathingpattern.com

IG: thebreathingpattern

Contact Vincent

Newsletter: https://vincent1cd.substack.com

Pro Coach: https//procoach.app/vincent-hiscox

Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com

LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

IG: vincenthiscox

Nate hails from New Zealand where he started in the fitness industry more than 26 years ago. He is the founder and head trainer of Elite Personal Training (EPT) Hong Kong. A private and exclusive Personal Training Studio that focuses on holistic corrective exercise and body transformations. Married with two children, Nate previously appeared on the podcast in September 2021 in episode 56.

EPT's oldest client is 84 and in the podcast Nate tells the story of Wesley, aged 81, who came to the EPT studio because he kept falling over because he couldn’t lift his feet. Following a postural assessment and training at the studio he is now able to squat with 15Kg dumb-bells in each hand. Leg strength and grip strength were key in his rehabilitation. Since he engaged in training at the studio he has not fallen over.

Ricky aged 53y a prosperous businessman with three children went from not liking working out in the gym to coming twice a week and he is now training to do a marathon. The program at EPT matches with where the clients are right now and celebrates their wins. By breaking down the program into bite-size pieces a long-term plan is crafted step by step and this encourages the clients to stay with their program and achieve their long-term goals.

Nate emphasizes that clients need to find their purpose, to develop an action plan and put it into practice. Clients need to be prepared for failure, it can feedback key information and highlight where a program can be adjusted and fine-tuned. Always focusing on the process and what is coming next helps to maintain client’s commitments.

Timing

5:32 I have been in HK since 2002…I started in the fitness industry in New Zealand in 1999… I am a studio owner……I have seen so much evolution…

7:17 I have 2 children and a wife…

7:46 For the 1st podcast together we were in the COVID era… it was turmoil…a negative effect on the fitness industry…there are more than 2000 studios in HK – the industry is bouncing back…

11:58 We know our target market, we know what attracts clients…we had to learn marketing… to optimize our reach…

14:12 [Leaks in the bucket]… leads may take up to 18 months before engaging…

12:45 [How do you assist your clients?]… We service people between 40-70y, and children 10-16y – we focus on posture… match to energy levels…

21:44 Asians in HK are typically “Ectomorph” … “Skinny fat” – poor mobility, we teach them to catch fish… I want them to gain muscle… it keeps you healthier… “Health Span”

25:47 [Client Stories] Wesley 81y… leg strength and grip strength… Ricky 52y… training to do a marathon…

30:17 Achieve little goals… little by little…

34:30 Focus on the process… celebrate the wins… Focus on what’s in front of you…

37:36 What’s your purpose… mindset is important…

39:21 [How can you help yourself] … Find your purpose… actions around the purpose … be real with others… dedicate yourself to learning… find mentors…

44:41 [What’s next for Nate]… I want to move into the education space… at the national level… also the recycling, renewing and reuse space… it’s out of my comfort zone….

53:27 [Key message]…

Books: Peter Attia - Outlive

Contact Nate

Info@eliteptstudio.com
IG: eliteptstudio
FB: eliteptstudio
YouTube: Elite Personal Training Studio Hong Kong

Contact Vincent

Newsletter: https://vincent1cd.substack.com

Pro Coach: https//procoach.app/vincent-hiscox

Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com

LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

IG: vincenthiscox

Adrian was born in Hong Kong and he went to the UK with his family when he was 7 years old. He grew up in the UK and did his undergraduate dental degree at Newcastle University. After returning to Hong Kong, he graduated with a distinction in Implant dentistry from HKU and Adrian started his own clinic in 2019.

Adrian sees himself as your “Navigation System” for your “Oral Health” He sees Dentistry as a profession that focuses on “Oral Health” where success can be measured in less and less long-term patients that require emergency treatment. He works to address the underlying problems of his patients. Success is when he assists his patients to change their life-style habits so that they no longer have problems with their oral health.

In the podcast Adrian explains that patients can maintain their own dental health by following the basic rules of “Oral Hygiene”. Consistent brushing and flossing where flossing overrides brushing and physical flossing overrides water flossing. Regular visits to the dentist for an average person would be every 6-12 months, if there is plaque then every 6 months and if there is gum disease every 3-4 months. Adrian highlights, that excessive sugary snacks, excessive being between meals, or before sleeping should be avoided.

Timing

4:14 I was born in Hong Kong, I went to the UK when I was 7y… I did my education there, I went to dental school in Newcastle…. I then returned to HK.

8:05 A Swiss professor Dr Niklaus Lang – peridontologist(dental implants) – run a course in Hong Kong… I am a general dentist and I can offer implants.

10:56 A significant skill is I can speak Japanese… I studied Japanese in UK… I can also speak Cantonese…

13:08 [How I assist people]… I’m a dentist… I am the navigation system for your “Oral Health”.

14:30 [Customer Focus]… Improving on…adhesive skills… the number of emergency patients is becoming fewer and fewer… identifying risks areas…

19:15 Dentistry as a profession we focus on treatments… address the underlying problem… success is when I change the patients life-style habits.

21:10 If I put myself in a patients shoes… the best is that they don’t have a problem with their oral health… stabilize… maintainable…

23:40 [Maintaining Dental Health] Oral hygiene, … for decay diet has a massive influence… saliva is beneficial against decay… avoid excessive sugary snacks(in between meals)…

28:19 [Mouth breathing consequences]… decay risk…sugary snacks before sleeping…sleep apnea… imperfect formation of the jaw…

30:54 [Appointment frequency] Average person 6-12months, if there is plaque – 6months, gum disease -every 3-4months…

32:31 [Challenges] I don’t believe there are failures per se – just opportunities – interest in the Japanese language… tomorrow is always another day…

36:14 [Overwhelm]… I try to limit things… until a space is available…I like to try new things…

39:22 I don’t take pride in being completely absorbed in one thing… apart from my job as a dentist…

41:31 I have two young kids… 7y and 5y old… the biggest leap into the unknown… I have a happy family life…

43:43 [Key Message]…

Contact Adrian

Website: https://www.adrianhodentist.com

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-y-c-ho-78743b58/?originalSubdomain=hk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianhodentist/

Contact Vincent
Newsletter: https://vincent1cd.substack.com
Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox

Marilyn is married, has two children and has lived in Hong Kong since 2000. Previously Marilyn served as President and COO to a top telecommunications firm in the Philippines. Marilyn loves to play golf, hike and enjoys all nature in her spare time.

She brings her management and technological expertise to the management of a food tech business. She is steeped in the science of nutrition and brings this to bear in all the food creations of Food Folk and Nourish N Go.

In the podcast Marilyn goes into detail of how she discovered she was suffering with MSRA, a so called super bug. After a cocktail of antibiotics the MRSA subsided. Every six months or so there were recurrences. Marilyn decided to look into naturopathy, she tells the story of visiting Dr Tej and how the MRSA was traced to a rough fungus living in her gut. The fungus was eliminated and the MRSA was cured. Marilyn explains that her health journey has two components, MRSA is the first and the second was when she moved into menopause. Weight gain suddenly appeared. In the podcast Maralyn describes her 30 day window reset to attack visceral fat, using a step by step approach.

Timing

4:18 I came to Hong Kong in 2000 from the Philippines… I had a career in telecoms … now I have two children… I studied at ULCLA and Stanford… I later helped run a telecoms company in the Philippines…

12:49 I was flying frequently… signing contracts…attending business events…a financial crisis ensued…

16:08 Life in HK was a natural change from the Philippines – I had my first daughter in 2003…

19:31 I home schooled my daughter… a very busy life … I am very curious… a life long learner…I went deeper on the science of the body…

22:42 On a big journey to Argentina… I developed a pimple on my backside… the boil grew from 1cm to 3cm diameter... a test revealed MRSA… a difficult to treat infection. After a cocktail of antibiotics the MSRA subsided.

30:21 Six months later a pimple developed on my nose… itchy, painful… every 6 months there were re-occurences…

33:22 I thought I had to look into naturopathy… I went to IMI – Dr Tej … you have a rogue fungus that is eating away the lactobacillus… I relied on just naturopathy… it cured the MRSA…

39:25 Dr Tej – “We are just now learning(12y ago) the role of the gut in our health” and our “mental wellbeing” …

38:19 [My Health Journey] Two major components 1. My confrontation with MRSA and 2. When I moved into menopause.… weight gain just suddenly appeared… I don’t think that’s right…

Book – Peter Attia – Outlive – you just have to keep the weight off….

47:26 Prior to 2024 there are a lot of starts and stops… there was a reel from Dr Sean O’Mara… it clicked for me I need consistency… a 30 day window reset… I will not be swayed… attack visceral fat…pro inflammatory cytokines…

51:41 Take out all processed foods… intermittent fasting… took out even the natural carbs … stayed with wholefoods… eat in a 6h window… diet outperforms exercise… the clothes started fitting…

54:33 HKU Service – can book a DEXA Scan… 2 measurements in a six month window… visceral fat is where the game is … plus Bone Density,…

57:36 [Key Message]…

Contact Marilyn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-santiago-3b2397248/

https://www.foodfolk.hk

https://nurum.com.hk/

Contact Vincent
Newsletter: https://vincent1cd.substack.com
Pro Coach: https://procoach.app/vincent-hiscox
Email: vincent.hiscox@outlook.com
LinkedIn: Vincent Hiscox