Uncategorized – Inner Wealth

Buy Now! Netflix Film

Vadivu — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 04:22:37 +0000

“Buy Now!” is an illuminating wake up call film.
Transformational stories. Fearless truth-speaking. Stunning visuals.

It shines a light on disturbing practices by businesses to get consumers to buy more, leading us to environmental devastation.

If you’re a decisionmaker watching it, you have the opportunity to ask yourself soul-searching questions.

It might empower you to see that other senior leaders like former Adidas Brand President, Eric Liedtke can go through deep inner transformation, and now contribute positively to the world.

It reminds me that when we feel full within, we don’t grasp for material things at the cost of life. This is what inner wealth is about – what emerges when we’re connected to ourselves, others and life through values such as love, service and character growth. Inadequate attention on these is part of the root causes of the problems we’re facing now.

The courage of whistleblowers featured in the film is inspiring. As is the courage of the team that put this together to speak truthfully about powerful entities. This is soul power – the power of caring for our collective wellbeing.

Here’s wisdom from Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit: “Life is about experiences and the people that we’re with. The stuff that we have supports it, but it’s not the end. Whoever dies with the most stuff does not win.”

➤ If you’re from business, policy or other leadership schools or entities and would like support in working with your educators and curriculum so we can awaken heart and conscience, contact me.

➤ If you’re a senior leader open to re-evaluating your life so you have more life-giving impact, I offer nonjudgmental yet heart and conscience-evoking space and support.

➤ If you’re a funder open to sponsoring our wellbeing-oriented work for changemakers to thrive and work sustainably amidst such challenges, contact me. While our report on burnout is focused on the animal protection movement, it can serve others too.

➤ If you appreciate the film share it widely, especially with decisionmakers (in business and policymaking) and change agents such as educators, spiritual leaders and changemakers.

Watch it with others. Digest it silently. Feel fully. Ask yourselves and discuss questions such as:
What broke my heart most?
What restored my heart?
What is my heart inviting me towards?

Higher Purpose Friendship

Vadivu — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 04:03:13 +0000

Dinosaur.

At the end of our recent higher purpose friendship event, I asked participants for a word or image they were leaving with. And this word was offered by one participant.

It’s a resurrection of something ancient that seems to be extinct. This way of connecting with each other. The Presence such friends offer.

In the slide below, you can see a sketch of some characteristics of higher purpose friendship. Because of this friendship, we grow into our true potential and are of greater service to others.

In the breakout room I facilitated, I was overjoyed that two people from animal protection who are such compassionate, wise, humble beings were connecting. When people who embody such values meet, the magic is palpable.

Another highlight for me was the presence of someone I had met at a meditation retreat in Bali. Her presence had been so encouraging, positive and warm during the retreat and it was the same on zoom through her chat engagement, questions and feedback. She reminded me that heartful Presence is undeterred by virtual platforms and just shines and bursts through.

Co-host Zhi Ying Wong made a beautiful point that when structures are crumbling globally, including trust in leaders, higher purpose friendship becomes the trust-filled ground we can walk on. And she shared the beautiful Ram Dass quote:

“We’re all just walking each other home”.

Co-host Vivien Tai introduced the beautiful idea of intentional living to the group as she lives in such a community where the way they relate to each other and co-exist is all part of their growth. And how important vulnerability is to this.

One participant asked about workplaces and such higher purpose friendships. I said that while there is a challenge of lower psychological safety in many workplaces and people in the workplace may not be gathered around pro-social values, it is up to us to break patterns and create the kind of inspiring workplaces we want.

It is possible and helpful to find higher purpose friends even in workplaces where the culture may not be clearly aligned in this way. It takes some effort to put out a Signal so you can find each other. And when you do, you and your experience of work life can transform powerfully.

Through our group work for clients, we co-create a field where we are experiencing the best of each other and such higher-purpose connections are seeded. We are currently working on an offering for organisations to build higher-purpose community at work. If you’d like to be informed about it, please leave your details in our contact form.

PS: The photo above shows me communing with a dinosaur bone at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, sensing into what it was communicating with me. I think after this session, it would say –

“We walk the earth again with you and your friends….
we will walk each other home.”

Life-affirming Networking

Vadivu — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:48:25 +0000

Does networking make you cringe?

A heart-centred client shared her aversion to it: “I don’t know what to say or what value I can add. It seems like people are out to get something for themselves.”

If in a leadership position in her next workplace, she would create a lot of positive impact. Building new connections that can enable this is important.

Over time, I’ve moved from discomfort to being more relaxed about networking. I move at my natural pace through the room, follow my intuition and value quality connection. Take what resonates, if anything.

Where possible, look out for values-aligned spaces which have curated people you may find meaningful connection with.

Radiate positive intention. While wanting to benefit ourselves at the cost of others isn’t helpful, wanting to serve others genuinely is needed and allows us to view networking positively.

Wear what reflects your inner shine. Inside-out authenticity can make you feel comfortable in your own skin and draw in others who pick up your essence with more ease.

If new to it, try structured opportunities where, for example, prompt questions are offered. For example: Wonderful walks by Lisa Partridge.

Be curious. Ask open questions. Listen deeply. Appreciate. Trust the flow. Sometimes I ask “What are you passionate about?” which brings a smile to some.

Serve with your presence, without expecting anything in return. At one networking event, someone shared a struggle as a leader. As I listened and empathised, her tears unexpectedly flowed. As she was open to it, I gave her feedback on being more people-centred. I later received a gratitude message on how supported she had felt.

If you feel safe, heard, appreciated, and experience values resonance, initiate post-event contact with the person.

Be open to surprise unfoldings.

After our second conversation at a networking event, which was filled with depth and flow like the first, I received an unexpected invitation from Lisa – to be her podcast guest. And gained a precious new friend with shared values.

Someone I met at a reception drew me in with her deep listening. I asked her for coffee. In time, her organisation became a client. We’ve enjoyed mutual positive influence over years. Sensing interest, I encouraged her to get a certification related to wellbeing which she did. On one birthday, she facilitated us to do clothes swapping at The Fashion Pulpit – fun and environment-friendly.

I met Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute (in photo) at the reception of an event he spoke at. The conversation flowed smoothly and led to me initiating a spontaneous interview on workplace happiness which I shared more broadly years ago.

Networking can be transformational instead of transactional. It depends on the heart and intentionality we bring to it.

What helps you connect with networking in more life-affirming ways?

The Undertakers

Vadivu — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 07:08:15 +0000

We needed to take a boat out to sea to scatter my dad’s ashes. I had been seasick before and wanted the focus to be on the ash scattering rather than others having to attend to me. I was handling funeral arrangements and from death to ash scattering was less than 48 hours. So I didn’t have space to think about seasickness pills. So I thought it would be wise not go out to sea.

While we were moving the ashes from the crematorium to the sea, the undertaker, Shah, and I struck up a conversation in the van. I felt authentically connected with him. He was down-to-to-earth and could flow with the conversation regardless of where it went.

We talked about the boat and he said, “If you don’t want to, you don’t need to.” I said I wanted to and mentioned my seasickness. He was quiet, then he said, “Do you have sweets?” I didn’t and he offered me sweets. These tiny sweets gave me a disproportionate amount of confidence.

The sweets were just an extension of the connection with him which was a secure base for me to stretch out of my comfort zone. He was showing qualities of a secure base leader.

So we left to the boat. But I left my bag in the van and the sweets were in it. Still, I managed to take the boat out and do what was needed.

I told Shah that his kind presence and bond with me had given me the ability to just be out there.

This was one of the various acts of thoughtful service we experienced from the company. I wrote this Google Review (below) which the company appreciated alot. We amplify good in the world when we appreciate with specificity and depth.

At the same time, I have experienced five staff from various companies who, when I say “My dad has passed away” and then proceed to ask for support to settle his matters, do not say “I’m sorry for your loss”. They just carry on with the task. This level of being transactional is a sign of disconnection from hearts.

I was talking to someone who wants to move to the nonprofit sector and wants to have nothing to do with the profit sector as the thinking was that for-profits are not doing good. While I supported her personal choice, I invited her to consider that good happens and is needed everywhere, including in profit-based companies.

What we sell; how we sell; how we treat our customers, employees, vendors, those in our supply chain can all be life-affirming or harmful. This is the first Corporate Social Responsibility to be done. Giving to charities is good but it doesn’t replace what leaders can do everyday for the many lives entrusted in their care under their own roofs by creating a culture of care.

And whatever organisation we are in and in whatever role, we are in a position to serve with a caring heart. And those who receive that are more likely to do the same to others. It continues to ripple out to touch many lives we cannot see.

The Oasis

Vadivu — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:50:06 +0000

He was incredibly present, calm and kind.

He was the medical social worker assigned to my dad.

It was his way of being. In a huge, busy hospital building, and while some difficult news was being delivered, he was an oasis.

I was so inspired that I sent him an appreciation note.

Months later, I received a text from him asking if my appreciation note could be featured in a poster for Social Worker’s Day.

I agreed. And took this opportunity to ask him what enabled him to be this way amidst his busy workload.

With his permission, I share this stunning gem he sent me. (“Gatta” means verse.)

This person embodies everyday mindfulness at work. He does this quietly and his practice is so strong, those around him can feel it. His wellbeing flows out and touches ours.

This little incident reminds me of the simple power of appreciation. It was what opened a door for us to connect more deeply. After he sent me this message, we continued the exchange and I asked if I could feature his message in our blog, which led him to browse our blog where he found a piece on my mum’s head injury sustained at a hospital. He said he liked the reflection questions I had offered and said he may use them for an in-house retreat for medical social workers.

Curiosity about those who embody such inspiring values can bring great learning and inspiration for our own practice.

Who inspires you in your workplace?
May your appreciation and curiosity enrich your connection to them and enhance your growth.

Dharma

Vadivu — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:47:45 +0000

How beautiful when things flow to us at the perfect time.

I was talking to two people in separate conversations about flow, magic and doing work that is in alignment with our higher purpose.

And the next day, a client gave me this gorgeous card. On the reverse reads “divine flow in alignment with your dharma.”

“Dharma” in Sanskrit in this context refers to alignment of personal purpose with cosmic order.

This image reminds me of how, within each of us, lie rubies and gold that make up our bold, authentic offering in service to the world:

our unique constellation of gifts,
our caring hearts,
our wounds alchemised into wisdom,
our revelations and growth from our precious journey.

All this is part of our inner wealth.
And when we serve others with this, they can feel the difference, we experience deep fulfilment and our corner of the world is enriched.
This is accessible to us even amidst all the chaos around us now.
It’s where we find our quiet power.

How are you serving with your inner rubies and gold?

Kindred Spirits in Bali

Vadivu — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:45:25 +0000

I love to meet values-aligned people when I travel. The connection rejuvenates me. Here are two I met in Bali.

Sherry Grant and I met when we worked for animal protection about 20 years ago.

We spoke about mental wellbeing and burnout among animal advocates, and of course this extends to change-makers from other movements too. (My research report on this is here – https://lnkd.in/dVrk9Mjf.) She used an apt word – the problem has “tentacles”. Yes. And so the response needs to also have tentacles and layers.

She was a present, deep listener and masterfully shared stories that spoke to my life. We entered into a state of flow. And an idea popped into my heart like a flower blossoming out of our connection. And she spontaneously just offered support for it. When we are deeply present with someone with no agenda, beautiful, unexpected things can emerge.

James Speth, former dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and former President of the World Resources Institute shared:

“I used to think the top global environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and climate
change. I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address
these problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are
selfishness, greed and apathy, and to deal with these we need a spiritual and
cultural transformation, and we scientists don’t know how to do
that.”

Benjamin Casteillo, a global sustainability specialist, takes this exploration to new levels. He is a deeply thoughtful, fellow retreatant from a silent retreat
I attended in Bali before. We spoke on the connection between personal and global awakening, money and social justice and the deeper roots of the global meta-crises which he is a go-to person on.

He shares: “These are rooted in inherited false beliefs, limiting fears, and
collective intergenerational traumas that keep us in a self-perpetuating state
of fear, separation, and dissociation.” This photo is from a session in Singapore in which he invited us to visually map out roots of the global crises.

His powerful LinkedIn posts have enabled me to stay connected to his thought
leadership. Here’s one:
https://lnkd.in/duBgMHvr

I asked him what his call to action was and I loved his response – he said his
call was for embodiment, something I also believe in strongly.

I respect Benjamin and others who dive deeply to the roots of the problems we are facing and speak truth with courage.

When you travel, who could you connect with whose path, way of being or service inspires you?
How could you be more present in conversations to allow for emergence of unexpected gifts?
How could you dive deeper into the roots of problems? How could you access the courage and support to address them?

Attending a Conference?

Vadivu — Wed, 28 May 2025 13:41:16 +0000

Just attended or going to attend a conference?

In addition to the formal presentations, as you’d know, the informal catch-ups are where a lot of the value lies.

This is me and the wonderful Dawn Kotuwage, a former colleague I met at a conference in Hanoi last year. Reconnecting with her in such a deep, authentic way after 20 years brought lots of joy. And it was one of my highlights from the event.

Conferences are often very busy, fast-paced spaces and there’s alot happening outwardly.

Here’s a list of questions I crafted for a client who attended a conference so she could go inward, reflect and harvest what’s useful so that the impact can be more durable for her and her inspiring organisation.

You can also use these questions to share with colleagues you attend the event with or those who didn’t attend and could still learn from the experience you had. And even before a conference, you can use the questions to prime you.

1. Which session/s impacted me most? What, specifically, did I take away?

2. Whose presentation style inspired me? Why?

3. If I were to present, what would my heartfelt message and invitation be?
Who would I love to see in my audience?

4. Whose presence inspired me? What was it, specifically, that had this effect on me?

5. With whom did I feel a natural, authentic connection?

6. Which conversation/s had the most impact on me? What enabled this? Which of those conversations would I love to continue either with that person or others in my community?

7. Whom would I love to stay connected with via LinkedIn or other means?

8. What emotions did I feel most during the event?

9. What was challenging for me? How did I walk through this? What might I have done differently, if anything?

10. When did I experience or offer kindness?

11. How was I of service to others during this event?

12. What did I appreciate most in how the event was organised?

13. What could have made the event shine even brighter for me?

14. What are the most precious gifts I received from this whole experience?

15. What follow-up actions do I feel most enlivened to act on in the next week?

16. If I could draw an image or use a word to describe the essence of this event for me, what would it be?

Resources: Inner Billionaire Heartset Podcast Episode

Vadivu — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:34:21 +0000

I had the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on Lisa Partridge’s SIXCOMMS Podcast and I’ve curated this list of resources for listeners of the episode. Enjoy.

What is Inner Wealth? shares details of the five pathways and who an inner billionaire is.

Dr Richard Teo’s lecture is from where excerpts were read at the beginning of the podcast.

Virtues definitions help us spot the good we witness in people (including ourselves).

Business with Heart: Green Dot shines the light on a leader who does his best to embody love, service and growth in his leadership and embed those in the organisational culture.

Books: “Work Reimagined: Uncover Your Calling” by Richard J. Leider and David A.Shapiro; “The Essentials of Servant Leadership” by Ann McGee-Cooper, Ed.D. Duane Trammell, M.Ed. Revised by Matthew Kosec, M.A.; “Positive Leadership” by Kim Cameron; “Life Lessons” by Dr Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry; “Hope for the Flowers” by Trina Paulus, “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt.

Film: “The Matrix”, “Soul” by Pixar, “A Christmas Carol”, “The Bold Type” for inspiring leader character, “Jacqueline Carlyle”. Our full selection is on Pinterest here.

YouTube Music: “Angel in Disguise” by Singaporean singer-songwriter, Corrine May, Life Vest Inside – Kindness Boomerang – “One Day”, “Man In The Mirror” (Epic Trailer Version) J2 Feat. Cameron The Public, “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw, “If Today Was Your Last Day” by Nickelback

More resources to live and lead in a rich, deep meaningful way.

Year-End Reflection

Vadivu — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:24:17 +0000

The year-end is a potent time for reflection. It can support you, your colleagues, friends and family to learn from significant events, celebrate and appreciate the good, feel more energised and live into the next year with greater awareness. When done with others, it can bring meaningful discovery of each other, deeper connection, joy and support.

Here are some reflection questions you can use in small groups, allowing people quiet time to reflect on the questions, jot down any points and then share. Invite group members to be nonjudgmental, appreciate and honour each other’s sharing so people feel seen, heard, supported and appreciated in a safe space.

Questions for work-teams

When were we at our best and really shining as a team this year? What enabled this? What can we learn from this?
When did I experience most joy and fulfilment through my contribution this year? What made this so?
What specific stories from our work nourished us most this year? (Examples: Story of a customer who wrote in a compliment note about your service; collaboration that worked out beautifully)
Which stakeholder’s support am I especially grateful for? (You could thank them before the year ends. Share specifically what they did, strengths you spot in them and the impact on you/the team/organisation/cause.)
What is one juicy challenge we faced in our team? (Or what mistake did we make?) What impact did that have on me/our team? What learning, growth or wisdom did it or can it bring?
Learning from this year, what is one thing we feel open to continue, stop or start next year that can enhance our everyday work experience and service?

Questions for personal reflection

Gifts from this year

1. When did I feel most alive?

2. When did I feel at home?

3. When was I most out of my comfort zone? What did I find there?

4. Who inspired me deeply?

5. What service did I render that especially lit me up?

6. What self-discovery feels particularly precious?

7. What do I celebrate in my growth?

8. What life lessons emerged?

10. What’s my soundtrack/photo/word for the year?

11. What, from this year or this reflection exercise, could enrich my service to others next year?

Before Another Year Ends…

12. Who would I like to express gratitude to?

13. What act of love would stretch my heart to new dimensions?

14. What is one thing I could do for myself that would be truly restorative?

15. What would I regret not doing?

16. What is awaiting my self-mercy?

17. If the upcoming year were my last year to live, what calls me?

Your Question

18. What question do I offer myself and others?