Catalyst Conversations

From Vision to Venture: Wafa Taftazani’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Join us as we explore the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Wafa Taftazani, a visionary leader and executive with over 12 years of experience across technology, finance, and digital entertainment. As the founder of groundbreaking ventures like ModalRakyat, VCGamers, UpThinx, and UpBanx, Wafa has transformed industries, driving over $1.2 billion in transaction volume and securing $14 million in funding.
In this episode, Wafa shares insights from his leadership roles at global giants like Google, YouTube, and Shopee, where he spearheaded strategic partnerships and user growth across Southeast Asia. Discover how his passion for innovation, backed by an MBA from the University of Cambridge, has shaped his path to success.
Tune in to learn how Wafa’s vision turned into ventures that empower millions and what it takes to navigate the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.

Multitasking is a Myth: How I Got More Done by Doing Less with Joseph Chin

Think you need to juggle a million things at once to succeed? Think again. In this episode, Joseph Chin—CEO & Co-founder of Kiyori, COO of Jouku, and host of Catalyst Conversations—busts the multitasking myth wide open. With multiple ventures, a podcast, and a mission to help the next wave of entrepreneurs, Joseph’s life is far from simple. But he’s cracked the code: less is more.
Joseph takes us behind the scenes of his high-speed entrepreneurial life and reveals how shifting his focus from “doing it all” to “doing what matters most” has unlocked his true productivity. Forget the hustle. Forget the burnout. Joseph’s journey is proof that success isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with precision and purpose.
So, if you’re drowning in a sea of tasks and feeling like you’re always spinning your wheels, this episode is for you. Get ready to flip the script on productivity as Joseph shares his best-kept secrets for managing multiple ventures without losing your mind. Tune in, take notes, and learn how to thrive by doing less—because sometimes, less really is more.

From Six Failures to Success: Jan Wong’s No-B.S. Startup Playbook

Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed after failing again… and again… and again? Jan Wong’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and pure grit. In this episode, Joseph Chin digs deep with Jan, the founder of OpenMinds, as he unveils the raw, unfiltered playbook he wished he had from the start.
Jan isn’t holding back. He dishes on the ugly truths behind startup life, why six ventures crashed before he struck gold, and how most founders are chasing investors instead of what actually matters. Plus, he’s got the ultimate secrets on picking the right business partner (spoiler: it’s like dating!), knowing when to scale, and building something that lasts.
 
Whether you’re a budding founder, an entrepreneur looking for a breakthrough, or just want a peek into the real startup hustle—this episode is packed with insights that challenge the “hustle harder” narrative.
 
🔥 Tune in, take notes, and maybe rethink everything you thought about startup success. This is Jan Wong, unfiltered. Ready?

Mastering the Customer Journey: From Lead Generation to Brand Loyalty

In this episode of Mastering the Customer Journey, host Joseph Chin sits down with Darvesh from Payd to uncover the strategies behind creating an impactful customer journey—from the initial stages of lead generation to fostering long-term brand loyalty. Together, they dive into Darvesh’s experience building Payd, an innovative early wage access company, and explore the highs and challenges of driving growth while optimizing the customer experience.
 
Listeners will gain valuable insights on building trust with customers, nurturing meaningful relationships, and implementing sustainable growth strategies that align with today’s fast-evolving market. This episode is essential for anyone looking to deepen customer connections and elevate their brand.
 
Tune in to learn from real-world experiences and take away actionable steps to enhance your own approach to customer success!

Tech Trends and the Future of Fundraising: What Founders Need to Know

In this episode of Catalyst Conversations, Amanda from 500 Global joins us to discuss the latest tech trends reshaping fundraising strategies for startups. She shares her journey with the venture capital firm and highlights technologies like AI and semiconductors, distinguishing the hype from real potential. 
We explore common blind spots founders overlook in their fundraising approaches and the significant shifts in how startups secure funding today compared to five years ago. Amanda offers insights on what investors prioritise, the importance of scaling smartly, and how to maintain a solid business foundation while chasing trends.
In a quickfire round, she shares her predictions for the future of tech startups and essential skills every founder should master. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for navigating fundraising in the ever-evolving tech landscape!

From Idea to Impact: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Startup, Validating Your MVP, and Achieving Product-Market Fit

Join us for this episode of “From Idea to Impact,” featuring Ashvin Praveen, founder of Cleve.ai. Our paths crossed at a Monash talk, and now we’re diving into his inspiring journey from mechanical engineering grad to AI startup founder! 😄
 
In this episode, we cover:
•Turning Your Idea into Reality: Steps to transform your concept into a thriving venture.
• Building Your MVP: Tips for creating a Minimum Viable Product that resonates with your audience.
•Achieving Product-Market Fit: Key insights on connecting your offering with the right market.
 
Packed with actionable advice, this episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone curious about the startup journey. Don’t miss it!

Inside the Investor’s Mind: What VCs Look for in Tech Startups

In this episode, Inside the Investor’s Mind: What VCs Look for in Tech Startups, we dive deep into the world of venture capital to uncover what truly matters to investors when evaluating tech startups. We’ll explore the key factors that influence their decisions, from assessing product-market fit and team dynamics to understanding the growth potential and market trends. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to attract funding or just curious about the inner workings of the VC world, this episode offers valuable insights straight from experienced investors. Tune in to discover what it takes to catch a VC’s eye and secure that crucial investment.

Pitch Perfect: Cracking the Storytelling Code in Fundraising with Yee Yun

In the first episode, we’re uncovering the real secret to winning over investors—storytelling. With Yee Yun, Founder and CEO of Aye, we’ll explore how storytelling can be your superpower in shaping a pitch, connecting with investors, and landing that crucial funding. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and the dos and don’ts for pitching your tech startup. If you’re ready to grab attention and secure investment, this is where your journey begins!