Move with Power

Building Belonging While Breaking Systems, with UN Ambassador Kelly-Ann Fonderson

In this heartfelt conversation, Esther and Shirley sit down with Kelly-Ann Fonderson, a proud Cameroonian raised in The Hague, now working at the UN Migration Agency. Kelly-Ann shares how her grandmother’s strength, her parents’ sacrifices, and the mentors who guided her path led her from Bath University to Oxford, and ultimately to a career in global migration and development. We talk about what it means to grow up between cultures, find belonging across borders, and hold on to your roots while navigating international spaces. Kelly-Ann opens up about searching for identity, caring for her mental health in impact-driven environments, and her ongoing work addressing gender-based violence and protection for vulnerable migrants. From family legacy to finding purpose, this episode is a reminder that every journey is shaped by the people who believe in us — and the courage to believe in ourselves. #IdentityAndBelonging #MoveWithPowerPodcast #WomenInDevelopment #UNStories #ThirdCultureKids #MigrationJourneys #MentorshipMatters #GlobalVoices #GenderEquality #ImpactWork #MentalHealthInImpactWork

Disrupting Factory Floor Manufacturing with AI, with Co-Founder of Maker's Edge, Kaan Basaran

In this episode, we sit down with Kaan Basaran, Tufts University and McKinsey alum and now co-founder of Maker’s Edge, which brings advanced AI to enterprise manufacturers to deliver data-driven workflows on the factory floor. We explore how Kaan’s entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his drive—and how he balanced his ambition to build a company with his desire to learn management from top corporations through consulting. After studying econometrics, quantitative economics, and math at Tufts, Kaan earned his MBA from NYU Stern and spent five years at McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in strategy and operations. Today, Kaan is channeling that same analytical mindset into building his startup that reshapes traditional manufacturing. We also dive into the origin story of Maker’s Edge, how he formed his founding team with close friends and the unique skill sets that each member brings, which have been critical to the startup's success thus far. Finally, we look ahead at what’s next—Kaan’s vision for the future of manufacturing, the mindset shifts that come with being a founder, and how he’s redefining balance and purpose along the way. #Startups #Entrepreneur #Consulting #Tech #Manufacturing

Finding Your Voice in Chief of Staff Roles, with Ex-Capital One and Equi Chief of Staff Crystalina Guo

In this week's episode, we learn all about how our special guest, Crystalina Guo, grew from a quiet middle child in high school to Class President of Wellesley College 2020, and later into the Chief of Staff at both Equi and Capital One.  Crystalina shares how her early years impacted her passion for building supportive communities, how she found her voice and confidence, and how these personal values translate to the workplace in a central role such as the Chief of Staff.  We break down what the Chief of Staff role really is, how it differs from the “bottom up” nature of business operations, and how those who hold it can effectively define the role for themselves. We also discuss the importance of “soft skills” — how empathic relationship building became central to her success. Today, Crystalina enters her next chapter by pursuing an MBA at Wharton to progress her career from operator to investor, with long-term sights on entrepreneurship. We close with reflections on leadership, mental health, and the importance and pathways to creating space for others to rise. #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Women #Workplace #Careers

The Power of “Let Them”: Real Talk with Carol Wang on Healing and Rediscovering Her Light in Career, Love, and Life

In this candid conversation, Carol Wang joins Esther and Shirley to reflect on the winding road of her 20s—from a global upbringing across Asia to a career in real estate investing. Raised between Shenzhen, Singapore, and Vancouver, Carol shares how her multicultural background shaped her independence and resilience. She opens up about working in real estate investing, finding her voice in a high-pressure industry, and learning to balance ambition with joy through grounding hobbies like ballet and book club. What makes this episode especially powerful is Carol’s honesty about walking away from a toxic relationship and navigating the emotional aftermath. Through therapy, journaling, and wisdom from voices like Mel Robbins and Jay Shetty, Carol began rebuilding her confidence, identifying dealbreakers, and learning how to choose peace over chaos. Whether you’re recovering from burnout, ending a relationship, or simply learning how to show up for yourself again, Carol’s story reminds us that healing is not linear—and you're not alone. She also shares favorite resources like the “Let Them” theory, offering practical tools and emotional truth for anyone ready to start over, stronger. #LifeInYour20s #HealingJourney #ToxicRelationshipRecovery #MelRobbins #JayShettyWisdom #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #RealTalk #PowerfulWomen #Boundaries #SelfLove #MoveWithPower

Late 20s Unfiltered: Engagements, Turning Points, & Everything In Between

In this candid catch‑up episode, Shirley and Esther dive into the twists, turns, and milestones of life in our late 20s. Esther shares stories from her travels through South America, and talks about her next big chapter—moving to London for graduate school. Shirley opens up about the joy of her engagement and her gradual shift toward living more in the moment: embracing spontaneity, slowing down, making space for her hobbies, and finding a better balance between time with friends and time for herself. We wrap things up with a lively rapid‑fire Q&A, swapping spontaneous questions that took us from lighthearted laughs to deeper reflections. Whether you’re navigating big life changes yourself or just love listening to friends talk about love, travel, and the pursuit of dreams, this episode will feel like joining us at the table. #LifeInYour20s #EngagementStories #PodcastCatchUp #FriendshipGoals #TravelAndLife #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #RapidFireQuestions