What if the path to your true calling isn't a straight line, but a winding journey across countries, cultures, and careers? For Rahel Podobsky-Stucki, embracing her Swiss-Filipino heritage became the key to unlocking her purpose, as she navigated from being a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BANTAYnet, an initiative that's revolutionizing digital literacy education in the Philippines.

In this inspiring episode, Krista sits down with Rahel, a changemaker whose journey spans continents, careers, and cultures.

From her early days as a court interpreter in Zurich to founding BantayNet—a digital literacy initiative in the Philippines—Rahel’s story is a testament to the power of embracing life’s nonlinear paths.

She shares how her diverse experiences, struggles with identity, and mental health challenges ultimately led her to her true calling: empowering Filipinos to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

About Our Guest:

Rahel Podobsky-Stucki is the Founder & CEO of BANTAYnet,, an initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and online safety in the Philippines. Drawing on her Swiss-Filipino heritage and a background in law, interpreting, and digital communication, Rahel creates accessible educational content and leads community workshops to help people of all ages stay safe online.

What We Discuss:

• Rahel’s multicultural upbringing and the contrasts between Switzerland and the Philippines
• The challenges and strengths of a nonlinear career path
• Overcoming identity crises and mental health struggles
• The founding story of BantayNet and its mission
• Digital literacy challenges in the Philippines: scams, fake news, and online safety
• Strategies for effective digital education and community engagement
• The realities of building a nonprofit and exploring social enterprise models
• Lessons in resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose

Key Takeaways:

• Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful or impactful
• Embracing your unique background and experiences can become your superpower
• Digital literacy is essential for everyone, especially in a rapidly changing online world
• Vulnerability and openness about challenges can empower others
• Sustainable impact often requires creative approaches and community involvement

Connect with Rahel & BantayNet:

• Facebook: BantayNet
• Website: BantayNet.org

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Share this episode with friends who might be inspired by Rahel’s story, and join us next week for more empowering conversations with Asian women entrepreneurs!

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

For more inspiring stories and resources, visit Womenpreneur Asia.

How does a Japanese entrepreneur transform her passion for social impact into a cutting-edge fintech company in Malaysia?

In this episode, Krista Goon sits down with Fumiko Inada, founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, to explore her inspiring journey from volunteering in Vietnam and Bangladesh to building a digital microfinance business that’s changing the game for small and micro-entrepreneurs.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Fumiko’s early experiences with NGOs and what sparked her interest in economic empowerment
• The challenges and lessons learned from starting over in a new country
• How Bee Informatica is using technology to make microfinance faster, fairer, and more accessible
• The realities of raising funds as a woman founder in fintech
• Why Fumiko chose business over the NGO route for sustainable impact
• The importance of resilience, mission, and community in entrepreneurship
• Practical advice for women entrepreneurs and anyone looking to make a difference

About Fumiko Inada:

Fumiko is the founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance company based in Malaysia. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, she’s dedicated to empowering small businesses—especially women entrepreneurs—through innovative financial solutions.

Connect with Fumiko:

Website: fundingbee.my

About Your Host:

Krista Goon is the creator and host of Womenpreneur Asia, a podcast that uncovers the stories and strategies of Asian women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide you on your own entrepreneurial journey.

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What does it take to run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days — and then return home to lead a movement transforming the future of work in the Philippines?

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, I talk to Mench Dizon, marathoner, changemaker, and Country Head of YGG Pilipinas.

Mench shares her incredible journey of completing the World Marathon Challenge, a test of endurance, resilience, and grit that pushed her to her limits both physically and mentally.

She reflects on what it taught her about facing life’s literal and metaphorical climates, from minus 25-degree chills to the tropical heat, and how those lessons carry into her professional life.

As the leader of YGG Pilipinas, Mench is committed to empowering Filipino talent by creating opportunities in gaming and technology, building communities, and helping Filipinos thrive in the digital economy.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The mindset that helped Mench conquer the World Marathon Challenge
• Why she believes “how you do one thing is how you do everything”
• How she’s building opportunities for Filipinos through YGG Pilipinas and Metaversity
• The importance of leaning into discomfort and seizing opportunities before you feel ready

Mench’s story is a powerful reminder that the limits we set are often the ones we choose to accept — and that growth comes from daring to push beyond them.

Links & Resources:

Visit: WomenpreneurAsia.com

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio — helping entrepreneurs grow with strategy-first marketing.

Do you know that Krista’s From Vision to Voice program is now open for enrollment? Check it out here.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a dose of encouragement and clarity on their entrepreneurial journey.