Hello Mentor EP 21 | Hannah Tan on Achieving Success, Independence and the Hard Lessons That Came With Them.

She craved freedom and independence – Hannah Tan talks how this freedom pushed her to work even harder and kickstarted her career in entertainment.

By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2025-03-17 at 7:13 AM

“I was a very emotional child and running away from home was my first instinct, I was rebellious and I wanted to show my parents I don’t want to conform. Life begins at that moment when I realised how difficult it was to crawl through life.” – Hannah Tan

About the episode

In Episode 21 of Hello Mentor, we sat down with the inspiring Hannah Tan—a multifaceted individual known for her tenacity and ability to turn challenges into stepping stones. From being a high school dropout to becoming the first Malaysian to sign a multi-million-dollar recording deal in Japan, Hannah’s story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and hard-earned wisdom.

Getting to know Hannah Tan

Hannah’s (@hannahonline) journey began in a conservative upbringing where strict rules shaped her teenage years. At 16, she took the bold step of running away from home. While it was a rebellious move at the time, this decision thrust her into a world of harsh realities. She worked multiple jobs to sustain herself, juggling day jobs with night classes. Despite overwhelming odds, she graduated with a 4.0 GPA in computer science, becoming her college’s valedictorian.

If you want to learn more about Hannah and her journey, make sure to visit her website, www.hannah.today.

The Power of Adaptability and Humility

Hannah’s leap into the entertainment industry was fueled by her curiosity and drive. Without speaking Japanese or having formal training in the industry, she took risks, pitched herself to executives, and eventually landed a groundbreaking recording deal. Her ability to adapt, learn quickly, and embrace humility enabled her to navigate a culture vastly different from her own.

Her time in Japan taught her the value of discipline and resilience, skills that are essential for thriving in any industry. Similarly, finding the right company culture is vital. Join Hiredly’s Young Leaders Community to connect with like-minded professionals.

Confronting Hardship and Finding Strength

The conversation with Hannah delved into deeply personal challenges, including her battle with chronic health issues, a toxic relationship, and emotional turmoil. Despite these hardships, she found strength in her faith, journaling, and gratitude practices. These tools helped her heal and gain clarity, reinforcing the importance of self-care and mental health.

Key Takeaways from Hannah’s Story

Every Challenge is an Opportunity
Hannah's story highlights that the most difficult moments often prepare us for future success. Embrace discomfort, as it’s a sign of growth.

The Importance of Gratitude and Reflection
Hannah credits daily gratitude and reflection as transformative practices. Taking time to acknowledge small wins can shift your mindset and keep you motivated.

Success Requires Resilience and Adaptability
Whether learning a new language or adjusting to a demanding industry, Hannah’s story proves that resilience and adaptability are keys to success.

Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring and accomplished individuals.

Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.

Listen to all episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!

If you’re looking to overcome career hurdles, Hiredly’s resources offer valuable insights for building resilience and navigating the professional world.

By Aqilah Naqlis on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM