Hello Mentor EP1 | Sarah Lian on a Career in Entertainment, Entrepreneurship & Women Empowerment
Sarah Lian, entrepreneur and entertainer of many hats shares her outlook on women empowerment and what she’s doing to create opportunities for Malaysian women.
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM
Updated on 2025-03-17 at 7:08 AM
“I had $15,000 to $18,000 worth of student loans and a thousand Canadian dollars in my bank account, I needed a job… I felt like I had no choice but to succeed, to just pay my bills and pay off my credit card.”
About the episode
We kicked off the first episode of the Hello Mentor podcast with Sarah Lian (@imsarahlian), an entrepreneur, entertainer, and advocate for women empowerment. Known for her diverse career and tenacity, Sarah has made waves in the entertainment industry while simultaneously building a platform for women to thrive personally and professionally.
Hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly, Hello Mentor offers raw, authentic discussions about career, ambition, and the lessons learned along the way.
Let’s delve into Sarah’s journey from a tenacious young girl in Canada to becoming a powerhouse in Malaysia’s entertainment and entrepreneurial spaces.
Getting to know Sarah Lian
Sarah’s story began at the age of 10 when she attended improv classes in Canada, sparking her love for the arts. Despite her early start, Sarah’s path to success was anything but straightforward. At one point, she found herself juggling $15,000 to $18,000 in student loans with just 1,000 Canadian dollars in her bank account.
“I felt like I had no choice but to succeed,” Sarah shared, reflecting on her determination to pay off debts and carve a career in entertainment.
Key Highlights of Sarah’s Career:
- Entertainment Industry Success: Sarah has appeared on Channel News Asia, The History Channel, ESPN Star Sports, 8TV, and Astro Hitz. She’s also worked with brands like Hugo Boss, Franck Muller, and Petronas.
- Entrepreneurship with Purpose: As the Founder of Suppagood Talent, Sarah nurtures local talent, guiding them to unlock their full potential.
- Empowering Women: Her venture, Supparetreat, provides women with the tools and community to succeed in every aspect of life, from career development to personal growth.
Lessons from Sarah: Managing Challenges and Staying Grounded
1. Overcoming Negativity on Social Media
In a world dominated by social platforms, Sarah believes in transforming criticism into learning opportunities.
- Key Advice: “Distinguish between baseless negativity and constructive feedback. The former doesn’t deserve your energy, but the latter can teach you something valuable.”
2. Adapting to Change
Having moved schools and cities numerous times, Sarah credits her adaptability for shaping her entrepreneurial mindset. She views every transition as a chance to reinvent herself and embrace new challenges.
3. The Importance of Empowering Others
Sarah’s Supparetreat is a testament to her belief in community-driven growth. By creating a safe space for women to connect, share, and build confidence, Sarah fosters an environment where individuals can thrive.
Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own right.
Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.
Check out all our episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who’ve been there!
Want to uncover your potential and connect with like-minded professionals? Take the Hiredly Work Personality Test to discover your unique strengths and career drivers, or join Hiredly’s Young Leaders Community for exclusive networking opportunities, mentorship, and growth-focused discussions. Explore these resources and more at Hiredly to elevate your career journey today!
By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM