In this season closer, we take a closer look at how businesses in Asia could benefit from family-friendly policies starting with creating caring workplaces in Asia.

I speak to Shreyasi Jha, Senior Gender and Climate Advisor, UNICEF about the UNICEF perspective and her personal experiences growing up in India.

Our conversation explores practical steps SMEs in Asia can take, the cost-benefit math and the hopeful energy of Gen Z driving change.

Show Notes

• [00:11:00] Shreyasi’s defiance and early questions about norms
• [00:18:00] Breastfeeding challenges and the need for supportive spaces
• [00:24:00] Bereavement leave and broader care policies
• [00:27:00] Parental leave and flexible work as core policies
• [00:32:00] How SMEs can access UNICEF support and consultants
• [00:42:00] It starts from home and the care agenda

Key takeaways

• Family-friendly policies are not an optional add-on. They are a practical, productivity-enhancing strategy that benefits individuals, teams, and organizations.
• For SMEs, three priorities stand out: universal parental leave (inclusive of all parents), flexible work arrangements that respect caregiving duties, and reliable childcare support (including safe spaces and bereavement considerations).
• Real change requires authentic leadership, thoughtful implementation, and a broader commitment to a caring workplace that serves employees, families, and communities.

Download the Family Friendly Workplaces Toolkit.

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

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In this week’s solo episode, I share a practical playbook for turning generosity into measurable business results. Learn how to release the mental ledger, multiply your knowledge for greater reach and become an individual that naturally attracts people, opportunities and resources.

Access, knowledge and opportunity aren’t just ideals—they’re a scalable strategy for women entrepreneurs across Asia. I never just talk about strategy without giving you concrete steps to start today and this episode offers all that I personally engage in: publish a short article, forward a timely opportunity, and ask the empowering question, “How may I help you?” Listen to this episode for tools and a mindset shift that could redefine your growth path.

Show Notes

• 00:02:00 — Quote about giving without remembering; generosity as a guiding principle
• 00:04:00 — Mental ledger vs. generosity filter; non-transactional giving
• 00:06:00 — Why Womenpreneur Asia exists: access, knowledge, opportunity
• 00:09:00 — Forwarding opportunities and the power of being a bridge
• 00:12:00 — How may I help you? Asking the, “What does the other person need?”
• 00:15:00 — Digitizing knowledge; creating a portfolio of digital assets
• 00:18:00 — The virtuous cycle: access → knowledge → opportunity
• 00:22:00 — Version 2.0 of giving: making giving vibrant and colorful
• 00:28:00 — Wrap-up: practical takeaways and closing motivation
• 00:30:00 — How to connect with Krista and access resources

3 Key Takeaways

• Build a generosity filter and release the mental ledger to attract the right people and opportunities.
• Digitize and share your knowledge regularly; your reputation is the currency of success.
• Be the bridge: make deliberate introductions and forward opportunities to amplify impact.

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

For more show notes, visit WomenpreneurAsia.com

In this candid conversation, Krista chats with Karen Chu, founder of The Good Cake HK, a Hong Kong social enterprise that channels part of every sale into a rice fund for the elderly.

Karen shares her personal journey, from childhood with loving grandparents to creating a brand that blends celebration with care.

You’ll hear about the realities of rising costs, the pivots that helped her scale, the role of social media in authentic storytelling and how mentorship can push you to grow even when fear feels loud.

This is a beautiful story about baking, purpose and staying human in business.

Show Notes:

• 00:00:00 – Background on Karen and The Good Cake HK
• 00:08:00 – The rice fund concept and impact (5.2 tons of rice)
• 00:14:00 – Daily realities of cage homes and elderly poverty in Hong Kong
• 00:22:00 – Handling growth through Christmas season and corporate orders
• 00:31:00 – Mentorship, fear and building a business vs. being a baker
• 00:34:00 – Social media authenticity and behind-the-scenes storytelling
• 00:41:00 – Scaling, team-building and future partnerships
• 00:52:00 – The mission’s scale in Hong Kong and closing reflections

3 takeaways:

• Authentic storytelling builds trust and expands reach beyond borders.
• A social enterprise model can deliver real community impact while remaining financially viable.
• Growth requires honest assessment, mentorship, and a plan to scale operations without losing heart.

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

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