From biomedical engineer to wellness entrepreneur, Marie Tuason has reinvented herself through burnout, bold choices and a passion for health.

In this episode of Womenpreneur Asia, Marie shares her journey from interning in Germany to creating ventures that bridge wellness, community, and entrepreneurship.

She opens up about the lessons of burnout, why she challenges common wellness myths, and how she’s building the Philippines’ first Longevity Social Club.

This candid conversation dives into identity shifts, the importance of bio-individuality, and how personal struggles with self-worth and anxiety became stepping stones toward her mission to help others live healthier, more intentional lives.

Marie’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention starts with listening to yourself and daring to align your life with your values.

In This Episode:

• [00:02] Growing up in the Philippines and finding resourcefulness without privilege
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• [05:45] Moving to Germany: discovering slower living, balance, and holistic health
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• [12:10] Burnout, gap year, and the unexpected pivot into entrepreneurship
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• [18:50] Building Kaya Connections and the Longevity Social Club
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• [27:00] Debunking wellness myths and embracing bio-individuality
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• [35:20] How struggles with anxiety and self-worth shaped her mission
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• [42:00] Marie’s advice for women on reinvention and health
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Key Takeaways

1. Reinvention often starts with discomfort — burnout became Marie’s launchpad for transformation.
2. Health is multi-dimensional — beyond food and fitness, it includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. Sustainable change requires identity shifts — becoming someone who values movement, resilience, and balance.

This episode is brought to you by Redbox Studio.

Get the full article at WomenpreneurAsia.com

In this episode, Krista sits down with Gabriella or Gabby Yan, a hospitality industry insider turned startup founder to discuss her journey from luxury hotel marketing to founding TRAppe - a platform dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible, aspirational and impactful.

Gabby shares the challenges she faced as a solo female founder, the problem of economic leakage in tourism and her vision for travel that benefits people and local economies.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Gabby’s background in hospitality and how that insider knowledge inspired her to start TRAppe
• The problem of economic leakage and woefully underpaid local staff in tourism
• The three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, Economy
• Challenges of fundraising as a solo female founder with no tech background and no tech co-founder
• How TRAppe works in creating authentic, community-focused travel experiences
• Why sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all and the importance of local context and nuances
• The business model: e-guides and a membership platform
• Tips for travelers to make more conscious, impactful choices without the guilt
• The importance of amplifying Asian thought leadership and Asian perspectives in the Asian travel industry

Practical Takeaways:

• Stay, eat, and buy local to ensure your travel spending benefits the community
• Book accommodations and experiences directly, not just through online travel agents or commercial platforms
• Look for farm-to-table restaurants and artisan souvenirs that benefits the locals
• Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems like restaurants, hotels and experiences that contribute to more local prosperity
• Take time to learn about the culture and needs of your destination
• Traveling better is about thoughtful choices, not perfection

Resources & Links:

• Trappe: trappetravel.com

Shoutouts:

• Special thanks to Michelle Coulson of Remote Rebellion for connecting Gabby and Krista

Connect with the host and the show:

• Host: Krista Goon on LinkedIn
• Full article about this episode on: Womenpreneur Asia

This episode is sponsored by Redbox Studio.

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

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Womenpreneur Asia on your favorite podcast platform.

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.