Edenity

My wife doesn’t feel excited about our Wednesday dates anymore… Work. Childcare. Household logistics. The mental load never ends. Yet, I count down to Wednesdays like a kid before the holidays. It’s my one true pause. A time to reconnect. But it got me to reflect deeply: How can I build meaningful relationships in business while neglecting the most important one at home? People ask why I don’t chase quick wins. Why I take my time with deals. Because whether in M&A or marriage, long-term success requires: ✔️ Patience ✔️ Understanding ✔️ Alignment of interests I won’t let history repeat itself. I watched my parents’ marriage struggle under the weight of failing businesses. That won’t be our story. To my wife—I hear you. I see the weight you carry. The sacrifices you made for our family. Our first deal is coming soon. But no matter what, you, Eden and our family will always come first. When was the last time you truly hear your partner out?

Anyone can connect people. Few can build valued relationships. Connecting People Through Valued Relationships — sounds simple, right? A LinkedIn tag. A quick WhatsApp intro. A handshake at an event. But true connections take time, effort, and intentionality. It’s about filtering—not just connecting for the sake of it, but ensuring alignment, shared values, and mutual benefit. That’s why, when I had the opportunity to co-host an event for personal branding, the venue choice was clear—Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) the heart of Singapore’s accounting community. 𝘞𝘏𝘖 𝘚𝘈𝘠𝘚 𝘈𝘊𝘊𝘖𝘜𝘕𝘛𝘈𝘕𝘛𝘚 𝘈𝘙𝘌 𝘉𝘖𝘙𝘐𝘕𝘎!? Last Friday, we took online connections offline, creating real conversations, real insights, and real relationships. And the ROI? It’s not measured in immediate numbers but in something far more valuable—clarity, trust, and doors opening for future collaborations. What’s your take—are the best relationships built online or offline? For me, I always double down on my personal & professional motto: Connecting People Through Valued Relationships~

“Can you be both feared and liked?” That thought struck me when someone at an event hesitated before speaking to me: “You’re the M&A guy who host/emcee — I was afraid to approach you.” It got me thinking… In relationships, especially in M&A, there’s a delicate balance: • Be approachable, yet authoritative. • Speak from experience, not rehearsed. When I’m on stage, I never memorise lines. I speak openly and let it flow, especially when topics that matters deeply to me. People often say: “Eldred, your authenticity shines through.” But I’m still learning. Authority commands respect, approachability invites trust—but authenticity bridges both. What’s your take? How do you balance authority, approachability, and authenticity?

Wait… I’m a judge? When Dawn invited me to a speaking competition, I said yes instantly—assuming I’d be a speaker. Turns out, she didn’t want me as a speaker. She wanted me as a judge. My first thought? M&A deals? -> No problem. Business strategy? -> Let’s go. Public speaking? -> Uh… But then Dawn said something that made me stop: “You’ve built an authentic online presence. You advocate for personal branding. You’re raw, real, and yourself.” And it hit me—great speakers aren’t just polished. They’re real. 1️⃣ In M&A, we’re storytellers. Every deal needs a narrative that resonates. 2️⃣ The best stories? They’re genuine. When founders speak their truth, magic happens. 3️⃣ Authenticity trumps perfection. Being comfortable in your own skin speaks volumes. That’s exactly what I’ll be looking for as a judge: 🔹 Not just polished delivery. 🔹 Not just compelling content. 🔹 But raw authentic presence. Because the best speakers aren’t performing—they’re sharing. Just like the best deals aren’t just transactions—they’re transformations. So, what do you think? Does authenticity matter more than polish in public speaking? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your perspective. P.S. To all contestants: Be yourself. That’s already extraordinary.

“What makes you motivated to spend precious Saturday here?” Our HBC President Toh Sim Goh asked me this during our monthly tea gathering. “When I connect 2 people who’ve known each other for years only to realize they’re both Hainanese.” That unexpected moment when acquaintances become family. In 🇸🇬, we’re a minority: 180,000 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 6 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 0.3% 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. But our impact? Immeasurable. This isn’t just networking. It’s legacy-building. Because when you’re Hainanese in Singapore: -> Every connection matters -> Every story carries weight -> Every generation bridges together That’s why I’m proud to say: 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 100% 𝘏𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘦. Not just by birth. But by choice & commitment. Because in business, as in life: Community creates opportunity. Blood runs deeper than water. Heritage shapes destiny. If you’re Hainanese—or know someone who is—drop a comment below. Together, let’s bridge the gap between generations, 1 connection at a time. Connecting People Through Valued Relationships~

It’s not just about who you know, but who knows you. And in that room, >90% already knew me. Last night, I hosted an event at Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) with Imran Tahir & Sarjit Singh, surrounded by an incredible group of professionals. ✅ The attendees loved it. ✅ The speakers delivered. ✅ The feedback was glowing. By all accounts, it was a success. But after the event, I told my wife: “I feel hollow. Like I didn’t do enough.” Externally, everything looked great. Internally, something felt off. And maybe that’s okay. Because sometimes, emptiness is just growth knocking. 3 Things I Learned: 1️⃣ Emptiness can signal needed change. It’s a sign to evolve, not stagnate. 2️⃣ It’s time to push my limits. If I stay comfortable, I stay small. 3️⃣ The gap between good & great is growth. I know I have more to give. I want to push boundaries. I’m tired of being good. I want to grow. Maybe my standards are too high. Maybe I’m just too hard on myself. But maybe… this emptiness is just proof I’m meant to level up. At the end of the day, this event wasn’t just about knowledge-sharing—it was about people. And I did what truly matters: Connecting People Through Valued Relationships~ When success feels hollow, how do you deal with it?

Met my younger self for coffee. I sit across from him. “Everything happens for a reason, right?” Silence. Then, he asks, “Will we figure it all out like the fortune teller predicted at 32?” I nod. “Yes—with direction.” “Will we be happy?” I don’t answer. “Will we make Mum proud?” I look away, guilt pressing against my chest. “Do we still miss Dad?” I reluctantly nod. “We had a kid with her, right?” The words don’t come. “She’s the one, right?” I press my lips together. I don’t say a word. But he already knows. “We walked away—with heartbreak, with regrets… but we dodged a bullet.” His eyes widen. He’s afraid. “We found love again. Stronger love. And for once… we learned to take.” His eyes flicker. “To take?” “Yes. To receive love, not just give it away.” He looks down, struggling to accept it. “Did we become the DAD we never HAD?” I smile, thinking of Eden, and nod. “We went even crazier. We built something of our own. Something loud. Something… us.” “Do we succeed?” I smile. “Success isn’t what we thought it was. But we find what truly matters.” “Do we learn?” “We do.” A pause. “What do we learn?” I stare at the younger me—the one who still believes answers will fix everything. “We learn that no title, no person, no validation will make us whole.” His hands tighten around his cup. “And then?” I whisper, “Then… we learn to love ourselves. For eternity. Through Edenity~”

How Did I Fail So Many Interviews… While Conducting Interviews Myself? Meanwhile, fresh graduates are entering the workforce with $4K starting salaries, multiple internships, and a polished presence. They bring energy, ambition, and adaptability. But let’s be honest—working experience trumps studying. Yet, the real game-changer isn’t just skill set or years of experience. It’s actually personal branding. Why? Because at the end of the day, we’re all human. You might think CEOs are untouchable. But find common ground— Are they Hainanese? Do they love their kids? Do they play badminton? Connections happen when you relate on a human level. That’s the power of personal branding. It’s not just about employment—it unlocks business deals, speaking slots, media features, and opportunities you never expected. I push for personal branding, but ironically, it’s not my core business. Still, I love creating opportunities for others—so here’s a shoutout to both events! Speaking of which, I have two upcoming events that align with this: 📌 This Friday – Sadly sold out! 📌 Next Thursday – I’ll be a speaking judge for Media Clubroom, where the event will be filmed and giving people the spotlight. I know some guests/speakers are attending both events~ What are you waiting for? You are one connection away from a breakthrough!

A microphone doesn’t change your voice—it amplifies who you are. Eden grabbed the mic at school today, fully himself—loud, playful, and real. His classmates shouted “Eden Papa!” because, well, I’m the same. Loud. Funny. Maybe a little chaotic. It struck me: We’re both just amplified versions of our true selves. That’s personal branding. It’s not about crafting an image—it’s about uncovering who you already are. As I build Edenity, I keep coming back: ✅ Freedom of time ✅ Freedom of money ✅ Freedom of energy All so my son can grow into his fullest self. Would I want to shape his path? Of course. But my role isn’t to control—it’s to empower. Maybe one day, we’ll share 1 stage—2 mics, 2 voices, both true to ourselves. Until then, I’ll keep building so he can keep becoming. What part of yourself are you amplifying today?

I was 4 when my maternal Hainanese grandfather passed away. I barely knew him, yet he left a mark on my life. Every trip to the mama shop, he’d spoil me with: 🍬 Sweets 🍫 Chocolates 🍪 Biscuits 🥤 Drinks I was his only grandson. His pride and joy. Then, life changed. After my parents’ divorce, I couldn’t afford those simple joys. Now, every visit to a mama shop reminds me of two things—his love and what was lost. He passed from liver failure, and my mum still nags me when I drink. I was too young to really get to know him. But his legacy lives on. It makes me think about time differently now: 1️⃣ How I want to be there for my grandkids 2️⃣Why I'm building my business 3️⃣ What truly matters in life My mum dropped a thought provoking bomb yesterday. “If I had enough money, I’d retire and take care of Eden.” That hit me. I’m building my business not just for myself, but for those who matter most— To buy time for them before it’s too late. We chase success for our family, yet in doing so, we miss time with them. Maybe that’s the price we pay upfront—to buy time later. My grandfather wasn't a businessman. But he taught me life's most valuable lessons. Sometimes the greatest inheritance isn't money. It's the wisdom to know what truly counts. What legacy do you want to leave behind?