Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a heartfelt review of 2025, divided into three chapters:

Chapter: 1: My journey as a podcaster

As a podcaster, I've heard so many founder and leadership stories, but something about impact-driven content drew my attention - much more than before. Why? Simply because I can finally say that I am in a position to share these stories that can make an impact. In turn, this also led to unexpected opportunities and reaffirmed the value of our small but engaged audience.

Chapter 2: Pivots as a small business owner

Long ago, Haoming Lee shared some sage advice about branding - "If no one knows you, you can rebrand in any way you want." This meant that I didn't need to fit any type of mould or business structure. I could pivot, and I did. From 100% podcast-related efforts, to talent-based effort. I'm not just producing podcasts - I'm hosting events, emceeing Gala dinners, launches and even moderating panel sessions!

Chapter 3: Growth as a human being.

Finally, on a personal note, embracing compassion and patience has transformed my approach to life and work. I no longer feel guilty for not working 8-10 hours a day. I am instead, grateful for this privilege, and will continue to see how I can help others in their work, businesses and lives.

Thank you for your continued support. Here's to an impactful 2026.

Keep listening and moving forward.

Purpose-Driven Tourism: A Conversation with Raj KumarIPC Group: https://ipcgroup.com.sg/More about The Rotary Club Singapore: https://www.rotary.org.sg/Connect with Raj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raj-kumar-19074552/Hosted & Produced by Edric PoonProduced by Kaleoscopic CommunicationsIn this episode of the EP.IC podcast, we speak with Raj Kumar, Managing Director of IPC Group and a board member of the Rotary Club. Raj shares his extensive experience in global travel and tourism, emphasizing how tourism can make a meaningful impact through education, community engagement, and fostering entrepreneurship. He delves into his journey of starting community-based tourism, the challenges faced by the travel industry, and the integration of technology like virtual reality to adapt and thrive amid global crises. Raj also discusses his role as an advisor to startups, his passion for mentoring youth, and how businesses, especially SMEs, can creatively leverage their resources for social good. The conversation wraps up with reflections on maintaining purpose over profit, the importance of community involvement, and Raj's aspirations for lasting impactful work.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:15 Raj Kumar's Journey into Tourism

02:28 Community-Based Tourism and Its Impact

04:01 Corporate Involvement and Educational Programs

08:24 Adapting to Challenges with Technology

09:05 Expanding into Technology and Mentorship

09:49 Wellness Programs and Scam Prevention

16:07 Leveraging Rotary Club for Greater Impact

19:56 Corporate Social Responsibility: Beyond Donations

20:25 The Importance of Volunteer Hours

21:09 Addressing Dementia and Loneliness in Seniors

23:25 Philanthropy and Community Engagement

25:24 Innovation in Philanthropy

28:45 Personal Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions

32:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information#impact #edricpoonincompany #podcast #asia

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the EP.IC Podcast, we chat with Maggie Dumra, founder of Jaedals, a socially conscious footwear brand.

Maggie shares her journey from a career in media production to building businesses that create positive social impact, including supporting women in need and giving back to communities in India and Singapore.

Support Jaedals and their mission by checking out their products, following them on social media, and sharing this episode with friends who care about social impact and entrepreneurship.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction & Overview
• 00:54 – Meet Maggie Dumra: From Media to Social Impact
• 01:32 – The Jaedals Story: Comfort, Style, and Doing Good
• 02:32 – Building a Socially Conscious Business
• 03:50 – Balancing Corporate Life, Family, and Entrepreneurship
• 06:38 – Early Ventures: Baby Boo and Giving Back to India
• 08:05 – COVID’s Impact and Supporting Local Women in Singapore
• 09:16 – The Birth of Jaedals: Empowering Women Through Work
• 10:42 – Product Introduction: Jaedals Sandals
• 12:01 – Building a Local Production Ecosystem
• 13:21 – Finding and Training Sewing Communities
• 15:06 – Why Focus on Low-Income Women?
• 16:41 – Government Support and Scaling Social Impact
• 18:24 – Community Support and Corporate Partnerships
• 20:19 – Wins, Rejections, and the Long Game of Social Impact
• 22:06 – Expanding Overseas and Sustainable Collaborations
• 24:00 – Family, Empathy, and Upbringing
• 26:01 – Empathy vs. Business: Can You Have Both?
• 28:34 – Lessons from Family Business and Marketing
• 31:10 – Growing the Team and Scaling Up
• 33:20 – Letting Go: When to Move On from a Business
• 36:00 – Creative Ventures in Hong Kong and Melbourne
• 40:00 – Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs
• 41:50 – Paying It Forward
• 42:40 – Rapid Fire Q&A: Inspirations, Routines, and Legacy
• 47:20 – Final Shoutouts & How to Support Jaedals

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• Connect with Maggie and support Jaedals:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-dumra-922bb511/
  • Jaedals: jaedals.com
  • Instagram: @shopjaedals
  • Visit their store at Mandarin Gallery, Singapore