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Mai Whelan is a philanthropist, author, and the first winner of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, where she won the $4.56 million prize in 2023.

Mai was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. as a refugee when she was eight years old. She served 20 years in the U.S. Navy before becoming an immigration adjudicator for the Department of Homeland Security.

After winning Squid Game: The Challenge, Mai decided to use her newfound platform to highlight non-profits through her YouTube series, “Mother Mai”, focusing on causes such as animal welfare and community support. She continues to raise awareness for important causes and inspire others to make a positive impact on the world.

Topics we covered in the podcast include:
- Arriving in the US as an immigrant
- Joining the Navy and overcoming adversity
- Working as an Immigration Adjudicator
- Applying and winning Squid Game: The Challenge
- Philanthropy efforts and growth
- Advice to future reality TV show contestants and her younger self

How to get in touch with Mai:
Mai's Website: https://mothermai.com/
Mai's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammai287/
Mai's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@iammai287

Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.

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David Meikle is an author, consultant, keynote speaker, and trainer supporting brands and advertising agencies in the UK and beyond.

Since 2009, David has helped brands and agencies create and maintain value and lasting relationships through agency selection, marketing transformation, improved ways of work, and cultural change. He’s helped agencies like Ogilvy, BBDO, McCann, and 7Stars.

David worked in advertising agencies for nearly twenty years, culminating in four years in Moscow as Head of Country for Ogilvy. He also wrote the book ‘How to Buy a Gorilla’, the ultimate guide for marketers and brands to get better-value advertising ideas from their agencies.

In 2025, David co-founded The Pimlico Group, focused on working collaboratively to solve agency business challenges.

Topics we covered in the podcast include:
- From wine bar to advertising
- Climbing the corporate ladder
- Navigating fear and transitioning to entrepreneurship
- Creating solutions: How to Buy a Gorilla
- The Meikle Matrix: Balancing responsibility and control
- Future aspirations: Writing and new ventures

How to get in touch with David:
David’s Email address: david@htbag.co.uk
David’s Website: htbag.co.uk
David’s LinkedIn: David Meikle

Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube & follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify & Apple Podcast. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.

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Anushka Purohit is the CEO and Co-Founder of Breer, a food upcycling startup which turns bread into beer. Breer addresses the prominent problem of bread waste in Hong Kong, hence aims to reduce food waste.

Anushka also launched StayK (a travel app, an end-to-end vacation planning platform) during COVID-19 and most recently launched a cosmetics brand called Ssome Cosmetics and a side hustle to bring Bollywood movies to Hong Kong. Anushka is also working on a tech side hustle at the moment.

Along with being a young entrepreneur, Anushka is a polyglot, being able to speak five languages, and is passionate about making an impact and representing underrepresented communities globally.

She has received various awards and recognition for her work including Forbes 30U30 Asia List and being featured on CNBC, Tatler and Lifestyle Asia.

Topics we covered in the podcast include:
- Growing up in Hong Kong
- University life and early career experiences
- The birth of Breer and navigating entrepreneurship as a young adult
- Exploring new ventures within travel, cosmetics, tech and Bollywood
- Time management and balancing multiple projects
- Future aspirations and personal insights

How to get in touch with Anushka:
Anushkha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushickles/?hl=en

Do not forget to subscribe to @OnTheGoWithManav on YouTube and follow 'On The Go With Manav' on Spotify and Apple Podcast. You can also stay updated with the latest podcast news and upcoming episodes by following @manavhartono on Instagram and Manav Hartono on LinkedIn.