When is it time to leave a path that no longer fits? Cheryl Lau joins Adrian Tan to discuss leaving law school and a PhD programme, building a podcast and defining success on her own terms.
Cheryl shares what helped her make difficult career decisions and stay consistent with content creation. They explore authenticity, family expectations, listener relationships and how to handle criticism without letting metrics define the work.
In this episode:
• Moving from academia into podcasting.
• Finding permission to quit and choosing a different direction.
• Consistency, authenticity and success beyond metrics.
• Family expectations and advice for Asian entrepreneurs.
• Building listener relationships and handling criticism.
Originally published in February 2025. Podcast names and career references reflect the original conversation.
Original episode sponsor: Deel. https://www.deel.com/adriantan
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:52 From law school to podcasting
02:55 Consistency
07:12 Leaving the PhD programme
08:49 Permission to quit
14:41 Success beyond metrics
19:37 Authenticity in content creation
29:05 Parental influence and work ethic
31:13 Gratitude and expectations
32:42 Sharing the decision to leave law school
34:31 Advice for Asian entrepreneurs
38:26 Listener relationships
53:27 Handling criticism
58:29 Final reflections
Connect with Cheryl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau/
Cheryl’s podcast:
More from Adrian: https://www.adriantan.com.sg/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriantanck/
