Gerald Ang, founder of Wild & Wise, sits down with Benjamin Raphael Chia, photographer and filmmaker, to discuss his inspiring journey from skateboarding and photography to building a successful creative career. In this episode, they cover:

• How Benjamin transitioned from corporate success to a fulfilling creative career.
• Practical insights on overcoming uncertainty and building credibility in the creative industry.
• His meaningful volunteer experience in Cambodia and the search for life's purpose.
• Maintaining health and wellness for longevity as a creative professional.
• The importance of community, giving back, and staying passionate in your craft.
• How personal stories and reflections can inspire a life of fulfillment and creative independence.

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About Wild & Wise Podcast:
The Wild & Wise Podcast brings together different viewpoints to explore reinvention, leadership, and the future of work. Each episode, Gerald Ang shares stories and ideas to help listeners navigate a world where identity, careers, and technology are always changing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildnwise.co

About Gerald Ang:
Gerald Ang is the founder of Wild & Wise, a leadership and performance studio based in Singapore. His work sits at the intersection of business, leadership, and human potential, helping leaders and teams drive performance in ways that are both human and sustainable for the future of work. Gerald has held leadership roles at Warner Music, Singtel, UOB, and General Electric, and today works with executives and teams from multinational organisations around the region. He is also the host of the Wild & Wise Podcast, where he explores leadership, reinvention, and unconventional career journeys with leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldang  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerald_ang    

About Benjamin Raphael Chia:
Benjamin Raphael Chia is a photographer and filmmaker whose creative journey began with a skateboard and a camera, evolving into a career built on authentic storytelling and visual artistry. His work spans photography and film, capturing moments with a raw, documentary-style sensibility shaped by his diverse life experiences across different cultures.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benraphaelchia
Website: https://www.studiobenjamin.co

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Chapters
00:00 Benjamin’s passion for photography and videography
00:58 Benjamin’s journey from skateboarding and street culture
02:22 Conventional path vs creative pursuit
03:44 Starting with photography and diversifying skills
04:43 Expanding into video and storytelling
05:36 Building a portfolio and gaining credibility
06:38 Handling uncertainty and trusting instincts
07:32 The reality of starting small and trusting the process
10:03 The excitement and nerves of creative work
11:01 Making passion a career without killing it
12:18 The importance of identity and clarity in growth
15:11 The pivotal moment of landing a big project
16:18 Dealing with stress and trust during big shoots
18:21 The value of trust and delivering excellence
19:46 The mindset of ownership and commitment
20:49 Creating stability in an unstable world
21:47 Diversifying income and planning for the future
23:12 Finding purpose through community and giving back
30:15 Gaining new perspectives through travel and volunteer work
32:56 The search for meaning and legacy
34:12 Gratitude and reflecting on life’s journey
37:36 Benjamin’s hobbies: cycling, pickleball, and health
41:13 Living a creative and sustainable life
42:00 Dream dinner guests: Chris Do and other inspiring figures
44:25 Scaling creatively and building a personal brand
45:19 Living semi-retired and controlling your time
46:19 The importance of health and longevity in a creative life
47:20 The value of sharing stories and learning from others
49:26 Creating a positive impact and fostering collaboration