My Story

Hi, my name is Lawrence Yong. This is my story.

I'm a Financial Markets Expert, Serial Entrepreneur, Husband, Father and Son from Singapore.

Relentless Curiosity

My journey has been shaped by a relentless curiosity and a deep commitment to learning, especially when it came to taking on challenges that others might shy away from. Early in my career, I found myself fascinated by quantitative finance, long before AI and machine learning became buzzwords. I spent countless hours in computer labs building financial models, and the hard work paid off—my undergraduate thesis was eventually published in a top-tier finance journal, a milestone that set the tone for everything that followed.

But my career didn’t start at where I hoped to be...

I began in a back-office role during the SARS outbreak, a time of economic uncertainty and professional challenge. It didn’t take long to realize that back-office work wasn’t my calling. I knew I had to grow, so I leaned into my strengths as a learner, pursuing certifications like the FRM (Financial Risk Manager), CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst), and a Masters in Financial Engineering. This gave me the tools to transition into dealer-execution and product management roles at the buy-side, and eventually, I made the rare leap into sales and structuring roles at the sell-side. The experience of moving from back-office to front-office roles, and later from buy-side to sell-side, was unusual and challenging—but I thrived in it.

The Pull of Entrepreneurship

A few years later, I felt the pull of entrepreneurship. I founded Singapore’s first digital lending platform, a greenfield idea at the time. It was more than just a startup; we were a FinTech pioneer that led the transformation of SME financing and regulatory changes in the country. I knew I needed to educate myself further to keep up with the scale of what we were doing, so I pursued a postgrad degree in finance and banking law to prepare for what is to come. It was essential to speak the language of regulators and giants in the financial regulatory space.

That dedication paid off when our platform became the first to receive the coveted MAS license for digital lending. I ran the company as CEO, attracting over USD 100 million in funding and transforming the landscape of SME financing in the region.

Anything but Smooth...

But the journey was anything but smooth. I wish I could say it started with confidence and certainty, but the reality was far from that. When I launched Singapore’s first digital lending platform, I was stepping into unknown territory, grappling with doubts, fears, and the overwhelming feeling of not being good enough. I constantly questioned whether I belonged at the table, where decisions carried significant weight and real consequences.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome became a close companion during those early years. You see, I had previously had a relatively structured path to success, having earned advanced degrees and certifications, founding a company that went on to revolutionize SME financing. But running a business, deep down, I felt like I was always one misstep away from being exposed as a fraud. The success that others saw didn’t match the inner turmoil I experienced. And my ego? It didn’t help. I felt the pressure to be seen as the one who had all the answers, who could handle anything, and who never faltered. But it was exhausting, and worse, it distanced me from the very people who could have been my support system.

Loneliness and Guilt

I distinctly remember times when I felt utterly alone, burdened by decisions and challenges with no one to confide in. As CEO, I was supposed to inspire confidence and make everything work—but the truth is, I often felt isolated. Nobody really talks about the dark side of entrepreneurship: the funding challenges that keep you up at night, the people conflicts that drain your energy, or the frustration of giving your all only to be met with accusations or blame when things don’t go as planned.

The worst part was the guilt. I genuinely believed I was doing everything right, making the best decisions I could, but it didn’t always translate into success. There were conflicts with people—people I trusted, people I worked hard to support—only to be misunderstood or, at times, blamed for things beyond my control. This forced me to take a hard look in the mirror. What was I doing wrong? Why did everything feel so heavy, and why did I feel so alone?

Deep Introspection

It was a period of deep introspection that ultimately led me to a major turning point. I realized that the way I was approaching both my business and myself was fundamentally flawed. I was driven by fear, by a need to prove myself, and by the weight of unrealistic expectations I had placed on my own shoulders. I needed a change, and that’s when I discovered positive psychology and the power of Strengths.

Embracing Strengths was Transformative

Embracing the Strengths philosophy was transformative. Instead of trying to fix what I thought was broken in me, I began to focus on what was already working—my strengths. It wasn’t just a professional shift, it was a personal awakening. I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers, that vulnerability is a strength, and that no one succeeds alone. Positive psychology allowed me to see the power in collaboration, in empowering others, and in leading from a place of authenticity rather than fear.

My Talent DNA

Looking back, I realize how heavily I leaned on my strengths. Learner is my top strength, but Futuristic, Strategic, Analytical, and Ideation round out my top five. These strengths describe my pathway to excellence—constantly learning, looking ahead, creating strategic roadmaps, and generating innovative ideas. These are the qualities that have fueled my success, and they are the same strengths I bring to my coaching and training. I especially resonate with the challenges of CxOs and am inspired to share my learnings on strengths-based leadership.

T.H.R.I.V.E. COACH

Today, I am a different leader. And as an Executive and Leadership coach, my approach is distinct. I'm not propelled by ego or fear, but by a sincere desire to empower others to flourish, just as I've managed to do. I understand the power of reflection, of acknowledging our inherent talents, and of coaching with intention. Above all, I've grasped that true success stems not from dominating, but from understanding and accepting who you are, safely navigating blind spots, whilst acting as a trusted and steadfast partner in your journey.

If you’re ready to thrive and tap into your unique strengths, let’s work together. I’m here to help you succeed, and together, we can chart a path toward your excellence.

Are you ready to T.H.R.I.V.E?

T.H.R.I.V.E NOW