BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast with Jeremy Au

“For those who don't know you, could you please introduce yourself?”

This is a frequent opening move, giving the guest the floor to establish their background and credibility at the start.

“What was the origin story or genesis of your first major project or book?”

Au often asks this to understand the initial motivation and circumstances behind a guest's signature work.

“What did the transition from [a previous role] to [your current one] feel like?”

This question probes the personal and emotional side of a major career shift, moving beyond the resume facts.

“How did you personally react to your early success?”

This question focuses on the guest's emotional response to achievement, rather than just the business outcome.

“What was the genesis for your next major project?”

After establishing the first success, Au uses this to explore the evolution of his guest's thinking and career.

“How do you handle [a common challenge], like struggling portfolio companies?”

This question seeks to uncover the guest's practical processes for dealing with difficult, real-world scenarios.

“How does your approach differ from the conventional wisdom in your field?”

This question is used to highlight the guest's unique contribution and contrarian viewpoints.

“What's the significance of [a recent trend or news item]?”

He often brings in a recent, specific event to make a broad topic tangible and timely.

“What's the local view from [your country] on this global event?”

This question leverages the guest's geographic expertise to provide a specific, on-the-ground perspective.

“What are the broader economic implications of this technology?”

After discussing a specific technology, Au zooms out to ask about its future impact on the wider system.

“Can you break down the difference between [concept A] and [concept B]?”

When a guest introduces nuanced terminology, Au asks for clarification to ensure audience understanding.

“You were telling me about [a dramatic news event]. What's the inside story?”

He uses this technique to get behind the headlines, prompting guests for their insider perspective on public events.