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Anna Ong
Founder at WYSH - What's Your Story (huh)?
Professional Background
Anna Ong is a passionate storyteller, coach, and entrepreneur dedicated to helping individuals and teams articulate their narratives in their authentic voices. With a robust career that includes over 15 years in financial services, Anna has worn many hats, excelling in roles related to sales, relationship management, business management, strategy, and operations. Her time in banking, while fruitful, did not ignite her passion; instead, it led her on a transformative journey towards realizing her true calling in storytelling.
The pivot from a successful career in finance to following her passions took Anna around the globe. She spent time in Buenos Aires immersing herself in the fiery world of tango and ventured to New York City to explore the improvisational theater scene. It was these experiences that finally led her to discover that storytelling was her true passion and purpose.
In alignment with her new passion, Anna founded WYSH, which stands for “What’s Your Story, huh?”. This endeavor reflects her commitment to storytelling as a means of connection and community-building. Anna also launched the live storytelling event "What's Your Story Slam", which showcases extraordinary professionals sharing personal stories based on a themed format. This initiative has created a platform for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated.
Aside from being a dynamic storyteller, Anna is also an enthusiastic kombucha brewer. Her fascination with this fermented tea first began during her travels in the United States, where she fell in love at first sip. She has since cultivated her brewing skills, now experimenting with the unique influences of Singapore's climate and varying tea types on her creations.
Education and Achievements
Anna's solid educational background lays the foundation for her diverse career trajectory. She studied Social Impact Storytelling at Georgetown University, where she honed her skills in crafting narratives that resonate with audiences. Additionally, she successfully completed a program in Life and Leadership Potentials Coaching at iPEC Coaching, enriching her ability to empower others through storytelling.
Her academic journey continued with an MBA in General Management from INSEAD, equipping her with a solid understanding of business dynamics that serves her entrepreneurial efforts. Anna began her undergraduate studies at De La Salle University, where she earned a dual degree in Philosophy and Business Management (AB-BSC), merging critical thinking and management skills.
Throughout her professional career, Anna held several noteworthy positions at Standard Chartered Bank, including Director, Business Planning Manager for Global Rates Sales, and Director, Regional Business Manager for FM Sales ASEAN. Her trajectory within the financial sector speaks to her adeptness in strategizing and managing complex business operations, making her transition to the realm of storytelling even more impactful.
Notable Achievements
Anna's journey from banking to storytelling, combined with her extensive experience in coaching, has led to a myriad of notable achievements.
- Founder of WYSH (What’s Your Story, huh?): Through her entrepreneurial venture, Anna has created a platform that promotes authentic storytelling, offering coaching and workshops to individuals and companies seeking to develop their narrative strategy.
- What's Your Story Slam Organizer: This live storytelling event showcases various professionals who share real-life experiences, thereby encouraging community engagement and connection.
- Business Coach at Cartier Women's Initiative: In this role, Anna contributed her expertise to support female entrepreneurs in developing their businesses and storytelling skills.
- Sabbatical Experience: During her time living in Latin America, Anna embraced cultural immersion and personal growth, exploring her interests and building relationships across borders.
- Financial Sector Success: Anna's remarkable tenure at Standard Chartered Bank and other financial institutions demonstrates her leadership capabilities and success in high-stakes environments, where she effectively managed teams and client relationships while driving business growth.
With her unique blend of experiences, Anna Ong continues to inspire not only through her storytelling initiatives but also by fostering connections among individuals. She is truly a connection junkie, believing in the power of stories to unite people and create a sense of community. Whether you are looking to craft your story, learn the art of storytelling, or simply share your experiences, Anna is eager to connect and exchange narratives. She warmly invites everyone to share their stories, enhancing the rich tapestry of human experience through the art of storytelling.
