Podcast Hard Truths by Vertex | Series 3 | Episode 2 - Burnout, Feedback, and the Making of a Leader — Jeffrey Tiong
In This Episode
We sit down with Jeffrey to explore how he turned tough feedback into fuel for growth. From starting PatSnap right out of university to leading a global tech company, he shares candid lessons about leadership, building strong teams, and navigating challenges. Tune in to hear Jeffrey’s honest take on what it really takes to grow as a leader—mistakes, reflections, and all!
IN THIS EPISODE
00:00 | "You're not fit to be CEO!" —The moment that changed everything
01:00 | Why leadership isn't just about having a vision
03:00 | From writing code to leading a global team- Jeffrey's evolution
07:00 | Behind the scenes: How Jeffrey sets high-level goals
10:00 | The surprising secret to handling conflicts and low moments
14:00 | Raw talent vs. experience-what really makes a great hire?
17:00 | Why Jeffrey still jumps into frontline problems (sometimes)
24:00 | Hard truths from an investor that reshaped Jeffrey's confidence
29:00 | Avoiding burnout: Jeffrey's approach to staying grounded
35:00 | Grateful but not proud- Jeffrey reflects on his
Tune in here:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3e2-burnout-feedback-and-the-making-of-a/id1659392336?i=1000680660107
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EGCEo6YZsyDNhtKYbPsk5
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq14eALQCig
Our Guest, Jeffrey Tiong Bio:
Jeffrey Tiong is the Founder and CEO of Patsnap, a global leader in AI-powered IP and R&D innovation intelligence. Under Jeffrey’s leadership, Singapore-founded Patsnap has empowered over 15,000 customers across 50 countries to transform ideas into groundbreaking innovations through cutting-edge market, technology, competitive, and patent insights. Jeffrey’s accolades include Fortune’s 40 Under 40 (2022), and recognition as a Top 50 SaaS CEO by The Software Report (2020). He was also honoured with Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Singapore, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the tech and innovation landscape.
Website: https://www.patsnap.com/
Missed the other episodes?
Tune in on the other episodes here.
Your Host
Rahul Thayyalamkandy is the Director of Communications and Community at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India. Before joining Vertex, Rahul served as a Product Manager at BLOCK71, an incubator and joint venture of NUS Enterprise and Singtel Innov8, where he developed scalable services for portfolio startups and designed mentorship programs. He also gained experience as a Summer Associate at Cocoon Capital, working with the Managing Partner on investment deals.
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Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India is a pioneer in investing in tech start-ups in this region and has helped to build a number of unicorns. In this podcast, we seek to share and uncover the Hard Truth - raw, unfiltered insights and venture capital knowledge from across Southeast Asia and India. Tune in to learn from leading founders, innovators, venture capitalists, and industry experts in the region and to gain industry insights from those in the know.
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