Cover Sophian Abdul Rahman, CEO of Mudo Labs (Photos: Mudo Labs)
Sophian Abdul Rahman, CEO of Mudo Labs (Photos: Mudo Labs)
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The business leader delves into his transformative journey from corporate leadership to wellness, and coming up with cutting-edge solutions to navigate stress in the modern world
How I’m Making It is a series in which Tatler speaks to influential individuals about their unique journeys and what keeps them going.
Did you know that workplace stress has reached a historic high globally? Even as we emerge from the post-pandemic landscape, nearly half of workers worldwide reported to have experienced a lot of stress, according to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report.
Closer to home, nearly nine in ten Singaporeans reported feeling stressed in 2023. Among respondents across all age groups, those between 18 and 24 years old made up the highest proportion (90 per cent) of those who felt stressed.
Against this backdrop, some executives are taking bold steps to not only address workplace stress but also to redefine their own professional trajectories. One such person is Sophian Abdul Rahman. With an impressive track record spanning over 20 years as a business leader, his decision to transition from the corporate realm to the wellness industry may seem unconventional to some, but it was a logical next step in his career to become chief executive officer of Mudo Labs.
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“Looking back, it’s as if the first two decades of my professional life were rehearsals for my defining role at Mudo Labs,” says the 48-year-old. His career trajectory took him through a variety of strategic roles in statutory boards, including the Economic Development Board and International Enterprise Singapore, before moving on to CapitaLand where he oversaw the company’s entry into the Middle East and developed Islamic private real estate funds. Sophian’s subsequent roles at StemLife and Cordlife’s Malaysian subsidiary marked his first foray into the direct-to-consumer industry.
“The transition to the wellness sector with Mudo Labs was a natural progression for me,” he shares. “After over two decades in various capacities, I felt that I was equipped with the skills to truly make a difference.”
And that he did. Armed with a desire to innovate and create products that would resonate with the community at large, Sophian joined Mudo Labs. Since 2019, he has spearheaded the team in developing a revolutionary new product that would mark a new era in the well-being sector. Enter: The Beem, a pocket-sized device that harnesses the powers of aromachology (the science of scents) and acupressure to offer users a simple and discreet way to elevate their moods holistically.
“I wanted to build something that can give back to society,” Sophian shares. “While it’s first and foremost a product, The Beem also belongs in the deeper psychological shift towards being open and comfortable with talking about our emotional well-being, in a way that fosters a sense of community.”
Below, Sophian shares more about Mudo Labs’ growth, overcoming stress and reflects on the shift towards health-centric leisure among younger consumers.
What is a typical working day like for you?
My day usually starts early, allowing me some quiet time to settle in, enjoy a cup of coffee, and plan my agenda before the pace of my day picks up. This quiet period is crucial for me to gather my thoughts and prioritise tasks.
As my colleagues start to arrive, the tempo of things tends to change. My day is often filled with a variety of meetings and internal discussions. In these meetings, my focus is on ensuring we have clear outcomes. I make a conscious effort not to dominate these discussions at the outset, as I believe in empowering my younger team members to develop their thoughts and decision-making skills.
Between meetings, I stay engaged with our ongoing operations, keeping an eye on the progress of our projects, and addressing any issues that arise. I also dedicate time to connecting with my team, offering guidance and support where needed. The day often extends beyond typical working hours, but I strive to maintain a balance, knowing when to step back and recharge. It’s a juggling act, managing the demands of the role while ensuring that both my team and I stay motivated and focused on our goals.
How do you ensure every meeting is productive?
It’s about grounding ourselves in the fundamental objectives we are striving to achieve. In every meeting, this approach guides our discussion. I start by asking, ‘What is it that we are trying to achieve?’ This question helps us focus and steer our conversations in a direction that is aligned with our goals.
By clearly understanding our objectives, we can cut through the uncertainty and complexity, paving a clearer path for what actions we need to take. This methodology has been instrumental in how we conduct our meetings at Mudo Labs, ensuring that even when stepping into new and unknown areas, we remain focused and effective.
Above Sophian Abdul Rahman
Sophian Abdul Rahman
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What are the qualities of a good leader?
It should be a blend of clarity, courage, self-awareness, trust, resilience, and the ability to inspire loyalty. Firstly, it’s crucial to have single-mindedness, which brings clarity in thought. This clarity is essential in navigating complex situations and making decisions that align with the core values and vision of the organisation. Equally important is the courage to stand up for what is morally right, even if it’s not the most convenient or popular choice. This integrity is what sets a true leader apart. A leader must possess the self-awareness to step back and create space for others to express their thoughts and feelings, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Building and maintaining trust and confidence among team members is another vital aspect. This is achieved not just through words but through consistent actions that demonstrate commitment and reliability. This is so that when challenges arise, a good leader will have the strength to hold the team together, often evidenced by the willingness of the team to stand by the leader during tough times.
A compelling example of this is when Sam Altman faced dismissal from his position at OpenAI. His team’s loyalty was so strong that they threatened to leave with him, leading to his reinstatement and a subsequent turn of events where he took decisive action regarding the board. This demonstrates to me the profound impact a leader can have on their team, inspiring dedication and loyalty even in the most challenging circumstances.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Undoubtedly, it is seeing the growth and development of my team. It is immensely fulfilling to witness them evolve, gaining confidence and expertise as we navigate the challenges and successes of our business. Each successful implementation of our strategies, each milestone we reach, reflects not just on the company's achievements but also on the personal and professional growth of each team member.
What’s an idea or thought you had recently that you found interesting?
A few days ago, someone remarked to me that younger consumers are more inclined to opt for healthier leisure and recreational activities—for both solitary as well as social pursuits. Activities like exercising, yoga, meditation, and participating in alcohol-free and smoke-free meet-ups are becoming increasingly common. This shift towards more mindful and health-centric forms of enjoyment, both individually and in groups, really struck a chord with me. It’s clear to me that this next generation is seeking ways to not only change up their moods but also make choices that are beneficial for their health and that foster a sense of community and cohesion within their social circles. I thought, “Hang on a minute! I think we can play a role in this.”
How do you overcome stress?
Like anyone else, I’ve experienced my fair share of stressful moments throughout my life. There was a time when I sought the assistance of a counsellor, hoping it would provide me with some perspective. However, I soon realised that these sessions were mainly echoing what I already knew about myself—that I am inherently self-reflective. So, I decided to discontinue the counselling and instead, turned to other methods.
Physical exercise became an outlet for me, allowing me to channel stress into something productive. Spending quality time with my loved ones also played a crucial role in alleviating stress, providing me with emotional support and a sense of grounding. But more importantly, I started to engage more deeply with myself. Self-reflection has always been a significant part of my life, and I found that being on an aeroplane, thousands of feet above the ground, offered me a unique space of solitude and tranquillity. It’s in these moments of solitude, up in the air, where I’ve been able to think most clearly and regain my balance.
Now, I have an additional tool in my arsenal—The Beem. It’s become a part of my routine, helping me to manage stress and maintain a sense of calm in my daily life. It’s interesting how these small but significant changes in our approach to stress management can make a profound difference.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I don’t believe in the notion of clear and immovable demarcations between work and life. For me, these two aspects are linked; without work, I will not have my life and without my life, well, I will not be doing any work! When I need to make a choice between work and life, I assess who needs me more at any particular moment. It’s a constant balancing act, weighing the impact of my choices on both my personal well-being and my professional responsibilities.
When I want to unwind and unplug, I revel in the company of my loved ones and close friends. The lively banter, the exchange of cheeky jibes, and the shared laughter—these moments are priceless. They offer a genuine escape from the pressures of work and provide a space for true connection and enjoyment.
What’s next for Mudo Labs?
We just launched The Beem last month so while we are focusing all our efforts on that, we do have more products and initiatives in the pipeline. The future for us is filled with possibilities—we’re looking into expanding the range of mood experiences and exploring other forms of mood-enhancing devices and platforms. We can expect to see more solutions that are rooted in science, embrace tradition, and harness technology to deliver wellness in ways that fit into the pockets, schedules, and lives of our customers. Our journey in mood mastery is just getting started.
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