I don’t say this lightly — this was one of the very best 40 minutes of my life I’ve spent. After shooting multiple podcasts, I highly recommend you don’t miss this one.
We were talking life, leadership and all things in between.
Often, most leadership advice feels scripted — full of buzzwords and hollow catchphrases. But the truth is, leadership is messy. It’s about making mistakes, reinventing yourself, and learning to inspire without clinging to authority.
That’s why I sat down with Datuk Jake Abdullah — a man who has led radio stations, managed celebrities, jumped into fintech, built creative agencies, and even launched his own podcast. His career is proof that reinvention is survival and that great leadership is about lifting others, not standing in the spotlight alone.
Here’s what I learned from one of the very best.
My top 5 takeaways..
1. Leadership is about people, not positions
Datuk Jake reminded me that titles come and go — but the way you treat people lingers long after. He spoke about his days at Astro Radio, where he wasn’t just managing stations and talent, he was building an ecosystem of creativity. People followed him not because of his job title, but because of how he made them feel seen and valued.
It’s a reminder we all need: authority without empathy is empty.
2. Reinvention is the only constant
In 2019, he leapt into the fintech world with Fave, far from the comfort zone of broadcasting. Then, he built a creative agency (Pyjama Media) and later pursued his love for fitness and broadcasting by creating the OJ Chitchats podcast.
Each transition wasn’t just a career shift, but a lesson in humility. Reinvention is survival — and the courage to start over is what separates leaders from managers.
3. Turning businesses around is about energy, not ego
When Datuk Jake joined Media Prima Audio as a Strategic Advisor, his role wasn’t just about systems and strategies. It was about reigniting passion in the team, injecting belief that they could pivot and thrive.
The biggest insight here? Turnarounds don’t start with numbers on a spreadsheet. They start with people who believe in the mission again.
4. Leadership is service
What struck me most was how little he spoke about himself, and how much he emphasised others — the colleagues who challenged him, the young talents he mentored, the teams that made him look good.
It’s clear: true leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about creating a space where others’ voices rise higher.
5. Legacy is built in moments, not monuments
Sometimes, we think of legacy as a big, final achievement. But as Jake put it, it’s in the little things — the conversation you don’t rush, the risk you encourage someone to take, the door you open for someone else.
Leadership is less about the spotlight you stand under, and more about the shadows you step aside from so others can shine.
Final thoughts
This wasn’t just another conversation. It was a masterclass in what it really takes to lead in today’s world: adaptability, humility, and the ability to put people before ego.
If you’ve ever felt lost in your career, or if you’ve questioned what kind of leader you want to be, this episode will speak to you.
Hope you enjoy this one!
RV
