If you have dreams of wanting to transform your body too, to become fitter or simply because you have an important event coming up, stop wasting time experimenting on your own.

We live in a world where we are bombarded with different types of information coming at us from different directions. But at the end of the day, we know what we want. Go for it!

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While waiting for my stress management talk to start, I had a short chat with some of the participants. And just as we joked that it was a mere coincidence that we were all dressed in pink, albeit in different hues of the colour. 

Much has been discussed about the psychology of colours and how it tends to reflect the inner state of our emotions. So if I were to wear black, I could project an image of mystery or I could be extremely moody. But we all know black is a slimming colour. So are all those people wearing black feeling moody or wanting to act mysterious? Hmm…And how about pink? What connotations does it give?

Forget about the colour psychology theory as it’s just going to add more stress to our already stressed lives. 

Here at Avanade Singapore for the lunchtime stress management talk, it was a delight to see a good mix of both locals and foreign talent. It really doesn’t matter what our background is from or what is the job scope of our responsibilities…as all that matters is how we manage to manage our stress levels with the appropriate stress busting techniques. That was what I shared with the participants today. 

So sit back, relax and start living a stress free life after today by implementing the simple tips I just shared :)

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We all have many roles to play – the first role being our public role. That means who we present ourselves in front of others. For me, I’m a lifestyle coach. The other role is our personal role – who we are when we are relaxed and chilling out at home.

Many would already know my public role from the numerous grooming workshops, health and fitness talks and other trainings which I conduct. But much less is known of my personal role.

Well, at least until today when The Straits Times Life team interviewed me and shed more light of the personal life of Lionel Lim in the Collector’s Series.

Reading the papers on a lazy Saturday morning, it may come as a surprise to many that I actually collect toys. What makes for double the surprise is I have a private glass toy museum at home to house all my toys from my childhood days.

When I was approached for the interview, The Straits Times Life team decided to pitch it around my collection of 103 Smurfs. After all, the first Smurf movie was going to open in local cinemas in barely two weeks’ time. We all agreed it would make an interesting read.

But as the Life team dug further, they realized that I actually collect more toys than just Smurfs. Like most other guys who grew up in the 1980s, I also collected Star Wars (mine is the original 1984 collection), Masters of the Universe (think He-Man and Skeletor), MASK, Matchbox Toys and Transformers. In more recent years and from my travels around Asia, I started collecting Momo Bears as well.

I love Smurfs because they strike a chord with me being small, blue and cute. They also teach us the right values such as respect for your elders (think Papa Smurf), community before self (protect the Smurf Village) should Gargamel invade. Also interestingly, Smurfs project the different personas that are in all of us. We have Grumpy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, Clumsy Smurf, Vanity Smurf…the list goes on. 

Life to me was more than just growing up with the small, blue, barely three apples tall Smurfs. It was a time for bonding with Dad who started buying me toys and getting me interested in them. Growing up with no Internet back then, my only playtime was with my toys and with Dad teaching me how to take good care of them…to such a great extent that the toys are still in excellent condition today.

Looking at the creatures behind the glass toy museum, happy in their new enclaves, I cannot help but reminisce about the good old days when Dad was still alive. This was a legacy which father and son shared, a bond so intimate that only the toys themselves would live to speak of the tale. And this would be the same legacy I would share with my children and grandchildren in time to come…



PS: Click here to read about me in The Sunday Times: Dressed For Success (4 Sep 2011)

PPS: Click here to read about me in The Straits Times Mind Your Body Fit & Fab: Mr Confident (12 Jan 2012)

PPPS: Click here to read about me in Lianhe Wanbao Health & Wellness: Resistance Tube Exercises (29 Jan 2012)

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If there's any reason why I feel extra safe today, it’s because I’m at Gemalto. A world leader in digital security, Gemalto provides services and products that we are all familiar with – think smart cards, credit cards, tokens and e-passports.

Just like how each product is differentiated in terms of branding, each person likewise is personified by the way he carries himself. This is demonstrated through the dressing, style and overall confidence.

With a warm reception from the participants who packed the room, today’s grooming talk kicked off on a high note. Starting on a positive note is always a welcome sign for me as it signifies a positive response from the participants who appreciate my presence and are willing to engage in a two-way learning process. 

Leaving no stone unturned for the participants hailing from different countries and cultures, grooming is the common thread that binds all of us together. We all aspire to look better and feel better. It is this universal need that brings men and women together. When I shared on the male aspects, the females listened. And when it was time to talk female talk, the men too participated. We do not live in an island. Instead, we are surrounded by our loved ones, colleagues, suppliers and strangers – all of whom can benefit if we share what we have learnt today and pass it on.

Just like the security chip in any of the digital devices that Gemalto produces, just remember our image is the passport we project to the world. Create a positive first impression each time and every time. I’m be with you on your grooming journey :)

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Speaking to Cynthia Neo from the renowned J&C Bridal Collections is like catching up with an old friend over a cup of coffee. Warm and friendly, Cynthia bubbles with energy as she walks you through the beautiful moments of her 15 years in the bridal industry. An industry veteran, J&C Bridal Collections remains one of Singapore all-time favourites bridal studios.

Heading a team of eight like-minded staff at J&C Bridal Collections, Cynthia feels that the main role of any bridal studio is to realize the needs of the customers. In her own words, she says “we do our best each and every time to realize their dream wedding and spare no efforts to get the details right.” It is indeed this unwavering passion in what she does that makes her more than just a bridal studio owner. Perhaps the greatest similarity we share is that we both see ourselves as a friend to our customers, above all else.

Many a times when something happens, it happens for a reason. And that reason is often attributed to the fact that the Great Universe feels you are deserving of it. And so today, my moment arrived. My suits will henceforth all be sponsored by J&C Bridal Collections! With the generous sponsorship, I will now have plenty of reason to look extra stylish, dapper and immaculately dressed each time I have a social function to attend.

Looking at Cynthia at work, on how she fusses over every detail – from the stitches on the gown to that strand of fly-away hair, one envisions that this is definitely not a calling for the impatient. It’s also not always about work and work. But it’s definitely about bringing out the best in both the bride and groom. And yet having fun at the same time. 

Like what I share with my workshop participants, we should always wear a style that suits us best as it helps to boost our confidence. In this age and time, we want to look good for a multitude of reasons, but chief of them all is to look good externally and feel great internally. 

I particularly like the silver suit Cynthia designed for me as not only does it complement my skintone perfectly, it also makes me look like one of the Korean male heartthrobs in the various idol drama series. Regal yet trendy at the same time, I couldn’t help it but compliment Cynthia on her excellent choice as it’s just so my style. Thank you :)

For all the men out there who are looking for a bridal studio for your upcoming wedding or simply thinking of making a suit, you can seriously consider engaging Cynthia.

Contact her for a non-obligatory discussion today! The number to call is 62702925. And remember to tell her you liked what you saw Lionel wore as you may even get a discount!

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