Episode 154: Ning-Jia Ong - A Bipolar Leader
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Leadership Conversations: The Untold Secrets of the C-Suite by Nick Jonsson, we are joined by Ning-Jia Ong, Deputy Managing Director at Pastry Pro Malaysia, as he courageously shares his personal story of leading with bipolar disorder and how embracing his mental health journey transformed his leadership style.
Ning-Jia opens up about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding bipolar leadership — a topic rarely discussed in the corporate world. He explains how managing his condition has shaped his emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience as a leader. Instead of viewing bipolar disorder as a limitation, Ning-Jia reframes it as a unique source of strength and creativity, allowing him to bring both intensity and innovation to his leadership approach.
Throughout the conversation, Nick and Ning-Jia explore how self-awareness, support systems, and openness about mental health can redefine the way leaders operate. Ning-Jia emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one’s mental health realities rather than hiding behind a façade of perfection. His message is clear: transparency and vulnerability are essential traits of modern leadership.
Listeners will gain deep insight into what it means to lead authentically — balancing the highs and lows of both mood and management. This episode challenges traditional notions of leadership by showing that mental health conditions do not disqualify someone from leading effectively. In fact, they can fuel compassion, adaptability, and a more human-centered workplace culture.
Tune in to hear Ning-Jia’s inspiring journey — a story that reminds us all that true leadership isn’t about being flawless, but about embracing every part of who we are.
Contact Ning-Jia to collaborate with him:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninjaong/
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