Imagine losing everything—could you fight your way back? In Part 2 of this episode, I continue my raw and powerful conversation with Josephus Tan, the "Gangster Lawyer." He reveals how he faced rock bottom and still found the strength to rise. Despite his career success, Josephus hit some brutal low points: Low Points: - Overcommitted to free legal work—almost bankrupt. - Marriage collapsed. - Suffered a mild stroke. - Ended up living in a van. But Josephus didn’t just survive—he came back stronger. His Comeback: - Started smoking at 12, quit at 45—his latest victory! - Rebuilt his life from nothing, twice. - Went from a 1-room flat to a penthouse. - Now a top lawyer, fiercely fighting for justice. In this episode, Josephus gets real about the hardest moments in life, the importance of second chances, and the advice he’d give his younger self. You’ll also hear critical tips on what to do if you’re arrested or caught in a police chase, and how defense lawyers handle client confessions. Josephus Tan’s story is your roadmap to resilience. This episode will move you—and leave you believing that no setback is final. Follow Josephus Tan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/ Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

00:00 Start of Episode

00:48 Pro Bono Overcommitment Leading to Debt

03:42 Near Bankruptcy and Failure of First Marriage

07:16 Suffering from a Medical Emergency

10:41 Going on Medication for the Rest of His Life

11:44 Becoming Pest Buster for Vessels

13:49 Dangers of Working on Vessels

15:30 Life of Living in a Van

18:38 Moments When Josephus’s Pride Is Shattered

22:15 Josephus’ Support in Tough Times

23:26 Josephus’ Advice for Life Struggles

25:49 From Pest Buster to Penthouse Owner

30:58 Josephus's Take on Embracing Second Chances

34:25 Remarkable Journey to Quit Smoking

40:33 Action Steps for Arrest Situations

42:49 How to Respond to a Police Chase Situation

45:45 How Defense Lawyers Handle Client Confessions

50:02 What Would Josephus Say to His Younger Self?

50:51 Personal Questions for Josephus

55:06 Outro

In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary guest, Josephus Tan, famously known as the "Gangster Lawyer," whose life story is a compelling testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and redemption.

Josephus shares candidly about his descent into gang life, his struggles with alcohol that led to destructive behaviour, and the moments of darkness that made him question his path.

At his lowest point, he nearly ended it all.

Discover how a profound spiritual awakening and a deep desire to make amends for his past guided him to quit drinking, pursue a law degree, and eventually train under the legendary criminal lawyer Subhas Anandan.

Join us as we explore his journey from despair to purpose, learning how he overcame his inner battles and embraced a life dedicated to justice and helping others. Plus, for the first time on After the Bar, Josephus reveals an exclusive update—his decision to quit smoking this year.

This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter one’s past, change is always within reach. Josephus Tan’s story will inspire you to believe in the possibility of redemption and the potential to create a better future.

Follow Josephus Tan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephus-tan-303352307/

Connect with me on LinkedIn at / shulinlee

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

• 00:00 Start of Episode

• 00:38 Introduction

• 01:41 From Bankruptcy to Owning a Law Firm

• 03:11 Formative Years of Josephus’ Life

• 05:52 Being a Victim of Bullying in School

• 10:22 Why Josephus Turned to Joining a Gang

• 11:45 The Reason Most Young People Join Gangs

• 17:12 Growing up Tough in a Blue-Collar Family

• 18:30 Understanding the Gangster Lifestyle

• 22:05 Why Do Gangsters Do What They Do

• 23:28 Josephus’ Epiphany: Moving On from Gang Life

• 25:38 Experiencing Fulfillment in National Service

• 27:07 Old Habits Die Hard

• 31:35 Finding Clarity Through Prayer and Self-Acceptance

• 36:16 The Journey Through Depression & Seeking Help

• 41:35 Josephus’ Push to Get His Diploma

• 49:43 Chasing a Law Degree Against All Odds

• 54:04 A Mother’s Love Fuels His Promise to Do Good

• 58:36 Outro

⛔️ Stop telling yourself you can’t pivot your career.

Think it’s impossible? Meet Lara Quie.

She went from:

➨ Lawyer to Montessori Teacher

➨ Teacher to Kitchen Designer

➨ Designer to BD Manager

➨ BD Manager to Coach

➨ Coach to Podcast Host

Lara Quie, dubbed the “Queen of Pivots” 👸🏻, has done it all.

She’s thrived in diverse roles across Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK, Spain, Germany, and Belgium.

Each transition wasn’t just a move—it was a reinvention. 🔥

—

Our latest podcast episode features Lara’s incredible journey of transformation.

Curious about:

➥ How to navigate a mid-life career switch?

➥ Can you make a U-turn if it fails?

➥ How to brand yourself on LinkedIn?

Join us as Lara unveils the secrets of her career pivots, offering you a roadmap to follow.

Learn from a top executive coach who’s just moved from Singapore 🇸🇬 back to the UK. 🇬🇧

🌟If Lara can pivot her career across multiple industries and countries, why can’t you?

Ready to rewrite your career story?

Follow Lara Quie:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraquie/

Podcast with Lara Quie:

https://thelegalgeniepodcast.buzzsprout.com

Connect with me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

More on the podcast - https://www.AfterTheBar.com.sg

What to listen for:

• 00:00 Start of Episode

• 00:40 Introduction

• 01:48 The Queen of Pivots: Lara’s Multiple Careers

• 08:34 Lara’s Opportunity Cost When She Pivoted

• 10:06 Having a Supportive Husband and Friends When Pivoting

• 12:55 The Legal Industry: Expectations vs Reality

• 14:47 Looking Back: What Lara Would Have Done Differently

• 16:00 Lara’s Coaching for Career Pivots

• 20:12 What to ‘Unlearn’ to Change Career Paths

• 23:22 Learn From Lara’s Experience in Career Pivots

• 26:24 How to Gain Clarity in What You Want to Do

• 29:22 If Money and Failure Were Not a Concern: What Would Lara Do

• 31:06 Lara’s Journey on LinkedIn

• 34:45 Tips for Personal Branding on Linkedin

• 42:56 How to Start on LinkedIn

• 45:39 Lawyers on LinkedIn with Strong Personal Branding

• 47:09 Lara’s Farewell to Singapore

• 48:56 Rapid Fire Round

• 51:09 Outro