Nellie Wartoft: The Chief Change Officer Behind Leaders and The McDonald’s Effect — Part One

Part One.

I’m joined by Nellie Wartoft, someone I like to call the chief change officer behind change leaders. Originally from Europe, she’s spent years in Asia—especially Singapore—working across cultures. Now based in the U.S., Nellie is the founder and CEO of Tiger Hall, a tech-driven platform helping organizations navigate change more effectively.

This is part one of a two-part series.

In these episodes, we’ll dive into navigating cultural differences across three regions, why most change initiatives fail, and how to set up for success. If you’ve ever struggled with change—whether in your career, company, or life—this series is for you.

Key Highlights of Our Interview

More Cows Than People: The Swedish Small-Town Origin Story

“Growing up in a small village in southern Sweden—population: lots of cows, not many humans—instilled an early drive to explore bigger horizons. For professional and cultural reasons, leaving was a must.”

The McDonald’s Effect: Discovering Professional Passions

“The guest credits their time flipping burgers at McDonald’s as a pivotal moment in shaping their career. It was there they discovered their love for three key elements: a high-paced environment, the thrill of commercial success, and the art of leadership. These ‘professional addictions’ would become the foundation of every role they pursued.”

Resilience and Identity: Anchoring Yourself Beyond Titles

“Basing your identity on external factors like job titles or status is a risky game—what happens if they’re taken away? Instead, ground your sense of self in unshakable traits: hard work, learning, good intentions, or resilience. These are constants, no matter what life throws your way.”

Life of Adventure vs. Life of Leisure

“Challenging societal norms, the guest recounts a thought-provoking quote: ‘A life of leisure is hell, and a life of adventure and purpose is heaven.’ From childhood, we’re often told to seek rest and relaxation, but the guest argues that purpose and adventure are what truly give life meaning.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nellie Wartoft

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Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.

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