Val Gnanakone: Success, Pressure and Becoming Yourself

Help Shape the Podcast: To keep improving the podcast, we’d love to know a little more about you. We’ve created a quick 2-question survey that takes about 10 seconds. As a thank you, you’ll go into the draw to win a $100 prize (drawn on April 30). 👉 Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/nK52PuGAdpQtBmjB9 Show Notes: What if success was never just about getting through school, getting the degree, and starting work? In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with Val Gnanakone to explore expectation, education and what success really means as life unfolds. Val’s story begins with transition. Moving from Singapore to Australia as a young person, he quickly realised that school, culture and expectations looked very different here. At the same time, he was growing up in a family and culture where education wasn’t optional, it was essential. There was an expectation to work hard, get through, get the degree, and begin your career. And in many ways, that’s exactly what he did. But what makes Val’s story worth listening to is not just that he stayed the course. It’s that he has taken the time to reflect on what that path gave him, what it cost, and how his definition of success has evolved. This conversation is thoughtful, grounded and especially valuable for listeners navigating pressure, identity and expectation. Val speaks honestly about discipline, family influence, doing what was expected, and what it has taken to arrive at a more different view of success... one shaped not just by achievement, but by contributing andbfeeling comfort in yourself. If you’re a parent trying to help your child work hard without overwhelming them, this episode will share different perspective and insights. If you’re someone wondering whether you need to have it all mapped out right now, this conversation will help you breathe a little easier. What You’ll Hear in This Episode • What it was like moving from Singapore into Australian schooling • How culture and family shaped Val’s approach to education • Why education felt essential, not optional • The pressure and benefits of a disciplined, back-to-back pathway • What Val now sees differently about success • Why contribution and self-understanding matter more over time • What parents can do to support without overloading • Why every young person’s path unfolds differently Because one score doesn't define us and one path doesn't have to define your whole life. 🎧 Help Shape the Podcast 🎧 At More Than a Score, we’re all about helping parents and young people redefine success and see there’s more than one pathway. To keep improving the podcast, we’d love to know a little more about you. We’ve created a quick 2-question survey that takes about 10 seconds. As a thank you, you’ll go into the draw to win a $100 prize (drawn on April 30). 👉 Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/nK52PuGAdpQtBmjB9