Connection is at the heart of every meaningful relationship. It is what strengthens bonds, fuels trust, and creates a foundation that can weather any storm. For Yan Lim and Sebastian Lim, their connection isn’t just the glue that holds their marriage together – it’s also the force that drives their success as business partners.
At the peak of her career, Yan made the difficult decision to leave behind her decade-long career in PR to prioritise her second child. She and her husband had long hoped for a daughter, and they finally welcomed her 10 years after their firstborn son.
During this transition, an unexpected opportunity arose – a regional PR initiative, 1AES, under the Ministry of Finance. What started as a freelance gig to make ends meet soon became the spark for iOli Communications. But for Yan, it wasn’t just about business – it was about redefining industry norms.
Having experienced the long hours and personal sacrifices often expected in PR, she set out to build an agency where women could thrive professionally without compromising their personal lives. With this mission, Yan founded her own PR agency, iOli Communications.
Behind every strong leader is a strong supporter – Sebastian has been that for Yan in marriage and business alike.
Nine years later, as the leaders of iOli Communications, Yan and Sebastian’s ability to navigate both personal and professional challenges has been shaped by a deep understanding of each other, a shared vision, and an unwavering trust that transcends the walls of their company.
A partnership rooted in trust, respect, and a shared vision
Growing a business together wasn’t something the couple initially planned. While Yan took the leap first, Sebastian remained a strong supporter behind the scenes. Four years later, he officially joined iOli, bringing his financial expertise and structured mindset to the company.
What makes their business partnership work isn’t just a clear division of roles but the mutual trust that underpins every decision. “I don’t question his financial decisions in business, and he doesn’t interfere in the PR strategy,” Yan shares. “Seb and I have very different strengths, and that’s exactly what makes our partnership work both in business and in life.” This level of confidence in each other’s strengths means there’s no micromanaging, only trust and support.
Sebastian agrees, adding, “We respect each other’s abilities, and that’s carried over from our marriage into the way we run iOli. We know our strengths and weaknesses, and we complement each other rather than compete.”
At the same time, their success is driven by their shared vision, even as they bring different perspectives to the table. Yan sees success as more than just financial growth – it’s about building a business that takes care of people, from their team to their clients and the community. “iOli started as a way to feed my family, and that value of ‘feeding’ still guides everything we do today,” she explains.
Sebastian, on the other hand, approaches success with a more practical mindset. While they both want to create something meaningful, he ensures they have the financial stability and operational structure to sustain it.
“Yan is the heart of the business, and I make sure the engine runs smoothly,” he says. “When she dreams big, I figure out how to make it happen. When I get too focused on the numbers, she reminds me of the people behind them.”
Blending work and life with intention
Balancing work and personal life is a challenge for any couple, but for Yan and Sebastian, the key has been integration rather than separation. Instead of drawing strict lines between business and home, they’ve embraced a rhythm that allows their personal and professional lives to coexist harmoniously.
“We don’t see our work as something to escape from but rather as an extension of our lives and values,” Yan explains. The couple makes a conscious effort to remain present during personal moments, whether it’s family time with their four children or celebrating small business wins together.
One way they stay grounded as a couple is by following the “2-2-2 rule”. They schedule a date night every two weeks, a weekend getaway every two months, and a week-long vacation every two years. This structured approach ensures they carve out intentional moments of connection despite their busy schedules.
Lessons in love and leadership
Running a business together means navigating high-pressure situations, and one of their biggest tests came during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many companies were making cuts to survive, Yan’s instinct was to hold onto their team, even if it meant personal sacrifices. Sebastian, the pragmatic one, wanted to ensure financial stability.
“We had many difficult conversations, but in the end, I trusted her instincts,” Sebastian recalls. Yan’s decision paid off – when business rebounded, they had the right team in place to scale quickly. That moment solidified the essence of their connection: Yan, the heart-driven visionary, and Sebastian, the steady, strategic planner.
Beyond business, working together has deepened their understanding of each other. Yan has learned to set boundaries and embrace the idea that stepping away from work doesn’t mean losing control. For Sebastian, patience has been his greatest takeaway – recognising that supporting Yan means giving her space to thrive while also ensuring she doesn’t burn out.
“At the end of the day, we’re partners in life first,” Yan reflects. “The business is just an extension of that partnership.” Sebastian agrees, adding, “In business, just like in marriage, it’s not about who is right but about what is best for the bigger picture.”
Their advice for couples looking to venture into business together? “Respect each other’s strengths, define your roles, and communicate – especially when it’s uncomfortable,” Yan says. Sebastian adds, “And don’t forget to have fun. Business can be serious, but at the end of the day, you’re in this together – make sure you enjoy the journey.”
For Yan and Sebastian Lim, connection isn’t just about being together – it’s about growing together, both in life and in business. And that, above all else, is what keeps their partnership strong.
Discover more inspiring journeys from remarkable individuals here.
Photography by Imran Sulaiman