Today’s episode is about a Gen Z Filipina entrepreneur, digital nomad and youth advocate, Dun Concha Abiera whose story is not just one of building a business but a story of building a business while championing youth-related social causes.
Dun started as a freelance copywriter only to realize that she could grow a digital marketing agency, Work Beyond Borders, with a remote team, favouring hiring single mothers.
Her social platform, Yabong, is about youth driving change in the community using digital approaches. Dun’s approach to leading her digital marketing agency and nonprofit organization intertwines with her deeply held values of belonging and authenticity.
Serendipity Meets Ambition
Dun started freelancing as a copywriter during her university years as a way to support herself. Her venture unexpectedly expanded from taking freelance projects to managing multiple clients, eventually leading to the birth of her business, Work Beyond Borders.
Dun’s story reminds us of Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure…” This belief underlines her journey, emphasizing the importance of showing up, taking risks and daring to lead, even amidst uncertainties.
Running A Business and Non-Profit
For Dun, entrepreneurship goes beyond profit—it’s about purpose and passion. She speaks eloquently about her journey from copywriter to agency owner and young leader, always rooted in the mission to make a difference.
Her nonprofit, Yabong, focuses on youth digital literacy, showing her commitment to community and social responsibility. The dual role of running a business and nurturing a nonprofit highlights her belief that one can pursue both passion and purpose diligently.
Digital Nomading and Challenges of Remote Work
Being a digital nomad brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Dun speaks candidly about the realities of remote work, emphasizing the importance of community and the silent confidence it requires. Despite the physical distance from her team and community, Dun utilizes tools like Google Suite and Slack to maintain effective communication and collaboration. She emphasizes asking oneself if remote work truly aligns with one’s personal and professional needs, reminding us that authenticity is about being true to oneself.
Fortune Favours The Bold
Authenticity, according to Dun, is about understanding and embracing one’s true self—an idea encapsulated in her favorite mantra, “Fortis Fortuna Adiuvat” or “Fortune favors the bold.” This mantra, coupled with insights from her favourite book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” underscores her leadership style, which prioritizes integrity and alignment between values and actions.
She is deeply influenced by the people around her—her family, colleagues, and the communities she serves—as well as the vision of who she aspires to become.
Away from work, she finds serenity in Pilates and yoga, and has a fondness for French and Italian cuisine. Her eclectic musical tastes and love for books complement her multifaceted personality. She is inspired by her surroundings and cherishes the alignment between her values and actions which she believes shapes her identity as a leader and an individual.
Dun emphatically says that freedom and autonomy is important for young digital natives, increasingly more critical than money. Entrepreneurship is a means towards making money and yet money is secondary to purpose, freedom and autonomy over one’s life. It’s something to reflect upon; for in this clarifying statement lies the true motivation for Gen Z entrepreneurs.
Krista’s newest program – From Vision To Voice – is now accepting applications for the September 2025 cohort. FInd out more about the program and apply if you qualify!