343: The Secret to Building a Viral Community (Even If You Feel Like an Outsider) with Krystl Fabella

What if the very thing that made you feel like an outsider was the seed for a global movement?
This week, Dr. Neeta Bhushan sits down with powerhouse community builder and founder of Filipino on the Rise, Krystl Fabella. From growing up disconnected from her cultural roots to becoming the voice and face behind one of the most powerful diasporic movements of our time, Krystl shares the raw, real journey of navigating belonging, loneliness, burnout, and leadership as a woman of color and digital entrepreneur.
In this deeply moving conversation, they unpack the real costs of being a founder, the unspoken loneliness of community leaders, and the revolutionary power of storytelling, visibility, and choosing to show up imperfectly. Whether you're a creative, community builder, or woman navigating identity, this episode will leave you inspired to build from your pain and root into purpose.
What you'll get out of this episode…
- What it actually takes to build community (hint: it’s not just throwing events)
- The unexpected dark side of being a founder and community leader
- How loneliness hides behind success—and what to do about it
- The exact three tenets that create thriving, long-lasting communities
- Why your story—and your voice—matter more than you think
- How to transform your pain of invisibility into a movement of belonging
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Connect with Krystl
WEB / www.filipinaontherise.com
IG / @filipinaontherise
LINKEDIN / www.linkedin.com/in/krystlfabella
YOUTUBE / @filipinaontherise
PODCAST / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filipina-on-the-rise/id1456986579
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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!
YOUTUBE / @TheBraveTable
IG / @neetabhushan
IG / @thebravetable
TIKTOK / @neeta.bhushan
WEB / https://neetabhushan.com
If you loved this episode, check out…
Ep. #329: The Hidden Secret to Building a Million-Dollar Network with Selena Soo (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)
Ep. #306: From Fake Friends to Soulful Connections: How to Spot & Build Real Relationships with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)
Ep. #277: The Secret to Thriving Relationships: Boundaries, Healing, and Connection with Simone Heng (Apple | Spotify | YouTube)
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Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x award-winning author, emotional health advocate, and host of The Brave Table podcast. CEO of Highest Self Institute and author of That Sucked, Now What, she’s been featured in Forbes, ABC, and more. A former dentist turned global speaker, Neeta’s work blends psychology, ancient wisdom, and resilience from her own life experiences. She's also a mom, wellness lover, and chai enthusiast.