A few years later, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is less about having everything figured out and more about learning to navigate uncertainty.

In this solo episode, I share five things I wish I knew before starting my business.

I talk about:

• Unstable revenue
• Why being good at your work is not enough
• How confidence comes after action
• Why boundaries are essential
• Why growth takes longer than you think

I hope these lessons help you set more realistic expectations and avoid some unnecessary stress.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(01:30) Lesson 1: Revenue Reality

(04:12) Lesson 2: Visibility Matters

(06:12) Lesson 3: Confidence Builds

(08:05) Lesson 4: Set Boundaries

(10:09) Lesson 5: Slow Growth

(12:19) Final thoughts

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Until one day, he realised he didn’t want to just tell their stories anymore, he wanted to build.

In this episode, we talk about what it takes to move from observing to building, pivot across industries and stay relevant over time.

Anthony shares how he built Finoverse, the company behind Hong Kong FinTech Week, one of the leading fintech events globally and how he’s now entering a new chapter in AI.

We also explore something deeper: why, in a world increasingly shaped by AI, human connection might become your biggest advantage.

In this episode, we cover:

– The shift from observer to builder

– Leaving journalism to start from scratch

– Building Hong Kong FinTech Week With Finoverse

– Why most founders misunderstand “staying relevant”

– How AI is changing the way we connect

– Why human relationships matter more than ever

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:31) Meet Anthony Sar

(01:38) Journalism Roots

(02:45) From observer to Builder

(03:36) Entrepreneurship MBA

(05:34) Risk and Curiosity

(08:18) Moving to Asia

(10:06) First Startup in HK

(12:37) Founding Finoverse

(13:38) Reinventing Conferences

(16:06) Hong Kong Fintech Week

(16:58) Scaling with Storytelling

(18:43) Beyond Events Community

(20:04) Challenges and Trust

(22:47) Earning Trust Early

(23:26) Co-CEO Dynamics

(24:54) Why Pivot to AI

(26:52) Events Need Better Matches

(28:53) Samantha AI Explained

(31:44) Voice Calls and LLMs

(32:57) Business Model Insights

(34:00) AI for Real Connection

(37:34) Ethics of Humanising AI

(39:43) Relevance Through Values

(43:46) Stay in the Game

(47:10) Closing and Outro

👉 To find out more:

Finoverse

Check out Anthony on LinkedIn

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That may be enough to change how I think and decide.

In this solo episode, I reflect on what really stayed with me after all these conversations and how it changed the way I listen.

I talk about:

• how little we actually retain from conversations
• stories of patience, resilience and determination
• the lessons that stayed with me from past guests

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:47) Reflecting on How Much We Remember From a Conversation

(04:24) Alison Chan's Father's Inspiring Journey

(07:55) Laurie Mias's Determination with MONO Skincare

(11:14) Jingjin Liu on Pricing with Confidence

(13:16) Conclusion

Listen to the entire episodes:

Alison Chan and her father's story

Laurie Mias and how she built MONO Skincare

Jingjin Liu about building confidence and owning up to your pricing

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years in the corporate world in Paris, I hit a wall: burnout, loss of motivation and a growing feeling that I needed to change something.

In this solo episode, I (re)share the story behind that turning point. How I left corporate life, moved abroad and slowly rebuilt a career that felt more aligned.

I talk about:

• what burnout really looked like for me
• the decision to leave everything familiar behind
• starting over in Hong Kong
• finding my first clients and building my marketing agency
• launching the Asian Business Owners podcast

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:27) My life in Paris before COVID

(03:17) Burnout and losing motivation

(06:17) The decision to move to Hong Kong

(07:33) Starting over and finding purpose again

(11:05) Launching my podcast

(14:10) Lessons learned & reflections

(18:18) Closing thoughts

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 2 of my conversation with Rasheed, entrepreneur and host of Entrepreneurs Stories Podcast.

In this episode, we talk about the personal side of building a business and the part that affects your life outside of work.

What we discussed:

• Why not everyone will understand your journey
• Why your close circle isn’t your target audience
• How your priorities and lifestyle naturally evolve
• Friendships, expectations and letting go
• Choosing energy over expectations

🎧 If you haven’t listened yet, start with Part 1: Clients, boundaries and the people around you.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:27) The Mountain Mindset

(01:46) Gym Discipline

(04:17) Look Back Progress

(05:21) Goals and Balance

(07:00) Unexpected Podcast Origin

(09:33) Crafting Real Conversations

(12:39) Entrepreneur Personal Growth

(14:16) Therapy and Self Awareness

(16:12) Loyalty and Consistency

(17:40) Loyalty to Values

(18:16) Therapy as Investment

(19:40) The Ten Year Game

(21:13) No Shortcuts Myth

(22:45) Social Media Reality Check

(23:45) Founder Life and Family

(27:11) Passion That Spreads

(29:10) Five Pillars of Purpose

(30:47) Purpose Without Pressure

(32:51) Keep Your Childlike Wonder

(33:58) Closing

👉 To find out more:

Listen to Entrepreneur Stories podcast

Check out Rasheed on LinkedIn

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode with Rasheed, host of the Entrepreneurs Stories podcast, we talk openly about the less visible side of entrepreneurship.

Here's what we cover:

• Why building in public feels vulnerable at first
• The challenge of setting boundaries with demanding clients
• People, teams, delegation and the difficulty of letting go
• How entrepreneurship changes your friendships, priorities and support system
• Why energy matters so much

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:37) The Fear of Building in Public

(02:18) Entrepreneurship Never Stops

(05:20) How Carmen Started Her Marketing Agency

(06:48) Client Boundaries Reality

(07:39) Cross Platform Marketing Agency

(08:45) Small Clients Ask More

(12:54) Rasheed's Multiple Businesses

(14:09) People and Team Energy

(16:32) Delegation and Trust

(18:04) Hands Off vs Micromanage

(21:35) Reframing Client Conflict

(24:18) Setting Client Boundaries

(26:03) Friendships and Entrepreneurship

(30:05) Changing Priorities and Drinking

(31:08) Support Systems and Spouses

(32:51) Entrepreneurs See Each Other

(34:38) Closing of Part 1

👉 To find out more:

Listen to Entrepreneur Stories podcast

Check out Rasheed on LinkedIn

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 2 of this personal solo episode of Asian Business Owners. I continue sharing what I still find difficult as a founder, what the reality behind running a business is.

If you haven't listened to Part 1, where I talk about unstable income, ups and downs and mental load, go have a listen before tuning to Part 2.

In this second part, I talk about:

• The challenge of managing time
• The weight of responsibility that comes with entrepreneurship
• The expectations we carry as founders

These are things we don’t talk about enough but that most founders experience.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:45) More Aspects of Entrepreneurship I Struggle With

(01:19) Time Management

(02:37) How to Deal With Priorities And Energy

(04:49) Carrying The Weight On Your Shoulders

(06:18) A Vision Without Guarantees

(08:01) Support the Podcast

(08:52) Outro

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s the mistake.

In this Quick Wins episode, I talk about a different way to reset, to actually create clarity and sustainability.

You’ll hear:

• Why you should stopping adding more
• How to redefine success
• Why motivation isn’t the problem

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to A.B.O. Quick Wins

(00:13) Do you reset by addiing new goals?

(00:27) #1 Remove before you add

(00:48) #2 What does success mean to you?

(01:15) #3 This is what to reset instead of blaming motivation

(01:46) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of Asian Business Owners, I share, very honestly, what I still find difficult as a founder. Just the reality behind running a business.

In this first part, I talk about:

• Unstable income and what money really represents
• The constant ups and downs
• Why doubt never fully goes away
• The mental load that never switches off

These are things we don’t talk about enough but that most founders experience.

Keep an eye out, part 2 is coming next week!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:37) What Aspects of Entrepreneurship Do You Struggle With?

(01:24) Unstable Income

(03:33) Never Ending Ups and Downs

(05:10) Doubt and Big Questions

(08:24) Constant Mental Load

(10:56) Wrap Up, Don't Miss Part Two

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know why?

In this Quick Wins episode, I break down why your audience isn’t converting and what to change to turn attention into actual business.

What you'll learn:

• Why most followers don’t understand what you offer
• How to communicate your offer clearly without feeling repetitive
• How to create urgency with the right offers

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to A.B.O. Quick Wins

(00:13) Your follows don't buy anything from you?

(00:23) #1 Stop assuming this

(00:55) #2 Decision-making content

(01:34) #3 Human interactions

(02:05) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And what happens when the data looks solid but the assumptions behind it aren’t?

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sit down with Tamir Abdel-Wahab, co-founder of Preferences AI, to talk about how founders can use data more critically, what most companies still get wrong about market research and why AI and Web3 may change the way businesses understand customers.

We talk about:

• Why many companies still make decisions based more on instinct than real data
• How bias, incentives and blind spots affect market research
• Why traditional market research is dead
• How AI tools can help founders understand customers faster
• What Web3 really means beyond the buzzwords and why it overpromised
• The keys for founders to think more clearly about data, ownership and decision-making

✅ Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:54) Behind-the-scenes: Family Legacy and Values

(02:49) Behind-the-scenes: When to Have Kids As a Founder

(04:00) Behind-the-scenes: Always On Founder Mindset

(05:01) Meet Tamir and Preferences AI

(07:19) Data Bias and Confirmation

(10:59) Market Research Is Dead

(12:33) Digital Twins and Simulations

(15:31) Memory Layers Explained

(19:28) Philosophy of Prediction

(24:25) Trust and Data Quality

(26:21) Web3 for Verifiable Responses

(27:15) Enriching User Data

(28:11) Training the Digital Twin

(29:06) Tamir's Story: From Finance to Web3

(33:08) Web3 Explained Simply

(35:37) Web3 Hype vs Reality

(40:09) Data Ownership Incentives

(41:03) Next Two Years in AI

(42:53) Autonomous Agents and Safety

(45:30) Choosing Trusted Tools

(47:16) Founder Lessons From Tamir

(50:49) Outro

✅ Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

👉 To find out more:

Tamir on LinkedIn

Preferences AI website

Preferences AI on LinkedIn

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They look exciting, promise growth and they often make you wonder if you’re missing something.

But not every trend deserves your time.

In this A.B.O. Quick Wins episode, I share three simple questions founders can use to decide whether a marketing trend is actually worth exploring.

I talk about:

• Your audience’s attention matters more than the trend itself
• How trends should amplify your strengths, not create new ones
• Testing small to evaluate new marketing ideas

Marketing trends can be useful but only if they align with your audience, your strengths and your capacity to execute consistently.

Timestamps:

(00:13) Which trends should you follow?

(00:31) Where is your audience's attention?

(01:02) Does a trend match your strength?

(01:34) Can you test it small before scaling?

(01:58) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some look exciting, some feel urgent, some sound too good to say no to.

But one of the most important skills in entrepreneurship is learning when saying no is actually the healthiest decision for your business.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I share five situations where I’ve learned that saying no protects your time, energy and long-term focus as a founder.

I talk about:

• When someone else’s urgency becomes your emergency
• Projects that look interesting but come with messy context
• Opportunities that start with too many unknowns
• Hidden free work
• Saying yes when you’re already overloaded

Your business doesn’t only grow through the things you say yes to, it also grows through the opportunities you decide not to take on.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:38) Why Saying No Matters

(01:37) Urgency Is Not Yours

(03:23) Heavy Project Context

(04:54) Too Many Unknowns

(06:33) Hidden Free Work

(08:00) Overloaded Schedule Trap

(09:29) Final Takeaways

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Constant emails.

Extra requests.

More reassurance than expected.

If this sounds familiar, the issue usually isn’t the client, it’s the boundaries that were never clearly set.

In this Quick Wins episode, I share 3 practical ways founders can build healthier client relationships while protecting their time and focus.

We talk about:

• Defining scope clearly at the start of a project
• Why over-delivering creates new expectations instead of gratitude
• Turning boundaries into systems instead of awkward conversations

Setting boundaries isn’t about pushing clients away.

Timestamps:

(00:13) Do You Have Very Demanding Clients Who Pay Little?

(00:43) Define the Scope Super Clearly

(01:26) Stop Over-Delivering

(02:16) Turn Boundaries Into Systems

(02:45) Don't Be Afraid to Set Boundaries

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saying yes too fast, replying instantly, overdelivering more than expected, explaining and justifying every decision.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I share five boundaries I had to learn as a people-pleasing founder to protect my time, regain clarity and grow a more sustainable business.

These shifts didn’t happen overnight, they took years of noticing patterns and learning to respond differently.

What I talk about:

• why replying instantly can create unnecessary pressure
• taking time before committing to requests
• clarifying expectations instead of overdelivering
• why you don’t need to overexplain your decisions
• deciding in advance who gets access to your time

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:31) Are you a people pleaser?

(00:45) What being a people pleasing founder costs

(01:36) Tip 1 Pause replies

(03:15) Tip 2 Delay commitments

(04:15) Tip 3 Clarify expectations

(05:20) Tip 4 Stop overexplaining

(06:42) Tip 5 Protect access

(07:50) Wrap up

(08:35) Outro

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You revisit it. Question it. Sometimes even consider undoing it completely.

In this Quick Wins episode, I break down why, as founders, we second-guess our decisions so often and how to stop letting doubt take over our headspace.

The way to overcome this isn't to become more confidence but rather to better understand what’s actually happening when we doubt ourselves.

What you'll hear:

• Why most founder decisions are made in isolation
• How lack of anchoring creates endless mental loops
• Emotional discomfort vs real strategic risk
• Reversible vs irreversible decisions
• Why clarity comes after commitment

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to A.B.O. Quick Wins

(00:13) You Make a Decision And Keep Revisiting It

(00:39) Reduce Isolation Before Deciding

(01:58) Don't Confuse Emotional Discomfort With Strategic Risk

(03:06) Commitment Rule Over Certainty

(04:15) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, we explore how your voice shapes confidence, credibility and leadership often before your words are fully heard.

Together with executive voice coach David Pope, we unpack why many founders and leaders sound less confident than they actually are and how voice, presence and authenticity are deeply connected.

We talk about:

• How people subconsciously judge confidence through voice
• Why leadership presence is often heard before it’s understood
• The difference between sounding confident and sounding authentic
• Common voice habits that undermine credibility
• How founders and leaders can find a voice that truly reflects who they are

✅ Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:31) Meet My Guest: David Pope

(01:41) Beginnings In the Media London

(03:21) Working For the BBC

(04:21) Hong Kong for Six Months

(07:36) Founding All Voice Talent

(09:51) From Producer to Voice Coach

(14:12) This or That Quickfire

(14:56) Voice Coaching Process

(18:40) Confidence Tips and Programmes

(20:52) Culture Accent and Intelligibility

(23:31) Speak Up to Lead

(24:23) High Pitch Voices and Credibility

(26:30) Posture Breath and Resonance

(27:35) Top Speaking Mistakes

(29:37) Three Pillars of Communication

(30:42) Record Review and Transcribe

(32:13) Storytelling for Recall

(33:09) Gender Patterns and Confidence

(35:57) Authentic Feedback and Care

(39:32) Lessons For Founders

(43:13) Closing

✅ Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

👉 To find out more:

David on LinkedIn

All Voice Talent's website

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, I share 3 simple ways to turn conversations into clients, without pitching, forcing, or sounding salesy. If this keeps happening to you, it’s usually because the conversation never actually moves forward.

What you'll hear:

• why solving too early kills momentum
• how to listen for signals instead of surface interest
• asking permission instead of pitching

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to A.B.O. Quick Wins

(00:13) People Are Interested But Nothing Happens

(00:37) Stop Solving Too Early

(01:14) Listen For Signals

(01:52) Ask Before Pitching

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I share 7 concrete ways I use ChatGPT in my day-to-day as a founder to reduce mental load, save time and make better decisions.

Spoiler alert: there's no magic prompts, no overnight success. I share real use cases from my work.

You’ll hear how I use ChatGPT for:

• generating content ideas with context, not generic prompts
• organising my thinking with one thread per topic
• translating content accurately
• refining strategy and turning ideas into next steps
• preparing quotations and pricing with more confidence
• improving podcast metadata
• getting an external perspective when things feel stuck

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:38) Why founders should use ChatGPT (and what this episode covers)

(01:27) 1- Content ideas that actually match your niche

(02:53) 2- One ChatGPT thread per topic to keep context

(03:35) 3- Translating content

(04:10) 4- Refining strategy: challenge assumptions & turn ideas into next steps

(05:03) 5- Quotations & pricing: scope checks, benchmarks, confidence

(05:53) 6- Podcast metadata, descriptions, thumbnails & SEO

(06:43) 7- External perspective: stuck moments, client issues, hard emails

(07:34) Wrap-up: ChatGPT doesn’t replace thinking + final piece of advice

(08:29) DM me, subscribe and leave a review

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You end each day frustrated, thinking about all the things you haven't done.

In this Quick Wins episode, I share 3 simple prioritisation rules for founders who feel overwhelmed, reactive and stuck in constant urgency. When everything feels like a priority, nothing really is.

What this episode covers:

• Why urgent doesn’t always mean important
• How to identify tasks that truly move the needle
• Choosing one or two real priorities per day
• Protecting thinking and strategy time

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to A.B.O. Quick Wins

(00:13) How to Handle Endless To-Do Lists?

(00:35) Urgent Doesn't Mean Important

(01:42) Choose Your Priority Every Day

(02:13) Protect Your Thinking Time

(02:44) Important Reminder to Prioritise Your Work

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sit down with Jasmine Liu, a former banker who experienced burnout in 2017 while working in the fast-paced banking world in Hong Kong.

What followed was not just a career change but a complete shift in perspective.

After a transformative trip to Bhutan, Jasmine began questioning the corporate lifestyle she once embraced. She eventually founded Maestro Wellness, a B2B platform focused on improving corporate wellbeing and launched the Build Well, Live Well Summit to help organisations rethink performance, health and longevity.

We talk about:

• What burnout really feels like behind closed doors
• Why high performers often ignore early warning signs
• Transitioning from corporate banking to entrepreneurship
• Building a wellness business from scratch
• Launching a B2B platform
• Redefining ambition and long-term success

Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:30) Get a free day pass at Garage Society

(00:49) Jasmine's Background

(01:48) Experiencing Burnout and Its Impact

(06:52) Journey to Bhutan: A Turning Point

(09:20) Returning to Hong Kong: A New Perspective

(13:59) Transition to FinTech and Learning

(15:48) Building a Meaningful Business from Scratch

(19:27) Starting an E-Commerce Platform

(20:20) Sourcing High-Quality Products

(21:06) Managing Logistics and Operations

(22:24) Transition to MaestroWellness

(22:51) Addressing Corporate Wellbeing

(25:10) Building the B2B Wellness Platform

(32:26) What Companies Get Wrong about Corporate Wellbeing

(33:39) The Build Well, Live Well Summit

(36:06) Lessons for Future Founders

(37:56) Conclusion and Event Reminder

Get your free day pass at Garage Society!

👉 To find out more:

Jasmine on LinkedIn

Attend the Build Well, Live Well Summit here

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I share:

- Why most founders repurpose content the wrong way

- A simple system to multiply content without losing quality

- How to stay consistent without posting daily

Timestamps:

(00:13) Are You Tired of Creating Content?

(00:26) One Strong Core Idea

(00:55) Repurpose It

(01:30) Adapt But Never Duplicate

(02:15) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Then life changed and his definition of success evolved with it.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sit down with Cyril Dhenaut, an entrepreneur shaped by Southeast Asia’s intense startup ecosystem, who experienced hypergrowth, agency building, exits and executive roles before making intentional career and life shifts after becoming a father.

We talk about:

• the real cost of hypergrowth
• how success evolves as founders evolve
• startup exits and identity
• balancing ambition, health and family
• choosing alignment over constant acceleration

Listen to the story of an entrepreneur entering a new chapter, moving away from a successful path to find alignment in another successful one.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:31) Meet Cyril Dhenaut: A Journey Through High-Intensity Careers

(01:37) Misconceptions About Success

(04:16) Early Career Ambitions in France

(07:06) First Steps in Malaysia: A New Beginning

(08:40) The Fast-Paced Startup Environment

(11:22) Unexpected Layoff and New Opportunities

(14:00) Founding the First Agency

(16:43) Scaling the Agency Quickly

(22:40) Acquisition and Transition to CMO

(24:44) This or That Questions

(26:08) Reflecting on Career Choices

(26:29) Embracing Transitions: Career and Country Changes

(27:46) A New Opportunity: Joining a MarTech Company

(28:52) A Short Stint and a New Agency Idea

(31:22) Founding A Second Agency

(32:56) Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life

(34:29) Scaling the Agency and Facing Challenges

(43:02) Exiting the Agency and Choosing Family

(48:14) A New Chapter: Interim Executive and Advisor

(53:31) Defining Success and Lessons Learned

👉 To find out more:

Cyril on LinkedIn

To follow my journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you manage to get conversions?

In this Quick Wins episode, I explain how to choose one marketing channel to focus on based on your business model and your target audience.

You’ll learn:

- Why being everywhere is killing your results

- How to identify the channel that matches how you sell

- What to ignore

Timestamps:

(00:12) You Feel Scattered Between Multiple Platforms?

(00:34) Where Is Your Audience?

(01:08) One Channel = One Goal

(01:42) Consistency Beats Creativity

(02:02) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But after a while, developing your business, you realise some of the things that you do drain your energy and blur your focus, which ends up slowing your growth.

In this solo episode, I share 8 bad habits I had to unlearn while running my business and growing Asian Business Owners podcast. For example, I stopped making weekly to-do lists, instant responsiveness... I'd be curious to know your bad habits, share them with me on LinkedIn or Instagram (links below).

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:52) What I Learned from Business and Podcasting

(01:09) Bad Habit 1: Perfectionism

(02:18) Bad Habit 2: Weekly To-Do Lists

(03:02) Bad Habit 3: Instant Responses

(03:50) Bad Habit 4: Doing Admin Tasks

(04:27) Bad Habit 5: Saying Yes Against My Gut

(05:16) Bad Habit 6: Back-to-Back Calls

(06:08) Bad Habit 7: Delaying Strategic Thinking

(07:02) Bad Habit 8: Letting Meetings Dictate Workouts

(08:10) Bonus Bad Habit

(08:59) Conclusion

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I break down:

- The different types of tasks

- The tasks you shouldn't be doing yourself

- A simple test to decide what stays with you and what goes

Timestamps:

(00:13) Do you struggle to delegate?

(00:37) The types of tasks easy to delegate and the best practices

(01:08) Low-risks tasks and setting expectations

(01:36) Which tasks drain your energy?

(02:07) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“What’s your favourite episode?” “Which founder left the biggest impression on you?”

To be honest, I don’t remember everything but there’s always one thing that stays.

In this solo episode, I share how I changed the way I listen to other's stories and I tell a few stories that truly stayed with me.

You’ll hear about:

• The % of a conversation we actually remember
• The power of one key insight over more information
• Stories of patience, resilience and determination from past guests

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:47) Reflecting on How Much We Remember From a Conversation

(04:24) Alison Chan's Father's Inspiring Journey

(07:55) Laurie Mias's Determination with MONO Skincare

(11:14) Jingjin Liu on Pricing with Confidence

(13:16) Conclusion

Listen to the entire episodes:

Alison Chan and her father's story

Laurie Mias and how she built MONO Skincare

Jingjin Liu about building confidence and owning up to your pricing

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why selling feels awkward for founders

- The mindset shift that makes selling feel natural

- How to talk about your offer through problems, not promises

Timestamps:

(0:23) Share problems, not solutions

(0:58) Talk about decisions, not features

(1:26) Invite instead of pushing

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, meet Mehroo, coach and founder of Mums at Play. Mehroo shares her journey from Miss India and corporate career in India to navigating motherhood, career pivots and starting her own coaching business in Hong Kong.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to navigate identity shifts and transitions
• Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and limiting beliefs
• The importance of mental fitness, consistency and persistence in business

I love stories of reinvention and I can tell you this one is fascinating. Enjoy!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:32) Meet Mehroo: Coach and Founder

(02:02) Mehroo's Journey: From Miss India to Motherhood

(04:30) Navigating Career Transitions and Motherhood

(08:22) Starting a Blog and a Community

(10:55) This or That Questions

(12:27) Creating the Mums at Play Community

(17:32) Adapting During COVID: Reinvention and Coaching

(20:31) Defining the Role of a Coach

(20:38) The Journey to Becoming a Coach

(22:42) Addressing Imposter Syndrome

(27:48) The Importance of Mental Fitness

(34:29) Upcoming Projects and Initiatives

(37:10) Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Owners

👉 To find out more:

Reboot Your Business event - 23.01.2026

Mums at Play

Mehroo on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, let's break down why content often fails to convert even when it looks “good”.

We’ll cover:

• Why content without direction kills conversions

• The biggest messaging mistake founders make

• Why clarity beats persuasion

Conversion doesn't mean being pushy or salesy. You simply need to help people connect the dots.

Timestamps:

(0:32) No direction = no conversions

(1:12) The outcomes mistake

(1:33) Connect the dots

Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more tips and behind-the-scenes!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special medley episode of Asian Business Owners, listen to founders who faced major setbacks:

• Gianne — when a business shuts down and a pivot follows
• Alan Law — burnout, wellness and redefining success
• Carmen — stepping away to reset, reflect and evolve

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:29) Overcoming Setbacks: A Special Episode

(01:03) The CBD Business Shutdown: A Personal Story

(02:51) Building a Support Network for CBD Entrepreneurs

(04:45) From CBD to Lexi Media: A New Beginning

(07:04) Allen Law's Journey: From Burnout to Wellness

(11:04) Founding Seveno Capital: Investing in Wellness

(12:16) The Bali Reset: Embracing Authenticity

(19:56) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to the entire episodes:

Gianne

Allen

Carmen

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

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To kick off this new year, (re)listen to these two Quick Wins episodes that focus on making your marketing clearer, lighter and more effective.

What it covers:

• Creating content that actually works
• Understand your audience
• Balance content formats

But also:

• How to use Instagram Stories as a sales tool
• Create time-sensitive offers
• Spark conversations and build trust

Start the year focused, sharp and aligned.

For more content, follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special medley episode of Asian Business Owners, listen to stories of reinvention from founders who chose alignment over comfort.

What's covered:

• Jessie Li — from banking to building influence
• Carmen — leaving corporate life in Paris to rebuild a career in Hong Kong
• Renaud-Louis — from Rolex to entrepreneurship

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(01:10) Reinvention Stories: From Banking to Influence with Jessie

(04:23) Personal Branding and Influencer Marketing

(08:09) From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship in Hong Kong with Carmen

(14:11) Rolex to Retail: A Journey of Humility and Family Business with Renaud-Louis

(19:06) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Listen to the entire episodes:

Jessie

Carmen

Renaud-Louis

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1/ Let's break down how to collaborate with KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) without a big budget

2/ Let's uncover the most common social media mistakes that hurt your growth

Short, practical, easy to apply: don't miss this special episode, especially if you're reconsidering your marketing strategy for 2026.

For more content, follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've put together this special medley episode of Asian Business Owners, you'll hear some grounding and inspiring pieces of advice by business owners I invited on the podcast.

Hit play and listen to them as you slow down, reflect and close the year. To listen to the whole episodes with the guests, tap the links below.

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(00:31) Reflecting on the Year

(01:03) Gabriella Montandon: Why Fun Matters

(03:22) Allen Law: Stress, Purpose & Sustainability

(04:27) Gianne Chan: Gratitude & Personal Happiness

(05:32) Conclusion

Listen to the entire episodes:

Gianne

Allen

Gabriella

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we cover three areas many founders struggle with:

• Building a strong personal brand using LinkedIn
• Using virtual assistants (VAs) to save time and focus on what really matters
• Exploring funding options beyond venture capital

For more content, follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead, it quietly taught me lessons that reshaped how I think about business, creativity and myself as a founder.

In this solo episode of Asian Business Owners, I reflect on:

• Figuring things out as I go (even if I want control)
• Listening to that inner voice when something feels “off”
• Being okay with being misunderstood

These lessons didn’t arrive loudly but they made me more confident, more aligned and more resilient.

I hope these lessons will help you too and I'd love to know what you learned this year. Tell me on IG (@abo.pod) or LinkedIn (link below).

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome To Asian Business Owners

(00:32) Reflecting on 2025: Key Lessons Learned

(01:25) Lesson 1

(05:05) Lesson 2

(07:37) Lesson 3

(09:29) Conclusion

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new Quick Wins episode, I walk you through 3 practical ways to attract new clients organically without sending a single cold email.

We’ll break down:

• How to pick ONE platform and own it

• How to partner with complementary businesses & influencers

• Why events still work and how to use them to your advantage

Plus, a bonus pro tip that instantly makes your brand more relatable and memorable.

Content:

(00:15) You Hate Cold Emailing?

(00:43) #1 Pick One Platform

(01:29) #2 Partner With Local Businesses

(02:10) #3 Host Events

(02:39) #4 Paid Ads & SEO

(03:20) Bonus Pro Tip To Make Your Brand Relatable

(03:41) Final Tips & Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the early signals your brain sends when it needs a break?

I talk through my own recent experience of pushing too far, what it taught me and how I created the space I needed to reset.

You’ll hear:

– The difference between being tired and being mentally overloaded

– Practical ways to recharge quickly

– Why recovery is actually a business skill

– How to stay grounded while juggling multiple roles

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:28) Personal Struggles and Realisations

(01:11) Signs You Need a Break

(01:52) Lessons Learned from Exhaustion

(04:02) Creating Space for Recovery

(05:16) Practical Tips to Recharge

(07:41) Final Thoughts

08:29 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Quick Wins episode is here to help. Learn how to:

• Personalise your customer experience from day one
• Launch a simple but effective loyalty programme
• Stay top-of-mind with consistent social engagement

Grow your online community, not just traffic and build an engaged audience with brand ambassadors.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:39) Personalise Your Customer Experience

(01:33) Create a Simple Loyalty Programme

(02:16) Engage Customers on Social Media

(02:50) Conclusion and Final Tips

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sit down with Renaud-Louis, founder of Amplitude, a Hong Kong watch atelier born from 18 years of experience at Rolex and a lifelong passion for craftsmanship.

Renaud-Louis shares the pivotal moments that pushed him from corporate comfort to entrepreneurship.

What you’ll hear:

• The honest realities behind starting a retail business: choosing the right location, handling customers, managing cash flow
• Navigating a major identity shift
• The emotional and financial risks with the support of his family

Timestamps:

（00:00）Introduction to Asian Business Owners

（00:33）Meet Renaud-Louis: From Rolex to Entrepreneurship

（01:36）Early Career and Passion for Horology

（03:50）Journey to Hong Kong

（06:12）Balancing Rugby and Watch Repairing

（10:02）Climbing the Ranks at Rolex

（14:57）This or That Questions

（15:48）The Pivot Moment: Founding Amplitude

（19:10）Finding the Perfect Shop Location

（20:43）Setting Up the Shop and Initial Challenges

（22:58）The Importance of Customer Relationships

（23:36）Learning from Mistakes and Managing Cash Flow

（24:28）Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

（25:36）Family Support and Humility in Business

（26:18）Teaching Kids the Value of Hard Work

（28:00）Creating a Community of Watch Lovers

（30:06）The Art and Craft of Watchmaking

（33:46）Future Goals and Aspirations

（37:03）Final Thoughts and Advice for Business Owners

👉 To find out more about Amplitude:

The website

On Instagram

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Listen to this Quick Wins episode where I cover:

• How to use user-generated content for social proof
• Free tools for creating pro-level content
• How to collaborate with your local community to grow trust

This is perfect for early-stage founders, small teams and solopreneurs looking to grow with creativity, not only with cash.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:14) Marketing Budget Challenges

(00:40) Hack #1: Leverage User-Generated Content

(01:38) Hack #2: Use Free Tools for Content Creation

(02:25) Hack #3: Collaborate with Local Communities

(03:00) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s solo episode, I explore why I needed a certain naive spirit to jump into the unknown, take risks, build something from scratch and keep moving when everything feels uncertain.

I share the realities I didn’t know when I started: the pressure, the mental load, the instability, the silent phases where nothing moves. And how naivety helped me see things with fresh eyes, stay connected to my vision and push through the hardest chapters of entrepreneurship.

You’ll hear about:

• What naivety looks like as a founder
• How naivety keeps you going when results are invisible
• Balancing naive belief with real strategy and discernment

You might need a little more naivety than you think.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Asian Business Owners

(00:31) Why naivety matters more than we admit

(03:59) Seeing opportunities with fresh eyes

(05:15) Staying motivated when nothing moves

(06:56) Naivety vs. discernment

(07:50) The value of staying naive as you get more experience

(09:10) Final thoughts

Follow the journey:

The Mental Load of Doing Everything

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

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In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:

• Hire freelancers for one-off, high-skill tasks
• Run lean email marketing campaigns with specialists
• Build a go-to virtual team you can reuse

These tips are ideal for founders in Asia (or elsewhere) who want to scale fast and smart with limited costs.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Challenge of Scaling in Fast-Paced Markets

(00:38) Strategy 1: Hiring Freelancers for Specialised Tasks

(01:20) Strategy 2: Leveraging Freelancers for Email Marketing

(02:07) Strategy 3: Building a Virtual Team with Freelancers

(02:44) Conclusion

Follow me on LinkedIn

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the pressure, the responsibility, the constant mental load that never really switches off.

In this solo episode of Asian Business Owners, I talk about what the mental load actually feels like when you’re the one making every decision, solving every problem and keeping things moving even on the days where you feel like slowing down.

Here’s what I cover:

• What the mental load looks like behind-the-scenes

• How constant responsibility affects my mind and energy

• Why overthinking shows up so strongly when you’re the only one in charge

• Practical strategies I use to cope with the pressure

• How to reframe responsibility so it empowers me instead of draining me

You may be tired, overwhelmed, determined: I know you're doing your best. Keep going, we're all in this together, building our dreams and reaching our goals.

Timestamps:

(00:00) — Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:32) — The Mental Load of Entrepreneurship

(02:18) — Daily Responsibilities and Pressures

(03:49) — Effects of Mental Load

(06:27) — Managing and Coping Strategies

(11:56) — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Speak to cultural preferences with clarity
• Mix educational and emotional content that resonates
• Stay consistent using a content calendar

Use these tips to grow your business' presence online and let me know how it goes.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:40) Understanding Your Audience

(01:24) Balancing Educational and Emotional Content

(02:06) Consistency with a Content Calendar

(02:56) Conclusion and Final Tips

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jessie Li — entrepreneur and content creator with over half a million followers — talks about reinvention. She left a stable career that ended up with burnout, to build her own businesses in the lifestyle, fashion and luxury space.

Jessie opens up about:

• Walking away from a path everyone else approved of
• Building influence through authenticity, not algorithms
• Managing multiple ventures while protecting your mental health

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a brand that feels true to who you are — this conversation will remind you that reinvention isn’t just possible; it’s necessary.

Content:

(00:00) — Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:32) — Meet Jessie Li: From Finance to Influencer

(01:36) — The Journey to Instagram Fame

(04:14) — Turning Influence into a Business

(05:38) — Crafting a Personal Brand

(07:24) — Expanding Beyond Influencing

(16:36) — Navigating Social Media and Public Perception

(17:55) — This or That with Jessie Li

(18:34) — Balancing Time and Priorities

(19:23) — The Journey of Relief X

(23:06) — Personal Branding vs. Influencing

(25:25) — Overcoming the Fear of Online Presence

(29:00) — Staying Authentic in the Luxury Fashion World

(32:23) — Marketing Insights for Business Owners

(34:45) — Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

👉 To find out more about Jessie:

On Instagram

On LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:

• Use pre-sales to raise money before launch
• Launch a crowdfunding campaign that works
• Tap into local grants and business competitions

Especially useful for mission-driven founders who want to stay in control.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:25) Creative Funding Methods

(00:40) Bootstrap with Pre-Sales

(01:15) Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign

(01:56) Tap into Local Grants and Competitions

(02:34) Conclusion and Final Tips

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I feel like that sometimes, I feel down and in this solo episode, I open up about my emotional ups and downs and when I feel disconnected.

I've learned to reset and embrace it. These moments are part of my growth.

What you’ll hear:

• How to navigate periods of self-doubt and fatigue
• The mindset shift that helps you reconnect
• Practical ways to recharge and find new inspiration

Take a breath, you're not alone.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:28 Feeling Down as a Founder

01:37 Navigating Highs and Lows

05:15 Coping Strategies

07:16 Finding Inspiration

09:07 Creating a Plan

10:37 Final Thoughts

12:11 Outro

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Quick Wins episode shows how to:

• Use WhatsApp Business for personalised updates
• Share limited-time offers through WhatsApp Status
• Create VIP lists to reward your best customers

Turn daily chats into consistent business growth.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Power of WhatsApp for Your Business

(00:48) Personalised Updates with WhatsApp Business

(01:29) Exclusive Offers via WhatsApp Status

(02:02) Creating a VIP Broadcast List

(02:43) Conclusion and Next Steps

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, I share my story and how I went from being a corporate employee in marketing to becoming a business owner in Hong Kong.

I talk about what it took to rebuild my career and start over:

– Making the leap to move abroad

– Finding my first clients and building my marketing agency

– Launching the Asian Business Owners podcast

– Learning patience and self-trust along the way

Content:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:27) My life in Paris before COVID

(03:17) Burnout and losing motivation

(06:17) The decision to move to Hong Kong

(07:33) Starting over and finding purpose again

(11:05) Launching my podcast

(14:10) Lessons learned & reflections

(18:18) Closing thoughts

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

📲 Find me on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, I talk about:

• Setting clear boundaries (and sticking to them)
• Prioritising what actually moves the needle
• Quick mental resets that keep you sane

This one is for you if you're an ambitious entrepreneur who wants success without burnout.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Reality of Entrepreneurship

(00:39) Tip 1: Set Boundaries for Sanity

(01:38) Tip 2: Prioritise High Impact Tasks

(02:25) Tip 3: Practice Mindfulness Breaks

(03:04) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow me on LinkedIn

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From the early discomfort of showing up on camera to finding my authentic voice, I share how personal branding goes far beyond having the perfect feed.

Tune in to hear:

• How to overcome self-doubt and the fear of being visible
• What “authentic personal branding” actually looks like
• Why your brand grows when you do

Visibility may seem like vanity but it can be also vulnerability sharing one's real self.

Content:

00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

00:27 Facing the Fear of Being Seen

01:36 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility

03:39 Defining and Redefining Personal Brand

08:31 Practical Tips for Personal Branding Content

12:16 Recap of The Best Practices

15:17 Conclusion

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, discover how to:

• Target high-intent keywords for Asian audiences
• Prioritise mobile-first SEO (because mobile is king in Asia)
• Build backlinks from relevant local sites

Try these tips to grow your visibility online and let me know how it works for you.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) Understanding Search Engines

(00:41) Secret 1: Target High Intent Keywords

(01:38) Secret 2: Focus on Mobile-First SEO

(02:13) Secret 3: Build Local Backlinks

(02:47) Conclusion and Final Tips

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can your voice literally become your most powerful branding tool?

In this episode, I talk to Ben Sherry, public speaking and personal branding coach based in Taiwan. We break down how confidence and communication can transform your personal brand.

What we explore:

• How to overcome the fear of public speaking
• The most common mistakes people make when presenting and how to fix them
• How to sound more natural, clear and persuasive
• Why personal branding starts with clarity, not perfection
• Practical exercises you can do today to improve your presence

This episode isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about being the most authentic.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:27) Meet Ben: From Australia to Taiwan

(01:03) Public Speaking and Branding Journey

(01:55) How to Master Personal Branding

(05:25) Overcoming Public Speaking Fears

(10:14) Practical Public Speaking Tips

(14:50) Creating Engaging Personal Brand Content

(19:55) Practical Exercise and Resources

(22:21) Conclusion

👉 To find out more about Ben:

On LinkedIn

Resources on Oracy Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:

• Get paid faster using early payment incentives
• Create reliable income with subscription models
• Cut overheads using digital tools

Try some of these cash flow strategies and see how it goes, whether you're a new founder, side hustler or solopreneur building a business in Asia.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Importance of Managing Well Your Cash Flow

(00:34) Hack #1: Get Paid Faster with Early Incentives

(01:24) Hack #2: Use Subscription Models for Steady Income

(01:58) Hack #3: Cut Costs with Digital Tools

(02:41) Conclusion and Final Tips

Follow me on LinkedIn

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What I didn’t expect is how much this journey would teach me about myself.

In this special anniversary episode, I reflect on what these two years have meant, the challenges, the lessons and the growth that came from showing up week after week.

I share the three biggest lessons I’ve learned through podcasting:

1️⃣ Trusting myself

2️⃣ Understanding that real success takes time

3️⃣ Learning that growth doesn’t happen in isolation

I hope these lessons will help you in your journey whether you’re building a business, a podcast, or any creative project.

🎧 Listen now and share your favorite lesson with me on Instagram @abo.pod — and thank you for being part of this two-year journey.

Content:

00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

00:59 Celebrating Two Years of Podcasting

02:56 Lesson 1: Trust Yourself

05:48 Lesson 2: The Reality of Success

09:53 Lesson 3: The Importance of Others

12:58 Share Your #1 Lesson With Me

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Quick Wins episode, I share how to:

• Collaborate with micro-KOLs for affordable reach
• Offer value beyond cash payments (think product, access, content)
• Track results to know what’s working

Perfect for startups and businesses looking to grow with influence, not just ads.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:14) Understanding KOL: Key Opinion Leaders

(00:41) Tip 1: Leveraging Micro KOLs

(01:33) Tip 2: Offering Value Beyond Cash

(02:14) Tip 3: Tracking Results Effectively

(02:57) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Gianne Chan, it meant facing a painful pivot but also discovering new paths she never imagined.

In this episode, Gianne shares her journey from launching a CBD brand that couldn’t survive, to rebuilding with even more: a branding agency (Lexi Media), two mental health podcasts and a growing music career.

What we talk about:

• How to navigate a forced business pivot without losing momentum
• The role of mental health in entrepreneurship
• Why building community matters and how to do so

Gianne’s story is proof that setbacks don’t have to be the end but can actually be the beginning of something bigger.

Content:

00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

00:33 Meet Gianne: a Multifaceted Slasher

01:28 Balancing Multiple Careers

03:30 Journey into Entrepreneurship

06:09 Mental Health and Personal Struggles

08:36 The Birth of Two Podcasts

10:33 The CBD Business Challenge

14:10 Founding Lexi Media

16:29 Starting a Business Partnership

17:13 Meeting an Investor and Pivoting the Brand

18:10 Challenges with Vitamin Patches

19:25 Focusing on Community and Events

22:06 Fireside Questions

24:13 Balancing Creativity and Business

32:05 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

👉 To find out more about Gianne:

On LinkedIn

On Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This QUICK WINS episode shows how a Virtual Assistant can save you time and sanity.

You’ll learn how to:

• Delegate admin and meeting scheduling
• Use VAs to handle customer support
• Leverage VAs for fast market research

Don't be an overwhelmed entrepreneur, start working smarter, not harder.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Value of Virtual Assistants

(00:34) Administrative Tasks Simplified

(01:05) Enhancing Customer Support

(01:44) Market Research Made Easy

(02:20) Conclusion and Next Steps

Follow me on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I realised that builiding my personal branding is a priority and part of my business goals. If I'm not doing it, I'm building a job, not a business.

This week, I get real about the work-in-progress strategy I'm using to break the cycle of prioritising client work over my own vision of my business.

If you're an entrepreneur, solopreneur or freelancer feeling trapped by your own to-do list, this real talk is for you. I share with you my frantic week that started with a broken laptop 😅 and I explore practical steps to organise my time and manage my energy to ensure I work in and on my business to make it grow.

Content:

(00:33) A Personal Story: The Laptop Disaster

(02:21) The Realization: Client Work vs. My Brand

(05:28) The Daily Plan That Changed Everything

(06:40) Seeking Advice and Shared Experiences

(08:39) Conclusion: Your Business, Your Rules

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this QUICK WINS episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Avoid posting without a strategy
• Respect the differences between platforms
• Actually engage your audience (not just broadcast)

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:32) Mistake #1: Posting Without a Strategy

(01:42) Mistake #2: Ignoring Platform Differences

(02:14) Mistake #3: Not Engaging with Your Audience

(02:51) Conclusion and Contact Information

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fresh off a two-week stay in Bali, here I am recording a freestyle solo episode to share how rest has been fruitful to me and gave me clarity on work and the podcast.

I tried to reset and I'm sharing with you my honest reflection on the constant hustle, content emptiness and how I'm reshaping the future of the show (including the launch of "Quick Wins", 3-minute episodes designed to give you practical and actionable tips for your business.

Did you feel the need to pause and recalibrate this summer? The need to find a smarter path forward?

What you'll hear:

• Why intentional rest is a strategic business tool
• The key realisations about balancing creativity with sustainability
• The behind-the-scenes challenges and joys of running A.B.O.
• What I'm thinking to change for the podcast

Content:

00:00 - Introduction: A New Perspective

00:28 - Bali: My Place To Rest

02:31 - What I Realised About the Hustle Culture Trap

03:52 - The Honest Truths About Podcasting & Content Creation

05:22 - Listener Feedback That Shaped My Thinking

09:59 - Introducing "Quick Wins" and a Smarter Season Ahead

14:50 - How You Can Apply This Reset Mindset

16:53 - Closing Thoughts

Follow the journey:

💬 abo.pod

🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen!

#MindfulBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #AsianEntrepreneurs #PodcasterLife #BaliRetreat

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This QUICK WINS episode shares 3 simple ways to grow your personal brand authentically on LinkedIn.

You’ll learn how to:

• Optimise your profile for visibility and trust
• Share content that connects with your audience
• Build meaningful relationships (not just followers)

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Power of LinkedIn for Professionals

(00:23) Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

(00:48) Tip 1: Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

(01:49) Tip 2: Share Valuable Content Regularly

(02:42) Tip 3: Engage with Your Network

(03:10) Conclusion and Next Steps

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, Gabriella Montandon — CFO and founder of Montandon Consulting — gets real about the reality owning an SME.

She shares:

Why cash flow is the #1 reason businesses fail (and how to fix it)

The “No A**hole Rule” she applies to clients

How to stay grounded when everything around you is changing

The difference between working in your business vs. on it

Content:

(00:39) Meet Gabriella: CFO and Founder

(02:09) Staying Grounded in Business and Personal Life

(05:00) The Satisfaction of Fixing Businesses

(08:19) The Importance of Cash Flow

(12:50) The No Asshole Rule in Business

(21:09) Fireside Questions

(23:58) Growing Your Business: From Start to Success

(26:34) The Importance of Working On Your Business

(30:43) Defining Success and Independence

(37:08) Lessons Learned and Future Projects

(43:39) The Power of Having Fun in Business

👉 To find out more about Gabriella:

On LinkedIn

Montandon Consulting's website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this QUICK WINS episode, learn 3 simple tactics that drive real engagement and conversion through Instagram Stories.

What you’ll learn:

• How to use interactive stickers to boost engagement
• How to post time-sensitive offers to drive urgency
• Why behind-the-scenes content builds trust and sales

Perfect for solopreneurs, eCom owners, coaches, creatives and anyone using Instagram and looking for results, fast.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:15) The Power of Instagram Stories

(00:44) Tip 1: Use Interactive Stickers

(01:30) Tip 2: Post Time-Sensitive Offers

(02:11) Tip 3: Showcase Behind-the-Scenes Content

(02:44) Conclusion and Next Steps

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout forced him to step back and ask: what does real success look like?

In this episode, Allen shares how fatherhood and health struggles led him to launch a wellness movement across Asia, from fitness studios to investing in startups that extend healthspan.

We talk stress management, building healthy habits, and why entrepreneurs need to protect their energy if they want to build something meaningful. Allen’s story is a reminder that success without health isn’t success at all.

Content:

(00:29) Allen’s Background: From Hong Kong to Singapore

(01:17) Early Career Burnout & Unhealthy Habits

(03:51) The Turning Point: Family, Fatherhood & Fitness

(06:13) Launching Seveno Capital: Investing in Wellness Startups

(09:38) How Seveno Capital Supports Founders

(11:31) Criteria for Investment: Impact & Healthspan

(14:36) Managing Stress as an Entrepreneur

(16:14) Building Healthy Habits & Self-Discipline

(18:07) Fireside Quick Questions

(21:15) Quitting Alcohol & Social Pressures

(25:54) How to Make Wellness Accessible to All

(28:20) The Truth About Anti-Aging & Healthspan vs. Lifespan

(32:08) Upcoming Projects: Longevity World Health Hub

(33:45) Lessons for Entrepreneurs

(35:00) – Final Thoughts

👉 To find out more about Allen:

On LinkedIn

Seveno Capital's website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this QUICK WINS episode, discover 3 simple and practical ways to leverage AI, even if you’re not techy.

From marketing automation to data insights and faster customer support, these tips are built for busy entrepreneurs who want results without the overwhelm.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins

(00:36) Leveraging AI for Marketing Automation

(01:31) Analysing Customer Data with AI

(02:16) Enhancing Customer Service with Chatbots

(03:04) Conclusion and Next Steps

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, you’ll hear my guests share their best advice. Real, relatable and straight from experience.

This is a compilation of the insights that stuck with me, if you like it, I'll do another one like this with more advice from more guests.

I hope you’ll find help here that makes you reflect and maybe even change the way you approach your business.

Content:

(00:29) Special Episode: Lessons Learned by Business Owners

(01:13) Karin Chan: Be Your Biggest Cheerleader

(02:18) Rasheed Shroff: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

(04:13) Alison Chan: Her Dad's Inspiring Story From Laborer to Businessman

(06:22) Kiri Sinclair on The Importance of People in Business

(07:29) Jonathan Crockett's Advice To Be A Sucessfull Leader

(08:06) Conclusion and Farewell

👉 To listen to the full episodes:

Karin Chan's episode

Rasheed Shroff's episode

Alison Chan's episode

Kiri Sinclair's episode

Jonathan Crockett's episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Quick Wins, short, sharp episodes packed with actionable business advice — in 3 minutes.

Each week, you'll get tips on one specific challenge entrepreneurs face, from building an audience to using AI, handling burnout or boosting sales with Instagram.

Short, practical, specific: listen to proven tips you can implement today.

The first Quick Wins episode drops next week.

✅ Follow the show so you don’t miss it!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode replay, Laurie Mias shares her journey from a stable life and job in Paris to launching her own wellness brand in Hong Kong.

We talk about the challenges of leaving security behind, the emotional rollercoaster of starting from zero and the unexpected truths no one tells you about entrepreneurship.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to risk everything for a new beginning, Laurie’s story is as honest as it gets.

Content:

(01:03) Introducing Laurie and MONO Skincare

(02:11) Laurie's Entrepreneurial Journey

(05:31) Starting Fresh in Hong Kong before MONO Skincare

(08:47) The Birth of a Juice Business

(13:02) Lessons Learned From This 1st Experience

(18:33) Quickfire Questions

(22:04) Transition to Wellness and Yoga

(24:48) The Impact of Covid on Wellness Retreats

(25:11) Founding MONO Skincare

(25:24) Challenges in the Skincare Market

(29:15) The Journey of Product Development

(36:11) Launching a Revolutionary Product

(42:11) Adapting to Market Needs

(45:19) Future Innovations and Business Philosophy

(49:07) Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about MONO Skincare:

Their website

Their Instagram page

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special medley episode of Asian Business Owners, 3 founders share what it’s really like to navigate unpredictable markets, major transitions and high-stakes decisions without all the answers.

Listen to:

• Christian Mongendre, founder of TreeHouse, on surviving COVID-19, navigating economic slowdowns and adapting to shifting food trends
• Jingjin Liu, founder of ZaZaZu, on leaving a C-level corporate job for entrepreneurship and exiting her business unexpectedly right before the pandemic
• Naman Tekriwal, co-founder of Breer, on turning leftover bread into beer, learning to brew from scratch with YouTube tutorials and finding product-market fit

Whether you’re in a pivot, just starting out, or facing your own uncertainty, listen to these stories about adapting and making decisions without full clarity.

Content:

(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast

(00:27) Navigating Uncertainty in Business

(02:10) Challenges in the Market and Media

(05:49) Learning to Brew Beer from Scratch

(09:53) Quitting Corporate for Entrepreneurship

(12:55) Reflecting on Business Exits and Lessons Learned

(13:55) Conclusion — Follow us and Hit Subscribe!

👉 To listen to the full episodes:

Christian's story

Naman's story

Jingjin's story

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From navigating COVID closures and market shifts, to trying something for the first from scratch with no experience, to leaving a thriving business right before the pandemic — these entrepreneurs show us how to keep moving with uncertainty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Ariane Zagury moved to Asia, she was pregnant, jobless and had no business plan.

Today? She runs Rue Madame Fashion Group, a retail empire with over 50 fashion boutiques across Asia, including brands like American Vintage, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, Sandro, Jonak and more.

In this powerful conversation, Ariane opens up about:

– How she started from scratch in a new country

– The bold moves that built her multi-brand group

– Lessons from scaling in Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond

If you’re pivoting, launching or dreaming bigger, listen or re-listen to this episode.

Content:

(00:45) Meet Ariane: Owner of Rue Madam Fashion Group

(03:04) Reflecting on Success and Personal Life

(08:23) Opening the First Shop in Asia

(12:44) Quick Fire Questions with Ariane

(14:33) Building a Retail Empire

(18:59) The Reality of Business Plans and Profitability

(20:44) Signing the First Joint Venture with American Vintage

(22:08) A Journey of Persistence with SMCP

(30:16) The Birth of Clemence Brand

(31:52) The Fashion Scene in Asia

(33:27) Expanding into Mainland China

(35:06) Lessons Learned from Mistakes

(00:27) Carmen's Summer Update

(00:59) Meet Ariane, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group

(04:59) Ariane's Journey from Finance to Fashion

(10:19) Challenges and Successes in Retail

(13:17) Fireside Questions with Ariane

(15:49) Building a Client-Centric Retail Business

(19:06) Balancing Vision and Business Focus

(21:17) First Partnership with American Vintage

(22:53) Persistence in Business

(28:43) The Importance of Addressing Problems

(32:25) Fashion in Asia

(34:01) Expanding into Mainland China

(35:40) Lessons Learned from Mistakes

👉 To find out more:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

🎥 Follow A.B.O. Podcast also on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@abopod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During this holiday season, while travelling or working, listen or re-listen to previous episodes you loved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, 3 entrepreneurs in Asia share the exact moment they knew they had to change direction. From feeling off-track to redefining success and walking away from what no longer served them, these stories will help you trust your gut and take the next step with clarity.

Listen to:

• Maaike Steinebach on finding your purpose
• Rowena Gonzales on switching from corporate to freelancing to business owner
• Laurie Mias on starting over on the other side of the planet

Whether you're in a transition or afraid of making the wrong move, this episode is for you.

Content:

(00:27) Entrepreneurial Crossroads: Stories of Bold Pivots

(01:01) Maaike - Female Empowerment and Technology: A Personal Journey

(04:25) Maaike - The Gender Health Gap: Unveiling the Disparities

(07:04) Rowena - From Corporate to Freelancing to Entrepreneurship: A Designer's Tale

(12:38) Laurie - Taking the Leap & Starting Over: Moving from Paris to Hong Kong

👉 To listen to the full episodes:

Maaike: From CEO of VISA to FemTech Founder: Maaike’s Mission to Empower Women’s Health

Rowena: She Left Corporate, Built a Design Firm — And Dit It Her Way

Laurie: She Left Everything to Build a Skincare Brand- Here's What No One Tells You

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ll hear real, proven strategies from my guests — no fluff, no generic advice, just authentic stories from Asian entrepreneurs who’ve built brands that connect and convert.

In this episode:

• How Catherine Marie Pun used authentic content to reach 17M+ views
• How Rickesh Kishnani used personal storytelling to market a niche luxury product
• How Rebecca Chung positioned her brand to stand out in a crowded industry

If you’re tired of wasting time on strategies that don’t deliver, this episode is your shortcut to what actually gets results.

Content:

(00:31) Marketing Strategies That Work

(01:12) The Element That Made It Successful

(02:55) Trend Spotting and Aggressive Market Strategy

(05:03) Why You Need To Test the Market

(05:56) Whiskey Business Insights

(07:44) Bootstrapping a Beauty Business

(09:58) Innovative Beauty Techniques

👉 To listen to the full episodes:

Catherine: From Burnout to 17M Views: How Catherine Built Friday Club With Authenticity

Rickesh: He Turned a Love for Whisky Into a Thriving Business

Rebecca: From Classroom to Clinic: Rebecca's Leap Into the Unknown

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this upcoming episode, discover the marketing strategies that actually move the needle — no fluff, just what works.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karin shares how her upbringing, creativity and love for connecting people shaped her career path. She embraced a slasher lifestyle and intentionally chose softness over scale, opening up about building businesses that serve people — not just metrics.

We dive into GenieFriends' sacred dinners, we explore identity, the future of work and what it really means to design your own way of working.

Content:

(00:54) Meet Karin: Founder of Futurist Lab and GenieFriends

(02:41) Karin's Childhood and Early Influences

(06:48) The Genesis of GenieFriends

(10:15) Scaling Up: From One Dinner to Multiple Cities

(14:01) Challenges and Lessons Learned Post Covid

(21:17) Rapid Fire Questions

(25:22) Mental Health and Self-Discipline

(29:57) The Importance of Saying No

(33:56) The Future of Work: Slashers and Poly Careers

(41:15) Upcoming Plans and Projects

(43:33) Lessons for Fellow Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about Karin:

On LinkedIn

GenieFriends' website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, my guest shares why she’s boundaries and intentional growth over constant grind.

There’s a different way to succeed. This is your permission slip.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new, short and powerful episode format, I talk to Hiroki Kato, founder of Arches, leading knowledge-sharing service in Asia for companies investing in Asia.

What we discussed:

• The unfiltered truth behind his rapid growth — from early-stage chaos to closing fundraising rounds

• The mindset shift from consultant to entrepreneur

• How to choose markets that actually scale

• Why fundraising isn’t just about money, but momentum

Listen to this practical and honest breakdown of what actually makes a startup successful.

Content:

(00:27) Meet Hiroki: Founder and CEO of Arches

(00:50) Understanding Arches: An AI-Powered Market Intelligence Platform

(01:45) Rapid Growth and Fundraising Strategies

(03:39) Mindset Shifts from Consultant to Entrepreneur

(05:04) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about Arches:

The website

Hiroki Kato on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, she opens up about the unexpected twists that led her to create High Society Clinic — successful beauty clinics in Hong Kong.

Listen to her authentic story about pivoting and building a business that resonates and reflects her highest ambitions. Don't miss that episode, especially if you're thinking about your next move.

Content:

(00:27) Meet Rebecca: Founder of High Society Clinic

(01:04) Rebecca's Journey from Music Teacher to Beauty Entrepreneur

(04:40) Starting the Business: Challenges and Early Successes

(08:12) Becoming a Master in Permanent Makeup

(15:25) Rapid Fire Questions with Rebecca

(19:14) Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Background

(20:31) Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals

(24:36) Navigating Business During COVID-19

(27:26) Expanding Business Ventures: B2C and B2B

(31:46) Staying Updated with Beauty Trends

(32:24) Advice for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about High Society Clinic:

The website

High Society Clinic and High Society Medical on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Marie Pun, co-founder of Friday Club, shares her journey from quitting a corporate journalist career to creating content that actually resonates.

We talk about staying authentic in a noisy world, bringing fresh perspectives and building a diverse team, tackling mental health and reaching Gen Z without the fluff.

Content:

(00:59) Meet Catherine, Co-founder of Friday Club

(04:03) Building a Diverse and Creative Team

(06:29) Taking the Leap: Quitting Corporate for Entrepreneurship

(08:29) The Journey of Starting Friday Club

(10:33) Coping with Burnout and Mental Health

(20:27) Rapid Fire Questions

(24:38) Understanding Gen Z: Authenticity and Ethics

(30:32) Managing a Growing Team

(35:32) Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(41:53) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 To find out more about Friday Club:

The website

The Instagram page

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I chat with Rickesh Kishnani, the co-founder of Rare Whisky Holdings — a serial entrepreneur who turned his passion for whisky into a booming investment company.

But this story isn’t just about spirits — it’s about trusting your gut, learning from setbacks and building something meaningful.

What you’ll hear:

• The importance of testing business ideas
• The art of finding balance
• What 9/11 and the 2008 crisis taught him
• How women are changing the whisky game

Whether you're into entrepreneurship, whisky, or both: this episode is packed with insight.

Content:

(00:27) Meet Rickesh: Co-founder of Rare Whisky Holdings

(01:08) The Art of Founding Companies

(05:21) Navigating Market Uncertainties

(13:16) Entrepreneurial Journey and Reflections

(18:47) Rapid Fire Round

(24:43) Balancing Life Between Thailand and Hong Kong

(28:57) Memories and Moments with Whisky

(36:14) Experiencing 9/11 in New York

(41:24) Women in the Whisky Industry

(45:43) Lessons for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about Rare Whisky Holdings:

Their website

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special medley episode, 3 Asian entrepreneurs share real lessons about money, pricing and financial stability in business.

You’ll hear:

💰 How to set your pricing & why it impacts how people see your brand

📊 Tips for managing cash flow

⚖️ Balancing ambition and financial fear

Whether you’re a new founder or scaling your business, this episode will help you feel less alone in your money journey.

Content:

(01:03) Insights From Jingjin: Pricing Strategies

(01:55) Establishing Value and Expertise

(09:10) Rowena's Vision to Handle Cash Flow and Financial Goals

(13:42) Rasheed's Perspective on Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship

(17:56) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

👉 To listen to the full episodes:

How to Build Confidence (While Building a Business) with Jingjin Liu

She Left Corporate, Built a Design Firm — and Did It Her Way with Rowena Gonzales

A Rare Behind-the-Scenes: What It Really Feels Like to Start Over with Rasheed Shroff

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I chat with Rowena Gonzales, founder of Liquid Interiors, interior design company in Hong Kong.

Rowena opened up about her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur that started after she quit her job in corporate to leading a purpose-driven interior design firm.

Things we talk about:

• Do you need to find your niche to succeed?
• Mastering your finances for steady business growth
• Embracing sustainability and creativity as your business backbone

🚨⭐️ Don't miss the announcement at the end of the episode about Women Entrepreneurs Network, a powerful support community for women entrepreneurs.

To contact them:

admin@wenhk.org

+852 5687 3027

Their website

Content:

(00:27) Meet Rowena: Founder of Liquid Interiors

(01:04) Women Entrepreneurs Network: Empowering Women in Business

(01:33) The Magic of Interior Design

(02:27) Sustainability and Wellness in Design

(06:51 From Corporate to Freelancing to Limited Company

(11:47) Finding Your Niche & Saying Bye to a Business Partner

(15:14) The Importance of Support Networks

(19:00) Fireside Chat

(21:08) Defining Success and Family Values

(24:00) Mastering Finances for Business Growth

(25:00) Communicating Goals and Team Alignment

(28:31) Does Your Business Operates Differently After You Found Your Niche?

(38:50) Exciting New Project with Sustainability Goals

(41:00) Advice for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about Liquid Interiors:

Liquid Interiors' website

Liquid Interiors' Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the surprising shift that changed my guest’s business game. She redefined what wellness means — and one bold move turned everything upside down. Episode coming soon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sat down with Christian Mongendre, founder of Treehouse.

From being a top athlete to launching one of Hong Kong’s most loved plant-based restaurants, his path is all about alignment, intention and growth.

We talked about what success really means, especially when things get hard, about creating a business that reflects who you are, about health, food, intuition — and finding your own rhythm in a world that’s always rushing.

Content:

(00:45) Meet Christian: From Hong Kong to France and Back

(02:00) How Do You Define Success?

(07:42) The Journey of MANA and Treehouse

(15:28) Fireside Questions

(20:54) Navigating Difficult Times in Business

(23:18) The Changing Landscape of Media and Sustainability in Hong Kong

(25:55) Impact of Tough Times on Eating Habits

(28:49) When Was The Last Time You Were Wrong?

(32:42) Balancing Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine

(38:45) Future Plans and Personal Milestones

(41:16) Lessons Learned in Business

(43:15) The Difference between Instinct & Intuition

👉 To find out more about Treehouse:

Treehouse website

Treehouse on Instagram

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Is it about growth? Values? Or something deeper?

Don't miss this upcoming episode of Asian Business Owners!

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From launching a fashion retail business to leading an auction house or building a sustainable beauty brand, these founders reveal what it really takes to succeed.

You’ll hear:

#1 How to turn uncertainty into growth — with Ariane Zagury, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group

#2 How sharp thinking and the right connections accelerate your rise — with Jonathan Crockett, Chairman at Phillips

#3 How keep trying and listening to the market leads to something sustainable — with Laurie Mias, Founder of MONO Skincare

Follow my show if you enjoy this episode ✅

Content:

Ariane Zagury, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group

(01:04) How She Found Her Voice In Retail

(04:33) Starting With The Wrong Business Plan and Reaching Profitability

Jonathan Crockett, Chairman at Phillips

(06:41) Transitioning Back to Corporate Was A Big Win

(08:51) Being an Entrepreneur: An Eye-Opening Experience

Laurie Mias, Founder of MONO Skincare

(10:19) Huge Misconception About Skincare

(11:25) The Very Tough Product Development Phase

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These aren’t just empty words — they’re honest and relatable insights drawn from real experience. Don't miss this special best-of episode, coming out soon!

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We sat down for an honest and unfiltered conversation about what it really feels like to start over.

From leaving the corporate world to building businesses from scratch, we talk about how we found our voices and how we embrace uncertainty.

You might relate to the highs and the lows — and the inner growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Let us know what you think... should we do a round two?

Content:

(01:24) Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Self-Discovery

(03:22) The Truth About Wake-up Calls and Luck

(05:21) How to Handle Big Transition Points

(06:55) Moving Place and Adapting to New Environments

(8:04) The Mental Health Struggles of Entrepreneurs

(12:49) Starting a Podcast: Overcoming Our Own Limiting Beliefs

(22:06) Podcast Content: Constant Improvement & Guests Selection

(25:25) Personal Growth Through Entrepreneurship

(27:50) Reflecting on Loneliness in Entrepreneurship

(33:04) Balancing Family and Financial Concerns

(35:15) The Decision to Leave Corporate Life

(42:33) A Piece Advice to Help You Find Your Voice

(47:03) Being Comfortable With Self-Promotion and Personal Branding

(48:38) How to Draw a Line Between Your Business & Your Personal Self?

(51:17) What Does it Really Mean to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone?

👉 To find out more about Rasheed:

Rasheed's LinkedIn Profile

Banyan Workspace's website and Instagram

Rasheed's Podcast

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Overcoming fears, stepping out of comfort zones, reflecting on pivotal moments... Don't miss this special episode.

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In this episode of Asian Business Owners, Laurie Mias, founder of MONO Skincare — sustainability water-soluble skincare brand — shares her raw and inspiring journey.

From leaving her old life behind to launching radical skincare prodcuts, she opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

Breaking into the beauty industry is a hell of a challenge that comes with lots of struggle but also rewarding wins. An honest conversation and inspiring story for anyone building a brand and dealing with change.

Content

(00:47) Founding Mono Skincare: The Journey Begins

(03:35) Taking the Leap: From Paris to Hong Kong

(08:19) Starting a Juice Business in Hong Kong

(13:43) Lessons Learned from Mr Green Juice

(17:57) Quickfire Questions With Laurie

(21:28) The Common Thread to Laurie’s Different Project: Wellness

(24:31) Founding Mono Skincare & Challenges in the Skincare Market

(28:04) Creating Radical Skincare Solutions

(31:49) A Misconception about Hydration

(35:38) Early Struggles: Developing the Perfect Formula

(36:52) Adapting to Market Needs

(44:43) Future Innovations and Partnerships

(48:30) Lessons for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about MONO Skincare:

MONO's website

MONO on Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.