Learning – a never-ending process
Best piece of advice you ever got on your career. Life is like a treadmill. Sure it’s hard, you keep running and it seems endless but you get better, fitter, faster every day. Keep moving forward and the results will come. Stop and one thing is for sure, you will see life’s opportunities pass you by and the next thing you know you are falling backwards and it’s going to hurt.
Most-admired business leader? Why? Richard Branson – the man is a legend – he’s done everything possible in as many industries that I can recall. More importantly, he’s got a humorous take on life and I too believe that you should always be much as you can be but the important thing is to remember to enjoy the ride.
How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry? I tend to read a lot and dedicate time to research trends online. Most importantly, I stay in touch with people in my network from current and previous industries I’ve been in. Nothing like first-hand socialising that helps you keep up with the latest.
If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why? In today’s world I’d take an hour with US President Donald Trump. There must be some genius behind the madness. I’ve got to understand how this maniacal strategy works, it’s not making any sense but it’s happening so there must be some
master plan I’m not tuned into.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced ? And what did you learn from it? When I started out my first brand, Snowflake, I was completely out of my depth. Cash-strapped, first-time business owner, first mover when no one even knew what the product was, working a day job while going to the shop after work. In the first few months, it looked like a mistake and something that would cause me paying more debts.
However, we persevered, we made it happen and we will soon be celebrating a decade of operations.
What was the most outlandish business proposal you have ever heard of? Luckily most people I know are pretty sane. Don’t have a really outlandish proposal to date.
Someone did offer me a durian orchard back in the days before current prices. That was a bad call on my part.
What man-made innovation confounds you? Why? Motored-powered bicycles. Just choose between a bicycle or a motorcycle – it bothers me that people want half of each.
Malaysia’s greatest brand. In recent times? AirAsia. Changed the face of travel in Southeast Asia and for Malaysians and Malaysian businesses.
A must-read for every business owner/ manager is ... Newsweek.
How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future? I think we will have to adapt sooner than later. The more restrictions and policies, the more cost of business will go up until a time when sustainable pricing is achieved on renewable resources.
It, however has to happen, the planet cannot keep going at this rate. We as business owners will have to make that change first of being sustainable and getting our customers on board that programme.
What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to? Being afforded good opportunities, making the best of them and always believing that in one lifetime, anyone can create more for themselves and for others.
Tell us a joke. Claustrophobic people are more productive thinking out of the box.