What does it really take to leave a stable corporate career and finally bet on yourself?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 flowNavigating a major identity shiftThe emotional and financial risks with the support of his familyTimestamps:（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 websiteOn Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You don’t have a big marketing budget? No problem.Listen to this Quick Wins episode where I cover:How to use user-generated content for social proofFree tools for creating pro-level contentHow to collaborate with your local community to grow trustThis 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) ConclusionFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A bit of naivety might be the reason you became an entrepreneur and the reason you’ve kept going.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 founderHow naivety keeps you going when results are invisibleBalancing naive belief with real strategy and discernmentYou 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 thoughtsFollow the journey:The Mental Load of Doing Everything💬 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 want to grow without the cost of full-time staff?In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:Hire freelancers for one-off, high-skill tasksRun lean email marketing campaigns with specialistsBuild a go-to virtual team you can reuseThese 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’re building a business alone, you know this feeling: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 meYou 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 ThoughtsFollow 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.
Creating content for Asian audiences requires nuance and real understanding.In this Quick Wins episode, you’ll learn how to:Speak to cultural preferences with clarityMix educational and emotional content that resonatesStay consistent using a content calendarUse 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 TipsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens after a decade building a career to realise it doesn’t feel like you anymore?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 ofBuilding influence through authenticity, not algorithmsManaging multiple ventures while protecting your mental healthIf 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 InstagramOn LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
VC money isn’t your only option.In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:Use pre-sales to raise money before launchLaunch a crowdfunding campaign that worksTap into local grants and business competitionsEspecially 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 TipsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You know those days when you feel down, have doubts and you wonder if it’s all worth it.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 fatigueThe mindset shift that helps you reconnect Practical ways to recharge and find new inspirationTake a breath, you're not alone. Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:28 Feeling Down as a Founder01:37 Navigating Highs and Lows05:15 Coping Strategies07:16 Finding Inspiration09:07 Creating a Plan10:37 Final Thoughts12:11 OutroFollow 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 Asia, your customers are on WhatsApp. Are you?This Quick Wins episode shows how to:Use WhatsApp Business for personalised updatesShare limited-time offers through WhatsApp StatusCreate VIP lists to reward your best customersTurn 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 StepsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After years in the corporate world in Paris, I hit a wall: burnout, lack of meaning and the feeling that something had to change.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 wayContent:(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 thoughtsFollow 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.
Exhausted and overwhelmed by your business?In this Quick Wins episode, I talk about:Setting clear boundaries (and sticking to them)Prioritising what actually moves the needleQuick mental resets that keep you saneThis 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 ThoughtsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode, I open up about what it really means to be seen online and how I learned to get comfortable with my face, my voice and my story.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 visibleWhat “authentic personal branding” actually looks likeWhy your brand grows when you doVisibility may seem like vanity but it can be also vulnerability sharing one's real self.Content:00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast00:27 Facing the Fear of Being Seen01:36 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility03:39 Defining and Redefining Personal Brand08:31 Practical Tips for Personal Branding Content12:16 Recap of The Best Practices15:17 ConclusionFollow the journey:💬 abo.pod🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Want more people to find your business online?In this Quick Wins episode, discover how to:Target high-intent keywords for Asian audiencesPrioritise mobile-first SEO (because mobile is king in Asia)Build backlinks from relevant local sitesTry 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 TipsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What makes someone truly confident when they speak?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 speakingThe most common mistakes people make when presenting and how to fix themHow to sound more natural, clear and persuasiveWhy personal branding starts with clarity, not perfectionPractical exercises you can do today to improve your presenceThis 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 LinkedInResources on Oracy Club Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Struggling with cash flow in the first years of business (or even later on)?In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:Get paid faster using early payment incentivesCreate reliable income with subscription modelsCut overheads using digital toolsTry 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 TipsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Two years ago, I started the Asian Business Owners podcast with one simple goal: to meet entrepreneurs and learn from their stories. 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 isolationI 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 Podcast00:59 Celebrating Two Years of Podcasting02:56 Lesson 1: Trust Yourself05:48 Lesson 2: The Reality of Success09:53 Lesson 3: The Importance of Others12:58 Share Your #1 Lesson With MeFollow the journey:💬 abo.pod🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Think KOLs are out of your budget? Think again.In this Quick Wins episode, I share how to:Collaborate with micro-KOLs for affordable reachOffer value beyond cash payments (think product, access, content)Track results to know what’s workingPerfect 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 ThoughtsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when your first business gets shut down by regulations?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 momentumThe role of mental health in entrepreneurshipWhy building community matters and how to do soGianne’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 Podcast00:33 Meet Gianne: a Multifaceted Slasher01:28 Balancing Multiple Careers03:30 Journey into Entrepreneurship06:09 Mental Health and Personal Struggles08:36 The Birth of Two Podcasts10:33 The CBD Business Challenge14:10 Founding Lexi Media16:29 Starting a Business Partnership17:13 Meeting an Investor and Pivoting the Brand18:10 Challenges with Vitamin Patches19:25 Focusing on Community and Events22:06 Fireside Questions24:13 Balancing Creativity and Business32:05 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts👉 To find out more about Gianne:On LinkedInOn Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Drowning in admin and repetitive tasks?This QUICK WINS episode shows how a Virtual Assistant can save you time and sanity.You’ll learn how to:Delegate admin and meeting schedulingUse VAs to handle customer supportLeverage VAs for fast market researchDon'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 StepsFollow me on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.