Kai operates in the digital world. His business, Eunoia helps restaurant businesses to launch digital strategies.
What’s your story?
Huang Chi-Kai (aka Kai) is my name and I’m a first-time product manager at www.eunoia.asia, an e-commerce platform for F&B businesses.
Since 2005, I have worked with startups and companies that provide with experiences in engineering, supply chain, venture capital and innovation management. Furthermore,I’ve hada dynamic career path that spans product development, sales and top management. In between employment periods, I’ve started two businesses which helped me gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed. I have also completed an accelerated product design course.
My life and work experiences have honed me into a strong generalist with a growth mindset.
What excites you most about your industry?
Solving hard problems with smart and hardworking people.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Born in Taiwan. I was ‘shipped’ to Singapore when I was 10 years old. My parents wanted me to go through the bilingual education system.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I don’t think we should restrict ourselves to any cities when it comes to doing business. With internet tools, I strongly believe in running distributed teams. The company can be incorporated in Singapore, the product can be designed in the Philippines, developed in Indonesia and have customers everywhere in SEA.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
It has to be one of those startup mantras by Paul Graham, such as “do things that don’t scale.”
Who inspires you?
Elon Musk
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I visited 2 customers on the same day. I was shocked by the difference in behaviour between the 2 customers. One is definitely an early adopter whereas the other is laggard. This validates the ideas from the book, Crossing the Chasm.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would try to be an industrial designer who builds tangible things.
How do you unwind?
Listen to audiobooks and podcasts whilst taking a long walk.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Japan. Everything feels calm and balanced in Japan. You know you can really relax when the bus driver is as gentle as a professional pilot.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman
Shameless plug for your business:
We help restaurant operators to launch successful digital strategies.
Check out http://altpizza.com.sg/
How can people connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/huangchikai/
[email protected]
Twitter handle?
@huangchikai
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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