Nick Jonsson’s speciality is helping companies and people grow. With more than 15 years of international experience, he currently leads the expansion of Executives’ Global Network in Singapore. To unwind, Nick enjoys jogging, cycling swimming and participating in marathons and Ironman events.
What’s your story?
I am a professional with more than 15 years of international general management, sales, direct sales and marketing experience. I have worked extensively in countries including Sweden, the UK, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and currently based in Singapore where I am the Managing Director of Executives’ Global Network.
I have represented major international firms including Electrolux, Philips, Oriflame, International SOS and Sophie Paris. I have also served as the Vice Chairman of the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Minh City as well as the Vice Chairman of the Direct Selling Committee Vietnam.
What excites you most about your industry?
The ability to connect senior executives and create meaningful relationships. From the very beginning, EGN’s objective has been to help people and companies grow through business relationships and experience sharing in a confidential setting. Through business relationships and experience sharing in confidential settings, we strive to create personal, professional and business value for our members.
EGN, Executives’ Global Network was founded in 1992 in Svendborg, Denmark and has provided tailored peer groups for business leaders and specialists. In 2008, the first peer group launched in Sweden – thus establishing the second node in our global network. Later that year, Norway and Singapore were added and in the following years, EGN Group expanded significantly, especially in Europe and Asia, bringing us to where we are today.
What started as one man’s vision in 1992, today is a global network of more than 14,000 members in 15 countries, representing more than 8,000 companies and 70 professions. A trusted, worldwide network of peers with a shared ambition of making each other better – every day
What’s your connection to Asia?
My first role in Asia was in 2004 with a PR company in Bangkok, Thailand as Account Director. Being Swedish and having studied at University in Australia I used to commute between Europe and Australia a few years. With a few stopovers in Asia, I gradually grew my professional network in key cities in Asia including Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore. After graduation, when I was offered a job in Bangkok I did not hesitate to accept it. I have since then mainly lived and worked in South East Asia with the exemption of a year in London.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore is the hub of Asia, this is where the decisions of the major international companies are made. I have in my previous roles had Singapore as my regional hub and I have always loved coming here for business.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Focus on a few key areas in life only. With a clear focus, we can achieve what really makes us happy.
Who inspires you?
Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos and author of the book Delivering Happiness. I had the pleasure to visit him during a bootcamp in his company in Las Vegas in 2013. He is a living example of what we humans are capable of achieving when we have a clear focus and are not scared to go for our dreams.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
How atomization really can help to propel your business. At EGN Singapore we have in the past year restructured our business development strategies and have automized several previously manual tasks including creating target lists and our outreach to new prospects. It has changed the way we work and we can spend more time on meaningful tasks such as attending more meetings, events and conferences.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
To do things slower and enjoy the moment more.
How do you unwind?
I love jogging, cycling and swimming. For the past five years I have participated in several marathons and triathlons including Ironman events. I also thrive on the adrenaline of speaking at conferences, seminars and events and have appeared on television multiple times.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Angkor Wat. There is something magical about the place. I am planning to go back there in December this year for the half marathon. Can’t wait!
Everyone in business should read this book:
Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh. It is a book that demonstrates how important the company culture is to a company’s success.
Shameless plug for your business:
To be able to connect senior executives and help them make smarter decisions that saves them and their organizations both time and money. With today’s busy schedules it is important to take a step back to consider our strategies and get feedback on our ideas before we implement them. EGN is offering just that with our confidential peer groups where the members are meeting six times a year in a confidential setting with a facilitator that is running the meeting to ensure that the meeting is professional and timely.
EGN Singapore has currently 310 members divided in 10 peer groups. We have groups in Executive Leadership, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Finance and IT. Contact us today if you want to apply for a membership.
How can people connect with you?
Email – [email protected]
Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjonsson/
Twitter handle?
@NickJonsson
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here: twitter.com/laingcallum linkedin.com/in/callumlaing Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
