Chris Robb, CEO of Mass Participation Asia

Chris Robb believes, “There is an opportunity in every challenge – as long as you are prepared to look for it.”

What’s your story?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have had an amazing journey that has allowed me to impact the lives of millions of people through creating and delivering some of the biggest mass participation sports events across three continents.

I started out poor growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe. However in my life, there have been countless highlights including being Road Events Supervisor at the Sydney Olympics and recently meeting Sir Richard Branson on Necker Island.

Last year, I sold my business to IRONMAN and now base myself in Bali. I’m an international speaker, working on my second book “The Gift of Disaster” and growing Mass Participation Asia.

What excites you most about your industry?
The amazing platform that mass participation events provide to impact the lives of millions of people – from those that participate directly, through to their family and friends and the opportunity to support worthy causes all over the world.

Additionally, it is so dynamic with every event presenting a range of different opportunities to customise engagement opportunities for brands and an array of operational challenges to overcome.

What’s your connection to Asia?
On the personal front, my wife is from the Philippines and we met in Hong Kong.

From a business perspective, I expanded my company from Australia to Singapore in 2003 and lived in Singapore for nine years before moving to Bali.

Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore.

Strong government support for small businesses and entrepreneurship as well as the regional base for so many international and Asian brands that are involved in partnering with mass participation events.

Also, an easy city to work in with great connectivity to the rest of the region.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
There is an opportunity in every challenge – as long as you are prepared to look for it.

Who inspires you?
Sir Richard Branson for his “Screw it, let’s do it” attitude and my almost three-year-old son, Sam, for the joy and fun that he brings to every day.

What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
A few weeks ago, I attended a two-day workshop in Australia with Jim Benson the co-author and creator of Personal Kanban. It has completely changed the way I manage my work and massively increased my productivity.

If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Surround myself with a team of experienced mentors and advisors from day one.

How do you unwind?
On my bike watching the sunrise over the stunning Bali rice fields and at the beach with my wife Tet and son Sam watching the sunset.

Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bali for its wonderful diversity of landscape, incredible culture and traditions and amazing restaurants and cafés.

Everyone in business should read this book:
Losing my Virginity by Sir Richard Branson

Shameless plug for your business:
I create powerful impact through:
● Public speaking – my “Gift of Disaster” keynote takes the audience on a roller-coaster ride of real-life case studies that tie back to valuable business principles.

The presentation is highly adaptable and can be tailored to a conference theme or business objective. It has been delivered to huge accolades as an hour keynote through to TED talk style for a wide array of audiences.

I also regularly present at industry conferences on a range of industry specific and business topics.

● High impact results through consulting and advising.

● Facilitating industry collaboration and best practice via Mass Participation Asia.

How can people connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-robb/

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