Bronson has a passion for helping and actively contributing to the growth journey of a business and in his current role he does just that!
What’s your story?
I’ve always been excited about turning ideas into reality and I realized that for so many startups, the biggest gap is having access to strategic expertise in creating sustainable growth. As is the often-used quote by Guy Kawasaki, “Ideas are easy, Implementation is hard”.
What we aim to do is help businesses in various growth phases reach the next level of success by impacting them in a tangible manner through strategically increasing accessibility and connectivity between businesses.
What excites you most about your industry?
The fact that our services can be applied across geographic boundaries, industries and business models while making an actual impact is truly exciting for me! The exposure to such diverse businesses means I’m constantly learning and acquiring new knowledge, which is critical for what I do and which I find enjoyable.
Knowing that I’ve helped a company become more scalable and valuable whether it’s through Market Entry, M&A or simply Business Development means that I have actively contributed to the growth journey of a business. Add to the fact that the space is full of people and businesses attempting to solve real problems through innovation (purposes and visions that I don’t have the talent to address!), it makes me feel like I’m also solving these problems by extension. That feeling of fulfilment further reinforces my belief and passion in what I do.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Despite spending a big part of my life moving between cities (London, New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Jakarta and Singapore), I’ve always felt connected to Asia. Maybe it’s the flavours of food, confluence of diverse cultures or the buzz of hope and opportunities, but I’m pretty much deeply-rooted in Asia!
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Definitely Singapore (maybe I’m biased)! The efficient infrastructure, ease of accessibility, emphasis on security and it doesn’t hurt that Singapore’s is a hub for a lot of businesses while being a gateway to the region.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t pursue happiness; find meaning.
Who inspires you?
I’ve been blessed to have had many personal mentors in my life who have impacted me in so many ways. Apart from them, I draw inspiration from luminaries of various fields. From Hans Rosling (brought statistics to life), Peter Drucker (Father of Management), Brian Robertson (Holacracy), Aristotle, President Obama, Masayoshi and Taizo Son, Lee Kuan Yew, Jack Ma, Tony Hsieh and the list goes on… Sorry if that’s too many! The thing is though, we always find different people who inspires us in different ways and areas. It’s how we apply what we’ve learned from them to our lives that’s important.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
We’re all on our individual search/journey for our raison d’etre. I think it’s natural for all of us to desire a life of meaning and consequence while still enjoying the lifestyle that comes with money and success. Well, the concept of Ikigai – Japanese term that roughly translates to “reason for being” – brings clarity to how we can identify and consequently achieve that balance. Rather than narrating it, I’ve shared the diagram below.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’ve done a lot of things when I was still young and immature, and have been through a lot of ups and downs. However, these experiences have molded and led me to where I am today. I wouldn’t do anything differently because the cumulative effect of my past has been critical to my growth and self-development. I would much rather look forward than change my past.
How do you unwind?
I take walks, read, write (occasionally), put on a good movie, spend time with my girlfriend or if time and schedule permits, I surf.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
It’s a tough choice between Bali and Korea. Bali because of the sun, surf, and general conviviality! Korea because of the diversity between nature and city activities – beautiful mountains, beaches, nature trails or delicious food, shopping options or nightlife.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Factfulness – Hans Rosling
Shameless plug for your business:
We scale business connectivity worldwide and help businesses grow by facilitating access between business ecosystems, networks and markets!
How can people connect with you?
You can drop me an email at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronson-eldred-a0513995/
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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
