David Delivers Digital Learning to Start-ups and Enterprises Of All Sizes
What’s your story?
I feel like a citizen of the world, having been born in Lebanon, growing up in France and now living in Hong Kong since 2014. I started my career 20 years ago as a kebab cooker, warehouseman and tie seller before joining the banking industry in 2003 as the back office officer. I was quickly promoted to project management and business analysis across several transversal functions. I became quite experienced in digital transformation and operational efficiency programs.
My life continues to be filled with amazing opportunities that help me to continuously improve and innovate new learning mindsets. Having completed 6 years of night courses, in 2011, I finally achieved my master’s degree in project management and business engineering.
When I created my company eLearn2grow, in 2016, I decided to share my passion for digital, project management, and learning.
What excites you most about your industry?
The EdTech industry, Educational Technologies, is the fastest changing industry in the world. There are many enablers boosting the growth of this industry, but what most excites me is the impact created by EdTech companies on society.
Today, with the COVID crisis, people are keen to discover and to learn through educational technologies. Learning is embedded in human DNA.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I am Asian! My country of birth, Lebanon, is located in the far western part of Asia and my wife is Korean born. I have always had a deep passion for Asian culture. We have lived in Hong Kong for 6 years now.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Asia is full of amazing cities for business. I know Hong Kong the best, and more and more of my clients are from Singapore. So I would say Hong Kong is my favourite city for now.
There is a positive dynamic in Hong Kong and it is quite easy to make contacts and to meet people. Most of our clients have their regional headquarters in Hong Kong.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
An old friend told me, “trust your gut instinct, especially in front of an opportunity.” This drives me forward in my personal and professional journey.
Who inspires you?
My wife has been inspiring me for 17 years.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I recently found a 1997 video with Steve Jobs talking about marketing strategy and his novel way of thinking totally blew me away. In less than 7 minutes he deeply changed my conception of marketing.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Entrepreneurship is not a job, it is a passion. If I was able to go back to my teenage years, I would follow my gut instincts and be bolder. I was very shy at that time and lacked the courage to implement some ideas that I am pretty sure would have had an impact on the world.
How do you unwind?
I have 2 young kids, and they help keep me firmly rooted in reality. Often, when I need to relax I just sit and watch them. They give me energy and purpose.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Seoul, especially the Gwangjang Market. Why? Because this is an amazing traditional place with lots of wonderful food to try!
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Art of War,” by Sun Tzu. The interesting part of this book is that it can be applied to everything you know, from business strategy and leadership to lifestyle and beyond.
Shameless plug for your business:
eLearn2grow’s mission is to help start-ups and enterprises of all sizes to improve team engagement, create disruptive digital learning transformation, and provide professional advice. Today we are serving 30+ corporate clients and their employees by designing and developing whatever is related to digital learning (eLearning, infographic, and animated videos, 360 immersive videos).
Since 2016 we have delivered 500+ digital learning projects to serve up to 100,000 employees worldwide.
And you know what? We will provide you with a prototype in less than 24 hours!
How can people connect with you?
People can connect with me through social media, especially LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddaoudprofile/
I am also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and you can email me directly at [email protected].
Our website is another great resource for free eLearnings and blog content/explainers on all things Learning and Development as well as Soft skills improvement. www.elearn2grow.com
Twitter handle?
@DavidDaoudHK
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ 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 and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
