What’s your story?
I was born and grew up in Hong Kong. I went to University in Australia studying Outdoor Education. With the goal learning how to be a good group leader and facilitate experiences so people can learn more about the environment, themselves and how they interact with others and how to apply what they learnt back into everyday life. I care a lot about helping people reach their goals and discovering their potential so I moved back to HK and now have my own company organising fitness programmes and races for women. Also just launching a new venture selling CBD in Hong Kong.
What excites you most about your industry?
Meeting new people, hearing their stories and watching them go through a journey of learning new things about themselves and doing things they thought they couldn’t do is very inspiring to me. We are much more capable than we think. Helping people realise that is incredibly rewarding.
What is your connection to Asia?
I was born in Hong Kong and went to primary and high school here. It is my home.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I would have to say Hong Kong, it really is a place where anything is possible and achievable.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
1) Most people overestimate what they can do in a year but underestimate what they can do in 10.
2) You need to focus on giving value with your product and making the world better before you focus on the money. When I started the Women’s Five I wanted to do everything at once – but it was important to realise that this company will hopefully be around for 20 years+. How am I going to keep adding value for 20 years…this changed how I approached the whole thing.
Who inspires you?
People who take the chance and have the courage to try new things even though they are nervous or don’t know what will happen. You learn an incredible amount about yourself in these moments. Usually you realise that you can do more than you thought, and nothing is as bad as it seems.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Did you know the human body actually has evolved with receptors in our cells for Enocannabiods which are present in CBD? These have the purpose of regulating the function of organs, tissues and the immune system. Seems like something we should pay more attention to if our bodies are literally designed to use it.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’m not sure I have many regrets, as everything I’ve been through has made me who I am today. But I would probably realise the impact and importance of investing at an earlier age. For example, if you invest HKD7000 every month from when you are 20-45 at an annual growth of 10% in a mutual fund, and reinvest your earnings, you will have just over 8 million. Which is an extra 800,000 per year.
How do you unwind?
What do I do for fun? I work. I love creating new things and challenging myself.
If I need space and to clear my head? I leave my phone and watch at home and go for a run or walk in nature.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Pre-Covid I have really been enjoying Bali, recently going to Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, the people are amazing and there is so much to see and experience there. It’s a special place.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris. It’s full of gems.
Shameless plug for your business:
We have the largest range of one of the top global CBD brands available on our site, for people and pets – In regards to number of products and strength. Also the most comprehensive blog/ range of information regarding CBD. Anyone who wants to sleep better, reduce anxiety or help their muscle or joint discomfort then please check us out!
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
Website: 1) www.cbd-hongkong.com
2) www.womensfive.com
Social Media Links?
Instagram: @cbd.hk
@womensfive
Facebook: @cbdhongkong
@womensfive
—
To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
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
