There are a few people whose names just seem to crop up over and over again. Gina Romero is one of those people. I think in total about a dozen people had told me I HAD to meet Gina before I eventually did. Turns out all of them were right, she is a star!
What’s your story?
I’m a community builder with a passion for entrepreneurship and technology. I believe that community and technology are catalysts for helping entrepreneurs create meaningful, sustainable businesses and I’m on a mission to help people do just that.
What excites you most about your industry?
Technology is changing the way we do business, how we connect with each other and how we behave. The paradigm of privacy and transparency is evolving and I love being part of that.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I live in Singapore with my family having relocated here from the UK in late 2010. My mum is original from a rural town in the Philippines so I’m both Asian and British at heart.
I’ve adopted Singapore as my home – it’s the best of both worlds for me.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
So far I’ve only explored Singapore for work – but I love the efficiency, the openness and the general techy vibe. People here love to talk about technology and entrepreneurship and are keen to leverage their networks to make an impact.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Do what you enjoy. That was from my Dad. He also said never get a tattoo. I bailed on that one.
Who inspires you?
Richard Branson. He’s all about fun and passion and being a bit rebellious. I love that. Also Joel Gascoigne from Buffer. He’s disrupting the typical startup mentality by focusing on transparency, values and culture.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Mark Zuckerberg has taught himself Mandarin and Minecraft was purchased by Microsoft. I love it when the geeks win.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I’m not sure really – I’m more of a forward thinking kind of person. I’m happy with what has panned out so far and I’m focused on having fun and creating value.
How do you unwind?
Working or drinking beer. Working while drinking beer. Or drinking beer and working. Any combination of those. And just hanging out with my boys.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I try not to travel, I like to stay put. Staycation is my thing. I would quite like to have a relaxing vacation one day, but only if they have free wifi and cheap beer.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The E-Myth was one of the first business books I have ever read. It really go me thinking about systems and how important it is to work on your business and not in it. More recently, Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you want to get seen, get found and get talked about join Executive Lifestyle – the Business & Lifestyle Directory for Women Executives & Entrepreneurs.
How can people connect with you?
@gina_romero
[email protected]
This interview was part of the Callum’s Connect column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing has started, built, bought and sold half a dozen businesses in a range of industries across two continents. He is the owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 11 countries and he is also the CEO of Entrevo Asia, a company that runs 40 week Growth Accelerator programs.
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