For someone who has done everything, lived a full life and enjoyed every step of the way, it’s not surprising her business is organising travel experiences for others!
What’s your story?
Ah! Where to start…From the South of France to Italy, from my first job in the hospitality world of New York to the first experience of living in Paris as a hotelier, from various business trips all over the world to starting my own business in India, from Hong Kong to now, in Singapore – you can say I have pretty much covered it all. A globetrotter at heart, a travel designer by profession, with a recently acquired passion for social media and digital marketing, I am constantly looking for what inspires me and how I can make a difference.
What excites you most about your industry?
Meeting people from all backgrounds, from different countries and mindsets, making prejudices disappear and the reaffirmation that there is no such thing as “generalities”. It may be a different language, religion, food habit but we are all the same at the end and aspire to do the same things.
What’s your connection to Asia?
It’s a lot of firsts – my first ever business trip to Japan, first entrepreneurial journey in India, and a life changing experience to a home and family in Singapore.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
It would definitely be Hong Kong, for, it’s a melting pot with a strong culture, creativity, vibrant energy and enthusiasm. It’s a perfect crossroad where Asia meets the Western World.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
To just start, do anything. It should never be about failing but rather about not trying.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by vision and passion. I am equally inspired by the people who work with technology trying to change the world and make things accessible to the remotest parts of the world, as I am inspired by the great leaders of the past and the present. Each new day brings me the opportunity to be inspired by someone.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Contrary to popular belief that social media is just for fun, I have seen how it can allow someone sitting in New York to completely give a new meaning to a kid’s life by paying his school fees ~ recent case of a poor kid in an Indian slum. More and more such selfless acts are seen worldwide on these social media platforms where people participate in numbers to help change the lives of others, and make the world a better place.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Would I do it again? {Smiles} Instead of differently, I would do it better. I would not stress over the small things. I would trust my instinct and my first judgement on situations and people.
How do you unwind?
Boxing, swimming, anything which takes my mind away from everything else and TV shows ~ always amazed by what those TV producers come up with.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Japan because of the people, the food, and a perfect blend of excitement in Tokyo with the spiritual aura of places like Kyoto.
Everyone in business should read this book:
4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
Shameless plug for your business:
www.themyouandme.com/luxurytravel
How can people connect with you?
Email me at [email protected]
Twitter handle?
@themyouandme
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
