Bringing out the best in others at work is what Mel Leow focuses on in his coaching business.
What’s your story?
I was an FMCG marketeer for many years and have always been fascinated by the human psyche; how consumers made brand or product decisions. Then I decided to say goodbye to the industry (and home) and migrated to Melbourne, Australia in 2005. Little did I know, I would come across ‘coaching’ and now after more than 10 years, we help organizations understand their top talents and really know what drives and motivates their people forward.
What excites you most about your industry?
Meeting different people and just hearing their stories. Their challenges at work and life and also their proud moments. Best of all, I get to help them realize their dreams, goals and achieve personal and professional breakthroughs.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I’m Malaysian born and bred and have worked and travelled throughout Asia. I have lived in Australia for 8 years now as a permanent resident. I love the food, the weather and the people and yes, I am proud to be Asian.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I would have to say Kuala Lumpur because most of my clients are based here and frankly, it is easy to do business from this base into Asia, it’s so central.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
To always “Believe in human potential.”
Who inspires you?
Elon Musk. He is cool, a great business mind and simply relentless in his pursuit for excellence.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
To never give up on your dream and be faithful doing what you passionately do. One fine day, that dream will come true. That person is now on his way for a short stint at an English premier league football club!
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Perhaps I would have begun sooner on the coaching journey and expanded it in a big way globally (and online).
How do you unwind?
I take a walk around my neighbourhood in the middle of the night. You see everything a little different in the still of night…
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Kota Kinabalu. I love the pace, it’s so relaxing. I love the people, the food, the mountain (I have climbed it twice), the beach and the sea. I is simply an amazing place to be.
Everyone in business should read this book:
John Maxwell books have given me so much over the years. I especially love the Bible. It has timeless leadership and business wisdom in it.
Shameless plug for your business:
You may fall into three categories;
Want to become a workplace coach? Connect with our Australian coaching certification that we bring into Asia
Want to excel at work? Get our work attitude and motivation profiling called the iWAM to uncover what really drives you (and derails) at work.
Want to bring out the best in others at work? Get our coaching book entitled “Bring Out Their Best.”
How can people connect with you?
Connect with me via my Blog http://www.melleow.com
Connect with our team at APIC http://www.apicoaching.com and [email protected]
Connect with us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/apicoaching
Twitter handle?
Find me on Twitter at lifecoachmel
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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
