I seem to spend more time in Regus offices then I do in my own. We have all our Board meetings there, plus holding seminars and taking over small offices when our team expands for events. It is great to have a partner that is so versatile and easy to work with. Much of the credit goes to Paul and his team!
What’s your story?
I have been working for Regus now for 11 years. I have done a variety of roles during that time from sales, Area Director of a region and now Country Manager of Singapore. Regus has been a great company for me to develop, grow and I have had the pleasure of experiencing working in many different Countries within Asia. An awesome company to work for if you want to grow quickly with a fast pace and dynamic company.
What excites you most about your industry?
Working for Regus as the world leader in flexible work spaces has been challenging an awesome career. It is a great company to work for if you want to grow quickly with a fast paced and dynamic environment. The work space industry has changed so much in the last 10 years, mainly led by the advancements in technology that have made a huge impact on the way how people use workspaces these days. This continuing change is very interesting, inspiring and demanding in how we create great places of work for the present and future.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have been living in Asia now for 8 years, 6 years in Singapore and a roaming role for 2 years where I had temporary roles in Hong Kong, China, Philippines and India. I am also connected to Asia through my wife who is originally from Laos and who I met in Singapore.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
It has to be Singapore. Singapore has such a dynamic and vibrant business culture it is hard to beat anywhere else in Asia. With so many great local and international business based out of and working in Singapore, it is a true melting pot and business hub for the region and connecting Asia to other parts of the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Look after your clients and the team who work for you and both will look after you. The success I have had is not down to just me, it is down to a team who is motivated and who works very well for me. They make me look good!
Who inspires you?
I get inspired by the young entrepreneurs I meet. Singapore is a place where many young entrepreneurs are starting businesses and grow their businesses to successful enterprises. The creativity and innovative approach many entrepreneurs take to modern day challenges for people and businesses are very inspiring.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The demand for Flexible working policies by company employees is growing extremely fast. In a recent survey from Employer Alliance 60% of Singapore workers aged between 30 and 39 and 58% of working mothers would consider quitting their jobs if they could not benefit from such flexible options that provide them better work life balance. That is a huge number. At Regus we are working to support and educate many companies on the benefits of providing their employees with flexible work spaces with which they can reap benefits of a more motivated and productive work force, but there are many more companies that need to discover how flexible work spaces can benefit them.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Don’t wait for opportunities to come tomorrow or put plans on hold that you are passionate about, but not sure if it’s the right time. Singapore is a great place that fosters creativity and supports small businesses. I’ve seen many people delay great opportunities because they thought the time wasn’t right which they later they regretted putting on hold.
How do you unwind?
Spending time with my wife and playing with my son is my passion in life. In addition I love eating out with friends.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Asia has so many amazing places to visit and we are so fortunate to have easy access to these places. Although Bali is high up on my list of destinations for relaxation, Luang Prabang in Laos takes the number 1 spot. Laos is one of the last un-touched gems of South-East Asia and I would highly recommend visiting Luang Prabang to everyone.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Good to Great – Jim Collins
Shameless plug for your business:
Regus offers products & services which allows individuals and companies to concentrate on their core business, and use their talents to best effect.
Be they the largest global corporate or an entrepreneur with an idea, we help them be more flexible, more cost-effective and more agile – and better able to face the unexpected challenges of business in the 21st century. With over 25 locations in Singapore and over 3,000 Globally Regus have the right solution and location for everyone’s needs.
How can people connect with you?
best is to email: [email protected]
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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/>
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Get his free ‘Asia Snapshot’ report from www.callumlaing.com
