One of the perks of this job is being able to connect with people that are making a real difference. Roshni is not only able to provide valuable information and insights to those who need it, but has the drive and know how to find ways to leverage distribution channels to provide impact to the maximum number of people. Inspiring stuff.
What’s your story?
Roshni Mahtani is the CEO and Founder of Tickled Media, the publisher of theAsianparent.com.
My company reaches over 6 million Asian mums monthly and has operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and India. I have over 10 years of media experience across the US and Asia Pacific.
As an entrepreneur based in Singapore, I am actively involved in the start-up community. In 2012, I founded the Female Founders Network, a group of over 500 female founders. I also sit on the board of TIE Singapore and am a mentor at JFDI where I work with early stage start-ups.
Besides my interest in the start-up world, I am also an Executive Producer of Untouchable: Children of God, a 2014 documovie about young girls in the brothels of India and how they are sold and trafficked from Nepal. The film won the Humanitarian Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival 2014 and is currently playing on Singapore Airlines flights.
What excites you most about your industry?
That it’s a dynamic and fast growing industry, with more Asians getting on the Internet – so it definitely challenges me to push myself and keep looking ahead so that I not only keep up with the market, but be ahead of it. And because it’s a fast growing industry, it has the ability to improve the quality of life of so many people – and I like the thought that I’m contributing to that.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My connection with Asia has been a long standing one. I was born and raised in Asia. I started my business in Asia as well. Asia has been very kind to me.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore. Everything just works!
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I have received thus far is a quote from Swami Chinmayananda: “Remember even this will pass away.”
Who inspires you?
I think you can get inspiration from anyone around you. This morning I met with Nick Vujicic and I was definitely inspired by his accomplishments and how he managed to maintain an upbeat outlook on life.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I just watched a video about the still face experiment that psychologists first introduced back in the 70s. It’s interesting because it shows how infants can already see the relationship between facial expression and emotion, that they have the basic foundation for social cognition in place. Today, scientists use the experiment as a standard to investigate infants from different cultures, infants with disabilities, even infants whose parents have a mental disorder like depression.
You can view the experiment here: http://sg.theasianparent.com/mum-refuses-her-babys-cry-for-attention/.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
In my earlier days I was quick to hire, slow to fire. Now I am the opposite.
How do you unwind?
I love reading and I have a weak spot for single malt whiskies.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I love Bali for its beautiful beaches, temples and romantic sunsets.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Art of the Start” by Guy Kawasaki
Shameless plug for your business:
Check out www.theAsianparent.com
How can people connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshnimahtani
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s 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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