35 - Exploring the Power of Board Seats: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Underrepresented Individuals with Veblen Director Programme's Callum Laing

Your host, Kelley O'Hara, talks with the Member of Veblen Director Programme, Callum Laing. Callum's story is one of true entrepreneurial spirit. He reminisced about his early days as a hustling young person, eager to make his mark. His first significant breakthrough came during the dot-com boom when he founded a recruitment company that connected network engineers with European telecoms. This venture catapulted him into success at a young age, but the burst of the dot-com bubble was a humbling experience that solidified his path as a lifelong entrepreneur.

With a keen eye on global trends, Callum made a strategic move over 20 years ago that would shape his career. He relocated to Asia, positioning himself at the forefront of the wealth transfer from the West to the East. This decision was pivotal, as it allowed him to tap into the burgeoning economic power of the region and continue building businesses with a fresh perspective.

Callum's experiences led him to identify a gap in the market: the lack of investor connection with the vast majority of the economy locked in small businesses. To address this, he and his business partner began grouping owner-operated small businesses into publicly listed companies, maintaining the founders' control. This innovative approach succeeded financially and exposed Callum to the inner workings of boardrooms.

Through these observations, Callum recognized the need for more diversity and effective leadership within these spaces. This realization birthed the Veblen Director Programme, designed to empower women entrepreneurs and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to advance their careers through board appointments.

To learn more about Callum's work, click HERE and HERE.

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