35 - Exploring the Power of Board Seats: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Underrepresented Individuals with Veblen Director Programme's Callum Laing
04/18/24 • 50 min
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.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about SpeakerTunity? Check out the website at www.speakertunity.com.
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.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about SpeakerTunity? Check out the website at www.speakertunity.com.
Previous Episode
34 - Unleashing the Podcasting Potential: Crafting Connections and Empowering Audiences with JJ Flizanes Network's JJ Flizanes
Your host, Kelley O'Hara, talks with the CEO of JJ Flizanes Network, JJ Flizanes. JJ highlighted what sets a great podcaster apart from the rest. It's not just about having a polished voice or the best equipment; it's about the ability to connect with your audience on a deeper level. For business owners, a podcast can be a tool to enhance their brand and fill seats. For those driven by a mission, qualities like discipline, passion, and the natural ability to educate and motivate are key. It's about building a community and establishing trust with your listeners.
When it comes to selecting topics for your podcast, the decision-making process is crucial. JJ shared her approach to this, starting with testing content to see what resonates with her audience. By structuring her podcast with different themes under one umbrella, she was able to gauge interest and refine her strategy over time. Aligning your podcast topics with your passion and the needs of your community is essential. It's a dance and evolution where you create content with your audience, not just for them.
JJ emphasized the strategic planning involved in building a community through podcasting. Every conversation, episode placement, and call to action is deliberate, aiming to create a cohesive and engaging experience for the audience. She treats her podcast like a relationship with her community, making decisions that strengthen that bond and provide value.
To learn more about JJ's work, click HERE and HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about SpeakerTunity? Check out the website at www.speakertunity.com.
Next Episode
36 - Mastering Masculinity: The Game-Changing Coaching Program with GBS Life Coaching's Gregory Styan
Your host, Kelley O'Hara, talks with the Life Coach of GBS Life Coaching, Gregory Styan. Gregory's story is one of transformation and tenacity. As a former athlete and school teacher in East London, he never imagined that his path would lead him to coach some of the world's most affluent families, including a Russian billionaire and a legendary rock star. His transition from the classroom to the upper echelons of society is a testament to his adaptability and understanding of human potential.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a turning point for many industries, and coaching is no exception. Gregory spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities during this unprecedented time. He emphasized the importance of work-life balance, especially when the lines between personal and professional spaces were blurred.
To learn more about Gregory's work, click HERE and HERE.
Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
Want to learn more about SpeakerTunity? Check out the website at www.speakertunity.com.
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