Asian Business Owners - A.B.O.

By Carmen Salameh

I’m Carmen, host of Asian Business Owners (ABO) — a podcast featuring honest conversations with entrepreneurs across Asia.

We dive into the real journey of building a business: the wins,

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FAQs about Asian Business Owners - A.B.O.:

How many episodes does Asian Business Owners - A.B.O. have?

The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.

Asian Business Owners - A.B.O. episodes:

September 01, 2025 QUICK WINS: 3 AI Tools Every Business Owner Should Use (Even If You're Not Techy)
You want to use AI in your business but don’t know where to start?

In this QUICK WINS episode, discover 3 simple and practical ways to leverage AI, even if you’re not techy.

From marketing automation to data insights and faster customer support, these tips are built for busy entrepreneurs who want results without the overwhelm.

Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:36) Leveraging AI for Marketing Automation
(01:31) Analysing Customer Data with AI
(02:16) Enhancing Customer Service with Chatbots
(03:04) Conclusion and Next Steps
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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4min
August 27, 2025 The Best Advice I’ve Heard from Entrepreneurs
What if you could gather some of the most valuable lessons from entrepreneurs in one episode?

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, you’ll hear my guests share their best advice. Real, relatable and straight from experience.

This is a compilation of the insights that stuck with me, if you like it, I'll do another one like this with more advice from more guests.

I hope you’ll find help here that makes you reflect and maybe even change the way you approach your business.

Content:
(00:29) Special Episode: Lessons Learned by Business Owners
(01:13) Karin Chan: Be Your Biggest Cheerleader
(02:18) Rasheed Shroff: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
(04:13) Alison Chan: Her Dad's Inspiring Story From Laborer to Businessman
(06:22) Kiri Sinclair on The Importance of People in Business
(07:29) Jonathan Crockett's Advice To Be A Sucessfull Leader
(08:06) Conclusion and Farewell

👉 To listen to the full episodes:
Karin Chan's episode
Rasheed Shroff's episode
Alison Chan's episode
Kiri Sinclair's episode
Jonathan Crockett's episode
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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9min
August 24, 2025 TEASER - Introducing Quick Wins: Short, Sharp Episodes for Entrepreneurs Who Want Results
🚨 Big news: Asian Business Owners is getting even more practical.

Introducing Quick Wins, short, sharp episodes packed with actionable business advice — in 3 minutes.

Each week, you'll get tips on one specific challenge entrepreneurs face, from building an audience to using AI, handling burnout or boosting sales with Instagram.

Short, practical, specific: listen to proven tips you can implement today.

The first Quick Wins episode drops next week.
✅ Follow the show so you don’t miss it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2min
August 20, 2025 REPLAY — What Happens When You Leave Everything Behind for a New Beginning
What does it take to walk away from a stable career and start over completely?

In this episode replay, Laurie Mias shares her journey from a stable life and job in Paris to launching her own wellness brand in Hong Kong.

We talk about the challenges of leaving security behind, the emotional rollercoaster of starting from zero and the unexpected truths no one tells you about entrepreneurship.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to risk everything for a new beginning, Laurie’s story is as honest as it gets.

Content:
(01:03) Introducing Laurie and MONO Skincare
(02:11) Laurie's Entrepreneurial Journey
(05:31) Starting Fresh in Hong Kong before MONO Skincare
(08:47) The Birth of a Juice Business
(13:02) Lessons Learned From This 1st Experience
(18:33) Quickfire Questions
(22:04) Transition to Wellness and Yoga
(24:48) The Impact of Covid on Wellness Retreats
(25:11) Founding MONO Skincare
(25:24) Challenges in the Skincare Market
(29:15) The Journey of Product Development
(36:11) Launching a Revolutionary Product
(42:11) Adapting to Market Needs
(45:19) Future Innovations and Business Philosophy
(49:07) Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

👉 To find out more about MONO Skincare:
Their website
Their Instagram page
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52min
August 19, 2025 REPLAY — Why Laurie Mias Risked Everything to Start Over
Listen or re-listen to this episode that you particularly loved. Laurie's story is fascinating, as she quit everything: job, boyfriend, native country — and moved to the other side of the planet to reinvent herself.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1min
August 13, 2025Navigating Uncertainty: How Entrepreneurs Move Forward Without All the Answers
How do you run a business when nothing is certain?

In this special medley episode of Asian Business Owners, 3 founders share what it’s really like to navigate unpredictable markets, major transitions and high-stakes decisions without all the answers.

Listen to:
Christian Mongendre, founder of TreeHouse, on surviving COVID-19, navigating economic slowdowns and adapting to shifting food trends
Jingjin Liu, founder of ZaZaZu, on leaving a C-level corporate job for entrepreneurship and exiting her business unexpectedly right before the pandemic
Naman Tekriwal, co-founder of Breer, on turning leftover bread into beer, learning to brew from scratch with YouTube tutorials and finding product-market fit

Whether you’re in a pivot, just starting out, or facing your own uncertainty, listen to these stories about adapting and making decisions without full clarity.

Content:
(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
(00:27) Navigating Uncertainty in Business
(02:10) Challenges in the Market and Media
(05:49) Learning to Brew Beer from Scratch
(09:53) Quitting Corporate for Entrepreneurship
(12:55) Reflecting on Business Exits and Lessons Learned
(13:55) Conclusion — Follow us and Hit Subscribe!

👉 To listen to the full episodes:
Christian's story
Naman's story
Jingjin's story
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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15min
August 12, 2025 TEASER - Navigating Uncertainty: 3 Entrepreneurs, No Clear Roadmap
What do you do when the plan falls apart?

From navigating COVID closures and market shifts, to trying something for the first from scratch with no experience, to leaving a thriving business right before the pandemic — these entrepreneurs show us how to keep moving with uncertainty.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1min
August 06, 2025 REPLAY — You Loved Her Story: From Pregnant and Jobless to a 50-Store Fashion Empire
One of your favourite episodes

When Ariane Zagury moved to Asia, she was pregnant, jobless and had no business plan.

Today? She runs Rue Madame Fashion Group, a retail empire with over 50 fashion boutiques across Asia, including brands like American Vintage, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, Sandro, Jonak and more.

In this powerful conversation, Ariane opens up about:
– How she started from scratch in a new country
– The bold moves that built her multi-brand group
– Lessons from scaling in Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond

If you’re pivoting, launching or dreaming bigger, listen or re-listen to this episode.

Content:
(00:45) Meet Ariane: Owner of Rue Madam Fashion Group
(03:04) Reflecting on Success and Personal Life
(08:23) Opening the First Shop in Asia
(12:44) Quick Fire Questions with Ariane
(14:33) Building a Retail Empire
(18:59) The Reality of Business Plans and Profitability
(20:44) Signing the First Joint Venture with American Vintage
(22:08) A Journey of Persistence with SMCP
(30:16) The Birth of Clemence Brand
(31:52) The Fashion Scene in Asia
(33:27) Expanding into Mainland China
(35:06) Lessons Learned from Mistakes

(00:27) Carmen's Summer Update
(00:59) Meet Ariane, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group
(04:59) Ariane's Journey from Finance to Fashion
(10:19) Challenges and Successes in Retail
(13:17) Fireside Questions with Ariane
(15:49) Building a Client-Centric Retail Business
(19:06) Balancing Vision and Business Focus
(21:17) First Partnership with American Vintage
(22:53) Persistence in Business
(28:43) The Importance of Addressing Problems
(32:25) Fashion in Asia
(34:01) Expanding into Mainland China
(35:40) Lessons Learned from Mistakes

👉 To find out more:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

🎥 Follow A.B.O. Podcast also on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@abopod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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37min
August 04, 2025 TEASER - Your Favourite Episode
You particularly loved this story and I agree with you, her story is pretty inspiring.

During this holiday season, while travelling or working, listen or re-listen to previous episodes you loved.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2min
July 30, 2025When to Pivot: How These Entrepreneurs Knew It Was Time to Change Direction
You're at a crossroads wondering if it’s time to pivot?

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, 3 entrepreneurs in Asia share the exact moment they knew they had to change direction. From feeling off-track to redefining success and walking away from what no longer served them, these stories will help you trust your gut and take the next step with clarity.

Listen to:
Maaike Steinebach on finding your purpose
Rowena Gonzales on switching from corporate to freelancing to business owner
Laurie Mias on starting over on the other side of the planet

Whether you're in a transition or afraid of making the wrong move, this episode is for you.

Content:
(00:27) Entrepreneurial Crossroads: Stories of Bold Pivots
(01:01) Maaike - Female Empowerment and Technology: A Personal Journey
(04:25) Maaike - The Gender Health Gap: Unveiling the Disparities
(07:04) Rowena - From Corporate to Freelancing to Entrepreneurship: A Designer's Tale
(12:38) Laurie - Taking the Leap & Starting Over: Moving from Paris to Hong Kong

👉 To listen to the full episodes:
Maaike: From CEO of VISA to FemTech Founder: Maaike’s Mission to Empower Women’s Health
Rowena: She Left Corporate, Built a Design Firm — And Dit It Her Way
Laurie: She Left Everything to Build a Skincare Brand- Here's What No One Tells You
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
20min

FAQs about Asian Business Owners - A.B.O.:

How many episodes does Asian Business Owners - A.B.O. have?

The podcast currently has 118 episodes available.