“What would make someone walk away from a six-figure salary, a senior leadership role, and the comfort of a corporate career… to start over with nothing but a blank sheet of paper? For David Butler, it was a single moment — a moment that revealed what truly mattered most. In this episode, David takes us inside that life-changing decision, sharing the highs, the doubts, the wins, and the lessons from building a coaching business that transforms not only careers but lives. From facing skepticism and imposter syndrome to helping business owners reclaim their time, income, and purpose — David’s journey is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and the power of coaching. So, whether you’re dreaming of leaving your 9-to-5, growing your own business, or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will give you insights you won’t want to miss.”

Summary

In this episode, we gain insights from David Butler, a seasoned sales and business coach, on his journey navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Drawing from his extensive background in sales, where he started with a week's trial at a local newspaper, and later worked for media companies and Monster Worldwide, David recounts his transition from a corporate career to becoming a dedicated coach. He realized his passion for managing and coaching people while working as a sales trainer and director. David emphasises the importance of understanding one's true calling, detailing a "light bulb moment" when, despite a six-figure salary, he was unhappy and a specific trigger (being told he'd have to make up time after leaving early to watch his son's football game) propelled him to leave his job and start his own coaching business. This decision was driven by a desire to help people and achieve freedom of time and money, using his business as a vehicle to live his ideal life.

Delving deeper, he explores the critical role of family and friends in supporting small business owners, noting the "polar opposites" of support and doubt he encountered. While his immediate family was supportive despite thinking he was "a bit mad" for giving up a senior position, others "questioned what [he] was doing" and "said [he] was going to fail". David shares invaluable insights on how these challenges, particularly skepticism, can further fuel one's drive for success.

Next, David examines the multi-layered benefits of coaching, asserting that "everyone needs a coach". He explains how coaching not only empowers the individual coachee to achieve their ideal life and goals, but also positively impacts their friends and family, providing them a better life. He illustrates this with an example of a plumbing business owner who, through coaching, reduced his working hours, earned more, and achieved a better work-life balance, moving from working "in the business" to "on the business". David also highlights the reciprocal learning he gains from working with others, finding huge happiness in seeing people "live their ideal life or live life on their terms".

Moving forward, we explore the realities of the entrepreneurial journey, including the prevalence of doubts and imposter syndrome. David candidly shares his own experiences with these feelings, admitting he still has doubts, worries, anxieties, and "imposter syndrome". He recounts how he sat there thinking, "what the hell have I done?" after leaving a six-figure job to start with "a blank piece of paper". He discusses how winning the National Business Coach of the Year award from the Entrepreneur Circle provided credibility, showing that his work was "truly worthwhile," and served as "payback for the risk, the heartache, [and] the hard work" he had put in. This achievement also inspires other coaches.

Finally, David delves into his role as a "coach's coach," leveraging his personal journey of building a business from scratch to guide other business coaches in growing their ventures and overcoming self-doubt. He emphasizes that because he has "been there" with the blank page and the doubts, he can pass on valuable knowledge to others. He concludes by underscoring the continuous need for personal coaching and support, even for experienced coaches like himself, as he has his own coach who keeps him "straight," challenges him, and supports him when he's "having one of those days". He believes it's "really important for a lot of business owners to have somebody to reach because it can be really lonely".

Dave Butler on LinkedIn

The post David Butler: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Live Life on Their Terms appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Key Takeaways: The show notes suggest several key takeaways for the future of podcasting: AI integration is becoming inevitable, requiring podcasters to integrate AI technologies into their production processes. This integration may lead to a “radical readjustment” of the field, potentially impacting the role of human podcasters. Despite AI advancements, human creativity remains essential, particularly in creative industries. Podcasters will need to engage in constant learning to adapt to new AI tools and platforms. Experimentation with AI can reveal valuable insights, but podcasters must be aware of potential errors or “hallucinations” in AI-generated content which are present in this experiment.

The post Podcasting in the Age of AI: An Experiment appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Morten Damgaard Andersen talks on “Leadership Perspectives: Navigating Multicultural Environments,” in this podcast and also available as a video podcast Morten as a seasoned leader shares insights on emotional intelligence, effective communication, and cultural competence in diverse workplaces.

In this episode, we explore how self-awareness contributes to a leader’s emotional intelligence. Morten has over 25 years of experience in Asia’s dynamic business landscape, and emphasises the importance of understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses to make informed decisions and empathise with others.

Delving deeper, he adds the potential drawbacks of overemphasising emotional intelligence and how leaders can balance competing priorities without succumbing to procrastination. Our guest’s practical approach involves committing to action and engaging in open dialogue with peers and team members.

Next, Morten examines the role of cultural competence in managing diverse behaviours. He emphasises the need to understand cultural norms and communication styles to foster effective collaboration across multicultural teams.

Moving forward, we explore the key components of a leadership style that resonates with team members in multicultural environments. From having a clear vision and effective communication to setting non-negotiable behaviours and demonstrating authenticity, Morten shares invaluable insights on inspiring and empowering teams to achieve success.

Join us for an enriching conversation that delves into the nuances of leadership in multicultural settings. Subscribe now at “AsiaBizStories.com: Entrepreneurs in Action” via audio only or on Google video podcast for actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions with seasoned leaders.

Chapters:

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Goh Sok Koon is a company secretary a vital role in any business in Singapore. I am fortunate to have met her as she has been extremely helpful to me in getting my business up and running. Even before that, I was trying to get her to appear here on this podcast. By her own admission she has been reluctant, preferring like many people to work diligently in the background of the many businesses that she is a part of. But as a business founder of her own, specifically Lioness Corporate Services, and additionally as she plays a more active role in business groups she is a member of she now feels ready and the need to appear on her first podcast.

As well as:

Contacts and Links Mentioned:

Goh Sok Koon on LinkedIn

Podcast Show Notes:

[Introduction] (00:00.0)

Question 1: Can you introduce yourself? (00:57.7)

Question 2: Tell us about your job as a corporate service executive or company secretary, which do you prefer? (01:20.0)

Question 3: How important is the role of a company secretary? (02:59.0)

Question 4: How long does it take to qualify as a company secretary? (03:54.4)

Question 5: Can you share some interesting events in your career that have led to where you are today? (04:59.6)

Question 6: What is the biggest impact that coming to Singapore has had on your career? (07:19.6)

Question 7: What is a key goal for your business or profession in general? (07:57.7)

Question 8: What advice or anecdotes would you give someone before starting a business in Singapore? (09:59.2)

Podcast Show Notes:

Question 9: What advice would you give someone before starting a business in Singapore?(Start: 09:59.2)

Question 10: What makes somebody good at being a corporate secretary? (Start: 11:25.6)

Question 11: What are your hopes and aspirations for your personal and professional life?(Start: 13:08.8)

Question 12: Is part of your role as a corporate secretary to remind directors and CEOs of their obligations? (Start: 16:01.0)

Question 13: Can you tell us about the business groups you belong to? (Start: 17:16.1)

Question 14: Does your business experience help you assist foreigners when they come to Singapore to start a business? (Start: 19:16.3)

Question 15: Do you enjoy your job? (Start: 20:02.9)

Question 16: What advice does Sok Koon give for partnerships in business? (20:02.9 – 21:49.0)

Question 17: How can listeners get in touch with Sok Koon? (21:49.8 – 23:07.4)

Question 18: Any additional information or announcements? (23:11.7 – 23:57.5)

End: (23:58.2 – 24:11.2)

The post Goh Sok Koon Insights: Unveils the Role of a Company Secretary appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Neville J McKenzie the usual host of AsiaBizStories Entrepreneurs in Action is asked the questions by Chris Pardey the lead of the Brunel Alumni Association, Singapore .

Neville grew up in London. At school he wanted to be a scientist but became a Radar Test Engineer after gaining an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. He then moved into the world of Information Technology Systems as a Field Engineer, before leaving work to study a degree in Computer Studies with Business Studies. Up until this point he played volleyball first as a junior international and then as a senior international for the England. After graduating He worked for 10 months before the Dot-Com crises forced him out of work in October 2001. In February 2002 he was teaching in China where I remained for over fourteen and half years before moving to Singapore in 2016 where he now resides.

As well as:

Neville J McKenzie on LinkedIn

Chris Pardey on LinkedIn

Brunel Alumni Singapore Web page

Brunel University Alumni Web page

Show Notes:

Title: Asia Biz Stories: Entrepreneurs in Action (Partnered with the Brunel Alumni Association Singapore)

Introduction: [0:00:00 – 0:03:45]

– Neville J McKenzie introduces himself as the guest on the podcast.

Living and Working in Singapore as an Entrepreneur: [0:03:45 – 0:09:20]

– Neville discusses the cultural change he experienced after moving to China and how he enjoyed the teaching and learning opportunities there.

Hopes and Dreams for the Future: [0:09:20 – 0:14:40]

– Neville expresses his desire to stay in Singapore and mentions that going back to the UK doesn’t appeal to him.

Contribution to the Brunel Alumni Association: [0:14:40 – 0:17:10]

– Chris acknowledges Neville’s contribution to the association through his podcasting work.

Podcasting Journey and Impact: [0:17:10 – 0:23:30]

– Neville shares his journey into podcasting, starting as a hobby in 2014 and gradually realizing its potential as a business venture.

Getting into Brunel University: [0:23:30 – 0:26:45]

– Neville narrates how he stumbled upon the idea of pursuing a degree at a later age and applied to various universities.

Volleyball and Sports: [0:26:45 – 0:30:15]

– Neville discusses his passion for volleyball and how he started playing at a young age.

Conclusion: [0:30:15 – 0:31:50]

– Chris expresses gratitude to Neville for his podcasting work with the Brunel Alumni Association.

The post Neville J McKenzie on Volleyball, Teamwork, and the Podcasters Entrepreneurial Mindset appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Kelly Shan is an experienced healthcare professional in the areas of nursing and public health. She started as a scrub nurse in the operating theatre before transferring to a pre-operative anesthesia assessment clinic,

This conversation is the seventh in the pilot for the Brunel Alumni Association (Singapore).

The post Kelly Shan Guojiao’s Breakthrough Transformation from Nursing appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

CJ Tan is a regular member of the Brunel Alumni Association. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and quality management, including start-ups and high-volume production. He is skilled in building quality systems and ensuring the safety of employees and the environment. CJ has led initiatives to improve quality  company wide and worked closely with manufacturing partners to maintain quality standards. He actively engaged with customers to support their engineering and quality initiatives.

“It is true you know you always been treated as a bad guy in the the company a stopper in a company right and then when the quality is not right we tend to be more aggressive and stop the production from going on”

He has worked in QA for some of the biggest names in the Semiconductor industry. CJ’s last role as a quality director ended in 2016. After taking some time out he started a fresh new career as a realtor (CJ Tan, Realtor). His motto is “Customer Comes First”.

“semiconductor Manufacturing in Singapore there is less and less uh jobs or rather demand for the kind of skill set that I have you know there are jobs out in the market but outside for the kind of skill set that I have”

CJ Tan is the second in this series to have graduated from the Henley Brunel MBA Program.

Contacts and Links Mentioned:

The post CJ Tan’s Evolution: Lessons from a Quality Assurance Director turned Realtor appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Stanley Mak is a regular member of the Brunel Alumni Association Experienced entrepreneur with a rich history of working in the marketing and communications industry. Skilled in Inbound Marketing, Digital Marketing and Integrated Marketing Communications. With an MBA from the Henley Brunel MBA Program.

Originally from Hong Kong he moved with his then employer to Singapore in 1986. Eventually the desire to build his marketing own company took over. Today he leads iSmart Communications. He has successful navigated the innovations that have radically changed marketing and has an insatiable appetite for innovations to come.

“and then in the second and third year the business really boomed then I said wow Hallelujah never look back then during the.com boom period I I saw the opportunity of the internet”

He was also Vice-president of the Hong Kong – Singapore Business Association. He was the original president of the Henley Brunel MBA Alumni Association which which has now been renamed to the Henley Alumni Association and no longer affiliated to Brunel University.

 “some people even say that why don’t you become president forever I said no no no I don’t want I’m not Lee Kuan Yew I don’t want to be become a president for life”

His outside interests include being a keen language learner based on his professional languages use and recreational travel.

Contacts and Links Mentioned:

Stanley Mak

iSmart Communications.

Brunel Alumni Association

Introduction and Background [00:00.7]

Starting iSmart Communications [02:05.5]

Adapting to Industry Changes [08:00.1]

Henley Brunel MBA and Alumni Associations [15:04.6]

Language Learning and Community Involvement [21:21.1]

Contacting Stanley Mak [24:12.8]

The post Stanley Mak: A Multilingual Marketer in Singapore appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Chris Pardey is the Brunel Alumni Association Representative in Singapore. Chris grew up and was educated in the UK. He has spent over 40 years working in the commodities industry. Spending 20 years with one company, working in the UK, Switzerland and Germany.

His move to Singapore saw him eventually being in the right place at the right time co-investing in a company and taking the role of CEO/Director.

“the banks like to spread their risk em and so it’s you know so it I think our Peak we were we were borrowing around 350 million dollars”

After cashing in, again, at the right time, he is currently Head of Agribusiness at R1 International PTE LTD.

From the beginning he has been a sports enthusiast starting as Captain of the Brunel University Football team and member of the Cricket Team, he now makes time to watch sports of all kinds. He links his work, love of sport, Brunel Alumni Association and current students to his charity work as Trustee with the Bali Sports Federation.

“So it’s basically been my initiative with Brunel but it’s partly what the University alumni is looking to achieve in terms of providing work experience opportunities for students ”

As Well As:

Contacts and Links Mentioned:

Brunel Alumni Association

Bali Sports Federation

Yaya San kahaya Mutiara Ubud

The post Chris Pardey’s Journey Through Sports, Charity, and Business appeared first on Entrepreneurs in Action.

Ben Clark in 2010 whilst on a break from training for the London Olympics as a swimmer dove into the sea and broke his neck changing his life forever.

Despite having 75% of his body paralysed he was determined to not let it defeat him and set out to live his life to the full.

That thinking led him to Adapt To Perform which Ben started as a way to help himself and others get fit and healthy no matter their circumstances, a first of kind!

“also make sure they’ve got the right equipment and the right trainer on the door and so that if somebody comes along they’re not just “umming and ahing” what to do they are there to be like oh welcome we’ve got a we’ve got a program this guy knows how to show you around the gym tell you what you can do Etc…”

Adapt To Perform is now the world’s largest resource of adapted fitness helping over 10,000 individuals all over the world live their life to the fullest. Ben does this all through content creation via both the Adapt To Perform website and social media. Which now reaches places he didn’t expect or plan for

“but I realized quickly that it went out to multiple places in the world and it was helping people that were in very very different situations to myself despite having the same disability so they would be maybe in India Indonesia even in parts of Africa or in the Middle East ??”

This conversation is the third of a new venture with the Brunel Alumni Association (Singapore).

The format is based on Entrepreneurs in Action and we are looking to evolve it into a stand alone podcast series focused on Brunel Alumni based in Singapore

Send your ideas and suggestions to me on LinkedIn, or in person at the next Brunel Alumni Association meetup in Singapore

one final thing at around five minutes 40 seconds I asked Ben about the accident, he does go into some details so if you are of a sensitive nature please skip forward to around seven minutes 45 seconds where I ask him about his recovery. Due to possible editing changes please visit the website for more accurate details

so now without further delay let’s begin

As Well As:

00:00 Introduction

02:35 Ben’s life before his accident

03:41 The event and sport Ben trained for

05:01 Was Ben the kind of athlete that needed to be pushed or did he push himself?

05:41 the accident: what happened and the effect it had after thinking his life was over

06:39 What saved his life?

07:43 After the accident and the obvious changes, rehab, the new challenges and swimming

09:31 The next swimming goal to make the Great Britain Paralympic Swimming Team 2012?

09:56 How the Stable Disability rule was missed.

11:07 The low point in around 2015?

12:57 Re-evaluation based not on role but higher values and becoming a coach?

13:30 The thought process behind becoming a coach, and success or failure?

15:41 Taking the discovery that there was an empty niche and the desire to progress with it further

17:48 Origin of the name of the company Adapt to Perform?

18:39  Funding Adapt To Perform

20:11 The biggest challenge for Adapt To Perform?

22:44 The surprise after the start of Adapt To Perform?

24:35 The future of Adapt To Perform

27:56 Ben’s and Adapt to Perform’s involvement with with Brunel University?

29:13 Posting the Bali trip on your YouTube channel?

29:59 How people can contact you?

31:09 Next episode Chris Pardey who is the Singapore Alumni Association president and Trustee of the Bali Sports Federation BSF

Contacts:

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