Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Adrian Kingswell, CEO of the analytics firm Mezzo Labs in London, speaks about the many fascinating issues of building a business in Asia. These include China’s absorbing HK, the impact on staffing, and international companies’ exodus from the territory. While he says, Singapore’s business methods mirror those in the UK and global standards, other countries are more conformist and risk-averse, often requiring local partners to smooth the cultivation of local clients. Where much dining and entertainment in the West helps maintain a relationship after a deal is sealed, in the East large investments in dining, after-hours drinking, and meeting must be made upfront to cultivate connections. Adrian also presents how pricing practices and decision-making are implemented in his target markets, and how he turned the company’s Italian name (meaning “half”) into an advantage in a humorous twist. 

Highlights:

{01:25} Adrian’s journey

{05:40} Working in Hong Kong and Singapore

{11:19} Working in a country run by The Communist Party

{21:58} Pricing methods in different countries

{23:00} Working in Muslim-majority countries

{37:00} The financial cost of building relationships 

Adrian Kingwell bio:

Adrian is the founder and CEO of two businesses: Mezzo Labs, an analytics consultancy, and Uplifter, a SaaS platform, both based in London. He is the first to admit that global expansion was driven more by his heart than his head: a passion for meeting interesting people in faraway countries that started as a backpacking student and continued throughout his 30-year business life. In 2017, he opened Mezzo Labs Hong Kong and then two years later Mezzo Labs Singapore. His clients are not only based in those cities, but also in neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.

Connect with Adrian:

https://www.mezzolabs.com/

Hear more episodes: https://auerbach-intl.com/podcasts

Learn more about Auerbach International: https://auerbach-intl.com

Get free quote: https://auerbach-intl.com/get-quote/

Global Marketing requests: [email protected]

Get the insurance settlement you deserve: www.IGICworldwide.com

Business intelligence and growth: Rainmakers' Forum Report Order Form

DanSing Pancakes. Outstanding way to teach kids to resist drugs, drink and smoking: www.DanSingPancakes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auerbach.intl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auerbach-international

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbb1Tq_Xm5c7l6qBitF78Dw

What Global Gurus subjects would you like to learn (more) about? 

[email return to [email protected]]

Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Adrian Kingswell, CEO of the analytics firm Mezzo Labs in London, speaks about the many fascinating issues of building a business in Asia. These include China’s absorbing HK, the impact on staffing, and international companies’ exodus from the territory. While he says, Singapore’s business methods mirror those in the UK and global standards, other countries are more conformist and risk-averse, often requiring local partners to smooth the cultivation of local clients. Where much dining and entertainment in the West helps maintain a relationship after a deal is sealed, in the East large investments in dining, after-hours drinking, and meeting must be made upfront to cultivate connections. Adrian also presents how pricing practices and decision-making are implemented in his target markets, and how he turned the company’s Italian name (meaning “half”) into an advantage in a humorous twist. {You can hear the full episode on Friday, November 11th}

Andrew Weiler, of English Confidence Unlocked in Australia, shares how his own immigrant parents’ journey with English as a Second Language (ESL) inspired him to help others. Andrew moved from a job in Economics to become an ESL teacher, mainly working with Southeast Asians, Chinese and Japanese. He explains how different cultures affect the teaching process, the barrier of “saving face,” and subjects to avoid in conversations. 

Highlights:

{02:05} Moving from ECON (economics) to teaching English? 

{08:14} How Andrew’s parent’s journey with learning English inspired him.

{11:00} Fundamental Differences between Australia and other countries

{22:30} Having uncomfortable conversations and the effects on learning English

Andrew Weiler bio:

Andrew Weiler is the Owner of English Confidence Unlocked, a school based in Melbourne, Australia. He initially trained as an economist but ended up in the area of English Language Teaching.

Andrew, himself a migrant from Hungary, learned a number of languages including Chinese and Spanish as a way to understand the teaching of English. He has also taught Indonesian. He has worked in Hungary, Japan and Cambodia training English language teachers. He now predominantly works with immigrants who feel that their spoken English, while at times quite proficient, is still holding them back in their career opportunities. Since Covid, he has been working with his clients online. They mainly come from around Australia but some reside in Southeast Asia.

His unique approach built and tested over 40 years of research and practice helps even those who have tried everything and still feel stuck.

Connect with Andrew:

https://englishconfidenceunlocked.com 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewweilersill/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Language.Coach.Andrew.Weiler/

Hear more episodes: https://auerbach-intl.com/podcasts

Learn more about Auerbach International: https://auerbach-intl.com

Get free quote: https://auerbach-intl.com/get-quote/

Global Marketing requests: [email protected]

Get the insurance settlement you deserve: www.IGICworldwide.com

Business intelligence and growth: Rainmakers' Forum Report Order Form

DanSing Pancakes. Outstanding way to teach kids to resist drugs, drink and smoking: www.DanSingPancakes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auerbach.intl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auerbach-international

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbb1Tq_Xm5c7l6qBitF78Dw

What Global Gurus subjects would you like to learn (more) about? 

[email return to [email protected]]

Andrew Weiler, of English Confidence Unlocked in Australia, shares how his own immigrant parents’ journey with English as a Second Language (ESL) inspired him to help others. Andrew moved from a job in Economics to become an ESL teacher, mainly working with Southeast Asians, Chinese and Japanese. He explains how different cultures affect the teaching process, the barrier of “saving face,” and subjects to avoid in conversations.

{You can hear the full episode Friday, November 4th}

Dr. Chaz Austin, with his decades of experience, describes many keys to working with executives in two major countries. “Structured like a brick,” India is a very top-down, hierarchical business structure in which “kissing up to the boss” is the main way to gain titles, gain promotions, and gain more money. Unlike a participatory “humanistic” structure which welcomes ideas from any level, Indian business in general does not encourage ideas from below and has very few opportunities for women at senior levels, except in nonprofits. Nigeria has a similar management structure and is more open to women but confronts embedded corruption, bribery, bureaucracy, and politics. Nevertheless, Dr. Austin presents a young, dynamic, Nigerian agribusiness company, Zambara, that is working to break this mold. Regarding leadership, companies worldwide that have women in senior positions generate more profits and companies that embrace all kinds of professional backgrounds at their senior levels succeed better. 

Highlights:

{03:50} Different social media methods

{09:36} Different cultural approaches used with students

{14:00} Gender differences in cultural practices

{17:44} How the feat of family embarrassment stops entrepreneurs

{19:26} Nigerian Business 

Dr. Chaz Austin bio:

Dr. Chaz Austin holds his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. For the past 20 years, he has worked with private clients all over the world, advising leaders and managers on how to be more effective, and how to use social media to reach their target audiences.  

He is currently Chairman of the Advisory Board for Zubara Logistix and Consultancy in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, and in early 2022 taught Leadership & Strategy in the Liverpool Business School’s Global MBA Program for the upGrad online educational platform in Mumbai, India. Topics included: Ten Well-Known Leadership Styles, Business Strategy Frameworks, Managing Cross-Cultural and Virtual Teams, and How to Solve Problems. 

 He also trains workers how to market themselves in The Gig Economy. Dr. Austin has been a college professor for over 20 years, teaching a wide range of courses in business, leadership and communication. Since 2017, he has been teaching branding and self-marketing courses he designed, based on his second book, for Los Angeles Pierce College.

Connect with Chaz:

TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3gf1kK3iLc. 

Leadership Coaching

• How to Lead and Manage People: https://bit.ly/3HRwANA

• My Perspective on Leadership: https://bit.ly/3KpTltK

• Teaching “Leadership & Strategy” for upGrad in India

Two books on self-marketing, treating yourself like a business and behaving like an entrepreneur:

https://amzn.to/2XAoIsH

https://amzn.to/2XuDn8I

A series of three courses he wrote and teaches for LinkedIn Learning:

CREATING A CAREER PLAN http://goo.gl/IFMDCj

SUCCEEDING IN A NEW JOB https://goo.gl/lYxRSH

TRANSITIONING OUT OF YOUR JOB http://goo.gl/YtWBkr

CONTACT INFO:

Social Media: USE https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazaustin/

310.739.4917

[email protected]

Dr. Chaz Austin, with his decades of experience, describes many keys to working with executives in two major countries. “Structured like a brick,” India is a very top-down, hierarchical business structure in which “kissing up to the boss” is the main way to gain titles, gain promotions, and gain more money. Unlike a participatory “humanistic” structure which welcomes ideas from any level, Indian business in general does not encourage ideas from below and has very few opportunities for women at senior levels, except in nonprofits. Nigeria has a similar management structure and is more open to women but confronts embedded corruption, bribery, bureaucracy, and politics. Nevertheless, Dr. Austin presents a young, dynamic, Nigerian agribusiness company, Zambara, that is working to break this mold. Regarding leadership, companies worldwide that have women in senior positions generate more profits, and companies that embrace all kinds of professional backgrounds at their senior levels succeed better.

{You can hear the full episode on Friday, October 28th}

Michael Markiewicz of Markiewicz Enterprises, LLC joins us to share his focus on asset protection, consulting services, and CPA services. One of his noteworthy charity projects is in Malawi. Michael shares how the life of William Kamkwamba inspired him to make changes in his life.

Michael also explains the CPA point of view for international clients and the complications that come with working with different nationalities, including communist countries. 

Highlights:

{01:13} Who is Michael Markiewicz

{03:57} A Ted talk by a young man from Malawi by the name of William Kamkwamba.

{10:00} The CPA point of view for international clients and working with different nationalities?

{14:37} Family-oriented business in different countries

{16:12} Clients in Communist countries

{26:17} Spanish business culture 

Michael Markiewicz bio:

With over 35 years of experience in providing financial guidance to entertainment professionals, family offices, small businesses, and C-level executives, Michael Markiewicz is the founder and owner of Markiewicz Enterprises, LLC, a New York-based financial services company specializing in CPA services, consulting services, and asset protection.

​As a CPA and certified financial planner, Michael provides premium services, with particular expertise in providing production accounting services for films in all stages of development from pre-production through post-production.  Included in those services is the application for pre-certification of film tax credits and the final application for credit funds to be received. Other focuses of his practice are outsourced family office administrative services and business management for sports and entertainment figures. Outside of his practice, Michael is a successful investor, and speaker, and is very involved with many philanthropic endeavors. 

​Michael graduated from Tufts University with BA in Economics and Sociology. He received his MBA and MS in Accounting from Northeastern University. As a CPA, PFS (Personal Financial Specialist), and CFP, he is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Estate Planning Council of New York City where he recently served as a Board Member. He is also the Finance Director of Marriage Equality USA and a member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

​​Outside of his professional life, Michael studies and plays guitar, enjoys singing, is an artist in oil and other media, loves movies and the theatre (where he is also an occasional investor), and is a huge animal rights activist. Michael also serves on the board of Moving Windmills Project, Inc, and acts as treasurer, a non-profit organization where mission is rural economic development and education in Malawi, Africa. 

Michael lives in Chelsea (Manhattan) with his husband Mark and their beloved wire-haired dachshunds, Maggie and Lily.

Connect with Michael:

https://www.michaelmarkiewiczmedia.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-markiewicz-cpa-cfp-05644a3

https://www.facebook.com/michael.markiewicz.5

https://twitter.com/michaelmar17?s=20&t=XNNIJE7YdQ5WnPPZQzJY0Q

https://www.instagram.com/michaelmar17

Hear more episodes: https://auerbach-intl.com/podcasts

Learn more about Auerbach International: https://auerbach-intl.com

Get free quote: https://auerbach-intl.com/get-quote/

Global Marketing requests: [email protected]

Get the insurance settlement you deserve: www.IGICworldwide.com

Business intelligence and growth: Rainmakers' Forum Report Order Form

DanSing Pancakes. Outstanding way to teach kids to resist drugs, drink and smoking: www.DanSingPancakes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auerbach.intl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auerbach-international

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbb1Tq_Xm5c7l6qBitF78Dw

What Global Gurus subjects would you like to learn (more) about? 

[email return to [email protected]]

Michael Markiewicz of Markiewicz Enterprises, LLC joins us to share his focus on asset protection, consulting services, and CPA services. One of his noteworthy charity projects is in Malawi. Michael shares how the life of William Kamkwamba inspired him to make changes in his life.

Michael also explains the CPA point of view for international clients and the complications that come with working with different nationalities, including communist countries.

{You can hear the full Episode on Friday, October 7th}

Summary:

As head of the Global Chamber®, at least halfway to 525 chapters worldwide, Founder and CEO Doug Bruhnke shares his 35 years of global business experience. Starting his career as a chemical engineer with Dupont, Doug broke barriers getting the Japan office to hire its first female sales rep, explores how multicultural teams can be more effective, explains the three post-workday evening gatherings common in Korea and Japan, and negotiation methods in Taiwan. Doug also presents many cultural issues that both divide and unite us as well as why Global is Good.

Highlights:

{01:34} How a nice boy from Mount Kisco became globally minded.

{14:14} An example of a circular conversations 

{23:06} How businesses in Japan and Singapore have changed their products or their services for the local market 

{27:15} How have you observed the differences in management styles? 

{29:44} The role of hierarchy

Doug Bruhnke bio:

Doug Bruhnke - Founder/CEO of Global Chamber®. Doug is an entrepreneur dedicated to helping members of Global Chamber® successfully reach new markets across 525 metropolitan regions - everywhere! He is a two-time ex-pat with Dupont in Tokyo and Singapore, with over 35 years of global business experience in nearly all countries and segments. Doug is also a regional advisor for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and a member of the Arizona District Export Council, British American Business Council of Northern California, and more. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Utah and an EMBA from Michigan State University and is a co-inventor on five patents. Doug was born in Mount Kisco, New York, and now is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Palo Alto, California, USA.

Connect with Doug:

www.GlobalChamber.org

[email protected]

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbruhnke/

 https://twitter.com/dougbruhnke

Hear more episodes: https://auerbach-intl.com/podcasts

Learn more about Auerbach International: https://auerbach-intl.com

Get free quote: https://auerbach-intl.com/get-quote/

Global Marketing requests: [email protected]

Get the insurance settlement you deserve: www.IGICworldwide.com

Business intelligence and growth: Rainmakers' Forum Report Order Form

DanSing Pancakes. Outstanding way to teach kids to resist drugs, drink and smoking: www.DanSingPancakes.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auerbach.intl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auerbach-international

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbb1Tq_Xm5c7l6qBitF78Dw

What Global Gurus subjects would you like to learn (more) about? 

[email return to [email protected]]

Doug Brunke joins us to share his 35 years of global business experience. Doug has many great stories to share from his time living and working in Tokyo and Singapore. {You can hear the full episode, Friday, September 30th}