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, the struggles, and everything in between.
⭐ If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review
🎧 Follow @abo.pod on Instagram for behind-the-scenes
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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, the struggles, and everything in between.
⭐ If you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review
🎧 Follow @abo.pod on Instagram for behind-the-scenes
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’re building a business alone, you know this feeling:
the pressure, the responsibility, the constant mental load that never really switches off.
In this solo episode of Asian Business Owners, I talk about what the mental load actually feels like when you’re the one making every decision, solving every problem and keeping things moving even on the days where you feel like slowing down.
Here’s what I cover:
• What the mental load looks like behind-the-scenes
• How constant responsibility affects my mind and energy
• Why overthinking shows up so strongly when you’re the only one in charge
• Practical strategies I use to cope with the pressure
• How to reframe responsibility so it empowers me instead of draining me
You may be tired, overwhelmed, determined: I know you're doing your best. Keep going, we're all in this together, building our dreams and reaching our goals.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
(00:32) — The Mental Load of Entrepreneurship
(02:18) — Daily Responsibilities and Pressures
(03:49) — Effects of Mental Load
(06:27) — Managing and Coping Strategies
(11:56) — Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
📲 Find me on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Creating content for Asian audiences requires nuance and real understanding.
In this Quick Wins episode, you’ll learn how to:
Use these tips to grow your business' presence online and let me know how it goes.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:40) Understanding Your Audience
(01:24) Balancing Educational and Emotional Content
(02:06) Consistency with a Content Calendar
(02:56) Conclusion and Final Tips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens after a decade building a career to realise it doesn’t feel like you anymore?
In this episode, Jessie Li — entrepreneur and content creator with over half a million followers — talks about reinvention. She left a stable career that ended up with burnout, to build her own businesses in the lifestyle, fashion and luxury space.
Jessie opens up about:
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a brand that feels true to who you are — this conversation will remind you that reinvention isn’t just possible; it’s necessary.
Content:
(00:00) — Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
(00:32) — Meet Jessie Li: From Finance to Influencer
(01:36) — The Journey to Instagram Fame
(04:14) — Turning Influence into a Business
(05:38) — Crafting a Personal Brand
(07:24) — Expanding Beyond Influencing
(16:36) — Navigating Social Media and Public Perception
(17:55) — This or That with Jessie Li
(18:34) — Balancing Time and Priorities
(19:23) — The Journey of Relief X
(23:06) — Personal Branding vs. Influencing
(25:25) — Overcoming the Fear of Online Presence
(29:00) — Staying Authentic in the Luxury Fashion World
(32:23) — Marketing Insights for Business Owners
(34:45) — Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts
👉 To find out more about Jessie:
On Instagram
On LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
VC money isn’t your only option.
In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:
Especially useful for mission-driven founders who want to stay in control.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:25) Creative Funding Methods
(00:40) Bootstrap with Pre-Sales
(01:15) Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign
(01:56) Tap into Local Grants and Competitions
(02:34) Conclusion and Final Tips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You know those days when you feel down, have doubts and you wonder if it’s all worth it.
I feel like that sometimes, I feel down and in this solo episode, I open up about my emotional ups and downs and when I feel disconnected.
I've learned to reset and embrace it. These moments are part of my growth.
What you’ll hear:
Take a breath, you're not alone.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:28 Feeling Down as a Founder
01:37 Navigating Highs and Lows
05:15 Coping Strategies
07:16 Finding Inspiration
09:07 Creating a Plan
10:37 Final Thoughts
12:11 Outro
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
📲 Find me on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In Asia, your customers are on WhatsApp. Are you?
This Quick Wins episode shows how to:
Turn daily chats into consistent business growth.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) The Power of WhatsApp for Your Business
(00:48) Personalised Updates with WhatsApp Business
(01:29) Exclusive Offers via WhatsApp Status
(02:02) Creating a VIP Broadcast List
(02:43) Conclusion and Next Steps
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After years in the corporate world in Paris, I hit a wall: burnout, lack of meaning and the feeling that something had to change.
In this solo episode, I share my story and how I went from being a corporate employee in marketing to becoming a business owner in Hong Kong.
I talk about what it took to rebuild my career and start over:
– Making the leap to move abroad
– Finding my first clients and building my marketing agency
– Launching the Asian Business Owners podcast
– Learning patience and self-trust along the way
Content:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:27) My life in Paris before COVID
(03:17) Burnout and losing motivation
(06:17) The decision to move to Hong Kong
(07:33) Starting over and finding purpose again
(11:05) Launching my podcast
(14:10) Lessons learned & reflections
(18:18) Closing thoughts
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
📲 Find me on LinkedIn
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exhausted and overwhelmed by your business?
In this Quick Wins episode, I talk about:
This one is for you if you're an ambitious entrepreneur who wants success without burnout.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) The Reality of Entrepreneurship
(00:39) Tip 1: Set Boundaries for Sanity
(01:38) Tip 2: Prioritise High Impact Tasks
(02:25) Tip 3: Practice Mindfulness Breaks
(03:04) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this solo episode, I open up about what it really means to be seen online and how I learned to get comfortable with my face, my voice and my story.
From the early discomfort of showing up on camera to finding my authentic voice, I share how personal branding goes far beyond having the perfect feed.
Tune in to hear:
Visibility may seem like vanity but it can be also vulnerability sharing one's real self.
Content:
00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
00:27 Facing the Fear of Being Seen
01:36 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Visibility
03:39 Defining and Redefining Personal Brand
08:31 Practical Tips for Personal Branding Content
12:16 Recap of The Best Practices
15:17 Conclusion
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Want more people to find your business online?
In this Quick Wins episode, discover how to:
Try these tips to grow your visibility online and let me know how it works for you.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) Understanding Search Engines
(00:41) Secret 1: Target High Intent Keywords
(01:38) Secret 2: Focus on Mobile-First SEO
(02:13) Secret 3: Build Local Backlinks
(02:47) Conclusion and Final Tips
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What makes someone truly confident when they speak?
How can your voice literally become your most powerful branding tool?
In this episode, I talk to Ben Sherry, public speaking and personal branding coach based in Taiwan. We break down how confidence and communication can transform your personal brand.
What we explore:
This episode isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about being the most authentic.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
(00:27) Meet Ben: From Australia to Taiwan
(01:03) Public Speaking and Branding Journey
(01:55) How to Master Personal Branding
(05:25) Overcoming Public Speaking Fears
(10:14) Practical Public Speaking Tips
(14:50) Creating Engaging Personal Brand Content
(19:55) Practical Exercise and Resources
(22:21) Conclusion
👉 To find out more about Ben:
On LinkedIn
Resources on Oracy Club
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Struggling with cash flow in the first years of business (or even later on)?
In this Quick Wins episode, learn how to:
Try some of these cash flow strategies and see how it goes, whether you're a new founder, side hustler or solopreneur building a business in Asia.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) The Importance of Managing Well Your Cash Flow
(00:34) Hack #1: Get Paid Faster with Early Incentives
(01:24) Hack #2: Use Subscription Models for Steady Income
(01:58) Hack #3: Cut Costs with Digital Tools
(02:41) Conclusion and Final Tips
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Two years ago, I started the Asian Business Owners podcast with one simple goal: to meet entrepreneurs and learn from their stories.
What I didn’t expect is how much this journey would teach me about myself.
In this special anniversary episode, I reflect on what these two years have meant, the challenges, the lessons and the growth that came from showing up week after week.
I share the three biggest lessons I’ve learned through podcasting:
1️⃣ Trusting myself
2️⃣ Understanding that real success takes time
3️⃣ Learning that growth doesn’t happen in isolation
I hope these lessons will help you in your journey whether you’re building a business, a podcast, or any creative project.
🎧 Listen now and share your favorite lesson with me on Instagram @abo.pod — and thank you for being part of this two-year journey.
Content:
00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
00:59 Celebrating Two Years of Podcasting
02:56 Lesson 1: Trust Yourself
05:48 Lesson 2: The Reality of Success
09:53 Lesson 3: The Importance of Others
12:58 Share Your #1 Lesson With Me
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen to it!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Think KOLs are out of your budget? Think again.
In this Quick Wins episode, I share how to:
Perfect for startups and businesses looking to grow with influence, not just ads.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:14) Understanding KOL: Key Opinion Leaders
(00:41) Tip 1: Leveraging Micro KOLs
(01:33) Tip 2: Offering Value Beyond Cash
(02:14) Tip 3: Tracking Results Effectively
(02:57) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when your first business gets shut down by regulations?
For Gianne Chan, it meant facing a painful pivot but also discovering new paths she never imagined.
In this episode, Gianne shares her journey from launching a CBD brand that couldn’t survive, to rebuilding with even more: a branding agency (Lexi Media), two mental health podcasts and a growing music career.
What we talk about:
Gianne’s story is proof that setbacks don’t have to be the end but can actually be the beginning of something bigger.
Content:
00:00 Introduction to Asian Business Owners Podcast
00:33 Meet Gianne: a Multifaceted Slasher
01:28 Balancing Multiple Careers
03:30 Journey into Entrepreneurship
06:09 Mental Health and Personal Struggles
08:36 The Birth of Two Podcasts
10:33 The CBD Business Challenge
14:10 Founding Lexi Media
16:29 Starting a Business Partnership
17:13 Meeting an Investor and Pivoting the Brand
18:10 Challenges with Vitamin Patches
19:25 Focusing on Community and Events
22:06 Fireside Questions
24:13 Balancing Creativity and Business
32:05 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts
👉 To find out more about Gianne:
On LinkedIn
On Instagram
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Drowning in admin and repetitive tasks?
This QUICK WINS episode shows how a Virtual Assistant can save you time and sanity.
You’ll learn how to:
Don't be an overwhelmed entrepreneur, start working smarter, not harder.
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) The Value of Virtual Assistants
(00:34) Administrative Tasks Simplified
(01:05) Enhancing Customer Support
(01:44) Market Research Made Easy
(02:20) Conclusion and Next Steps
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I wouldn't let a client constantly push my deadlines, so why do I do it to myself?
I realised that builiding my personal branding is a priority and part of my business goals. If I'm not doing it, I'm building a job, not a business.
This week, I get real about the work-in-progress strategy I'm using to break the cycle of prioritising client work over my own vision of my business.
If you're an entrepreneur, solopreneur or freelancer feeling trapped by your own to-do list, this real talk is for you. I share with you my frantic week that started with a broken laptop 😅 and I explore practical steps to organise my time and manage my energy to ensure I work in and on my business to make it grow.
Content:
(00:33) A Personal Story: The Laptop Disaster
(02:21) The Realization: Client Work vs. My Brand
(05:28) The Daily Plan That Changed Everything
(06:40) Seeking Advice and Shared Experiences
(08:39) Conclusion: Your Business, Your Rules
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you’re posting but not getting results, chances are you’re making one (or all) of these 3 common social media mistakes.
In this QUICK WINS episode, you’ll learn how to:
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:32) Mistake #1: Posting Without a Strategy
(01:42) Mistake #2: Ignoring Platform Differences
(02:14) Mistake #3: Not Engaging with Your Audience
(02:51) Conclusion and Contact Information
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stepping away was actually the most productive thing I did lately.
Fresh off a two-week stay in Bali, here I am recording a freestyle solo episode to share how rest has been fruitful to me and gave me clarity on work and the podcast.
I tried to reset and I'm sharing with you my honest reflection on the constant hustle, content emptiness and how I'm reshaping the future of the show (including the launch of "Quick Wins", 3-minute episodes designed to give you practical and actionable tips for your business.
Did you feel the need to pause and recalibrate this summer? The need to find a smarter path forward?
What you'll hear:
Content:
00:00 - Introduction: A New Perspective
00:28 - Bali: My Place To Rest
02:31 - What I Realised About the Hustle Culture Trap
03:52 - The Honest Truths About Podcasting & Content Creation
05:22 - Listener Feedback That Shaped My Thinking
09:59 - Introducing "Quick Wins" and a Smarter Season Ahead
14:50 - How You Can Apply This Reset Mindset
16:53 - Closing Thoughts
Follow the journey:
💬 abo.pod
🎧 Subscribe to Asian Business Owners wherever you listen!
#MindfulBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #AsianEntrepreneurs #PodcasterLife #BaliRetreat
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Want to build a personal brand on LinkedIn but hate self-promotion?
This QUICK WINS episode shares 3 simple ways to grow your personal brand authentically on LinkedIn.
You’ll learn how to:
Content:
(00:00) Introduction to ABO Quick Wins
(00:15) The Power of LinkedIn for Professionals
(00:23) Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
(00:48) Tip 1: Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile
(01:49) Tip 2: Share Valuable Content Regularly
(02:42) Tip 3: Engage with Your Network
(03:10) Conclusion and Next Steps
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.