Asian Business Owners - A.B.O. - podcast cover

Asian Business Owners - A.B.O.

Carmen Salamehrss.com

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.

Episodes

From Burnout to 17M Views: How Catherine Built Friday Club with Authenticity

How do you go from burnout to building a platform with 17M+ views? Catherine Marie Pun, co-founder of Friday Club, shares her journey from quitting a corporate journalist career to creating content that actually resonates. We talk about staying authentic in a noisy world, bringing fresh perspectives and building a diverse team, tackling mental health and reaching Gen Z without the fluff. Content: (00:59) Meet Catherine, Co-founder of Friday Club (04:03) Building a Diverse and Creative Team (06:2...

Jun 25, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 23

TEASER - Burnout, Breakthroughs & Building Something Real

This week, my guest opens up about the highs and lows of doing work that matters. We talk burnout, identity and what it really takes to carve your own path. Just a taste of what’s coming in the full episode, stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 20251 min

He Turned a Love for Whisky into a Thriving Business

Ever had a business idea that just felt right? In this episode, I chat with Rickesh Kishnani, the co-founder of Rare Whisky Holdings — a serial entrepreneur who turned his passion for whisky into a booming investment company. But this story isn’t just about spirits — it’s about trusting your gut, learning from setbacks and building something meaningful. What you’ll hear: The importance of testing business ideas The art of finding balance What 9/11 and the 2008 crisis taught him How women are cha...

Jun 18, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 22

The Money Episode: Pricing, Cash Flow & Lessons Every Entrepreneur Learns the Hard Way

How do you price your services with confidence — and actually get paid what you're worth? In this special medley episode, 3 Asian entrepreneurs share real lessons about money, pricing and financial stability in business. You’ll hear: 💰 How to set your pricing & why it impacts how people see your brand 📊 Tips for managing cash flow ⚖️ Balancing ambition and financial fear Whether you’re a new founder or scaling your business, this episode will help you feel less alone in your money journey....

Jun 11, 202518 minSeason 4Ep. 21

She Left Corporate, Built a Design Firm — and Did It Her Way

What does it really take to build a creative and sustainable business that feels true to you? In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I chat with Rowena Gonzales, founder of Liquid Interiors, interior design company in Hong Kong. Rowena opened up about her 16-year journey as an entrepreneur that started after she quit her job in corporate to leading a purpose-driven interior design firm. Things we talk about: Do you need to find your niche to succeed? Mastering your finances for steady busines...

Jun 04, 202543 minSeason 4Ep. 20

TEASER - The Moment She Redefined What Design Means

What if interior design could do more than look good? Discover the surprising shift that changed my guest’s business game. She redefined what wellness means — and one bold move turned everything upside down. Episode coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 02, 20251 min

Building Treehouse: How Christian Created a Brand That Feels Like Home

What if success isn’t about the noise around you — but finally listening to yourself? In this episode of Asian Business Owners, I sat down with Christian Mongendre, founder of Treehouse. From being a top athlete to launching one of Hong Kong’s most loved plant-based restaurants, his path is all about alignment, intention and growth. We talked about what success really means, especially when things get hard, about creating a business that reflects who you are, about health, food, intuition — and ...

May 28, 202546 minSeason 4Ep. 19

TEASER - How To Built a Business That Feels Good

What does it truly mean to succeed—on your own terms? Is it about growth? Values? Or something deeper? Don't miss this upcoming episode of Asian Business Owners! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 20251 min

3 Real Entrepreneur Lessons I Learned From My Guests

In this special episode of Asian Business Owners, I share 3 powerful lessons from top entrepreneurs in Asia. From launching a fashion retail business to leading an auction house or building a sustainable beauty brand, these founders reveal what it really takes to succeed. You’ll hear: #1 How to turn uncertainty into growth — with Ariane Zagury, Founder of Rue Madame Fashion Group #2 How sharp thinking and the right connections accelerate your rise — with Jonathan Crockett, Chairman at Phillips #...

May 21, 202516 minSeason 4Ep. 18

TEASER - 3 Powerful Lessons From Top Entrepreneurs

Listen to three powerful lessons from three entrepreneurs who joined me on Asian Business Owners to share their story. These aren’t just empty words — they’re honest and relatable insights drawn from real experience. Don't miss this special best-of episode, coming out soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202558 sec

A Rare Behind-the-Scenes: What It Really Feels Like to Start Over

This is a special crossover episode with Carmen, founder of the Asian Business Owners podcast and Rasheed, founder of the Entrepreneur Stories podcast. We sat down for an honest and unfiltered conversation about what it really feels like to start over. From leaving the corporate world to building businesses from scratch, we talk about how we found our voices and how we embrace uncertainty. You might relate to the highs and the lows — and the inner growth that comes from stepping outside your com...

May 14, 202555 minSeason 4Ep. 17

TEASER - Finding Your Voice

A candid conversation about finding one's voice in the world of entrepreneurship. Overcoming fears, stepping out of comfort zones, reflecting on pivotal moments... Don't miss this special episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 12, 202559 sec

She Left Everything to Build a Skincare Brand — Here’s What No One Tells You

What does it really take to build a skincare brand from the ground up? In this episode of Asian Business Owners, Laurie Mias, founder of MONO Skincare — sustainability water-soluble skincare brand — shares her raw and inspiring journey. From leaving her old life behind to launching radical skincare prodcuts, she opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Breaking into the beauty industry is a hell of a challenge that comes with lots of struggle but also rewarding wins. An honest conv...

May 07, 202550 minSeason 4Ep. 16

TEASER - She Risked It All for One Idea — Would You?

She walked away from stability to chase one bold idea — but what does it really take to build something from scratch? Don't miss another powerful entrepreneur's story in the upcoming episode of Asian Business Owners! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 06, 20251 min

How to Build Confidence (While Building a Business)

How do you build real confidence — especially when you're starting from scratch or switching careers? I talked to Jingjin Liu, founder of ZaZuZu, Education Platform for women, about her journey from corporate life to launching a mission-driven business that empowers women. Jingjin shares how she overcame self-doubt and still handles doubt, how she built confidence step by step and found her voice when she was in corporate in a male-dominated industry. Other topics we covered in this episode of A...

Apr 30, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 15

TEASER - How She Built Real Confidence

What does it really take to walk away from a "safe" and "successful" career and build something meaningful? With my guest, we talked about battling doubt, finding real confidence and creating a business that empowers women — starting with herself. Episode coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 28, 202553 sec

She Moved to Asia Pregnant and Jobless. Now She Runs 50 Fashion Stores

From jobless and pregnant to fashion powerhouse in Asia. When Ariane Zagury moved to Hong Kong, she had no plan, no job, and was expecting her first child. But with determination and a vision, she built Rue Madame Fashion Group, which now operates over 50 fashion boutiques across Asia featuring iconic brands like American Vintage, Maje, Sandro, Claudie Pierlot, Sweat Betty and so on... In this episode of Asian Business Owners, Ariane shares her inspiring story of reinvention, what it really take...

Apr 23, 202536 minSeason 4Ep. 14

TEASER - From Fashion Dreams to Fashion Success in Asia

This week I welcome a retail expert who'll give you valuable insights when it comes to master retail strategy, shops management and openings. Coming out soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 202553 sec

[KEY MOMENT] How Entrepreneurship Paved Jonathan Crockett’s Corporate Comeback

If you're currently running your own business, it doesn't mean you'll do it forever. Entrepreneurship can also be a stepping stone to your corporate career. This is what happened to Jonathan Crockett, Chairman of Phillips Auction House in Hong Kong. Content: (00:00) Returning to Corporate Life After Entrepreneurship (02:31) Balancing Flexibility and Responsibility (03:59) Quickfire Questions 👉 To find out more: Phillips' website 🎥 Follow A.B.O. Podcast also on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.y...

Apr 17, 20258 min

From CEO of VISA to FemTech Founder: Maaike’s Mission to Empower Women’s Health

Maaike Steinebach ’s mission is to normalise the conversation on women’s health, sexual health and pleasure for women in Asia. In this episode, we explore the world of FemTech and Maaike’s transition from corporate leadership as the CEO of Visa to her entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Femtech Future. Get insights into the gender health gap and the rise of Femtech (and what Femtech actually entails). Don’t miss our conversation on the stigmas surrounding women’s health and women entrepren...

Apr 09, 202549 minSeason 4Ep. 13

TEASER - Bridging the Gender Health Gap

Taking the leap: leaving the corporate world and C-suite job to jump into entrepreneurship to make an impact in women's health. Coming soon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 06, 20251 min

From Elite Athlete to Art World Leader: Jonathan Crockett’s Journey to the Top of Phillips

Dive into the world of high-stakes art with Jonathan Crockett, Chairman of Phillips auction house in Hong Kong. From elite athlete to auction powerhouse, we discuss Jonathan’s competitive streak, his vision for art and the future trends he foresees. Discover how Jonathan transformed Phillips into a major player in the auction world, attracting a growing number of young Asian art enthusiasts. Content: (00:40) Two Lies and a Truth about Jonathan (02:07) The Competitive Streak (03:58) Understanding...

Apr 02, 202536 minSeason 4Ep. 12

TEASER - The Art of the Deal

The fourth and last episode of the Art Talks series to end the Art Month in Hong Kong. DISCLAIMER: This upcoming episode is very special as it'll be the 50th episode of Asian Business Owners AND I've invited a special guest! Coming very soon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 20251 min

I Moved to Asia Without a Plan. Art Gave Me Purpose — Laure Raibaut, Art Curator

In this third episode of the Art Talks Series, join us as we explore Laure’s captivating journey through the art world. An acclaimed art curator and founder of Nissa Bella Art Management, Laure is a wealth of knowledge. Laure is full lof surprises and passionate. She has a comprehensive vision as she studied archaeology, Chinese antique art and political science. She worked at prestigious auction houses and museums and lived in France, Beijing and Hong Kong. Laure bridges cultures and perspectiv...

Mar 26, 202538 minSeason 4Ep. 11

TEASER - Behind the Curator's Lens

The third episode of the Art Talks Series in line with the Art Month. My guest is an expert in art history, archaeology, European and Asian art. We explore the cultural intricacies of art and the conversation is absolutely fascinating. Episode coming out soon, stay tuned! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 20251 min

From Africa to Asia: How Travel Led Jeremy Weltmann to the Heart of the Art World

In this second episode of my Art Talks series in line with Art Basel and Art Central in Hong Kong, I sat down with Jeremy Weltmann, Director of the global art gallery Over The Influence and founder of Twenty Cinco — art gallery and events. We explore Jeremy's experiences living across continents, learning from different cultures and challenging his own beliefs. Key topics: The intricacies of the art industry Craftsmanship versus art The future of artistic movements influenced by technology Conte...

Mar 19, 202535 minSeason 4Ep. 10

TEASER - Art Across Countries

This is an upcoming episode of my Art Series, in line with Art Basel in Hong Kong. This week, I invited the Director of the global art gallery Over The Influence. He has a fascinating story, having lived a life full of adventures in several countries across different continents. We reflected on how to build strong connections, life philosophies and the role of beauty in art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Mar 18, 20252 min

She Opened Her First Gallery at 17 — Now Magda Danysz Runs Art Galleries in Paris, Shanghai & London

Meet Magda Danysz, owner of Danysz Gallery — present in Paris, Shanghai and London — art curator and art dealer. In this episode of my Art Series in line with Art Basel Hong Kong, we explore Magda's journey and influence, including her pivotal encounter with Leo Castelli who inspired her to found her gallery at just 17. Magda shares insights on contemporary art, the accessibility of art and the impact of new technologies like AI, along with her experiences running a business in Shanghai, China. ...

Mar 12, 202540 minSeason 4Ep. 9

TEASER - 1st Episode of My Art Series: Defining Art

I am launching this Art Series in line with Art Basel HK, featuring my first guest, a renowned gallery owner. She shares insights into her early inspirations, the role of stubbornness in driving success, and the impact of new technologies, such as AI, on contemporary art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 20251 min
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