Compounding Curiosity is a weekly podcast hosted by Kalani Scarrott and is all about compounding listeners curiosity, through thoughtful and curated interviews with interesting and accomplished guests across Asia-Pacific.
Timen is the founder at Lacàph, a fast-growing Vietnamese coffee brand, that is starting to export into new markets in Asia Pacific and around the world. Besides this he is a board member in companies in residential real estate development and software SaaS solutions. He has been in Vietnam since 2007, but is a proud Dutch person that happens to have lived in the USA and Vietnam longer than any period of time in Holland. In this conversation, we cover the coffee scene in Vietnam, building a brand, and his story and journey of Lacaph. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Timen Swijtink. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep65 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Timen's Background and Lacàph [00:06:47] - Developing the story and branding for Lacàph [00:10:20] - The process and thoughts behind a packaging redesign [00:13:39] - How to get products listed in retail [00:18:10] - As a nimble startup, how do you choose what ideas to focus on? [00:22:12] - How to collaborate and learn from others as an entrepreneur [00:24:24] - The coffee culture in Vietnam and how it's changed [00:27:26] - Robusta vs Arabica Beans and where Vietnam fits in [00:32:53] - Lacàph's relationship with farms and Vietnamese Coffee farmers [00:39:03] - How to be a good storyteller without sounding corny [00:44:43] - High quality coffee in Vietnam [00:46:58] - How much coffee does Timen drink? [00:50:19] - The decaf coffee process [00:52:05] - Timen's big influences [00:57:57] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Timen: Lacàph: https://www.lacaph.com/ Timen's blog: https://www.robustarevolution.com/ Follow Timen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timenswijtink/ Connect with Timen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timenswijtink/ Email Timen: timen [ @ ] lacaph.com ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Timen's Interview on Nonnative Creative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqQD8O-I9lE Sonny's Best Ever Coffee (US only): https://bestevercoffee.lacaph.com/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Simon Torring is the Co-founder of Cube Asia, a market insights company for online retail in Southeast Asia. Cube Asia helps brands, retail companies, and investors drive profitable growth by leveraging more recent, granular, and reliable data and insights about their online sales channels. In this conversation, we cover eCommerce in Southeast Asia. From Sea's struggles with Shopee, to the inevitable rise of TikTok shop, if it concerns eCommerce in Southeast Asia, we have it covered. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Simon Torring. This collaboration between Smartkarma and Compounding Curiosity was created to surface the high-quality expertise and analytical strength of the Smartkarma Independent Investment Network, and leverage that into the popular podcast format we all know and love! Be sure to check out Smartkarma at www.smartkarma.com/signup, where it's free to signup. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep64 ------ Show Notes: [00:01:43] - [First question] - Simon's history with Southeast Asia and starting Cube Asia [00:03:14] - The challenges of Data collection [00:05:36] - Finding data but also being able to integrate it [00:07:50] - Snapshot of where Social Commerce is at right now [00:10:22] - The rise of TikTok Shop [00:13:08] - Global Brands and TikTok Shop [00:16:52] - Where might TikTok Shop be going wrong? [00:23:38] - How has Shopee been able to grow its GMV meaningfully between Q1 and Q2, whereas Lazada and Tokopedia have been sort of struggling to do so? [00:30:58] - Differences between Shopee, Lazada, and Tokopedia [00:35:13] - Why Shopee's position in Indonesia, historically one of its key growth markets has sort of deteriorated since September 2022 [00:37:53] - eCommerce's remaining growth in Southeast Asia [00:40:27] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Simon: Cube Asia: https://cube.asia/ Connect with Simon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontoerring/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Social Commerce in Southeast Asia 2022 Report: https://cube.asia/social-commerce-report/ ------ Smartkarma: https://www.smartkarma.com/signup Follow Smartkarma on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/smartkarma ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Johan Rozali-Wathooth is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bintang Capital Partners. Bintang believes in the importance of deploying capital in an innovative, responsible and sustainable way, while still pursuing outsized risk-adjusted returns. Bintang is also now the first private equity firm in Southeast Asia to earn B Corp Certification! So in this conversation, we cover private equity investing in Malaysia, and investing with impact. A super fun and varied conservation, so I hope you enjoy my interview with Johan Rozali-Wathooth. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep63 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:03:44] - How has a varied experience helped in private equity investing? [00:06:08] - Advice for those early in their career looking to break into the PE scene? [00:09:51] - Having a purpose in Private Equity Investing [00:15:39] - Bintang's investment process [00:20:53] - Bintang's role post-investment? [00:23:49] - B Corp Certification and Reception [00:26:31] - What's next for Bintang? [00:31:46] - How to approach exits in PE? [00:36:10] - What do other PE shops think about what they're doing? [00:40:58] - The private market space in ASEAN, [00:43:56] - Underrated experience for university-age students? [00:49:08] - Influential people or books? [00:54:29] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Johan: Bintang Capital's Website: https://www.bintangcapitalpartners.com/ Connect with Johan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanrw ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Tim Bunting is a practising yamabushi from New Zealand, having moved to the Shonai region of Yamagata, Japan, in 2010. Describing a yamabushi is hard, because the only way to really understand what yamabushi are, is to become one yourself. But, essentially Yamabushi are the mountain dwellers of Japan, practitioners of the ancient belief of Shugendo, the way (do) of attaining divine natural powers (gen) through ascetic practices (shu). I hope you enjoy my conversation with Tim Bunting. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep62 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - How Tim ended up in Japan [00:08:09] - What type of people try yamabushi training? [00:14:40] - Why the secrecy around yamabushi and their training? [00:18:09] - How do you learn to listen to nature? [00:22:35] - What does the future of yamabushi look like? [00:30:42] - Where does Tim's love of nature stem from? [00:31:56] - Why are there no full-time yamabushi? [00:35:26] - yamabushi and how it incorporates into daily life? [00:37:18] - Anything Tim wished more people knew about yamabushi [00:42:02] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Tim: Tim's Newsletter: https://kiwiyamabushi.substack.com/ Tim's Blog: https://timbunting.com/ Tim's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@kiwiyamabushi Follow Tim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiwiyamabushi/ Follow Tim on Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/kiwiyamabushi/ Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiwiyamabushi/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Jorge Almazán is a Tokyo-based architect and a researcher and an educator at the graduate Center for Space and Environment Design Engineering at Keio University, where he leads Studiolab, a university-based collaboration platform dedicated to design innovation and research. He is also the author of Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City, which is the focus of this interview. In this conversation, we cover Tokyo's design, Yokocho alleyways, public spaces in Tokyo, and plenty more! I hope you have as much fun as I did, so please enjoy my conversation with Jorge Almazán. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep61 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Jorge's background with Japan [00:03:59] - “Made in Tokyo” and its influence on Jorge [00:07:44] - The process for writing Emergent Tokyo [00:13:07] - Describing Tokyo's 5 Emergent Patterns [00:18:52] - Jorge's personal favourite emergent pattern [00:21:28] - The beauty of smaller spaces [00:30:48] - “Designing the Spontaneous City” and the contradictions there [00:36:15] - Tokyo's Neighbourhoods and housing affordability [00:51:20] - Why the lack of benches and seating in public spaces in Tokyo? [01:01:08] - Trying to formulate a model of emergent urbanism based on Tokyo. [01:08:49] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Jorge: Jorge Almazán Architects' Website: https://www.jorgealmazan.net/ Jorge Almazan Studiolab YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj2AfrCOYhgwLW7cSreSQ8g Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorge-almaz%C3%A1n-a07038199/ Connect with Jorge on Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_Almazan_Arch ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City: https://amzn.to/3M7rwu0 Made in Tokyo by Junzo Kuroda & Momoyo Kaijima: https://amzn.to/430FkNg ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Adam Fulford is the founder and CEO of Fulford Enterprises, which is a language services company. Fulford Enterprises works mainly in TV, providing translation, narration and other services to NHK and related companies. Adam is also active as a cross-cultural consultant who places a special emphasis on the value of regional Japan, which we focus on a lot today. In this super fun conversation, we cover Adam's life and career in Japan, and go deep in Japanese community values, the challenges their facing, and how they may solve it. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Adam Fulford. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep60 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Adam's history with Japan [00:03:18] - How did Adam get involved with NHK [00:04:28] - How I decided on the name Compounding Curiosity and how I started [00:06:17] - What type of work was involved with NHK? [00:09:27] - Adam's work of regional revitalization in Japan, [00:45:30] - When judging the contest for what makes a good village, what were some of the criteria that they were looking for? [00:47:44] - The nature of doing, the nature of being, and the nature of knowing [00:53:01] - Final Advice ------ Connect with Adam: Fulford Enterprises: https://fulfordent.com/ Connect with Adam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/japanfan ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Video Bento: Resilience Values: https://youtu.be/2CutakIP-ig My Shuraku Nakatsugawa: https://ms-nakatsugawa.com/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Brittany Garbutt is the founder of Pretzel Australia. Pretzel has 11 stores across Australia, a business turnover of more than $5 million a year and over 300 staff. In addition to Pretzel, she's also the founder of Voodoo Cafe, Voodoo Priestess, and Chubby Boy Breakfast and Bar. But I'm (k)not joking, the pretzels are beyond amazing. So pretty stoked I got to interview Brittany! In this interview, we cover the story of starting up with her life savings invested in a pink shipping container selling pretzels, managing store expansion right as the pandemic started, and lessons learned along the way. Incredibly fun conversation this one, Britt's energy is infectious, but fair warning, a few F-bombs will be dropped so don't say I didn't warn ya! But please enjoy my conversation with Brittany Garbutt. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep59 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - How Britt started Pretzel [00:05:38] - When did she feel she was onto something? [00:09:28] - Interesting notes about store layout [00:11:27] - The challenges of driving demand through Instagram [00:17:26] - Advertising off from Social Media [00:20:16] - Talking about the expansion from Perth to Melbourne [00:29:48] - The hospitality industry culture of having a crack [00:34:27] - How to juggle multiple brands and stores [00:38:14] - Being honest about her work [00:44:04] - The challenges of asking for money [00:47:06] - About Mentors [00:51:10] - Perth, blessing or a curse? ------ Connect with Brittany: Pretzel Australia: https://www.pretzelaustralia.com.au/ Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-garbutt-10557a48/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
In this conversation, we do deep dive into the bursting of Japan's economic bubble in the ‘90s. Uncovering Japan's lost decade, the tragic tale of the economic bubble burst and its consequences Joining me for this deep dive is friend and previous guest, Rei Saito (@Misosoppa). Rei is the writer behind Konichi-Value. Konichi-Value aims to share my most valuable lessons from working in Japanese finance, and gold nuggets in the Japanese stock market. So please enjoy this deep dive into the bursting of Japan's economic bubble with Rei Saito from Konichi-Value. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep58 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Why write about Japan's Lost Decade? [00:02:38] - Rei's memories of the bubble [00:05:07] - How did Japan's bubble develop? [00:11:34] - As the bubble popped, how did the Japanese government step in and what did they do? [00:13:08] - Japanese Banks and the bubble [00:16:20] - The fiscal structural reform law and why it stunted Japan's recovery [00:18:48] - How intertwined Governments and Corporations were [00:24:52] - Judging Japan's recovery [00:29:25] - The media's portrayal of Japan [00:31:48] - Wrapping up [00:32:56] - Extra resources to understand Japan's Bubble years [00:34:33] - Rei's upcoming work ------ Connect with Rei: Konichi-Value's Newsletter: https://www.konichivalue.com/ Love Public Transit's Newsletter: https://lovetransit.substack.com/ Follow Rei on Twitter: https://twitter.com/misosoppa Connect with Rei on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rei-saito/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Japan's Bubble-Burst: The Party That Wasn't Supposed to End: https://www.konichivalue.com/p/japans-bubble-burst-the-party-that Japan's Lost Generation: The Silent Sufferers that Grew up in Post-Bubble Japan: https://www.konichivalue.com/p/japans-lost-generation-the-silent Princes of the Yen by Richard Werner: https://amzn.to/41jnZ17 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Sarah Clarke is an award-winning journalist, TV presenter and media facilitator now based in Australia. Sarah spent 8 years living and working in Hong Kong and is now a freelance correspondent with Al Jazeera English covering major stories across Australia and Asia-Pacific. But selfishly, most exciting for me which I'll detail in our conversation, Sarah was the Executive Producer and Presenter of the popular TV series "AusBiz Asia" broadcast on ABC that profiled successful Australian businesses kicking goals on the international scene. In this conversation, we cover Journalism in Asia, and my favourite TV show of all time, AusBiz Asia. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sarah Clarke. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep57 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Sarah's Background [00:04:32] - How did AusBiz Asia start? [00:07:10] - How do you book guests for a TV program? [00:10:57] - What makes a good story? [00:12:44] - What got left on the cutting room floor? [00:13:52] - Pre-screened guests? [00:14:44] - The timeline for producing an episode [00:17:27] - How to gauge feedback for a TV show? [00:20:35] - Hong Kong and how it's changed [00:22:01] - Fondest memories of the show and Hong Kong? [00:23:22] - Advice for people starting out [00:26:21] - Will there be an AusBiz Asia season 2? [00:29:08] - Wrapping up and closing questions ------ Connect with Sarah: Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahclarkeaus Sarah's Website: https://www.sarahclarkemedia.com/ Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-clarke-9211872/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
Erik is the owner and creator of the Rice Noodles YouTube channel, where he shares everything Taiwan, from street food to normal food, culture, history and just general interesting and idiosyncratic things. In this long and fun conversation, we cover filmmaking, the beast that is YouTube, and of course, Taiwan. A different style of episode to my usual, so curious to hear any feedback but I hope you enjoy my conversation with Erik from Rice Noodles! For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep56 ------ Show Notes: [00:02:02] - Taiwan Tales [00:07:04] - Erik's backstory [00:14:34] - What is the Rice Noodles YouTube Channel? [00:24:42] - Culture [00:33:16] - Filmmaking [00:37:34] - Anthony Bourdain [00:53:41] - Approaching people to make YouTube videos about [00:56:30] - Erik's influences on filmmaking and YouTube [01:05:38] - Cinematography [01:14:05] - Influences and inspirations again [01:32:32] - Being creative and unlocking that [01:45:00] - Why the name Rice Noodles? (+ food chat) [01:53:55] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Rice Noodles : Rice Noodles on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiceNoodlestw/about Follow Rice Noodles on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ricenoodlestw ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
In this conversation, we cover the business of Bukalapak, who they are, their valuation, and interestingly, the role of the Salim group in both Bukalapak and the wider ASEAN economy. Joining me to discuss and dive deep into Bukalapak's business is Aaron Pek, the author of Value Investing Substack, and not surprisingly, a Value Investor in ASEAN. Super interesting and very valuable, I hope you enjoy this deep dive on Bukalapak with Aaron Pek. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep55 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Bukalapak's business model [00:03:02] - What is a Warung? [00:04:39] - What problem does Bukalapak solve, and why does this problem persist? [00:08:22] - The rise of Indonesia and what this means for Bukalapak [00:12:23] - Bukalapak's relationship with The Salim Group [00:17:50] - Chinese tycoons and the influence on the ASEAN economy [00:22:33] - Bukalapak's valuation and opportunity [00:26:22] - The Macroeconomic context of Indonesia with Indo-Pacific [00:32:13] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Aaron: Subscribe to Value Investing Substack: https://valueinvesting.substack.com/ Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpek/ Connect with Aaron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValueInvestingZ Aaron's previous Interview on Compounding Curiosity: https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep7/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: BUKALAPAK 2077: The Future Pinduoduo of ASEAN's China (Part 1): https://valueinvesting.substack.com/p/bukalapak1 BUKALAPAK: Retail Empire of the Overseas Chinese (Part 2): https://valueinvesting.substack.com/p/bukalapak2 BUKALAPAK x SALIM: Planning for Indo-Pacific Domination (+China!): https://valueinvesting.substack.com/p/bukalapak3 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Peter Douglas is the senior executive of kk Nozawa Hospitality, a boutique provider of accommodation services in the unique mountain village of Nozawa Onsen. He is responsible for funding and financial strategy. In this super fun conversation, we cover the Japanese onsen tourism industry, Nozawa hospitality, and his transition from the financial services and asset management industry to hospitality in Japan and the story there. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Peter Douglas. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep53 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Peter's and Nozawa's Background [00:02:40] - Why did Peter go from Finance to Hospitality and from Singapore to Japan? [00:05:54] - And did his skills transfer? [00:07:23] - What's it like running a large accommodation provider in a small village? [00:10:12] - Comparing domestic and foreign tourism for Nozawa Onsen [00:12:42] - How are Japanese online travel agents different? [00:14:49] - The seasonality around ski mountain hospitality [00:19:20] - Why diverse teams are more successful [00:20:25] - Is the flight of rural residents to larger cities a problem? [00:22:15] - How Nozawa navigated the past 3 years [00:28:36] - The future of Nozawa [00:31:00] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:32:45] - Influential people or books? [00:36:16] - How did Peter end up in Asia? ------ Connect with Peter: Nozawa Hospitality: https://www.nozawahospitality.com/ Connect with Peter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdouglaspeterdouglas/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
Michael McGaughy is the Founder and Portfolio Manager of Research Alpha, a specialist fund which invests in the equity of unloved and out-of-favour quality companies in some of the world's least expensive stock markets, like Uzbekistan, Argentina and Egypt. In this conversation, we cover how he started and got interested in emerging markets, what investing in emerging markets involves, and a little bit about Uzbekistan. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Michael McGaughy. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep53 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - How Michael first made his way to Asia [00:03:46] - How Michael became an Analyst in Indonesia in 1989 [00:06:44] - Private Equity in China in the mid 90's [00:09:09] - Developing comfort in investing in emerging markets [00:13:45] - The Three things Mike looks for in an investment [00:16:19] - How quickly do emerging markets rebound? [00:18:33] - Difference between financial crisises and political crisises [00:20:33] - Dealing with foreigner restrictions in emerging markets [00:21:47] - Mike's process for determining who owns what in an emerging market [00:24:40] - The investment opportunity in Uzbekistan [00:30:13] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:32:38] - How does Mike navigate emerging markets and the language barrier? [00:33:57] - Influential books or people? [00:35:13] - Future plans? ------ Connect with Michael: Follow Michael on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/michaelmcgaughy Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcgaughy-caia-647653/ Read Michael's blog, Minority Report / 少數派報告: http://michaelmcgaughy.blogspot.com/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Yusno Yunos, founder and CEO of Evenesis. Evenesis is a complete cloud-based end-to-end event management system that integrates event planners, participants and suppliers. In this conversation, we cover the events space, where it is and might be heading after the wild past few years, and also how the Metaverse may impact future events. . I hope you enjoy my conversation with Yusno Yunos. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep52 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - The genesis for Evenesis [00:02:41] - What was the events space like when Yusno started [00:04:44] - Covid's impact on Evenesis [00:06:14] - Growth for Evenesis going forward [00:07:46] - Business lessons from Covid [00:08:54] - Evenesis's approach to rebranding [00:10:43] - How have problems changed as Evenesis has matured? [00:11:56] - Early days of Evenesis [00:14:01] - How Evenesis found early customers [00:17:27] - Misunderstandings around Evenesis and the events space [00:18:33] - Evenesis and M&A [00:20:52] - Evenesis and the Metaverse [00:27:22] - Existential risks or challenges to Evenesis [00:33:06] - Yusno's favourite Michael Crichton book? [00:33:44] - Yusno's advice for university students [00:34:24] - Influential books for Yusno? ------ Connect with Yusno: Connect with Yusno on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusno Evenesis' Website: https://www.evenesis.com/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Bernard Leong (@bernardleong). Bernard is currently the group chief digital and information officer at a Singapore construction conglomerate. But also, is the founder of Analyse Asia, a weekly podcast on technology, business and media with notable industry players and thought leaders all over Asia. In this conversation, we cover the podcast scene within Asia, why podcasts are harder in Asia-Pacific compared to the US, and solving podcast distribution and monetisation problems. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Bernard Leong. “Learn from everyone. Follow no one. Observe the patterns. Work like hell” For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep51 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Bernard's Background [00:04:12] - Why podcasts are harder in Asia-Pacific [00:06:47] - Charlie Rose's interview style as an influence [00:09:01] - The Shokunin method for running a podcast [00:12:26] - Analyse Asia's tools for creating a successful podcast [00:17:28] - Why Bernard took a break from podcasting [00:21:22] - Monetisation problems for APAC podcasts [00:30:22] - Podcast subscriptions and what to offer [00:32:31] - Finding and keeping a good podcast editor [00:35:58] - Distribution problems for APAC podcasts [00:41:06] - Doing in person interviews or live events? [00:50:13] - Behind the scenes of Analyse Asia interviews [00:54:31] - How to offer guests a seamless podcast experience [00:56:00] - Life advice and wrapping up ------ Connect with Bernard: Analyse Asia Website: https://www.analyse.asia/ Analyse Asia on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnalyseAsia Analyse Asia on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kkRwzRZa4JCICr2vm0vGl Analyse Asia on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyse-asia-with-bernard-leong/id914868245 Follow Analyse Asia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiaanalyse Follow Analyse Asia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnalyseAsia Follow Bernard on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernardleong Connect with Bernard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bleongcw/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Acquired's Tencent Episode: https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/season-3-episode-10-tencent State of Analyse Asia in 2022: https://www.analyse.asia/state-of-analyse-asia-in-2022/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Jon from Asianometry (@asianometry), creator of the hugely popular Asianometry YouTube channel where he posts video essays on business, economics, and history within Asia. In this conversation, we cover EUV Lithography, ASML, and everything in between from how it all works to their impact on the world and what it all means. I hope you enjoy this deep dive on ASML & EUV Lithography Deep Dive with Asianometry. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep50 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - What is EUV lithography, how does it work, and why is it important? [00:06:14] - Who is ASML? [00:07:49] - Can other companies make EUV machines? How big is that jump? [00:11:17] - Describing the insanity of ASML's EUV machines [00:14:21] - ASML's relationship with suppliers [00:16:13] - ASML and vertical integration? Can they become a fab? [00:18:06] - Is de-globalization a threat to ASML's asset-light model? [00:18:43] - Why zero defectivity is one of EUV lithography's key challenges to overcome [00:21:46] - The insane mirrors in an EUV machine [00:23:22] - Can we even build a simpler, cheaper EV machine? [00:25:20] - What's next after EUV? [00:27:52] - What kind of threat is the emergence of 3D DRAM that places more emphasis on itching and other processes rather than lithography? [00:31:40] - The power consumption problem for EUV machines [00:32:52] - Talking about the insanity of TSMC's fabs [00:34:42] - Does it worry Jon how much of the world economy is dependent on so few companies? [00:37:53] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Asianometry: Asianometry's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Asianometry/featured Follow Asianometry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/asianometry Asianometry Newsletter: https://asianometry.substack.com/ Asianometry Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asianometry ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: ASML YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKtxx9TnH76R3D0aXnw-IVVaA383XTfMv ------ Special thanks: Many thanks to @Vathashimo on Twitter for contributing questions! ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Sean Upton-McLaughlin (@SeanUM_China). Sean has spent over a decade working with Chinese companies throughout China, often in Chinese-only working environments, helping to improve their global marketing and communications. Now, based in Shenzhen, he continues to help Chinese technology companies bridge the business and cultural divides between China and the rest of the world. In this conversation, we cover building a career in China and dealing with Chinese companies. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Sean Upton-McLaughlin. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep49 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - How did Sean first get involved with China? [00:06:08] - Sean's first experience working in China and how he got that job [00:07:46] - How would Sean prepare differently if starting over? [00:14:21] - What is China Speed? [00:18:42] - Why work for a Chinese Company? [00:19:58] - How can Chinese companies not shoot themselves in the foot? [00:25:37] - Thoughts on China armchair experts? [00:33:37] - What was working at vivo doing influencer relations like? [00:38:12] - Aspects of Sean's career in China that was everything he dreamed of, and any harsh realities? [00:40:23] - Interesting anecdotes of life in China ------ Connect with Sean: Sean's Website: https://sean-uptonmclaughlin.com/ China Culture Corner: https://chinaculturecorner.com/ Follow Sean on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinaCultureCorner/ Follow Sean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeanUM_China Follow Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanum_china/ Connect with Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinatechpr/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Rajeev Mantri (@RMantri). Rajeev is the founder and managing director of India-focused venture capital firm Navam Capital. Prior to founding Navam, Rajeev worked as a venture capital investor at New York-based Lux Capital, focusing on investments in deep technology ventures. In this conversation, we cover deep tech investing within India, and A New Idea of India. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rajeev Mantri. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep48 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:02:09] - How does writing and investing complement each other? [00:03:25] - What is Deep Tech Investing [00:04:45] - What has Rajeev learned from Josh Wolfe? [00:08:23] - Difference in deep tech investing in the US vs India [00:16:09] - How to find deep tech investments? [00:20:38] - Commonalities in deep tech founders? [00:22:55] - How to promote more people starting deep tech companies? [00:26:45] - How did the book “A New Idea of India” come about? [00:28:58] - What is India's ‘North Star' and the concept of Dharma [00:34:52] - Will India become a cultural superpower? ------ Connect with Rajeev: Navam Capital: https://www.navamcapital.com/team/ Follow Rajeev on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RMantri Connect with Rajeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmantri/ Buy Rajeev's Book - “A New Idea of India”: https://amzn.to/3uvKelm / https://www.anewideaofindia.com/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My 2022 recap! Talking about my big year of the podcast, the stats, some future guests, episodes, and the plans for the podcast going forward. Will be back to regularly scheduled guests from next week! Have some thoughts on the podcast and want to leave feedback? Use my Google forms and vent to your heart's content: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49 For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep47 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Raghav Kapoor (@Ragkap), CEO & Co-Founder at Smartkarma. As Smartkarma CEO, Raghav drives product strategy, oversees technology development, and maintains a hands-on approach with the company's day-to-day operations. With Smartkarma, Raghav set out to reinvent how investment research is sourced, priced, and distributed. In today's conversation, we cover the startup story of Smartkarma, the challenges of being an investment research platform, and the future. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Raghav Kapoor. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep46 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Raghav's background and Smartkarma today [00:08:41] - Difference's in starting Smartkarma compared to Raghav's first startup [00:10:36] - Early days of Smartkarma and idea prototyping [00:12:38] - Attracting and retaining insight providers [00:17:52] - How to ensure merit-based compensation doesn't fall prey to engagement bait [00:22:42] - Why does Smartkarma not require exclusivity of content? [00:25:05] - The challenges of operating in a field with large legacy players [00:27:11] - How to balance investors, insight providers, and corporate stakeholders [00:31:03] - Why is Smartkarma based in Singapore? [00:33:13] - Lessons from expansion into other markets [00:36:22] - Plans for Smartkarma going forward? [00:39:31] - Anything else about Smartkarma we haven't covered? ------ Connect with Raghav: Smartkarma: https://www.smartkarma.com/ Follow Smartkarma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smartkarma Follow Raghav on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ragkap Connect with Raghav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ragkap/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Callum Morton-Smith. Callum is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with experience in Perth, London, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. In today's conversation, we go deep into the construction industry and Quantity Surveying in the Middle East, some trends there, and Callum's investment journey. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Callum Morton-Smith! For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep45 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:01:50] - What is Quantity Surveying? [00:06:47] - The time, cost and quality triangle [00:07:44] - How difficult is it to push recommendations and get changes through? [00:08:45] - How much of the job is client management? [00:10:29] - Pre-contract vs Post-contract work in Quantity Surveying [00:12:17] - How does a project even start? [00:14:21] - How do you build a cost estimate? [00:19:18] - In Callum's pre-contract role, does he still deal with contractors? [00:21:34] - When do contractors get paid? [00:25:53] - Dealing with disputes [00:27:08] - How long is this whole process? [00:27:40] - Being a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, the process, and is it essential [00:33:12] - Callum's pivot into finance [00:34:24] - First investment and lessons learned [00:36:24] - Callum's investing style [00:37:28] - Callum's research process [00:42:13] - Differences across the markets Callum has worked in [00:44:18] - Projects in the Middle East [00:47:33] - Favourite Investing book? [00:49:33] - Most valuable life experience? [00:51:45] - Plans for the future? [NOTE] Timestamps are a bit off for some reason so not 100% accurate. Apologies. ------ Connect with Callum: Connect with Callum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-morton-smith-225780b4 ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://amzn.to/333Do8s The Most Important Thing Illuminated by Howard Marks: https://amzn.to/33DyezO ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Stephen Vines. Steve is a British journalist, writer, broadcaster and restaurateur, who was based in Hong Kong for over 30 years from 1987 to 2021. He is also the author of Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship, which is today's focus. In Defying the Dragon and today's conversation, Stephen documents Hong Kong's recent struggles with the "One country, two systems" models, places it in the wider context of the CCP's history of dictatorship, and explains Hong Kong's values of protest and identity. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve Vines. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep44 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - how you Steve came to Hong Kong in 1987 and why he left in 2021 [00:14:23] - Why couldn't the CCP honour the 1 country 2 systems model? [00:18:03] - Why did the British make the New Territories a 99 year lease and not land in perpetuity like the rest of Hong Kong? Would this whole situation be avoided or would China still find a way to get Hong Kong back? [00:22:31] - Differences between Hong Kong and Macau [00:28:04] - If the one country two systems model was a trial run for incorporating Taiwan back into China, why has the CCP done such a terrible job? [00:33:48] - Thoughts on Hong Kong Identity [00:41:53] - Anything we haven't covered about Hong Kong today? ------ Connect with Steve: Defying the Dragon: Hong Kong and the World's Largest Dictatorship: https://amzn.to/3WgT6rz Hong Kong: China's New Colony: https://amzn.to/3sKGNGk Steve's Website: https://stephenvines-author.com/about/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guests today are Daye Deng and Balkar Sivia from Value Punks. Balkar has spent a decade investing globally, in the US, Indian, and other Emerging Markets. He is a CFA charterholder and has a degree in electrical engineering from University of British Columbia. Daye has focused on Asian equities in his career, having worked in Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. He is fluent in Japanese and Mandarin, is a CFA charterholder and has a degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto. Together, they write and run Value Punks. Which is a publication focused on global stock research. Value Punks' aim is to provide independent, institutional-grade research on good and actionable ideas in a way that educates, informs, and importantly, helps build conviction. In today's conversation, we cover the story and origin behind Value Punks, Value investing and what it means, and touch on a few of their interesting ideas. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Value Punks. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep43 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Balkar's Background [00:05:07] - Daye's Background [00:07:04] - Explaining the Punk [00:08:59] - Value Punks' strengths compared to others [00:11:51] - Differences being an independent writer vs at a large asset manager [00:15:32] - How do you divide the work as a duo? [00:19:09] - The case for investing in international stocks [00:22:46] - Daye's thoughts on Value Investing [00:26:05] - Balkar on Emerging Market Banks [00:31:28] - Daye on Hong Kong Exchange [00:35:48] - Dealing with curveballs [00:39:48] - Underrated skills [00:42:29] - Influential books ------ Connect with Value Punks: Value Punks's Newsletter: https://valuepunks.substack.com/ Follow Value Punks on Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuepunks Follow Deng on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dengusa Follow Balkar on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhiteFalconCap Connect with Daye on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daye-deng-29541380/ Connect with Balkar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balkar-sivia-59281343/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Asian Godfathers by Joe Studwell: https://amzn.to/3XN2S5p How Asia Works by Joe Studwell: https://amzn.to/3XOV6rG Warren Buffett's Letters to Shareholders: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Eugene Park. Gene is a historian of East Asia, especially Korean politics and society since the 14th century. He is the Rick and Cathy Trachok Endowed Chair in International Studies and Professor in History at the University of Nevada, and is also the author of Korea: A History, which is today's focus. Korea: A History addresses general readers, providing an up-to-date, accessible overview of Korean history from antiquity, all the way to the present. In this conversation, we cover Korean history, Japan's colonization of Korea, and a little about the future. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Eugene Park. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep42 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Eugene's Background [00:03:32] - Writing Korea: A History [00:09:44] - Advice for young academics looking for tenure [00:10:56] - South Korea's success story [00:12:37] - Attitudes towards reunification [00:15:08] - South Korean identity and challenges [00:18:39] - Lesson's from South Korea's success [00:21:43] - Japan and Korea's relationship [00:27:37] - Most undervalued life experience [00:28:51] - Influential books? [00:31:15] - Plans going forward and wrapping up ------ Connect with Gene: Buy Gene's book - Korea: A History: https://amzn.to/3fYKsh0 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is John Huo (@stjohnhuo). John is the founder of VUCA Insights and currently creates investment-related content, for both corporate and retail clients. John also trains clients on industry metrics so they can evaluate businesses better. John has previously worked in engineering and management in the Oil & Gas industry, before eventually pursuing one of his earliest passions, investing in equities. In this super fun conversation, we go deep on the struggles of content creation, especially within the context of ASEAN. I hope you enjoy my conversation with John Huo. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep41 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - John's Background [00:02:16] - Is starting over easier? [00:05:57] - What is VUCA insights? [00:09:30] - How did John decide on monetisation? [00:13:41] - How hard was raising money? [00:19:41] - How do you attract the clients you want or the clients you deserve? [00:21:26] - How does content complement John's work? [00:30:50] - Developing community [00:36:37] - YouTube strategy [00:45:43] - Commonalities in creators [00:53:05] - Creating content for Asia [00:58:27] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with John: John's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnHuoVUCA Follow John on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stjohnhuo Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhuo Connect with John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnhuosc Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhuosc ------ Kalani's Notes: At around 44:26 I mention David Senra had around 4,500 hours of podcast audio recorded. Massive mistake and terrible memory from me there, meant to say 450 odd hours of podcast audio. My bad! ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Ramon Pacheco Pardo (@rpachecopardo), Ramon is a Professor of International Relations at King's College London, and Korea Chair at the Brussels School of Governance. He is also a non-resident adjunct fellow with the Center for Strategic Studies Korea Chair, and a non-resident fellow at the Sejong Institute. He is also the author of Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop, which is today's focus. In this conversation, we cover the incredible rise of South Korea, where the future lies for them, and his awesome and aptly named book. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ramon Pacheco Pardo. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep40 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Ramon's history with South Korea [00:05:29] - Who came up with the title for the book? [00:07:17] - Ramon's favourite period of South Korean History [00:08:15] - South Korea's insane growth put into perspective [00:10:52] - What has South Korea done differently that has allowed it to succeed? [00:14:22] - Chaebols and their role [00:16:14] - Dark side of Korea's growth [00:18:43] - South Korea's future? [00:22:09] - South Korean Identity and what it means going forward [00:24:29] - What was the process for writing the book? [00:29:18] - Unexpected challenges of writing the book? [00:32:12] - Anything we haven't talked about that's consequential to South Korea's future? [00:33:59] - Underrated skill or experience? [00:35:20] - Influential books? [00:36:57] - Future plans? [00:38:10] - Wrapping up ------ Connect with Ramon: Follow Ramon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rpachecopardo Connect with Ramon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-pacheco-pardo-842b0061/ Buy Ramon's book - Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop: https://amzn.to/3sHmppv ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Kyla Scanlon (@kylascan). Kyla is a prominent TikTok and YouTube financial analyst, and also a good mate. I've known Kyla for a few years now so today's chat is a good exploration of creator life and her growth over time. Fun fact: when I first started speaking with Kyla, we both had around 1,000 followers on Twitter. Since then, Kyla has skyrocketed to 140,000+ with me not far behind on 4,000! In this conversation, we cover creator life from starting out to now, dealing with brands and sponsorships, and staying mentally healthy with a life online. I had a blast, and hope you do too, so please enjoy my conversation with Kyla Scanlon. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep39 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Introduction [00:02:02] - When did things start to gain traction? [00:03:25] - Which social media to focus on? [00:06:53] - Outsourcing work? [00:08:17] - Switching off from Social Media [00:09:34] - Experimenting with content as you grow? [00:12:21] - A day in the life of Kyla Scanlon [00:14:00] - Monetisation approaches [00:15:19] - Dealing with brands [00:19:37] - Do market swings affect Kyla's content? [00:21:15] - Dealing with unsavoury comments? [00:24:30] - What Kyla wishes more people knew about her work [00:26:38] - Importance of writing [00:29:28] - Adopting long-form content into short form? [00:31:16] - Getting young audiences to care about complex stuff? [00:33:48] - Kyla's company Bread [00:37:25] - TikTok preferences [00:38:58] - Influential people on Kyla's journey? [00:41:27] - Undervalued life experience? [00:44:23] - Plans going forward and wrapping up ------ Connect with Kyla: Kyla's Website: https://kylascanlon.com/ Follow Kyla's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylascan Follow Kyla on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kylascan Follow Kyla on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylascan/ Subscribe to Kyla's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KylaScanlon Kyla's Newsletter: https://kyla.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Moontower Meta: https://moontowermeta.com/ Kyla on Infinite Loops podcast: https://www.infiniteloopspodcast.com/kyla-scanlon-cultivating-vibes-ep125/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Rei Saito (@Misosoppa). Rei is the writer behind Konichi-Value. Konichi-Value aims to share my most valuable lessons from working in Japanese finance, and gold nuggets in the Japanese stock market. In this conversation, we go deep into Japanese real estate and some pros and cons, and also the Japanese stock market. So please enjoy my conversation with Rei Saito from Konichi-Value. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep38 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Rei's Background [00:04:19] - Konichi-Value origin story [00:08:05] - Benefits of investing in Japanese stocks [00:10:54] - Unique downsides of investing in Japanese stocks? [00:12:55] - Misunderstandings towards Japanese stocks [00:14:00] - Trends in Japanese equities [00:16:57] - Overcoming the information hurdle in Japan [00:22:26] - Tokyo Real Estate market overview and upsides [00:26:09] - Why hasn't Tokyo real estate prices risen like the rest of the world? [00:28:15] - Investing in Tokyo as a local vs as a foreigner [00:32:32] - Anything we haven't covered about real estate in Japan? [00:36:05] - Rei's love of Public Transit [00:39:13] - Undervalued life skill or experience? [00:40:58] - Influential books or people? [00:43:00] - Final thoughts ------ Connect with Rei: Konichi-Value's Newsletter: https://www.konichivalue.com/ Love Public Transit's Newsletter: https://lovetransit.substack.com/ Follow Rei on Twitter: https://twitter.com/misosoppa Connect with Rei on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rei-saito/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari: https://amzn.to/31ZrIUS ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Have some thoughts on the podcast? Leave FEEDBACK: https://forms.gle/Du61UxeJ25BkydH49
My guest today is Robert Chelliah. Robert's story is unreal so strap yourself in. Born in Malaysia in 1939 in a rubber plantation town. His father passed away when he was only 7, and when Robert turned 16 he left home and hitchhiked across Asia to Europe and then to England. Robert later returned home, became a social worker in Singapore, and eventually became one of Australia's first migration agents in 1990. He built a successful business with offices in Perth, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and India. And today, while still a registered migration agent, he's found a new passion in life. Robert at 83, is the founder and CEO of Lexmin, an organic health food farm he created in Cambodia. In this conversation, we cover his incredible story, the secrets to his incredible success and drive, and what it's like running an organic farm in Cambodia. Robert's enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious, and there's so much to take away from his story today. So I'm sure you'll enjoy my conversation with Robert Chelliah. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page at https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep37 Special thanks to Norm Aisbett and Murray Hunter for helping make this interview happen. Murray for helping me connect with Robert, and massive thanks to Norm for helping with my research and questions by providing his past research and interviews. Wouldn't have been possible otherwise. ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Hitchhking to the UK [00:03:09] - Back to Singapore [00:05:50] - Coming to Australia and social work [00:13:45] - Settling Christmas Islanders [00:17:03] - Interesting episode in India [00:21:47] - Origins of Lexmin and health wellness [00:25:31] - Challenges of Organic farming [00:36:19] - Why Robert is so good at tackling and solving problems [00:42:39] - Where Lexmin goes from here [00:45:04] - Robert's favourite memory across his career? [00:53:37] - Advice for young people? ------ Connect with Robert: Lexmin's Website: https://www.lexmin.com/ Australian Migration Agents's Website: https://austmigration.com.au/ Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertchelliah/ Robert's Australia (Mobile): +(61) 412 173 502 Robert's Cambodia (Mobile): +(855) 1533 5259 | +(855) 1233 5259 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Jay Allen and Noah Oskow from Unseen Japan (@UnseenJapanSite). Unseen Japan is a collective of writers who report on news, history, culture, and social movements in Japan based on Japanese sources. We aim to cover viewpoints from Japan that you may not often hear in the English-speaking world. Jay is the owner of UJ's parent company, UJ Media Services. And Noah is the current Editor-in-Chief at Unseen Japan. In this conversation, we cover the story behind Unseen Japan, what it's like running a collective publication, and the business behind it all. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jay and Noah from Unseen Japan! For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep36 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Careers prior to Unseen Japan [00:02:17] - First experiences with Japan [00:05:13] - Unseen Japan origin story [00:08:22] - How Noah got involved with Unseen Japan [00:12:13] - What Jay's role as Editor-in-Chief at Unseen Japan looks like [00:17:15] - Why Unseen Japan is successful with Twitter [00:24:18] - The approach to monetizing Unseen Japan [00:28:19] - Unseen Japan's Patreon offering [00:33:15] - The challenges of trying Video content [00:41:22] - What should more people know about Unseen Japan's work? [00:50:01] - Most undervalued life experience? ------ Connect with Unseen Japan: Unseen Japan's Website: https://unseenjapan.com/ Unseen Japan's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/unseenjapan Follow Unseen Japan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnseenJapanSite Unseen Japan's Newsletter: http://bitly.ws/v3Kd Follow Noah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnseenJapanSite Follow Jay on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnseenJapanSite Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayandrewallen/ UJ Media Services: https://ujmediaservices.com/ ------ Kalani's Misc Notes About the Episode: Noah's local audio recording dropped out around 20 minutes in. Hence the change in sound quality there if you're wondering :) ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up for the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Murray Hunter. Murray has been involved in the Asia-Pacific business scene for the last 40 years as an entrepreneur, consultant, academic, and researcher. Murray was named one of Asian Correspondent's thirty-five selected bloggers in the region's blogosphere based on quality of reporting, relevance and popularity, and is also the author of multiple books. In this conversation, we discuss his new book with Lim Teck Ghee, Dark Forces Changing Malaysia. So we go deep into the dark forces changing Malaysian society today, and what the future may look like for Malaysia. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Murray Hunter. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep35 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:04:13] - Why write a book on Malaysia's Dark Forces? [00:17:18] - Who are the Malay Elite? [00:22:16] - Corruption in Malaysia [00:24:00] - Malaysia's race-based political system [00:26:35] - Malaysia's brain drain and demographic change [00:30:13] - Bright spots for Malaysia [00:31:55] - The political scene in Malaysia [00:38:42] - Blowback to Murray's work? [00:41:11] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:42:47] - Influential books or people [00:46:22] - Future Plans and wrapping up ------ Connect with Murray: Murray's Newsletter: https://murrayhunter.substack.com/about Follow Murray on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DalastKimbasabi ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Dark Forces Changing Malaysia Paperback by Lim Teck Ghee and Murray Hunter: https://amzn.to/3RrP63D ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Stay Connected with Compounding Curiosity: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Compounding Curiosity on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CompndCuriosity/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for the Allocators Asia SUBSTACK: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Alvin Yuan. Alvin is the Founder & CEO of HealthMetrics. A next-generation employee healthcare platform for companies to manage their employee healthcare benefits holistically & seamlessly with process automation, live dashboards, data analytics, self-service employee mobile app & crafted wellness programs. In this conversation, we cover the startup scene in regard to healthcare, ASEAN-specific healthcare problems, and what it's like running a startup. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Alvin Yuan. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep34 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:02:04] - Why go into startups? [00:02:55] - How hard is it running a healthcare startup? [00:04:13] - What is HealthMetrics [00:08:10] - Where do you even start as a tech healthcare startup [00:10:00] - Balancing stakeholders and current problems? [00:14:18] - Hiring at a startup [00:19:35] - ASEAN healthcare problems? [00:23:34] - Closing round of questions ------ Connect with Alvin: Connect with Alvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin--yuan/ HealthMetrics's Website: https://healthmetrics.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://amzn.to/3BtlWeR ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Signup for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Michael Fritzell (@Fritz844), Michael is the author and owner of Asian Century Stocks, a newsletter providing financial journalism for companies and stocks in the Asia-Pacific. In today's conversation, we cover life as a creator, balancing readers' wants and authors' needs, and the marketing needed for a successful newsletter. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Michael Fritzell. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep33 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:13] - [Intro] - What's new? [00:03:07] - How to convert a free reader into a paying subscriber? [00:05:11] - The pressure of timeliness [00:06:16] - Life Outside Content [00:09:48] - Michael's Workflow [00:11:26] - The Substack Fellowship [00:14:21] - Reflecting on Subscription price changes [00:19:06] - Asian Century Stocks Business Plan? [00:23:33] - Balancing Reader Wants VS Author's Sanity [00:31:29] - Michael's Approach to Marketing [00:36:49] - Wrapping Up ------ Connect with Michael: Follow Michael on Twitter Signup to Asian Century Stocks ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Sign up for the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://AllocatorsAsia.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Wan Zahidi. Wan is the Director and CEO of Tapir Partners, based in Malaysia. Wan has previous equity research experience within Malaysia and Indonesia. But interestingly has an honours in physics before joining the investing world! In this conversation, we cover his investing style, investing in Malaysia, and a little about cricket and physics! I had a tonne of fun with this one, so I hope you enjoy my conversation with Wan Zahidi. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep32 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:30] - [First question] - Wan's background [00:07:01] - Going from Physics to Investing [00:08:06] - Wan's investing style [00:12:38] - ESG investing [00:14:57] - Idea generation [00:18:13] - Investing in Malaysia [00:21:25] - Building a network [00:25:33] - Interesting sectors of late? [00:27:11] - Advice for investing in Malaysia [00:28:49] - Most undervalued life experience [00:30:37] - Influential books [00:33:57] - Wrapping up and future plans ------ Connect with Wan: Connect with Wan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wan-zahidi-7b1575b2/ Tapir Partners' Website: https://www.tapirpartners.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Crossroads: A Popular History of Malaysia & Singapore by Jim Baker: https://www.amazon.com/Crossroads-Popular-History-Malaysia-Singapore-ebook/dp/B00BARLF38 Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham: https://www.amazon.com.au/Intelligent-Investor-Benjamin-Graham/dp/0060555661 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb If you've read this far down, flick me a message on Twitter or LinkedIn and I'll get some Compounding Curiosity stickers made up and sent to ya :)
My guest today is Rachel Lau. Rachel is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of RHL Ventures. RHL Ventures is a Southeast Asian-based private investment firm that focuses on growth capital investments in the Southeast Asia region. In this conversation, we discuss the VC scene in Malaysia and ASEAN, how the landscape has changed over the last two years, and the story behind RHL. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rachel Lau. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep31 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Rachel's Background [00:01:30] - The VC landscape within ASEAN [00:06:44] - COVID's effects on VC in ASEAN [00:10:06] - Investing in the A and B stage [00:13:27] - Aspects of VC that Rachel disagrees with [00:15:40] - What should people know about Malaysian VC [00:18:11] - Advice for graduates entering the VC scene? [00:19:33] - Rachel's investing style [00:24:37] - Why start RHL Ventures? [00:27:32] - RHL's edge? [00:29:07] - What Rachel wished she learned earlier [00:31:22] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:33:42] - Influential books? [00:35:55] - Wrapping up and future plans ------ Connect with Rachel: Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lau-b90957a1/ RHL's Website: https://rhl.ventures/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah: https://www.amazon.com/Chinese-Cinderella-Unwanted-Daughter-Teenage-ebook/dp/B00PVHE724 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
Today's conversation is all about TSMC. We go deep into the chip development process from start to finish, the fabs they're constructed in, TSMC's business model, the competitive landscape, and what the future may hold. My guest today is Jon from Asianometry (@asianometry), creator of the hugely popular Asianometry YouTube channel where he posts video essays on business, technology, and history within Asia. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jon from Asianometry on TSMC. (For reference, this episode was recorded January 25, 2021) For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep30 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Some background on TSMC [00:03:44] - The chip development process [00:05:36] - The science behind it [00:08:52] - What do the fabs look like? [00:11:19] - Why do fabs need so much water? [00:13:26] - Why are fabs getting bigger? [00:14:46] - Apple and TSMC's relationship [00:16:24] - ASML and TSMC's relationship [00:20:41] - CAPEX, Competition and a potential glut? [00:24:47] - Taiwan and TSMC's relationship [00:27:05] - Would Apple ever compete with TSMC? [00:30:43] - TSMC Q4 Results and future plans [00:35:48] - Why is TSMC so secretive around their fabs [00:37:37] - Can the US feasibly compete in the semiconductor space? [00:40:15] - Is Moore's law really dead? [00:42:33] - Anything else that's consequential about TSMC's future? ------ Connect with Asianometry: Asianometry's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Asianometry/featured Follow Asianometry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/asianometry Asianometry Newsletter: https://asianometry.substack.com/ Asianometry Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asianometry ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: How TSMC Came to Taiwan's South: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x02pq2HeKQY TSMC is more than just Taiwan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCnF-i1XDiU How Taiwan Created TSMC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fVrWDdll0g ASML: TSMC's Critical Supplier, Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFsn1CUyXWs ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb If you've read this far down, I appreciate you :)
My guest today is Shinya Deguchi. Shinya is the founder of Star Magnolia Capital, a multi-family office and Co-Founder of Gen Z Group. Through Gen Z Group, Gen Z Media creates and promotes educational content (mainly in the medium of graphic novels) in Chinese-speaking regions which is today's focus. In today's conversation, we cover Webtoons and Manga in the context of investor education. It's a little different but an extremely interesting and exciting topic. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Shinya Deguchi. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep29 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Shinya's background [00:03:47] - The influence of Makoto Maki [00:08:00] - Shinya's investing style and how that's changed over time [00:12:11] - Manga and Why start the Gen Z Group? [00:24:14] - Early mistakes? [00:31:07] - When comparing Manga and Webtoons compared to other mediums, why do it? [00:32:21] - What Shinya wished he knew before starting this project [00:35:55] - And what's next for Gen Z Group? [00:39:10] - Anything else we haven't covered and wrapping up ------ Connect with Shinya: Connect with Shinya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shinya-deguchi-b403908/ Gen Z Group's Website: https://www.genzgroup.org/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: INVEST! Webtoon: https://www.genzgroup.org/new-investor-z Investor Z IMPACT! Webtoon: https://www.genzgroup.org/investors-z-impact ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Pratyush Rastogi (@FarrerWealth). Pratyush is the CEO & Founder at Farrer Wealth Advisors and was previously Head of Sales at Grab for Business, as well as prior experience in private equity. Today's conversation is all about Grab. We go deep on their business model, Grab's history, how regulation and management affect them, and what the future may hold. (For reference, this episode was recorded December 29, 2021) I hope you enjoy this deep dive on Grab with Pratyush Rastogi. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep28 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Pratush's background with Grab [00:03:42] - Grab's major aspects today and revenue drivers [00:08:04] - Grab's history and battle with Uber [00:15:46] - The supply side of Grab's business [00:20:25] - Grab the Super App and why create one? [00:22:38] - The scale and capital problem [00:26:29] - Unappreciated aspects of Grab's and culture? [00:28:38] - Anything that people fundamentally misunderstand about Grab [00:30:14] - Grab's leadership [00:34:35] - Worried about Anthony Tan's 2.2% stake? [00:35:47] - Grab's story and success with Regulators [00:37:60] - Biggest risks to Grab's business? [00:41:11] - Anything we haven't talked about Grab that's consequential for their future? ------ Connect with Pratyush : Follow Pratyush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrerWealth Farrer Wealth Advisors's Website: https://www.farrerwealth.com/ Farrer Wealth's Newsletter: https://farrerwealth.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Ex-Grabber on Grab: https://www.farrerwealth.com/blog/ex-grabber-on-grab Ex-Grabber on Grab (part 2): https://www.farrerwealth.com/blog/exgrabber2 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Greg Lam (@lifewhereimfrom). Greg is the creator of the immensely popular Life Where I'm From YouTube channel. LWIF gives interesting and educational insight into the everyday, special events and uniquely Japanese aspects of life in Japan. In this conversation, we cover the process required for his videos, the YouTube landscape, and his new documentary, Being Japanese. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Greg Lam of Life Where I'm From! For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep27 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:33] - [First question] - Greg's process for a video [00:03:06] - How Greg approaches video intros and thumbnails [00:05:29] - When did Greg find his voice and niche? [00:07:36] - Thoughts on recording video in public [00:09:04] - When did Greg think he could take YouTube fulltime? [00:11:02] - Lessons and takeaways from monetizing? [00:16:51] - Things Greg wished more viewers knew [00:20:41] - Videos that performed wildly different to Greg's expectations? [00:24:10] - How to think about story when making videos [00:26:23] - What have been the hardest videos to make [00:33:31] - Favourite videos? [00:35:28] - Outsourcing parts of his video process? [00:44:35] - Advice for YouTube creators on what not to do? [00:47:14] - Plans for the future? ------ Connect with Life Where I'm From: Life Where I'm From on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqwxJts-6yF33rupyF_DCsA Life Where I'm From X Channel: http://bit.ly/ytlwifx Life Where I'm From's Website: https://www.lifewhereimfrom.com/ Follow Life Where I'm From on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lifewhereimfrom Follow Life Where I'm From on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifewhereimfrom Follow Life Where I'm From on Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifewhereimfrom ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Being Japanese Documentary: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/beingjapanese/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Join the Compounding Curiosity DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/
My 2021 recap! Talking a little about my lessons learned so far, some future guests, episodes, and plans for the podcast, and some of my stats so far. Will be back to regularly scheduled guests from next week! For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep26 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Max Koh (@heymaxkoh). Max is a private investor from Singapore with a background in marketing. In this conversation, we cover how marketing and investing intertwine, some interesting ways to research a company, and the lessons he's learned along the way. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Max Koh. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep25 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Max's background [00:10:06] - Lessons from Marketing applicable to Investing? [00:13:10] - Customer psychology and what to look for [00:16:22] - Max's idea generation process [00:18:24] - Max's most painful investing lesson [00:26:20] - Investments that Max avoids [00:28:23] - Interesting and alternative research methods [00:30:33] - What makes an interesting founder? [00:36:11] - The secret to growing Max's twitter account [00:39:53] - Max's favourite books? [00:44:09] - Most unvalued life experience? [00:48:06] - Plans for the future? ------ Connect with Max: Follow Max on Twitter: https://twitter.com/heymaxkoh Connect with Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxkohgo/ Max's Newsletter: https://maxkoh.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Nick Sleep Letters: https://igyfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Full_Collection_Nomad_Letters_.pdf The Investment Checklist by Michael Shearn: https://www.amazon.com/Investment-Checklist-Art-Depth-Research-ebook/dp/B005OYGOZW How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams: https://www.amazon.com/How-Fail-Almost-Everything-Still/dp/0241003709 So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport: https://www.amazon.com/Good-They-Cant-Ignore-You/dp/1455509124 The Education of a Value Investor by Guy Spier: https://www.amazon.com.au/Education-Value-Investor-Guy-Spier/dp/1137278811 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Jon from Asianometry (@asianometry), creator of the hugely popular Asianometry YouTube channel where he posts video essays on business, economics, and history within Asia. In this conversation, we cover his process for creating YouTube videos, some lessons learned along the way, and his plans for the future. For anyone interested in the YouTube landscape and Jon's topics, this one is a must-listen. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jon from Asianometry. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep24 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Jon's process of making a video [00:05:43] - The origin of Asianometry [00:14:29] - Videos that performed differently to expectations? [00:17:37] - What videos are the hardest to make? [00:19:02] - What's been Jon's favourite video to make? [00:25:22] - Advice for YouTube creators? [00:26:31] - How much of the process can be outsourced [00:28:08] - Plans for the future? [00:29:42] - Life in Taiwan [00:32:35] - Underrated skill or experience? [00:34:18] - Influential books? ------ Connect with Asianometry: Asianometry's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Asianometry/featured Follow Asianometry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/asianometry Asianometry Newsletter: https://asianometry.substack.com/ Asianometry Podcast: https://anchor.fm/asianometry ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Postwar by Tony Judt: https://www.amazon.com/Postwar-History-Europe-Since-1945/dp/0143037757 Master of the Senate by Robert Caro: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Senate-Robert-Caro/dp/0394720954 Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom by Stephen Platt: https://www.amazon.com/Autumn-Heavenly-Kingdom-China-Taiping/dp/0307472213 Iron Curtain by Anne Applebaum: https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Curtain-Crushing-Eastern-1944-1956/dp/140009593X How Asia Works by Joe Studwell: https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Asia-Works-Success-Failure/dp/0802121322 ------ Mentioned Asianometry Videos: What Eating the Rich Did For Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_-Ac68FKG4 How Carl Zeiss Crafts Optics for a $150 Million EUV Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V__HbVlnICc Australia's Water Project Failure: An Economic Breakdown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjtj38rc2DI ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Punch Card Investor (@punchcardinvest). Punch Card is a private investor working in investment management in Singapore, with prior experience in M&A and investment banking. He is the author of the Punch Card Investor Substack blog where he does deep dives on companies in the technology, gaming, media and consumer sectors, and recently completed a series of articles on Sea Limited. In this conversation, we cover everything Sea Limited. From Shopee, Garena, SeaMoney, and everything in between, this episode has Sea Ltd covered. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Punch Card Investor on Sea Ltd. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep23 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Why do a deep dive on Sea Ltd? [00:04:03] - Sea's background and goals [00:06:15] - FreeFire's life cycle risk [00:13:02] - FreeFire's expansion plans [00:14:31] - Tencent's deal with Garena and the future of it [00:18:15] - Shopee's business model and how they fit into Sea [00:22:39] - Lazada and Shopee's competitions [00:25:47] - SeaMoney's business model [00:28:36] - FinTech regulation? [00:33:34] - Sea's management [00:36:07] - Anything else from Sea to be aware of? [00:38:00] - Punch Card Investor's background [00:40:26] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:42:36] - Influential books? [00:44:42] - Plans for the future? ------ Connect with Punch Card Investor: Follow Punch Card on Twitter: https://twitter.com/punchcardinvest Punch Card's Newsletter: https://punchcardinvestor.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Garena: https://punchcardinvestor.substack.com/p/sea-ltd-part-1-garena-building-a Shopee: https://punchcardinvestor.substack.com/p/sea-ltd-part-2-shopee-the-everything SeaMoney: https://punchcardinvestor.substack.com/p/sea-ltd-part-3-seamoney-the-fintech Connecting The Dots: https://punchcardinvestor.substack.com/p/sea-ltd-part-4-connecting-the-dots Antifragile by Nassim Taleb: https://www.amazon.com/Antifragile-Things-That-Disorder-Incerto/dp/0812979680 Poor Charlie's Almanack by Charlie Munger: https://www.amazon.com/Poor-Charlies-Almanack-Expanded-3rd/dp/1578645018 ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Stephen Clapham (@steveclapham). Steve is a former partner of a Tiger Cub and former Head of Research at a second multi-billion hedge fund. Nowadays, he is the founder of Behind the Balance Sheet, where he produces investment research and offers training services. Steve is also the author of the book, The Smart Money Method: How to pick stocks like a hedge fund pro. In this conversation, we cover red flags for fraud, accounting standards, and his new podcast. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Stephen Clapham. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep22 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:32] - [First question] - Where Stephen starts when analyzing financial statements [00:02:15] - Red flags to look out for? [00:08:05] - Why don't people care about financial statements? [00:19:10] - What changes would Stephen make to accounting standards? [00:25:17] - How to align incentives of auditors, companies and shareholders [00:27:30] - Worst accounting offenses he's seen [00:28:31] - Why did Stephen start his podcast? ------ Connect with Stephen: Follow Stephen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/steveclapham The Smart Money Method: https://www.behindthebalancesheet.com/the-smart-money-method Behind the Balance Sheet's Website: https://www.behindthebalancesheet.com/ Behind the Balance Sheet Podcast: https://www.behindthebalancesheet.com/podcasts ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: The Smart Money Method: https://www.behindthebalancesheet.com/the-smart-money-method FT Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign: https://www.ft.com/flic The Analyst Academy: https://courses.behindthebalancesheet.com/p/analyst_academy ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Matthew Ruber. Matthew is the founder of Enlihtan Capital Management. At Enlihtan, Matthew employs a research-intensive "bottom up" selection process, in order to find excellent businesses at prices which represent excellent business sense. Before Enlihtan, Matthew was a senior trader with Macquarie Bank in Australia and Hong Kong. And then successfully ran a multi-strategy proprietary trading business for CLSA in Hong Kong, focusing on merger arbitrage, volatility trading and value-based special situations. In this conversation, we cover how he melds Quantitative and Qualitative characteristics when finding investments, asking the right questions of your investments, and some stories and lessons from AGM's. Super fun and varied one today, I know I learned a tonne so I hope you do to. So please enjoy my conversation with Matthew Ruber. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep21 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:45] - [First question] - Most surprising thing about running your own fund? [00:05:10] - Matthew's quant background [00:08:06] - What led Matthew to qualitative investing? [00:11:24] - Matthew's scorecard changes [00:14:04] - Do you push back against a scorecard? [00:16:08] - Lessons from AGM's [00:22:36] - Why move from Quantitative to Qualitative? [00:24:26] - Approaching volatility after being a quant [00:29:02] - Any aspects of investing that come easily to Matthew? [00:33:20] - Why start your own fund? [00:41:31] - Life outside investing? [00:43:01] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:44:56] - Influential books or resources? ------ Connect with Matthew: Enlihtan's Website: http://www.enlihtan.com/ Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-ruber-09ab5338/ ------ Stay up to date with the podcast by signing up to the Compounding Curiosity Substack, where I'll email you when the latest episode comes out along with my summary and takeaways, links to mentioned content, graphics and the transcript. Sign up at https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ ------ Connect with Kalani: Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity SUBSTACK: https://compoundingcuriosity.substack.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Sign up for Allocators Asia: https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Thomas Chua (@SteadyCompound), founder and Lead Editor of Steady Compounding, where he now runs a stock research service focusing on Compounders and publishing his weekly newsletter. In this conversation, we cover Thomas' investment style and philosophy, and his story behind Steady Compounding. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Thomas Chua. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep20 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Background [00:06:11] - Was Thomas always keen on sharing his work? [00:10:34] - What does Thomas' process look like? [00:13:04] - Thomas' information diet [00:20:23] - From value investing to growth [00:24:36] - Idea generation process [00:26:01] - Situations to avoid [00:30:45] - Obscure and nitty-gritty research [00:35:42] - Plans for Steady Compounding [00:37:06] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:38:01] - Influential books [00:38:35] - Where might opportunities lie today? ------ Connect with Thomas: Follow Thomas on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteadyCompound Steady Compounding's Website: https://steadycompounding.com/ Steady Compounding's Substack: https://steadycompounding.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: The Joys of Compounding by Gautam Baid: https://www.amazon.com/Joys-Compounding-Passionate-Heilbrunn-Investing/dp/0231197322 100 Baggers by Chris Mayer: https://www.amazon.com/100-Baggers-Stocks-100-1/dp/1621291650 The Little Book That Still Beats the Market by Joel Greenblatt: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Still-Beats-Market/dp/0470624159 Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Poor Charlie's Almanack by Peter D. Kaufman: https://www.amazon.com/Poor-Charlies-Almanack-Charles-Expanded/dp/1578645018 Poor Richard's Almanack by Benjamin Franklin: https://www.amazon.com/Poor-Richards-Almanack-Benjamin-Franklin/dp/1602391173 ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Jeevan Vasagar (@jeevanvasagar). Jeevan is the Environment Editor at The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, and author of LION CITY: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia, which is today's focus. In this conversation, we cover Singapore's past, its future, and the process of writing his book. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jeevan Vasagar. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep19 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:39] - [First question] - Jeevan's background and history with Singapore [00:02:50] - Were there always plans for a book? [00:04:34] - Can other countries replicate Singapore's success? [00:07:37] - The failed union with Malaysia [00:10:34] - How much credit can Lee Kuan Yew take? [00:12:53] - The influence of the Lee family going forward? [00:14:29] - The future of Singaporean politics [00:19:41] - The role of media in Singapore [00:22:03] - Singapore and Climate Change [00:24:19] - The process of writing a book [00:30:32] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:34:40] - Influential books? [00:35:49] - If Jeevan was 18 today? [00:36:48] - Plans for the future ------ Connect with Jeevan : Follow Jeevan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeevanvasagar Lion City: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia: https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/jeevan-vasagar/lion-city/9781408713587/ Connect with Jeevan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevan-vasagar/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul Kennedy: https://www.amazon.com/Rise-Fall-Great-Powers/dp/0679720197 Lion City: Singapore and the Invention of Modern Asia: https://www.littlebrown.co.uk/titles/jeevan-vasagar/lion-city/9781408713587/ ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Pratyush Rastogi (@FarrerWealth). Pratyush is the CEO & Founder at Farrer Wealth Advisors, and was previously Head of Sales at Grab for Business, as well as prior experience in private equity. In today's conversation, we cover Pratyush's investment philosophy, Farrer Wealth and starting your own business, and the benefits of sharing your ideas online. I had a lot of fun with this one so I hope you enjoy my conversation with Pratyush Rastogi. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep18 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:36] - [First question] - Background [00:04:23] - Going from advisory to a money management model [00:05:34] - Challenges facing the advisory business [00:06:33] - Advice for those thinking of starting their own fund? [00:09:49] - What's an average day look like for Pratyush? [00:11:54] - Managing time and balance [00:13:20] - What more people should know about his role [00:18:01] - How has publishing ideas and research helped Pratyush? [00:21:56] - Recommended books and newsletters [00:26:41] - How did Pratyush get interested in investing? [00:28:39] - Being a 32-year-old intern [00:34:37] - A lowest low of his investment journey? [00:37:11] - Thoughts on leverage [00:39:36] - Underrated skill or experience? [00:41:38] - Influential books shaping Pratyush's worldview? [00:44:29] - If Pratyush was 18 again? [00:46:38] - Plans for the future? ------ Connect with Pratyush : Follow Pratyush on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarrerWealth Farrer Wealth Advisors's Website: https://www.farrerwealth.com/ Farrer Wealth's Newsletter: https://farrerwealth.substack.com/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Bets-Annie-Duke/dp/0735216355 Setting the Table by Danny Meyer: https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763 The Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley: https://www.amazon.com/Rational-Optimist-Matt-Ridley/dp/0061452068 Die with Zero by Bill Perkins: https://www.amazon.com/Die-Zero-Getting-Your-Money/dp/0358099765 ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Mio Kato. Mio is the founder of LightStream Research, and was previously the head of research at Uzabase. LightStream Research melds traditional research with alternative data and AI to provide deeper insights into companies, industries and economic conditions. LightStream's Asian focus is centred on Japan and India with a particular emphasis on the automotive, machinery and materials sectors and the technological developments impacting them. In this conversation, we dive deep into the world of data and investing, Japanese equities, and Japanese companies expansion strategies. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mio Kato. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://kalanis.substack.com/p/ep17 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:40] - [First question] - Mio's background and history [00:17:06] - Why are forecasts traditionally so bad? [00:24:54] - Common pitfalls hedge funds make in regards to data? [00:38:50] - Why do managers only use data for short term decisions currently? [00:46:46] - Why have Japanese equities turned a corner? [01:02:04] - Why have Japanese companies traditionally struggled overseas? [01:05:39] - Common misconception around Japanese equitites [01:15:51] - Undervalued skill or life experience? ------ Connect with Mio: Follow Mio on Smartkarma: https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/mio-kato LightStream's Website: https://lightstream-research.com/ ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Jason Sedawie. Jason is Senior Portfolio Manager at Spaceship. In this conversation, we cover Jason's investing style, mental models, and his Where The World is Going philosophy. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Jason Sedawie. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep16 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Jason's background [00:02:12] - Early influences for investing [00:03:35] - Was Jason's temperament always suited for investing? [00:04:54] - Things Jason wished he learned earlier [00:07:04] - What's Jason's edge? [00:08:48] - Where The World Is Going approach [00:11:33] - How much has that approach changed recently? [00:13:22] - Investing globally vs locally? [00:14:38] - Interesting trends? [00:15:42] - The pressure of investing [00:17:11] - What's a typical day as a fund manager look like [00:18:17] - How Jason filters news and information [00:21:04] - What surprised Jason most about life as a fund manager? [00:23:21] - Why Jason joined Spaceship [00:25:15] - What should school teach about investing? [00:27:55] - Peter Lynch and other influences? [00:30:18] - Consumer investing and holding through volatility [00:37:28] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:39:08] - Influential books? [00:43:09] - Biggest opportunities for youth today? [00:45:25] - Plans or vision for the future? ------ Connect with Jason: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsedawie/ Spaceships's Website: https://www.spaceship.com.au/ ------ Mentioned/Recommended Content: The Peter Lynch Playbook: https://mjbaldbard.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/the-peter-lynch-playbook.pdf One Up on Wall Street by Peter Lynch: https://www.amazon.com/One-Up-Wall-Street-Already/dp/0743200403 Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari: https://www.amazon.com/Sapiens-Humankind-Yuval-Noah-Harari/dp/0062316095 ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb
My guest today is Michael Norris (@briefnorris). Michael is a China-based analyst and is currently AgencyChina's Research & Strategy Manager. Michael provides primary research and consulting services to nutrition, petcare, skincare, and luxury brands who want to grow in China. He's previously partnered with Nestle, Constellation Brands, Johnson & Johnson, Richemont, and LEGO to deliver breakthrough insight and winning strategies. Outside of his consumer research work, Michael has written in-depth analyses, warnings and predictions about fast-growing Chinese companies. This includes a (now infamous) three-part series on Luckin Coffee's shonky corporate governance - a full year before the company admitted to sales fraud. In this conversation, we cover the China Tech scene and the future of their platforms, Chinese consumers, and his life in China. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Michael Norris. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page on https://compoundingpodcast.com/ep15 ------ Show Notes: [00:00:31] - [First question] - Intro and how Michael ended up in China [00:01:59] - Why Michael chose to study Chinese [00:03:32] - Life as an Aussie in China [00:04:46] - What's Michael's role look like day-to-day [00:05:50] - What does his fieldwork involve? [00:08:06] - Favourite stories in the field? [00:09:24] - How much has the concept of Tier Cities changed? [00:13:39] - Misconceptions or misunderstandings around Chinese consumers? [00:18:48] - China Tech Scene, where are we at now [00:21:34] - Tech Scene Themes [00:23:00] - What companies are best positioned currently? [00:27:39] - Follow on effects of Alibaba and Tencent opening up their platforms? [00:30:05] - Tencent [00:33:28] - Misconceptions or misunderstandings in the China Tech scene [00:41:55] - Michael's future plans? [00:45:34] - Advice for those just starting out in sharing content [00:50:45] - Most undervalued life experience? [00:52:52] - What experience shaped Michael's worldview? ------ Connect with Michael: Follow Michael on Twitter: https://twitter.com/briefnorris Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljohnnorris/ AgencyChina's Website: https://agencychina.com/ ------ Stay up to date on the podcast by signing up to Curated by Kalani, where I share what I've been reading, learning, and watching for that week. I compress to impress and aim for maximal return on your time invested. Sign up at https://kalanis.substack.com ------ Connect with Kalani: Sign up for "Curated by Kalani": https://KalaniS.substack.com/ Visit the Compounding Curiosity PODCAST: https://CompoundingPodcast.com/ Follow Kalani Scarrott on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ScarrottKalani/ Join the DISCORD: https://discord.gg/NPVNPVsCYb