Hosts:

Michael Smith Jr: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/⁠

Razko Kotler: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/⁠

Guest:

JJ : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgonloop/

Episode Overview:

In this candid conversation, hosts Michael Smith Jr. and Razko Kotler sit down with JJ, the founder and CEO of OnLoop, who brings 18 years of diverse experience—from his early days in India and formative experiences in Singapore to pivotal roles at companies like Uber and Accenture. JJ shares how these experiences shaped his leadership style and fueled his passion for rethinking team productivity. He introduces his unique five-layer productivity framework that prioritizes personal energy, clear goal-setting, and meaningful feedback to drive both individual and organizational growth. The discussion also covers the challenges of scaling a hybrid software and services business, insights into the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, and personal strategies for maintaining mental, social, and physical fitness in the demanding world of entrepreneurship.

Links Mentioned:

• Onloop: https://www.onloop.com

Books Mentioned:

• Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari:

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Hosts:

Michael Smith Jr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/

Razko Kotler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

Asikul Alam Khan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asikulalamkhan/

Episode Overview:

In this episode, hosts Michael Smith Jr. and Razko Kotler welcome Asikul Alam Khan, the Founder and CEO of PriyoShop, a B2B digital commerce platform based in Bangladesh. Asikul shares his extensive 20-year journey across various sectors, including EdTech with StudentWish and IT solutions with Splendor IT, leading up to the creation and scaling of PriyoShop. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from B2C to B2B, achieving 16x growth in 24 months, and the strategic partnerships with major brands like Unilever and MasterCard. Asikul also delves into the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem, the importance of resilience, effective communication, and the role of mentorship in entrepreneurial success.

Links Mentioned:

PriyoShop: https://priyoshop.com

Accelerating Asia: https://acceleratingasia.com

bkash: https://www.bkash.com

Brac Bank: https://www.bracbank.com

The 12 Week Year: https://www.amazon.com/12-Week-Year-Others-Months/dp/1118509234/

vit: https://vit.com.bd

SBK: https://sbktechventures.com

Hosts:

Guest:

Episode Overview:

In this episode, hosts Michael Smith Jr. and Razko Kotler welcome Amanda Cua, the Founder and CEO of BackScoop, a media startup shaping the future of business media in Southeast Asia. Amanda shares her remarkable journey from the Philippines to Singapore, detailing the inception and growth of BackScoop, her role as the first employee at the Y Combinator-backed edtech Avion School, and her recognition as a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Honoree for 2024.

Amanda delves into her experiences navigating the challenges of launching a media platform and balancing personal growth with professional responsibilities. She offers insights into the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, the importance of resilience, and the transformative power of taking calculated risks. Amanda also provides practical advice for young entrepreneurs and discusses the evolving landscape of media and technology in Southeast Asia.

Links Mentioned:

Hosts:

• Michael Smith Jr. :: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/
• Razko Kotler :: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

• Zoran Vasiljev :: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoran-vasiljev-928657/

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode, hosts Michael Smith Jr. and Razko Kotler welcome Zoran Vasiljev, a seasoned serial entrepreneur, founder, C-Level executive, mentor, investor, and speaker. With over 30 years of international management and operational experience across the EU, MENA, USA, and APAC regions, Zoran is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships at Xsolla, a leading company in digital monetization for the gaming industry.

Zoran shares his inspiring journey from Belgrade, Serbia, to establishing a significant presence in Singapore’s tech ecosystem. He delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, including founding Centili and Forty.5 Ventures, and his strategic roles at companies like Infobip, Apigate, and Axiata Digital. Beyond his corporate achievements, Zoran discusses his passion for basketball, exemplified by founding a semi-professional basketball league in Singapore, and his commitment to personal wellness and continuous learning.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into digital monetization strategies, the dynamics of scaling businesses globally, the importance of building strong teams, and balancing professional success with personal well-being. Zoran also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and shares his perspectives on the evolving tech landscape, particularly in the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

Links Mentioned:

• Xsolla: https://xsolla.com
• Centili: https://centili.com
• Forty.5 Ventures: https://forty5ventures.com
• Infobip: https://infobip.com
• Apigate: https://apigate.io
• Axiata Digital: https://axiata.digital
• Teddy Swims: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5EavjPHK7yECiQ9o4L0yw
• Pro-Am Singapore Basketball League: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro-Am_Singapore_Basketball_League

Hosts:

Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/

Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

Craig Bristol Dixon https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigbristoldixon/

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michael and Raz welcome Craig Bristol Dixon, Co-Founder and General Partner of Accelerating Asia Ventures. Craig shares his journey from a finance career at Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Merrill Lynch to becoming a leading figure in Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. He discusses founding Zumata, a B2B travel tech company later acquired by Rakuten, and his pivotal role at muru-D, Telstra’s accelerator program.

Craig provides unique insights into the ASEAN startup scene, including the challenges of scaling startups, the evolution of Singapore’s startup infrastructure, and why B2B models often outperform B2C in the region. He also dives into the emerging potential of the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem and shares practical advice for founders, plus his personal wellness and productivity habits.

Links

Accelerating Asia Ventures: https://acceleratingasia.com

Zumata: https://zumata.com (Historical)

muru-D: https://muru-d.com

Noah Opinion Substack: https://www.noahpinion.blog

Econ102: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/econ-102-with-noah-smith-and-erik-torenberg/id1696419056

Enterprise Singapore: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg

Hosts:

Michael Smith Jr. https://www.linkedin.com/in/smittysgp/

Razko Kotler https://www.linkedin.com/in/razko282/

Guest:

Mustafa Rasheed https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafarasheed/

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Michael and Raz welcome Mustafa Rasheed, a seasoned professional in the SME and startup ecosystem. Mustafa shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Pakistan to his return to Singapore and contributions to the startup landscape. With over a decade of experience at KPMG, ING Bank, and Enterprise Singapore, Mustafa has helped over 3,000 businesses.

They discuss his approach to generalism, investment in the Bangladeshi startup Priyo Shop, and Singapore’s role as a hub for frontier market startups. Mustafa also shares his thoughts on personal growth, mental wellness, and lessons learned from working across diverse startup ecosystems. The episode concludes with practical advice for founders, insights into crafting effective pitch decks, and Mustafa’s personal development habits.

Links:

• Priyo Shop: https://priyoshop.com

• Accelerating Asia: https://acceleratingasia.com

• Enterprise Singapore: https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg

• Udemy: https://www.udemy.com

• JFDI (Historical): https://www.jfdi.asia