e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of our newly introduced ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

This episode features Georg Chmiel, Co-Founder and Chair of Juwai-IQI Holdings, a proptech group in Southeast Asia. He is also Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Chmiel Global Advisory, a boutique advisory business.

A valued contributor, Chmiel joined our community in 2021 and has remained actively engaged, accumulating over 27,000 content views.

Chmiel shares his personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.

The driving force

With 30 years of experience in fast-growing online businesses, Chmiel led over 35 acquisitions and experienced seven takeovers. He played a key role in establishing three unicorns, consistently enhancing shareholder value. Based in Malaysia for the past 12 years, he has focused on the ASEAN and ANZ markets.

As a participant in the e27 Contributor Programme, Chmiel expresses his honour in engaging with a diverse audience, providing unique insights, and participating in relevant conversations that potentially impact the industry’s future.

“I’m excited to share my knowledge and expertise with a platform that promotes entrepreneurship. The platform’s dedication to encouraging entrepreneurship, technology, and business closely matches my own professional beliefs,” he said candidly.

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Thoughts, goals, and journey

In the early stages of his career, Chmiel, recognising the dynamic nature of the business landscape, immersed himself, gained hands-on experience, and climbed the ranks through hard work and collaboration.

Leading a talented team, Chmiel’s professional goals include driving sustainable growth, expanding market presence, and embracing technological advancements. On a personal level, he is committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, continual learning, and serving as a mentor for aspiring professionals in the industry.

Chmiel’s expertise lies in online platforms and ecosystems, specifically focusing on what he terms ‘eco-corns’. “Coined to represent platforms dedicated to empowerment and fostering an inclusive workforce, regardless of geographical constraints, these ecosystems aim to break down traditional barriers and enhance collaboration,” he expressed.

In this realm, Chmiel notes recent trends and developments, such as:

• Remote work revolution: Eco-corns facilitate the global shift towards remote work. These platforms provide tools that enable seamless collaboration among team members, irrespective of their physical location.
• Inclusive workforce practices: There is a growing emphasis on creating platforms prioritising diversity and inclusivity. Eco-corns are integrating features to ensure equal opportunities for individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a more equitable work environment.
• Technological integration: Rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are harnessed within eco-corns to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. These platforms leverage cutting-edge tools to create efficient and effective work ecosystems.
• Focus on well-being: Eco-corns recognise the importance of employee well-being and incorporate features that promote work-life balance, mental health support, and overall employee satisfaction. This trend aligns with the changing expectations and priorities of the modern workforce.
• Global talent pools: By eliminating geographical constraints, eco-corns are tapping into global talent pools. This brings diverse perspectives to the table and allows organisations to access a broader range of skills and expertise.

“In essence, the evolution of online platforms and ecosystems, particularly within the realm of eco-corns, reflects a broader movement towards a more inclusive, technologically advanced, and people-centric approach to work. This aligns seamlessly with the changing dynamics of the modern workforce and the ongoing digital transformation in various industries,” he adds.

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Advice for budding thought leaders

Becoming a thought leader involves cultivating various skills. Chmiel advises aspiring thought leaders to enhance their expertise through:

• Mastering your domain
• Ensuring clear and consistent communication
• Making regular contributions to industry platforms
• Engaging with your audience
• Embracing authenticity
• Adapting communication styles
• Honing the art of storytelling
• Incorporating visuals for impact
• Building a strong professional network
• Embracing feedback for continuous improvement

“Also, always remember there are no ‘short-cuts’, and any ‘short-cut’ taken usually comes at a price, so you just delay the effort,” he appends.

Juggling too many things?

Chmiel, in his approach to maintaining equilibrium, emphasizes prioritization, effective time management, delegation to empower teams, setting boundaries between work and personal life, and placing significant emphasis on physical and mental well-being.

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His strategy includes leaving ample time every morning for some activity. He suggests incorporating strategies such as active networking and reflective practices, which involve being honest with oneself. These methods are essential for assessing progress and making necessary personal and professional development adjustments.

Staying in the loop

In his ever-changing field, Chmiel recognises that staying ahead demands implementing a diversified strategy.

“I actively participate in online platforms, attend conferences, network with colleagues in the industry, subscribe to pertinent publications, follow social media for up-to-date information, and attend webinars and online courses to stay up to date on the latest advancements,” he said.

Chmiel recommends exploring books such as Platform Revolution and The Lean Startup for deeper insights into online platforms and ecosystems. He suggests visiting websites like Harvard Business Review, TechCrunch, and e27 for ongoing updates, analyses, and perspectives on industry trends.

“In navigating the dynamic landscape of today’s industries, my parting advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Success is often built on resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your insights, and strive to leave a positive mark on the world through your contributions and endeavours,” Chmiel concluded.

Are you ready to be a part of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.

The post Spotlighting Georg Chmiel: Championing inclusive work ecosystems in Southeast Asia appeared first on e27.