Losing Faith

Losing Faith in Entrepreneurship | Behind the Grind 015

In this episode of Behind the Grind, Brian and I talk about losing faith in entrepreneurship.

It is a challenge that has clearly been hanging over him for a while, and as we talk through it more and more, we look to develop a framework for finding the roots of the problem... and a path forward.

As you will see, there are a few key areas of support that Brian looks to when assessing himself as an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship as "the" vehicle for his work.

It's an important discussion, and one we hope will help others better understand how to better plan, manage, and assess their own work.

About the Behind The Grind Series:

Through this podcast series, Brian and I will speak about the realities (as we know them) of entrepreneurship.

Videos will be available every Saturday, and audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

About Rich

Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a Visiting Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Rich:

Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

About Brian:

Brian Tam leads corporate teams through FIRST TIME EVER challenges. From new business models to fresh brands, as CEO of Let's Make Great! he guides multinational companies in China to systematically create the future and explore uncertainties.

He's the mind behind PROTO Innovation Cards and the author of Awrignawl Creativity.

Born in New York, and proudly raised in New Jersey - he has been in China since 2007, working to drive the fantastic change that is happening in China & the world. Let's Make Great!

Follow Brian:

Website: http://www.letsmakegreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.tam.56211
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamonline/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/letsmakegreat/


Charlene Tan

Community Supported Agriculture in the Philippines | Charlene Tan, Good Food Community

In this episode of Entrepreneurs For Good, I speak with Charlene Tan from Good Food Community about her journey to build the Good Food Community platform in Manila, where she aims to make local communities sustainable by connecting organic farmers and “enlightened citizens” in a program called Community Shared Agriculture.

A business model that has been in place for many years in the United States, and Europe, she sees farmers benefiting by having the safety net of stable demand while citizens get shares of the harvest every week.

Working with more than 20 farmers, Charlene and I speak about the progress she has made to date, the challenges she is facing in scaling the organization, and the need to be process focused throughout.

It is a great interview that is educational, inspirational, and practical!

 

 

About Entrepreneurs For Good Series:
Through this series, we speak with Asia based entrepreneurs whose mission it is to bring solutions to the environmental, social, and economic challenges that are faced within the region to learn more about their vision, the opportunities they see, and challenges that they have had to overcome.

It is a series that we hope will not only engage and inspire you, but catalyze you and your organizations into action.

To identify a challenge that is tangible, and build a business model (profit or non) that brings a solution to the market.

About Charlene

Follow Charlene:
Website: http://www.goodfoodcommunity.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-tan-42b68ab0/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlene.c.tan

About Rich:
Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, Richard Brubaker has spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to take their first step.

Acting as a catalyst to driving sustainability, Brubaker works with government, corporate, academic and non-profit stakeholders to bring together knowledge, teams, and tools that develop and execute their business case for sustainability.

Follow Rich
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Contact Rich
[email protected]

#richbrubaker #SocialEntrepreneurship


Ocean Plastic

It's Time to Do Something About Ocean Plastic | Rich Brubaker, Episode 011

While traveling to Phu Quoc (Vietnam), I was reminded just how bad the problem of ocean plastic is, and why we need to ACT NOW.

Even as I arrange weekly beach cleanups in Shanghai, and work with leading brands on recycling programs, the frustration of seeing the amount of waste strewn across the beach was just so incredibly sad that even in a place this remote, and this beautiful.

It just so clear to me, through the wrappers, Styrofoam pieces of as large as furniture, and random appliances that have washed themselves up and planted themselves under coconut trees, that we are losing this battle.

We need to do something about ocean plastic.

FAST.

About Me:
Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a former Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Me:
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Contact Me:
[email protected]

#Richbrubaker #socialentrepreneur #socialinnovation


Edmund Dimalanta

Overcome the Fear of Failure to Find Success | Edmund Dimalanta, D&G Pacific

In this episode of Entrepreneurs For Good, I interview Edmund Dimalanta.  A SERIAL entrepreneur, who on his SIXTEENTH venture, D&G Pacific.
While the name is unassuming, it was clear to me that the lessons of Edmund's early ventures were not lost.  He has learned to pivot his business quickly, identify markets and develop products, and build a team that has the ability to execute.
It was a real pleasure speaking with him about the decision to get into waste management, but more than that, the lessons he imparts from previous ventures (successful and not) were invaluable.

About Entrepreneurs For Good Series:
Through this series, we speak with Asia based entrepreneurs whose mission it is to bring solutions to the environmental, social, and economic challenges that are faced within the region to learn more about their vision, the opportunities they see, and challenges that they have had to overcome.

It is a series that we hope will not only engage and inspire you, but catalyze you and your organizations into action.

To identify a challenge that is tangible, and build a business model (profit or non) that brings a solution to the market.

About Edmund:
The founder and President of the company, Edmund Dimalanta, is passionate about developing and providing environmentally friendly and sustainable business solutions for improving the waste management and recycling in the Philippines.

Follow Edmund:
Website: https://www.dgpacificcorp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-dimalanta-5381264/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edmund.dimalanta

About Rich:
Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, Richard Brubaker has spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to take their first step.

Acting as a catalyst to driving sustainability, Brubaker works with government, corporate, academic and non-profit stakeholders to bring together knowledge, teams, and tools that develop and execute their business case for sustainability.

Follow Rich
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Contact Rich
[email protected]

#sustainability #SocialEntrepreneurship #Innovation


Learning Entrepreneurship

Learning Entrepreneurship (Through the Work) | Behind the Grind 014

In this episode of Behind the Grind, Brian and I speak open up with a conversation about learning entrepreneurship.

As part of the conversation, we speak about whether or not entrepreneurs are born that way, if it is possible to study entrepreneurship (in school), and what can you learn from watching entrepreneurs on Youtube.

 

About the Behind The Grind Series:

Through this podcast series, Brian and I will speak about the realities (as we know them) of entrepreneurship.

Videos will be available every Saturday, and audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

About Rich

Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a Visiting Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Rich:

Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

About Brian:

Brian Tam leads corporate teams through FIRST TIME EVER challenges. From new business models to fresh brands, as CEO of Let's Make Great! he guides multinational companies in China to systematically create the future and explore uncertainties.

He's the mind behind PROTO Innovation Cards and the author of Awrignawl Creativity.

Born in New York, and proudly raised in New Jersey - he has been in China since 2007, working to drive the fantastic change that is happening in China & the world. Let's Make Great!

Follow Brian:

Website: http://www.letsmakegreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.tam.56211
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamonline/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/letsmakegreat/


Visiting Social Entrepreneurs in Saigon

Visiting Social Entrepreneurs in Saigon

After a quick trip to Jakarta, I was lucky to be able to fit in a few days of visiting social entrepreneurs in Saigon

It's been nearly 25 years since my first trip to Ho Chi Minh, and like many of Asia's cities, a LOT has changed. There are shiny glass buildings doting the skyline, metro stations are being built, and the middle class is beginning to take shape.

Underneath the surface of all that those, is a city where social, environmental, and economic challenges are around every corner, and I look forward to getting back there in the next few months to learn about those from the people on the ground.

About Me:
Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a former Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Me:
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Contact Me:
[email protected]

#Richbrubaker #socialentrepreneur #socialinnovation


Emotions of Entrepreneurship

Managing the Emotions of Entrepreneurship | Behind the Grind, Episode 013

In this episode of Behind the Grind, Brian and I speak about importance of learning to manage the roller coaster Emotions of Entrepreneurship that many entrepreneurs face.

It is something that I myself have struggled with, but recently found a process for putting my emotions in check, focusing on my process, and the benefits I have seen since my "revelation".

About the Behind The Grind Series:

Through this podcast series, Brian and I will speak about the realities (as we know them) of entrepreneurship.

Videos will be available every Saturday, and audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

About Rich

Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a Visiting Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Rich:

Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

About Brian:

Brian Tam leads corporate teams through FIRST TIME EVER challenges. From new business models to fresh brands, as CEO of Let's Make Great! he guides multinational companies in China to systematically create the future and explore uncertainties.

He's the mind behind PROTO Innovation Cards and the author of Awrignawl Creativity.

Born in New York, and proudly raised in New Jersey - he has been in China since 2007, working to drive the fantastic change that is happening in China & the world. Let's Make Great!

Follow Brian:

Website: http://www.letsmakegreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.tam.56211
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamonline/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/letsmakegreat/


Kering Group

Luxury Fashion and Sustainability at Kering Group - Rich Brubaker, Episode 009

The Kering Group, recently held an event in Shanghai focused on sustainability in luxury fashion and the role of entrepreneurs and innovators in helping big brands do better.

Considered a leader in their industry, the global CEO opened the session with a keynote and a Q&A where he dove into a few of the  key challenges they face (as a company) and some of the investments they have made along the way.

It is a process that I found especially interesting as key to their progress has been finding ways to work with entrepreneurs and innovators outside the company, and through this event they highlighted four Chinese firms that they are working with.

About Me:
Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a former Adjunct Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Me:
Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

Contact Me:
[email protected]

#Richbrubaker #socialentrepreneur #socialinnovation


Weekly News: Thailand's Sustainable Vision, Biodiversity and Food Supplies, and 5 CSR Activities in Hong Kong

With so much going on in the realm of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and only a limited amount of bandwidth for professionals in this space, I have created this post to highlight articles that I feel are (1) important, (2) relevant, and (3) interesting in the areas of social innovation and entrepreneurship.

If you have an article, or event, that you feel needs to be mentioned, please do so in the comments section.


Developing Thailand’s Vision of A Sustainable, Technology-driven Future


Bosses force female workers making jeans for Levis and Wrangler into sex


5 Corporate Bonding Activities To Make Hong Kong A Better Place


World's food supply under 'severe threat' from loss of biodiversity


Thailand's Roads are Deadly, Especially if you are Poor


The Untold Story of the Vegetable Peeler That Changed the World


Millennial Entrepreneur

The Mindset of a Millennial Entrepreneur | Behind the Grind, Episode 012

In this episode of Behind the Grind, Brian and I speak with Winston Chiang to learn more about the mindset of a millennial entrepreneur.

Born and raised in New York, Winston decided after a few years in the banking sector that it was time to do something different.

To spend some time traveling, write his book, and see if one of his business ideas would find traction.

To say this is a conversation not to be missed is an understatement.  Both Brian and myself hold ourselves back from doing full blown Tiger parents on him, but all kidding aside, as Brian and I both speak with Winston we come to realize this generation has a very different approach.

An approach that at times we struggle to understand, and that perhaps seems reckless (to us), but I know that there were times over the last 15 years where I/ we practiced reckless optimism... and they were the best of times!

Honestly, this was a great conversation, and I really look forward to the comments!

About the Behind The Grind Series:

Through this podcast series, Brian and I will speak about the realities (as we know them) of entrepreneurship.

Videos will be available every Saturday, and audience participation is HIGHLY encouraged!

About Winston

Winston is trying his best to find out what it means to be human, by balancing what he loves with what is necessary, and reconciling an extreme ego with genuine, generous kindness and gratitude.

Follow Winston:

Website: https://touchstone.space/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winston.chiang
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/winston-chiang-98986139/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winston.chiang.7

About Rich

Driven by the belief that change begins with a single step, I've spent the last 15 years in Asia working to engage, inspire, and equip those around him to understand their power to leverage innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership to solve "the big" challenges cities face.

Currently, as the Managing Director of Collective Responsibility, Executive Director of HandsOn China, and a Visiting Professor of Sustainability at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), I'm focused on building platforms that promote long term organizational capacity to address the economic, environmental, and social hurdles that China faces as the country’s economic growth accelerates.

Follow Rich:

Website: http://www.richbrubaker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.brubaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbrubaker
Instagram: https://instagram.com/richbrubaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richbrubaker

About Brian:

Brian Tam leads corporate teams through FIRST TIME EVER challenges. From new business models to fresh brands, as CEO of Let's Make Great! he guides multinational companies in China to systematically create the future and explore uncertainties.

He's the mind behind PROTO Innovation Cards and the author of Awrignawl Creativity.

Born in New York, and proudly raised in New Jersey - he has been in China since 2007, working to drive the fantastic change that is happening in China & the world. Let's Make Great!

Follow Brian:

Website: http://www.letsmakegreat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.tam.56211
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamonline/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/letsmakegreat/