Rooted Beginnings: It Started With a Feeling The truth about starting your own business is there is no "perfect time" nor a "secret formula" to unlock. Most meaningful businesses often begin with something more intuitive: an intrinsic feeling, a deep-seated knowing, or a sense of misalignment that signals a need for change. For many, it is simply having the courage to lean into that instinct and build from where they are. This article delves into the journey of one such individual who listened to her intuition, illustrating that the most powerful moment in any entrepreneurial journey is daring to take the first step. Trading a conventional career path for an entrepreneurial venture, Ash Mendelsohn established a business embedded with creativity,…
The strategic value of accounting in business Accounting is often perceived as a back-office necessity— primarily to manage cash flow and for regulatory purposes. However, this limited view can be costly. Misconceptions about the role of accounting can lead business leaders to neglect financial oversight, increasing their risk of cash flow and compliance issues. Beyond simply transactional record-keeping, accounting can provide valuable insights to highlight operational inefficiencies, drive business growth and stabilise long-term financials. This article examines common misconceptions about accounting, challenging the belief that it is only relevant for large corporations or that profitable businesses can afford to deprioritise financial oversight. By tackling these five prevalent myths, we highlight how accounting is essential, regardless of the size, stage of…
How a Triple-E Student Found His Place in AI and Computing? When Kelvin Kok, Founder & Chief Architect of Axrail enrolled at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE), the world of computer programming was not even on his radar. Like many young undergraduates, he had no clear idea of his long-term career path. A chance internship during his third year would change everything and set him on a trajectory that would eventually lead to founding one of Southeast Asia’s fast-growing AI companies. A Chance Encounter with the World of Code In Kelvin’s early NTU days, programming felt abstract, little more than writing scripts to print stars and shapes on a screen. “Back then, it made…
Bridging Worlds: A Journey of Growth, Innovation, and Relevance With the average company lifespan plummeting from 67 years to just 14—and predictions that half of today’s S&P 500 could vanish in the next decade—staying relevant has never been more critical. This article explores the journey of Araz Najarian and how she supports businesses in staying relevant and purposeful through her work at ELP Network. Founded over 25 years ago, ELP Network emerged from the vision of four individuals— with a combined background of academic expertise, and extensive executive business experience. Together, they set out to bridge these two worlds, creating a practice that would help businesses achieve sustainable growth and maintain relevance in an ever-evolving marketplace. This vision laid the…
Profits vs Public Health: Why Business Leaders Must Rethink Their Role in Society Most business leaders probably don’t lie awake worrying about public health. They are likely focused on profit margins, sustainable growth, market share, investor expectations, and keeping their team productive. Health, especially the health of people outside the company, can feel distant or like someone else’s job. It's easy to see why we might think public health isn't our problem. Individuals make their own choices. Governments are responsible for healthcare systems. Yet, every business influences public health, whether it intends to or not. The question is no longer whether businesses impact health, but whether they choose to understand that impact and shape it intentionally. Businesses play a powerful…
