Meet Mary Ann Pierce, the visionary force behind MAP Digital and its groundbreaking MetaMeetings platform. As an "accidental entrepreneur," she changed the events sector by developing the most flexible and adaptable platform for sales-driven conferences. Pierce shares her journey - where it started, the turning points, the challenges and the growing vision for MAP Digital, Inc. She also gives insights into trends and changes in AI technology and how her life lessons can inspire budding entrepreneurs. Read and explore how her principles and journey have influenced the future of the events industry. How did the MAP Digital journey and transformation start? I consider myself an “accidental entrepreneur, finding myself at the forefront of the World Wide Web in the mid-nineties.…
How a Banker Turned Fund Manager Built a Billion-Dollar Portfolio In the Global Financial Crisis? In the world of investing, some of the most successful ventures are born in the most uncertain times. For Christopher (Chris) Cheah, Founder and Executive Chairman of TrustCapital, the decision to strike out on his own in the midst of the 2009 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was not one of recklessness, but of calculated conviction. Today, his firm stands as a respected name in private equity real estate, with a track record that includes the acquisition of eight prime office buildings in Australia and assets under management peaking at more than AUD 1.6 billion. This is the story of how Chris, a banker turned fund…
Journey Protector CEO Anne Lawlor (R) in an Enterprise Ireland promotional campaign. Haulage companies face huge losses daily due to theft, damage to their loads, and hefty fines arising from undetected illegal stowaways entering the rear of their vehicles. Under the new revision of the UK’s Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme from 13 February 2024, fines for lorry drivers found with illegal immigrants hiding in their vehicles increased fivefold from £2,000 (approx. €2,250) per stowaway to potentially £10,000 (>€11,000). Considering that independent owner/drivers earn an average of around €200 per day, the added potential penalties and financial risks make crossing the UK border an unacceptable risk. The World Road Transport Organization(IRU) says the scheme puts supply chains at risk, stating…
Forging a Unified Culture: How a Century-Old Dutch Business Thrives in APAC Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of a century-old European company expanding into Asia with its Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mr Andy Ang. This article delves into their strategic approach to growth, from establishing a solid presence in key Asian markets to building robust systems that support seamless integration. Discover how they are successfully adapting their corporate culture—deeply rooted in family values—while aligning it with the dynamic business environment in Asia. Learn how this company is not only expanding its footprint but also ensuring its legacy and values thrive in a new and diverse region. A story of tradition meeting innovation for sustainable success! Mr Andy…
A New Era of Longevity: Living Longer and Working Longer As global life expectancy rises, so will the average retirement age. In many advanced countries, longer lifespans and economic pressures are extending working lives well into the late 60s and beyond. This shift has created a new reality: a growing segment of the workforce is older and highly experienced. Yet these workers are often overlooked, underestimated or made redundant. In a previous article, we explored how stereotypes about Millennials and Gen Z being "entitled" can prevent leaders from fully engaging the potential of younger talent. In calling out such generational stereotypes, we must also acknowledge how older employees are equally subject to bias. Older employees, especially those over 60, face…
