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…
Your People Are Human Capital, Not Cogs in a Machine In our previous article "How to Rethink Innovation in an AI-Driven World?", we highlighted how creativity, empathy and ethical reasoning remain indispensable in an increasingly automated future. This article takes that exploration even further by delving into the critical question: what happens when these vital human traits are neglected in the relentless pursuit of efficiency and profit maximisation? For many leaders, the global marketplace has reinforced a dangerous perception: that people are ultimately expendable assets. What leaders must grasp is people are not machines. Chronic stress and overwhelm invariably result in burnout, disengagement from work, and high employee turnover. Unlike machines, people carry emotional loads, cognitive limits, and social needs.…
Image by Lightspring via Shutterstock_Resized Startup culture is a term that encapsulates the attitudes, values, and behaviors that differentiate startup companies from their more well-established counterparts. It's the secret sauce, the mojo, the lifeblood that gives a startup the power to innovate and outperform even the largest of competitors. This lively and dynamic environment, typically marked by open communication, flexibility, and a passionate commitment to the mission, plays a pivotal role in shaping the startup's future. Let's be real, people are your cherished treasure, and when we talk about people, their collective approach shapes your company culture. Your startup culture, when cultivated thoughtfully and intentionally, can be the catalyst for extraordinary growth and success. Ignored or mishandled, however, it can…
OOm Founders Ian Cheow and Wyvan Xu For an SME, digital marketing can seem overwhelming. With so many options, tools, and jargon, where does one even begin? This is where Optimal Online Marketing (OOm) steps in. Founded in 2006, OOm is a one-stop digital marketing agency with 18 years of experience, dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals in all aspects of improving their online presence. The agency covers critical areas such as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Social Media Management (SMM), content creation, and website design and development. As a Premier Google Partner and Meta Business Partner, OOm is recognised among the top 3% of Google Partners in Singapore. This highlights the agency’s proficiency in managing…
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…
