25. Asrif Yusoff: I'm still exploring.

Rupert Hoogewerf is the Chairman and Chief Researcher of the Hurun Report, China's Global Rich List, and in this episode we hear about the origins of the Hurun Report and Rupert's journey as an entrepreneur. Rupert has spent 22 years researching billionaires and Unicorns (billion dollar-valued start-up companies) so he knows a thing or two about what makes a successful entrepreneur. Thankfully, he was happy to share his insights for the final episode of the series. This one is not to be missed.

Laure Fraval has 30 years' experience in HR and change management with some of the biggest investment banks in the world. Now running her own consultancy, we discuss some of the challenges that companies - and people - face when implementing change. We also explore the importance of organisational culture and Laure reveals some of the methods she uses to see the real culture of an organisation behind the buzzwords and corporate branding, and Laure shares my favourite ever networking story that ends with a meeting I guarantee you won't see coming.

Isabella studied Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham, graduating in 2019 before joining AlphaSights, a leading provider of knowledge on-demand, as an Associate and progressing to Manager. Isobelle studied Modern Languages and Cultures at Durham, graduating in 2019 before joining AlphaSights as an Associate and progressing to Manager. Sounds similar? Think again. This week we explore the experiences of two Durham graduates who arrived at their destination in different ways, showing that there is more than one route to success. We also get an insight into the recruitment processes of a global firm and hear about a novel way to make sure that first impression is a good one.

Tobi Bello has 10 years’ experience in the business of sport. Starting at Durham where he studied Sports Science, he went on to complete a Masters in the US and work in football and tennis with the New York Red Bulls and the United States Tennis Association before some time with UNICEF and then his current role at a global sports brand. In this episode we hear Tobi’s story as he talks us through some the highlights of a career in the business of sport, and we see how every step you take really does lead you towards your greatness.

Jamie Harris is Head of E-Commerce at a company that is revolutionising the way people access groceries and health and beauty products in Singapore. In this episode, we discuss Jamie's trajectory from finishing a Masters in 2015 to becoming Country Manager (E-Commerce) in Singapore in just 3 years before progressing to his current role in 2021. We also get an insight into the world of e-commerce and how in the future the aim is for it to be quicker and easier to order online than it would be to walk to the shops.

As Head of Research and Development and Head of Asia Pacific at Coltraco Ultrasonics, Adrian Saw has a lot of responsibility. In this episode we explore Adrian's journey as an international student at Durham, and Adrian talks us through his experience of securing visa sponsorship after graduating. This is a challenge that all international students face and was something I was very keen to bring to the podcast from someone who has been there and done it. We also discuss Research and Development and Adrian reveals the golden rule for working in R&D.

Chloe Barker is Head of Global Distribution at Coltraco Ultrasonics and she travels the world from her living room. In this episode we discuss the impact of the pandemic on global supply chains and we explore Chloe's journey to a role in which her day starts in Asia and ends in America, crossing everywhere in between along the way.  Chloe also shares the advantages of joining an SME (Small or Medium-sized Enterprise) and shows us what can happen when you look for opportunities in places you wouldn't expect.

Asrif Yusoff is one of the most qualified and intelligent people I’ve spoken to on this podcast, and he has a message for you about the value of lifelong learning. Asrif left University expecting study and learning to be a thing of the past. Fast-forward 15 years and he’s a Learning and Development Practitioner and Researcher based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with an MBA from Imperial College London, a Masters in Social Innovation from Cambridge University and he’s now completing a DBA at Durham University Business School. It’s funny how life rarely goes the way you think it will.

Chloe Reuter is the Founding Partner and Co-CEO of Gusto Luxe, a consulting, marketing and digital creative agency for premium and luxury brands, based in Shanghai. Chloe has spent the last 20 years in Asia and she joined me to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, going from a "one-man-band" in 2010, to having over 130 staff across offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong and London today. Listen to this honest conversation about a truly international career, including a real insight into what it’s like to be an entrepreneur in China. You might be surprised by what you hear.

The Lemonade Principle podcast returns for a special live episode recorded during a recent virtual event on the subject of global trade. Long-standing friend of Durham University and former guest on the podcast, Dr Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, recently joined our host Chris Roberts for our first ever episode to be recorded in front of a live (virtual) audience. We talked all things international trade, starting with how Carl began trading around the world with his company Coltraco Ultrasonics and we get a real glimpse of the passion that continues to drive him today. We hear how the covid-19 pandemic impacted his business as well as trade around the world and we also get a special announcement of a new joint venture between his company and Durham University in the form of the Durham Institute of Research, Development and Invention. In Carl’s own words, the institute aims to combine “Newtonian discovery with Edisonian Commercialisation” and it's clear that the institute reflects Carl’s passion to bring the scientific world and the business world closer together. Finally, as a DIT Export Champion we hear Carl’s thoughts on British foreign policy at a time when global trade is becoming more challenging yet more important than ever.