The EO Spotlight Series

Alex Font: The Secret to Managing People (Without Losing Your Mind)

Meet Alex D. Font Alex D. Font is the Cofounder of Top RockEcommerce, helping Chinese ecommerce merchants succeed in the U.S. and Europe through TikTok and other platforms. He’s also the VP of Business Development at KKH, a Shanghai-based Customer Experience company. With over 30 years in business development, consulting, and client services across the U.S., Japan, Korea, and China, Alexknows a thing or two about leading and managing people. In our conversation, Alex shares how to spot hidden talent, balance AI with human connection, and handle tough leadership challenges — including working under a micromanager named "Skittles". He reflects on how leadership has changed overthe years and offers practical advice for building resilient, people-first teams.   MAJOR TAKE AWAYS1. Spotting and Developing Talent: Alex will share how to identify hidden talent — from the "glitter in theeye" to strategic thinking — and how to nurture it for long-term success.2. Balancing AI and Human Connection: Learn how to integrate AI into customer service without losing the human touch that drives engagement and loyalty.3. Building Resilient, People-First Teams: Discover how to create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to thrive — even in high-pressure environments.

Lei Zhang: Beer, Bread, and Bravery: Drunk Baker’s Path to Shanghai’s Sweet Success

Lei Zhang, CEO of Drunk Baker, accepted to give his first interview in 4 years to the EO Spotlight! Drunk Baker has become a bakery sensation in Shanghai and across China since 2019. Starting his journey as an entrepreneur in the beer industry, Lei founded Drunk Baker four years ago with 3 employees: a baker, a barista, and himself, the cashier. Today, his company has grown to 40 shops across China, with plans to expand to 100 next year. Lei’s passion for creating businesses stems from his love for new experiences, travels, creativity and entrepreneurship. With his unique ability to learn from challenges and crisis, Lei’s success is built on his mantra: "If you want it, go for it!" MAJOR TAKE AWAYS • How To Create A Clear Strategy for Scaling: As you grow, carefully plan where to expand. Choosing the right locations, understanding customer patterns, and balancing brand presence with revenue opportunities are critical to avoid setbacks. • Refine Your Approach Through Experience: No matter how well-planned your strategy is, expect to adapt. Each challenge you face offers insights that will shape and improve your business decisions moving forward. • Leadership Must Evolve with Growth: Managing a small team is vastly different from leading hundreds. To scale successfully, invest in developing leadership skills and learning how to manage larger teams effectively.

Monte Rosen: Everyday Role Models, Navigating Setbacks & Opportunities

Meet Monte Rosen, an accomplished figure in the realm of education and mental health support. Monte was serving as the Managing Director and Founder of ELG from its founding in 2005 up until June 2024 when he stepped into an advisory role. Since 2006, ELG has been a beacon of hope for thousands of children and over 90 schools, specializing in aiding those with autism, learning disabilities, and mental health issues. Monte's visionary leadership has propelled ELG to the forefront of the field, championing the vital concept of "neurodivergent affirming" practices in education, thereby reshaping conventional paradigms. Residing in Shanghai for over two decades, Monte brings a wealth of experiences and insights from navigating the complex landscape of supporting diverse learners in an ever-evolving society. In this EO Spotlight, Monte will candidly delve into the myriad challenges encountered while steering and eventually selling ELG, managing the intricacies of collaboration with a spouse, navigating the dynamics of parenthood with two adult children, managing personal health, and the profound intertwining of life and work. Join us as Monte shares invaluable reflections on a journey marked by dedication, resilience, and profound impact.  MAJOR TAKE AWAYS: 1.    Embracing Everyday Inspiration: Recognize the profound impact of those around you in shaping your journey. Whether peers, colleagues, or mentors, their influence can be transformative, offering unique perspectives and invaluable support. 2.    Finding Guidance in Effective Management: Learn from Monte's insights into becoming an exceptional manager for his team. From feedback to team management, his experiences offer valuable guidance for aspiring leaders, fostering productivity and harmony. 3.   Navigating Life's Setbacks: Understand distress tolerance and resilience in facing life's challenges. Monte's journey highlights the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth, cultivating self-belief and resilience to emerge stronger. Happy Listening!

Andreas Petersson: "From Building Ikea Furniture to Building $100-M Business Culture"

In 2013, Andreas, as a co-founder of the Nimble Group, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey fueled by passion and resourcefulness. Armed with little more than determination and a shoestring budget, Andreas and his partner launched their venture in Shanghai. Fast forward a decade, and their humble beginnings blossomed into a $100 million enterprise spanning six countries.   What distinguishes the Nimble Group is its self-management ethos, exemplifying efficiency with just two layers of hierarchy and 80 empowered team members. This model gives Andreas the opportunity to extend support to other businesses through board roles and steer their venture towards values-based goals while cherishing moments with his growing family in Melbourne.   The company thrives as a hybrid entity, bridging trading, manufacturing, and service sectors. The secret to their success? A culture-first approach, empowering small teams to drive monumental growth through shared values and unwavering dedication.   Their journey underscores the power of cohesive, autonomous teams united by shared values and a relentless pursuit of making a difference.    MAJOR TAKE AWAY Practical Scaling Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Discover concrete tools and methods to expedite the scaling journey for growing entrepreneurs. Embracing Uniqueness for Success: Learn how to leverage individual differences as powerful tools that can propel success and set your venture apart in the competitive landscape.   How to Believe in Yourself, Even After Failing: Understand why failure is an integral part of the journey to achieving greatness and how to maintain self-belief amidst setbacks. Happy Listening!

Liz Bao: "From Baby Steps to Paw Prints: Building Businesses in Blue Oceans"

Meet Liz Bao, a seasoned entrepreneur with a 15-year track record.  At the age of 23, after a brief 1-year stint in real estate, she boldly birthed an e- commerce maternity fashion brand. She realized there is an unmet blue ocean ready to be explored at her fingertip. Armed with nothing but ambition and a 300,000RMB investment, Liz, alongside her partner Winnie, transformed a two-person operation into a powerhouse with 65 team members, raking in up to 75 million RMB. This journey wasn't a cakewalk; Liz had zero previous experience nor resources in fashion/supply chain/branding. So it was a rollercoaster of trials, self-doubt, and hard lessons.  When the pandemic hit, Liz didn't just sit back; she strategically navigated the storm, reshaping company habits to mitigate financial losses.  Now at 38, she's diving headfirst into her next venture—an innovative pet brand that she is about to launch early 2024.   Liz's passion lies in crafting exceptional products and steering the ship of business. Her story is a testament to resilience, strategic thinking, and the art of continuous growth. MAJOR TAKE AWAYS 1.    Navigate New Business Ventures: Uncover the details of launching, scaling, and transforming your business. And starting all over again with more energy and motivation. 2.    The Art of Continuous Learning: Explore the secrets behind building enduring brands, leveraging setbacks as learning opportunities, and honing visionary leadership skills in dynamic market landscapes. 3.    Balance Excitement and Challenges: Gain insights into the entrepreneurial rollercoaster, discover strategies to manage crisis (still remember Covid-19?), harness creativity, and strike a balance between routine and innovation. Enjoy!