Speaker 1 00:00:05 Hey there, a thoughtful listener. Are you looking for introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients? Well, I've had private conversations with over 2000 leaders asking them where their best business comes from. I've got a free video you can watch with no opt in required, where I'll share the exact steps necessary to be 100% inbound in your industry over the next 6 to 8 months, with no spam, no ads, and no sales. What I teach has worked for me for over 15 years and has helped me create eight figures in revenue for my own companies. Just head to up my influence comm and watch my free class on how to create endless high ticket sales appointments. Also, don't forget the thoughtful entrepreneur is always looking for great guests. Go to up my influence. Com and click on podcast. I'd love to have you. With us right now, it's Dona Amelia. Dona, you are the co-founder of Aegean, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It's great to have you. Dona, thank you so much for joining us.

Speaker 2 00:01:19 Thank you for having me. Oh my goodness. It's lovely to see you and feel your energy and all. Lovely. Thank you.

Speaker 1 00:01:25 Well thank you. And what what's the best web I see? Obviously there's aegean.com. What is the best website that folks should go to to kind of follow along during our conversation?

Speaker 2 00:01:36 Sure. It's Aegean network.com. That's the best.

Speaker 1 00:01:39 We are good Aegean peer network.com. Well tell us a little bit about Aegean.

Speaker 2 00:01:45 So Aegean stands for executive Global Network. We are the second largest peer network in the world. We do knowledge sharing for senior executive. We provide them with the safe environment where, senior executives can come together without any competitor in one group and they can discuss about their challenges. You know, because we understand sometimes it's lonely at the top. Yet you still need to have a friends or, you know, a colleague or peer to talk to. So that's what we do at IGN. We provide them a safe space for them to really discuss about their challenges and also talking about certain, trending topics, getting some insight from each other and making each other better.

Speaker 1 00:02:23 Yeah, well, not all peer networks or networking groups or kind of mentoring groups, none of these are not created equal. Do you mind maybe sharing just a little bit about like who generally engages through IGN? How is it typically operated? And again, folks may be already familiar with with peer groups and why those are so valuable, but what makes IGN unique, other than, obviously geography seems to be a, something I'm picking up on.

Speaker 2 00:02:56 Yes, definitely. Definitely. So I'm the co-founder of IGN Even in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia. But we are existing in about 15 countries, but we don't have in us yet. But I believe we do have in us our mother company, which is five stage. But in Europe and in Asia we do have executive global network, which is Aegean. Now, as you're up to your first questions, like who are the audience of the executive global network for my country, the one that I manage Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia we only do for senior executive.

Speaker 2 00:03:28 And also, yeah, basically a business owner and entrepreneur. However, I do understand that in Denmark, where our headquarter, we have, like, you know, peer for peer groups for every single profession, in fact, I think we have about 700 or 80, 80 or 80 to 700 different profession that, you know, really, you know, capture all the needs. But in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, we have, the group for senior executives such as, let's say, CEOs or managing director in one group. Right. But then again, there is no competitor in that group. And then let's say we have also a functional group like let's say all the finance leaders or CFO will go to the finance leaders group HR leaders will go to the HR leaders group. Sustainability group. Of course entrepreneur. We have the business owners group and so on and so forth. Yeah.

Speaker 1 00:04:18 Yeah. and so to to our friend that maybe they're in the middle of Kansas, you know, y and in a rural area, you know, there just isn't an edge yet.

Speaker 1 00:04:30 Let's, let's just say that there is not an even locally. why are peer groups so valuable? and what sort of real impacts to business and leadership can be had by and again, it's it's an investment. It's a commitment. Like you have to proactively involve yourself in the peer group. And sometimes it might feel, like you might feel stressed to do so because you're like, look, I'm going to take off this couple of hours or few hours or afternoon or something like that. But meanwhile I've got all these responsibilities I have to take care of. So, you know, businesses, I think for us as leaders, have an unquenchable appetite for our time and attention. why might someone, put that off, you know, the kind of this urgent work to go spend time in connecting with others?

Speaker 2 00:05:28 I think because, as I mentioned at the beginning, I think one, sometimes leaders is lonely at the top. Leaders are lonely at the top. They have a lot of responsibilities, as you said.

Speaker 2 00:05:36 Right? However, sometimes they also are able to really express themselves, get some inspiration, get some other ideas, and all because they are really busy with doing what they do. And maybe they are biased because they only talk with the people within their organization who might always say yes to them, and so on and so forth. Right? And also sometimes as a leader, you always need to know and decide everything fast soon, right? And so on. However, who taking care of you? You also need someone to talk to however you. I understand that as a leader you cannot be vulnerable to everybody. You need to be able to talk to someone within your frequency, I mean in a similar level. So then you can discuss about your challenges or your ideas or whatever it is. So then you have a sparring partner so then you can get some inspiration. So yeah, it will be making you better in decision making. And also of course, you know, you feel like you are not alone in this boat to, you know, because as for my experience with Aegean, even leaders from different industries, they will most of them will, handle the similar challenges.

Speaker 2 00:06:42 That's no matter what industry is. Right. So the best is for you to have another people within the similar responsibility, right. The similar seniority from different industries. So then you can see, that's how that industry tackle this challenge. Oh that's how the industry tackle these challenges. So I can get some inspiration, because if you are only by yourself, you might be biased and also you might feel stuck at some point, and maybe you can be burned out or stressed and all right. So having this peer support is very important, especially not only to getting some knowledge, you know, because it's all about knowledge sharing at the end, but also for the mental health, because a lot of responsibilities you put in the people at the top. Right. But they don't even dare to talk to anybody to especially talk about your challenges. So the difference between EG and and any other organisation, we not only talking about the success and all know actually what we do is really wanted leaders to be vulnerable. This is your safe space to really say like, oh God, I'm screwed up.

Speaker 2 00:07:43 I really hate my project this month. And then, you know, I need help. And again, if you have, maybe the other person have been there and then, you know, they can always tell you to do and don'ts. And also at IGN we're not allowed selling, which is good. So again, I understand everyone are busy. You know, the last thing they want is to come to some occasion and all, and then all of a sudden many people try to sell them something at all. And that's not going to happen at our organization. Of course, it's all about knowledge sharing. It's all about sharing and helping each other and then making each other better as a leader. Yeah. So really, we really need to understand as a business leader because you are busy, you need to choose which are the community that you need to be investing your time. Right? Of course. if I'm thinking about the the amount of time that you can spend with us because, as a member of IGN, you will have six times per group meeting per year, and the meeting is every second month for four hours, meaning that in a year you will only get six times four hours within it, meaning it's 24 hours in total, right? But you will gain a lot of insight from other leaders from different industries, or maybe more senior than you or you know, who maybe already been there, who maybe can give you some inspiration, can tell you the do and don't.

Speaker 2 00:08:59 Hey, don't go that way. It's gonna cost you a bum money. La la la la, you know. So that's what the interesting about.

Speaker 1 00:09:05 Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's absolutely true. I mean, the, the the emotional, spiritual, you know, mental well-being of the leader really matters. So, you know, to our friend that's listening, find ways that you can engage in self-care. Take care of yourself. Find peers. Take the time. You might think, oh no, no, I can handle it. I don't need that. But you're human and it's okay. You know that you're not. Rush, rush rush hustle hustle hustle grind grind grind 24 seven. When you take the time to invest in yourself along the way, you are just far better prepared to make better decisions. I mean, I don't I mean, I could just tell you, you know, because of this podcast, I am way more valuable to my organization. And, you know, just because of the conversations I've been able to have and and the conversations after and beforehand and the insights and, you know, those that circulate and network with other leaders, I suspect that there are just going to be opportunities that are going to open up to them that, may not be available to those that are just hanging out behind their computer screen trying to drum up social media followers.

Speaker 1 00:10:25 Do you want to maybe talk about the power of real connections and relationships?

Speaker 2 00:10:30 100% agree with you. Indeed. So, as mentioned, we do, knowledge sharing for senior executives, six times a year, every second month for four hours. And it's amazing the energy when you are in the room, let's say 15, 20, 25 leaders from different industries, they really into the discussion. They really need this kind of organization. However, again, super important safe space because again, everybody needs to sign the nondisclosure agreement. So they feel like, okay, this is my moment to really tell about who I am, how I feel and all. So I tell you a story. Every single group we have, the chairperson, one of the chairperson, will always have a gratitude moment before we even start the meeting. So then he will say, okay guys, what are you grateful for this week? And then one person, right, the managing director for Big Company. And then he said, like this I am happy my CEO being kicked out and he laughing.

Speaker 2 00:11:26 Everybody laughing, you know. So my point is you see how trust I mean there is a big trust right about that. He might not able to say that in his own organization. And he's like, you know what I thought because he's Germany back me up. But actually, you know, it's me at the back and I'm so happy he thinks he knows Asia more than I am. No blah, blah, blah, blah. And everybody just laugh. And, you know, that's the human side of it. We as a leader, you know, you cannot always put your facade and look nice and all. You know you're human. You base to be yourself, to be human. And as mentioned, another thing that another story of a man is that, you know, in every single meeting, not only we will share about our success story to inspire others and also asking about if you have any challenges you can always present in front of everyone. So then everybody will give you some suggestions and all.

Speaker 2 00:12:20 It's like kind of a group coaching or team coaching kind of thing. Right now, in every single meeting, we have what we call advisory board. So in the advisory board, it will be one person or one member already prepare his or her challenge to be presented in front of everybody in the room and again in 1 in 1 group. We wanted to have the industry as diverse as possible. They will be in the similar level, however, yeah, we don't have any competitor, so he will be the only expert in that certain industry, for example. Yeah. And then he will talk about his challenge and everybody else in the room. Their job is to really think about his challenge or her challenge and find the best solution for his, for him or her. Based on their vast experience. Now you can imagine if you are the one who are presenting in the advisory board. And people all leaders. Right? Top, top leaders from different industries. Really think about your challenge. It's amazing.

Speaker 2 00:13:13 result. Amazing. Like how input, insight and advice that you will get. Because again, the challenge might be more or less the same. But how do you handle it? Right. And they see it from different perspective from different lenses. And that's what beautiful. And most of the time the person or the leader who presented right in front of everybody, they will be amazed, like, oh my God, I didn't think about it. That's make sense. Oh my goodness. Okay, thanks for this. And so on. You see. So it's beautiful when you as a leader able to be vulnerable, able to be able to be seen, you know, and asking for help because that's also another thing that, you know, sometimes a leader might not everybody, have that courage to do because especially perhaps in Asia also maybe not in Asia. Maybe it's depend on person to person. They might still see being vulnerable or asking for help is something, you know, not really common for them because they wanted to see always being, you know, like strong and not weak and so on.

Speaker 1 00:14:14 Yeah, yeah yeah, yeah. It's yeah, it can be it can be tiring and exhausting, you know, to to always feel like, you know, it's like if you're around someone that you're never allowed to show your vulnerabilities and weakness, you're never you're never allowed to make an ask. And oftentimes that's kind of what, you know, if you're the founder and CEO of the company, that might be your situation. Like you're people you talk with and communicate with most our clients, your team members, and they look to you. And sometimes we feel like, you know, if we show too much weakness, then that might be demoralizing. So you really I mean, if if you don't have these people that you can go to. You know, someone in your life to, to just go to and say, you know what, I am just really stressed right now because I have this going on and this going on and this going on. Listen, I'm sure it's going to be okay, but right now I'm in the middle of it and I just need someone to say, you're going to be okay.

Speaker 1 00:15:16 Like, I think we all need that.

Speaker 2 00:15:19 Definitely. Yeah, 100%.

Speaker 1 00:15:21 Yeah. Let's talk about, who, can connect with IGN and, and like what that process is.

Speaker 2 00:15:29 Okay. So basically normally we do have our team as well at Aegean who really connect and filter all the senior executives who are, you know like potentially able to join Aegean. So that is our first what is it steps is for us to reach out to them or they reach out to us. However, this is the most important part and this is most interesting. Whoever come to Aegean and we see all their, title, their history of career and so on and so forth, and then let's say it's okay. It's good to to join one of the group, right? However, once we, do that, we need to circulate that profile to the rest of the member of that particular group. And if, let's say, anybody for any reason, let's say, oh, that's my ex post. Oh, that's my ex-wife, whatever it is.

Speaker 2 00:16:15 Right. So that person will not be allowed to come to that group. So we need to approach to the other group. So meaning that we really, really selective in who can join the group. And everybody as a member, they will have the right to say yes or no. The reason being is because really we wanted to create some, environment, safe space, as mentioned. Right. For me, my job is to really make members happy. It's my purpose in life. I love make people happy, from, whatever I do in life. So they need to feel at home at the end. You know, when people at home, you can wear pajamas, you can talk whatever you want and so on. And so forth. Right. Because again, they are tired. They the whole life, especially during working hours. And all right, it's all their stage. They need to always perform well well, well you know, so at the end we want them to feel really, really a safe space.

Speaker 2 00:17:10 They can really be themselves. And also of course, it's very important to know who come in to the group basically. So that's how the process will be.

Speaker 1 00:17:18 Yeah. Wonderful. All right. So your website IGN Peer Network, we've got a link in the show notes. If you're listening in your podcast app, just kind of click around and you can find that link. when you go to the website you're going to learn all about IGN. Now I would say, Donna, you are absolutely a great follow on LinkedIn as well. and it's just really fun to see some of the great, you know, groups you got together. You have a lot of happy people networking big smiles on their face because, you know, they're among friends. Listen, we all deserve friends in our life. So, Donna, thank you so much for the work that you do. And again the website Aegean Pier network.com. Donna it's been a great conversation.

Speaker 2 00:18:04 Thank you so much for having me. It's really really nice to see you.

Speaker 2 00:18:08 And also thank you for having me in your podcast.

Speaker 1 00:18:16 Thanks for listening to the Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show. If you are a thoughtful business owner or professional who would like to be on this daily program, please visit up my influence. Com and click on podcast. We believe that every person has a message that can positively impact the world. We love our community who listens and shares our program every day. Together we are empowering one another as thoughtful leaders. And as I mentioned at the beginning of this program, if you're looking for introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients, I have had private conversations with over 2000 leaders asking them where their best business comes from. I've got a free video that you can watch right now with no opt in or email required, where I'm going to share the exact steps necessary to be 100% inbound in your industry over the next 6 to 8 months, with no spam, no ads, and no sales. What I teach has worked for me for more than 15 years and has helped me create eight figures in revenue for my own companies.

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