Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Larraine Chang, Founder, and CEO of Ascension Associates, located in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We Search, Train, and Coach leaders across Asia. Organizational clients engage with us for leadership development retreats and confidential headhunting, and individual clients engage with us for executive coaching.

Tell us about yourself

Having worked in the executive search field for over 8 years, I often see the alignment gap between business strategy and talent acquisition. This prompted me to set up Ascension Associates to solve business problems with a bigger dimension. I am leading business development, marketing, and international expansion and continuing the mission to bridge the gap between strategy execution and organizational design.

What motivates me each day to do what I do: my motto is luxury is time, time to do what you love. I am creating my own baby and seeing it evolve and grow each year; nothing can beat that.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

That I haven't broken down after 3 years of social unrest plus a global pandemic that literally threw our original 3 years plan down the toilet.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Facing myself. Admitting failures, look them in your eyes and say ok, I screwed up; now, how can i "unscrew myself"?

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Don't settle for less in terms of getting your team members.
  2. Don't be afraid to network with fellow practitioners; if you smell someone trying to steal your ideas, taking advantage of you, or secretly competing with you, just let them go and build your community where people truly want you to succeed.
  3. Breathe. Invest in your health and social life.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ascension-associates.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrainechang/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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