KUALA LUMPUR – Georg Chmiel, a seasoned business builder and transformer with more than 30 years of experience in multiple start-up companies, knows a thing or two about overcoming challenges to rise to the top of disruptive businesses.
In a candid conversation with Top Gun host Anne Edwards at Kuala Lumpur’s classy dining space Zenzero and stylish bar V’s Lounge, Chmiel shared the guiding principles that have led to his entrepreneurial success thus far.
A strong supporter of education as a platform for building and growing business, Chmiel has an academic background in technology and computer science, business administration, and accounting.
He believes his education has helped him solve many problems and claims that “business disruption is essentially very much about solving problems and making the real world significantly better”.
Chmiel’s perseverance, combined with his willingness to adapt to any changes, has allowed his career to flourish with few hiccups.
“I’m very passionate about the industries I work in, and I enjoy engaging with people,” he added.
Chmiel, the co-creator and builder of three unicorn companies, including the REA Group and the iProperty Group, was quick to praise Malaysia for its infrastructure services and system, saying that the country would give other more developed countries a run for their money.
“Malaysia’s technology infrastructure is superior to that of Germany or Australia.”
He added that Malaysia has an abundance of local talent ready to prove their worth.
He also emphasised the importance of instilling confidence in employees, saying: “People want a reason to live. We need to create experiences for employees to see that we are innovative.”
He went on to say that employees’ attitudes and perceptions of their company are just as important as executive decisions.
“All of these unicorn companies and other things were not created by a single person. It was the entire team,” said Chmiel on the benefits of collaboration that take into account the input of all team members.
As Chmiel puts it, “Success in any endeavour is never a solo effort.”
With his extensive experience and valuable guiding principles, it is evident that Chmiel is a true powerhouse in the world of venture capitalism. – The Vibes, March 24, 2023