Today's guest is a billionaire. Wait... again? 😄
But this one is a bit different.
Fred Mouawad is a diamond billionaire from one of the world's most iconic jewelry families. For the past 36 years, he has lived in Thailand, building his life and expanding the family business from Bangkok.
Fred shared why he chose Bangkok as his family's home, how wealthy families avoid losing everything by the fourth generation, and what affluent parents teach their children that most people never learn.
The video isn't getting our usual traction in terms of views. I suspect many people are skeptical of stories about those who inherited wealth.
But honestly, being born into money comes with a very different set of challenges. I'm not even sure who ends up happier: someone who built wealth from scratch or someone who inherited it.
The real question is what you do with that inheritance. Did you grow it, multiply it, and find purpose in the process, or not?
Anyway, enjoy the new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7FbPZYZ2nk
But this one is a bit different.
Fred Mouawad is a diamond billionaire from one of the world's most iconic jewelry families. For the past 36 years, he has lived in Thailand, building his life and expanding the family business from Bangkok.
Fred shared why he chose Bangkok as his family's home, how wealthy families avoid losing everything by the fourth generation, and what affluent parents teach their children that most people never learn.
The video isn't getting our usual traction in terms of views. I suspect many people are skeptical of stories about those who inherited wealth.
But honestly, being born into money comes with a very different set of challenges. I'm not even sure who ends up happier: someone who built wealth from scratch or someone who inherited it.
The real question is what you do with that inheritance. Did you grow it, multiply it, and find purpose in the process, or not?
Anyway, enjoy the new video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7FbPZYZ2nk
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I Left Singapore for Bangkok
I wasn’t planning to share this at first…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnDoDzBEY4A
I wasn’t planning to share this at first…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnDoDzBEY4A
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I interviewed a legend in the world of business education: Professor Arnoud De Meyer, ex-President of Singapore Management University and former Dean of INSEAD, who brought it to Singapore 26 years ago.
Today, he sits on the boards of several companies, including Banyan Group. Originally from Belgium, he first came to Singapore in 1985 and has spent much of his life here ever since.
We talked about whether Singapore is really as boring and sterile as some people think, why Europe is struggling to keep up with Asia and whether university will still matter for young people in an AI-driven world.
Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E84avHDDWI8
Today, he sits on the boards of several companies, including Banyan Group. Originally from Belgium, he first came to Singapore in 1985 and has spent much of his life here ever since.
We talked about whether Singapore is really as boring and sterile as some people think, why Europe is struggling to keep up with Asia and whether university will still matter for young people in an AI-driven world.
Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E84avHDDWI8
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Why this Bitcoin Millionaire chose Thailand
Didi is one of the most unconventional guys I’ve ever met. Recently, I flew back to Phuket to film a second part of our epic interview, which has already gained almost 1 million views.
This time I challenged Didi more on his opinions and life philosophy, and I think it turned into a very deep and thoughtful conversation.
Enjoy: https://youtu.be/U2_YS0USb8Y
Didi is one of the most unconventional guys I’ve ever met. Recently, I flew back to Phuket to film a second part of our epic interview, which has already gained almost 1 million views.
This time I challenged Didi more on his opinions and life philosophy, and I think it turned into a very deep and thoughtful conversation.
Enjoy: https://youtu.be/U2_YS0USb8Y
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I just interviewed one of the most impressive people I have ever met: Allan Zeman, the Canadian-Hong Kong billionaire who became one of Asia’s most influential businessmen.
I first saw him at a conference in Hong Kong last year. The moment he entered a room of 1,000 people, conversations stopped and every eye turned towards him. He walked through the crowd with a trail of people behind him. It felt like a king had stepped onto the street.
I asked a local guy sitting next to me who he was. He told me Allan was one of Hong Kong’s most respected businessmen, the man who helped transform an entire district into the entertainment heart of the city.
Fun fact: despite building Lan Kwai Fong, Allan Zeman has never drunk alcohol.
This conversation with a true Hong Kong legend changed something in me. His optimism, energy and attitude towards life are extraordinary.
We discussed what comes next for Hong Kong, China and the West, why he gave up his Canadian citizenship to become a Chinese citizen, the biggest differences between Hong Kong and Singapore, the mistake that destroys businesses, and whether a university degree is actually necessary to become a billionaire.
Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCXnDh4AiTo
...
I first saw him at a conference in Hong Kong last year. The moment he entered a room of 1,000 people, conversations stopped and every eye turned towards him. He walked through the crowd with a trail of people behind him. It felt like a king had stepped onto the street.
I asked a local guy sitting next to me who he was. He told me Allan was one of Hong Kong’s most respected businessmen, the man who helped transform an entire district into the entertainment heart of the city.
Fun fact: despite building Lan Kwai Fong, Allan Zeman has never drunk alcohol.
This conversation with a true Hong Kong legend changed something in me. His optimism, energy and attitude towards life are extraordinary.
We discussed what comes next for Hong Kong, China and the West, why he gave up his Canadian citizenship to become a Chinese citizen, the biggest differences between Hong Kong and Singapore, the mistake that destroys businesses, and whether a university degree is actually necessary to become a billionaire.
Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCXnDh4AiTo
...
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For the first time, one of my LinkedIn posts went viral beyond my own network.
I received a lot of connection requests and applications to The Backstage Circle from people in Hong Kong. Interesting experience.
I know LinkedIn has become a powerful tool, but I am definitely underutilising it.
Link to the post:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maxchernov_i-just-interviewed-one-of-the-most-impressive-share-7479471794828234752-_WJj
I received a lot of connection requests and applications to The Backstage Circle from people in Hong Kong. Interesting experience.
I know LinkedIn has become a powerful tool, but I am definitely underutilising it.
Link to the post:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maxchernov_i-just-interviewed-one-of-the-most-impressive-share-7479471794828234752-_WJj
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The last month has been wild.
We’re launching The Backstage Circle, and almost every day, my teammate Rob and I have been speaking with prospective members.
This is probably the single most important thing you can do when starting a new project. After 30 calls, you understand exactly what the product needs to become.
For example, one of TBC’s core elements was not part of our original plan. After speaking with prospective members, we decided to introduce regular mini-group sessions within the broader community.
Members will be able to openly discuss challenges related to business, leadership, personal growth, and anything else they are dealing with.
These are conversations you cannot always have with your family, friends, employees, or even a therapist.
But within a group of highly successful entrepreneurs and investors, you are surrounded by people who understand the weight of these challenges and can offer relevant perspectives.
These are your peers.
The mini-groups will be one of TBC’s central elements, alongside larger gatherings across different locations in Asia, curated introductions, and more.
We still have a few spots available.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
We’re launching The Backstage Circle, and almost every day, my teammate Rob and I have been speaking with prospective members.
This is probably the single most important thing you can do when starting a new project. After 30 calls, you understand exactly what the product needs to become.
For example, one of TBC’s core elements was not part of our original plan. After speaking with prospective members, we decided to introduce regular mini-group sessions within the broader community.
Members will be able to openly discuss challenges related to business, leadership, personal growth, and anything else they are dealing with.
These are conversations you cannot always have with your family, friends, employees, or even a therapist.
But within a group of highly successful entrepreneurs and investors, you are surrounded by people who understand the weight of these challenges and can offer relevant perspectives.
These are your peers.
The mini-groups will be one of TBC’s central elements, alongside larger gatherings across different locations in Asia, curated introductions, and more.
We still have a few spots available.
Apply here: https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
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Here are my thoughts on the Singapore vs Hong Kong rivalry 😈
And we just posted a long form comparison about the topic: https://youtu.be/57TlJYqILfE
And we just posted a long form comparison about the topic: https://youtu.be/57TlJYqILfE
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MY DREAMS FOR THE BACKSTAGE CIRCLE
Right now I’m flying from Bangkok to Singapore (writing this at 10,000m above the ground) and started imagining what I want The Backstage Circle to look like in a few years.
It’s quite personal, but I decided to share.
I dream of TBC becoming the place where the region’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and investors want to belong — with a long waiting list to join.
I want us to have our own spaces in every major location where our members are based. A cosy shophouse in Singapore. A beautiful, spacious villa in Phuket (although most of our Thailand-based members are in Bangkok, so that one may change, haha). And a high floor in a Hong Kong skyscraper with an incredible view.
I want projects and partnerships emerging organically between members, with TBC helping them become wealthier, more successful, and happier.
I genuinely believe we’re at the beginning of something legendary.
And I’m deeply grateful to the 15 members who have already believed in the idea and joined as founding members.
Applications are still open: https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
Right now I’m flying from Bangkok to Singapore (writing this at 10,000m above the ground) and started imagining what I want The Backstage Circle to look like in a few years.
It’s quite personal, but I decided to share.
I dream of TBC becoming the place where the region’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and investors want to belong — with a long waiting list to join.
I want us to have our own spaces in every major location where our members are based. A cosy shophouse in Singapore. A beautiful, spacious villa in Phuket (although most of our Thailand-based members are in Bangkok, so that one may change, haha). And a high floor in a Hong Kong skyscraper with an incredible view.
I want projects and partnerships emerging organically between members, with TBC helping them become wealthier, more successful, and happier.
I genuinely believe we’re at the beginning of something legendary.
And I’m deeply grateful to the 15 members who have already believed in the idea and joined as founding members.
Applications are still open: https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
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I interviewed Mahesh Harilela, part of a 165-member family that built a billion-dollar business empire in Hong Kong.
Normally, I try to film at people’s homes. I want to understand how they live and see the context in which they operate.
This time was one of the most unique in that regard.
The Harilela family lives in a huge, mind-blowing Indian-style house. It’s quite legendary in Hong Kong. People know the house exists, but not many have been inside. I had the chance to see it and showcase it in this interview.
After our conversation, I texted Mahesh saying it was one of my personal favourite interviews. I was fascinated by his love and care for Hong Kong, and by his long-term vision for both the family and the city.
I guess the most important observation from the whole discussion was the idea of growing roots in one place and seeing yourself as part of something bigger: your family and your city.
This sense of groundedness somehow feels liberating. Spending half a day with Mahesh nudged me slightly away from the digital nomad mindset and towards the idea of putting down roots.
To get a deeper sense of what I mean, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZ4AdzWO8w
...
Normally, I try to film at people’s homes. I want to understand how they live and see the context in which they operate.
This time was one of the most unique in that regard.
The Harilela family lives in a huge, mind-blowing Indian-style house. It’s quite legendary in Hong Kong. People know the house exists, but not many have been inside. I had the chance to see it and showcase it in this interview.
After our conversation, I texted Mahesh saying it was one of my personal favourite interviews. I was fascinated by his love and care for Hong Kong, and by his long-term vision for both the family and the city.
I guess the most important observation from the whole discussion was the idea of growing roots in one place and seeing yourself as part of something bigger: your family and your city.
This sense of groundedness somehow feels liberating. Spending half a day with Mahesh nudged me slightly away from the digital nomad mindset and towards the idea of putting down roots.
To get a deeper sense of what I mean, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLZ4AdzWO8w
...
I’ve interviewed dozens of billionaires, celebrities, and academics.
On camera and off, I ask all of them about the principles they live by.
Without exception, they keep coming back to the same idea: one of the most important things in life is choosing the right environment.
The people you spend time with have more influence on who you become and the results you achieve than almost anything else.
That is why Professor Arnoud De Meyer, the founding dean of INSEAD’s Asia Campus in Singapore, told me that it is important to earn your bachelor’s degree in the city where you plan to build your career.
And when billionaire Allan Zeman moved from Canada to Hong Kong, one of the first things he did was build relationships with the local businesspeople who were already shaping the city.
When I explain the main value of The Backstage Circle, I say that it is the calibre of the members themselves.
Every member has achieved significant results in their field.
Some have sold businesses for tens of millions of dollars. Others have spent decades investing and built enough wealth that they never need to work again.
We personally select every member, looking for open-minded, positive people with a growth mindset.
We don’t accept dickheads or people who bring constant negativity.
That is a rule, and it protects the value of the entire circle.
The first step towards joining our private membership is completing the application:
https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
..
On camera and off, I ask all of them about the principles they live by.
Without exception, they keep coming back to the same idea: one of the most important things in life is choosing the right environment.
The people you spend time with have more influence on who you become and the results you achieve than almost anything else.
That is why Professor Arnoud De Meyer, the founding dean of INSEAD’s Asia Campus in Singapore, told me that it is important to earn your bachelor’s degree in the city where you plan to build your career.
And when billionaire Allan Zeman moved from Canada to Hong Kong, one of the first things he did was build relationships with the local businesspeople who were already shaping the city.
When I explain the main value of The Backstage Circle, I say that it is the calibre of the members themselves.
Every member has achieved significant results in their field.
Some have sold businesses for tens of millions of dollars. Others have spent decades investing and built enough wealth that they never need to work again.
We personally select every member, looking for open-minded, positive people with a growth mindset.
We don’t accept dickheads or people who bring constant negativity.
That is a rule, and it protects the value of the entire circle.
The first step towards joining our private membership is completing the application:
https://forms.gle/huwR6NQNz5A4XgC78
..
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