Alpha Flow Zenith

Under this umbrella company, established a new healthy energy drinks venture made from Matcha and Mate, due to launch in the US market in 2025 with the potential to expand worldwide.

In addition, offered advisory services to other organisations, such as K2 Integrity, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in Switzerland and the Global IIA.

Founder, Board Member and Strategic Advisor

Various organisations

During this period, acted as a trusted Board Member and Investor in several established and flourishing businesses:

➡️𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗦 𝗱𝗼𝗼: enabled Serbian mature IT outsourcing and Quality Assurance company to attract new clients. 

➡️𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗖 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗟𝗖: entered pioneering health and wellness company as the largest investor, collaborating with inspiring founders as a Board Member, supporting future funding pitches and securing international selling rights.

Board Member and Advisor

Veblen Director Programme

Veblen works with Executives, Thought Leaders and Entrepreneurs to train and connect them with public and private companies needing Board support. Veblen is a global network focused on board priorities such as Investor Relations, Good governance, DEI, AI, ESG and Fundraising.

Member

Resided as Chairman of the Board for six months, welcoming the opportunity to enhance the dynamics, governance and risk management aspects, maximising overall impact and effectiveness. 

Selected six new ‘engaging’ board members who added value, enabled members to become paid board members, and mitigated critical risks.

Chairman of the Board

In 2024, selected as a Board Member and served a six-month term. Provided strategic insight, guidance and advice to unlock opportunities, reviewing operational progress, financial performance and key initiatives. 

Instrumental in attracting the largest collaboration to date for the programme, the most valuable growth element for Veblen.

Board Member

Glencore

Played a pivot role in scaling Glencore’s audit capabilities worldwide with hubs across five continents, and embedded robust internal controls and an inventive audit strategy to prepare the business for a digital future. 

Supported the largest M&A and integrated the audit function of a pure mining company. 

Successfully retained the audit services for a newly carved-out agriculture entity. 

Offered invaluable support during the transition to a publicly listed company.

Chief Audit Executive

Senior Business Risk Auditor

Ascom

Internal Auditor

With over two decades of international business experience, I am a 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿 with comprehensive ‘hands on’ 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗚𝗥𝗖) and audit expertise, who advocates ethics, integrity and innovation. 

Recognised as a 𝗚𝗥𝗖 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿, 

I have delivered many speeches, lectures, videos and podcasts to global audiences on related topics, such as ‘Achieving Goals in Governance’, ‘Value Driven Auditing’ and ‘Using the Power of Scenario Simulation to Remodel Control Testing - A Game Changer’.   

In 2024, I was recognised as an Audit Beacon at The 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀, one of my proudest moments. 

As a multilingual communicator, fluent in three languages, I engage effectively with diverse stakeholders up to board level, steering and influencing strategic agendas relating to Environmental, Social and Governance (𝗘𝗦𝗚), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (𝗗𝗘&𝗜), Artificial Intelligence (𝗔𝗜) governance, and cybersecurity. 

I served as 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 of the Veblen Director Programme, enhancing the board dynamics and unlocking opportunities with global leaders. 

At 𝗚𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲, a FTSE company, I developed audit innovation hubs spanning five continents comprising over 45 high-performing auditors, and advanced the company’s 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 with a new team of data scientists and rollout of digital tools and technologies. 

I was instrumental in supporting Glencore through a turbulent time caused by the commodities crisis, retaining $MM audit services for a carved-out agriculture business, and reducing working capital.    

Over the years, I have headed high-profile fraud investigations and mitigated risks, ensuring compliance during complex situations, and safeguarding positive outcomes. 

I created and maintained Glencore’s 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (ERM) framework, systems and standards, reporting upwards to the board. 

I inspire people and enrich companies of all sizes, from startups to multinationals, offering impact-orientated leadership and a forward-thinking approach.

Nam Phong Ho, CFA, CIA, CISA, CFE, QIAL

Callum Laing

I take companies public and run a $100m MAS regulated fund. 
I am a partner at the Unity Group, the founder of Global Investment Leaders Directive (GILD) for capital raisers.  And I run the Veblen Director Programme, for first time board members.  
Author of 'Boardroom Blueprint - Boost your career with a board seat in 60 days'
My exclusive network of UHNW individuals meet every quarter for lunch at the 'Captable' Singapore (coming to Dubai soon) 

Founder & former CEO / Chair of MBH Corporation PLC, an agglomeration of small, profitable companies from around the world.  Grew it to $180m in revenue.
Advisor to multiple public and private boards.  

Involved in more than 100 M&A transactions and $500m in shareholder value creation.

Best selling author of 3 other business books, I've published over 2500 interviews with Entrepreneurs and Investors around the world. EnterpriseZone.cc
Host of the daily 'CallumConnects' micro-podcast (top 5% worldwide, top 25 for entrepreneurs, 500+ episodes).

Previously served as Singapore High Commissioner to the World Business Angel Investment Forum, an Ambassador to DealGateway.com and on the Board of Advisors to Kinguin, a $100m turnover eGaming business.

The Agglomeration model helps small businesses to scale using publicly listed holding companies.

If you're interested in taking your business, investments or career to the next level, press the blue Follow button above.  

Author of: 
"Progressive Partnerships - The Future of Business" 
"Entrepreneurial Investing - Connecting sophisticated capital to talented small business"
"Boardroom Blueprint - Boost your career with a board seat in 60 days"
Co-author of:
"Agglomerate - Idea to IPO in 12 months"

The Veblen Director Program is designed to get you that elusive first PLC Director position and to provide you with an enviable global network of other Directors that you can call on at will for the rest of your career.

Want To Get A Board Seat In Under 60 Days?

In today's workshop I'm bringing together 5 great people who joined Veblen Director Programme and used it to achieve incredible outcomes.

As you will see, it doesn't matter what your background is, or what you think is holding you back, if you understand the process and surround yourself with the right people you can seriously 'level up' your career by serving on the boards of other companies.

The audience on todays workshop are going to be sharing their key takeaways in the comments, so if you would like to get some free insights, just say hi in the comments so you get the notifications!  Then scroll through and connect with those sharing the most interesting comments.

And make sure you follow Veblen Director Programme so you don't miss future events.

You should also follow our fantastic guest speakers Nicki Allitt, Ashley Bird, Shelley-Ann Pieterse, James Rose & Ralph White

Successful Investor / Entrepreneur and M&A practitioner. I also help ambitious people to raise money, get board seats and take companies public.

My best productivity hack came from something I used to dread: long-haul flights.

Running a global business means you’re always “on.” There’s always a message, a meeting, or a family obligation pulling at your attention. Real downtime is rare.

Years ago I realised the one environment I couldn’t escape was business travel. And while I never enjoyed long-haul flights, I discovered they gave me something I couldn’t get anywhere else: uninterrupted deep work.

No WhatsApp messages. No email notifications. No Zoom calls. No clients, staff, or family competing for my attention. Just me, my laptop, and hours of clear space, with someone occasionally bringing food and coffee.

It turned into the perfect environment for writing my books and getting my best work done.

I admit this hack isn’t practical for most people. But it worked for me.
What’s the best hack you’ve found for doing deep work?

–
Send a connection request if you would like to get access to a bunch of free resources!

Most businesses are still hiring like it's 1995. I do it differently.

After nearly 20 years and hundreds of freelancer hires, I've completely abandoned traditional recruitment. 

Every single person on my team started as a freelancer. Here's the system that has worked incredibly successfully for me, hopefully it can work for you too:

The Attraction Phase:  
Don't post "$10/hour for admin work." Post "Virtual Assistant role - $10,000" i.e. the amount you would pay them if they work for you for a year.  And even if it is your least favourite job, take the time to make it sound interesting.  Will you give them training?  Will there be other opportunities if they are good?

They have choices, you need to sell the opportunity, not just try and buy time.

The Filter:
(Be Ruthless) Your role here isn't to give someone their first break. Look for:
$10,000+ already earned on platform
90%+ ratings or 4-5 stars
Clear effort in their application

Skip the lengthy interviews. Pick 3-5 candidates and give each a paid trial task ($50 is fine). Different tasks, similar complexity. You're testing responsiveness, communication, and results.

Try and guess who will deliver the best work.  In 20 years, I’ve never guessed right.

The Reality Check:
The best proposal rarely delivers the best work. For example, many many people (outside of sales and marketing!) often undersell themselves but over-deliver on results. Stay open-minded.

The Smart Scaling: 
Found 2-3 good people? Hire them all on short contracts. Some will fit your culture, others won't. That's fine - end contracts that don't work, expand roles for those that do.

I've had $10/hour VAs grow into company directors because I could see their actual performance, not just their CV.

Why this beats traditional hiring:
Past performance doesn't predict future fit with your team
Personal circumstances change
Company culture fit is impossible to assess in interviews
Short-term contracts let you scale up or down without drama
The labour market is shifting toward freelancing whether you adapt or not. Smart businesses are already there.
What's worked (or failed) in your freelancer hiring experience?


Send a connection request if you would like to get access to a bunch of free resources!

When a deal looks terrible, maybe you’re looking at it from the wrong angle.
I once looked at buying a $1bn fund where the manager was earning $30m a year.

For holding money in a bank.

My first reaction? This guy's a genius salesman or these families are getting fleeced.

Turns out I was asking the wrong question entirely.

The question wasn't "What's he doing with their money?"

The real question was "What problem is he actually solving?"

Those 10 families, $100m each, didn't want alpha. They wanted certainty. 

They'd explicitly told him: make money if you can, but never lose money.

He'd started with a strategy getting 8-9% safely. When that stopped looking safe, he moved it to a bank getting 4-5%. Families got 1-2% after his fees.
And they were happy.

Because he solved the actual problem. Peace of mind on $1bn has a price tag. Apparently it's $30m a year.

Here's what I learnt: When something looks like a terrible deal from the outside, you're probably measuring the wrong thing.

You're valuing what you would want. Not what they actually need.

Most of us are so busy judging other people's choices through our own lens that we miss what's actually being bought and sold.

The families weren't buying returns. They were buying sleep.

What looks overpriced to you might be solving a problem you don't have.
(And yes, I know in real terms they were losing money to inflation, but it wasn’t critical to them with this particular cash allocation).


–
Send me a connection request if you would like to know about the regular events I hold for UHNW individuals or would like other free assets.

Perfect leaders are forgettable. Authentic leaders are unforgettable.

I’ve interviewed over 2,500 Leaders over the past 15 years on EnterpriseZone, in this series I’ll share some of my learnings.

"I am brilliant and imperfect."

Trina Kennedy RSW, BAHSA's belief transformed her entire approach to leadership. Instead of chasing perfectionism as a measure of worth, she stepped into authentic self-expression.

"This shift liberated me to take risks, share my story authentically, and focus on the impact of my work rather than chasing unattainable standards."

The pattern shows up across every successful leader I've interviewed:

Moyo O.: "I've witnessed the power of vision and alignment... These moments reminded me that belief, clarity, and preparation can open doors beyond your wildest imagination."

Dr Darren Chua openly discusses his stroke: "My own struggles have shaped my passion for guiding others toward better health and performance."

Barbara Hales, M.D. admits her early mistake: "For years, I believed that doing good work would naturally lead to recognition, referrals, and opportunities. But I had an 'if I build it, they will come' mentality."

This connects perfectly to building genuine Authority in the CARES framework for getting ahead:
Connections
Authority
Reach
Equity
Service

 - people don't follow perfect leaders, they follow leaders who've overcome challenges they recognise.

Your vulnerabilities aren't weaknesses to hide. They're connection points that make your expertise credible.

What struggle have you overcome that could help others facing the same challenge?

–
Send a connection request if you would like to get access to a bunch of free resources!

You know that moment when you hit retirement and think "finally, freedom" ... only to realise you're not done yet?

That's exactly where Leon Rubinstein found himself.

After decades scaling high-tech startups across borders and managing a corporate VC fund for Xerox Europe, he had the experience. He had the expertise. But retirement? That felt like sitting on the sidelines.

Then he discovered something most executives miss: board work isn't consulting with a different title.

Here's what Leon learned (and what most first-time directors get wrong):
The "Nose In, Fingers Out" principle You're not there to do the work. You're there to help CEOs see what they can't see from the trenches. Strategic altitude beats operational involvement every time.

You don't need all the answers. Your job? Ask better questions. Point to blind spots. Then leverage your network to bring in the real experts. Value comes from connections, not just knowledge.

Industry expertise is overrated When Leon was offered a board seat in an industry he knew nothing about, he asked "why would you want me?" The response? "Why not." Fresh perspective often beats insider thinking.

Knowledge without action is just theory. You can read every book on board governance (including my Boardroom Blueprint!). But real progress happens through community. The accountability. The introductions. The spark that comes from meeting people across continents and industries who push you forward.

Leon's now building his board portfolio in Portugal, using everything he learned about intentional networking to open new doors.

Your experience has value beyond your last job title. The question is whether you'll deploy it.

What's stopping you from pursuing board opportunities? Is it clarity on the role, access to the right networks, or something else entirely?

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The Battle

Nam Phong Ho, CFA, CIA, CISA, CFE, QIAL

Callum Laing

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The Battle

Nam Phong Ho, CFA, CIA, CISA, CFE, QIAL

Callum Laing

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