In the year 2003, I found myself at a crossroads. At 30 years old, sitting in my apartment in pajamas, I took a leap of faith that would change the course of my life forever. This humble beginning was the foundation of Apxara Travel & Events, a venture that has grown far beyond my wildest dreams. Today, as I reflect on the journey that began in my living room, I am both proud and humbled by the evolution of our company and the incredible team that has made it all possible.
Starting out in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry as a self-taught entrepreneur has been a rollercoaster, with its fair share of challenges and rewards. The early days were tough, especially figuring out how to manage all the logistics and systems. But those challenges pushed me to build a company that could not only survive but thrive in a tough industry. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of leading a team of 50 amazing people, from the youngest Gen Z to the seasoned Baby Boomers. Each person brings something unique to the table, and together, we’ve created a culture where collaboration and new ideas are at the forefront. Our success really comes down to the power of this diversity and making sure that every team member feels heard and valued.
Throughout this journey, I’ve learned how crucial human skills like listening, empathy, and clear communication are. These skills have been key in managing our team across two offices and preparing us for growth into new markets. They’ve also played a big part in helping us build strong relationships with Fortune 500 clients and stay relevant, both here at home and on the global stage. None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners—hoteliers, events agencies, and vendors—who have been with us every step of the way.
In my role as a leader, I’m all about the long game—because who has time for short-term fixes when we can conquer the world with a 6-year plan? I’m serious about sustainability, succession planning, and purpose-driven values, but let’s be honest, I’m also just trying to impress the future historians who will write about how we nailed it in 2030. Some might say I’m a perfectionist; I prefer “Mastery Enthusiast.” Whether it’s strategic thinking, event execution, or simply making sure my coffee is just right, I’m on a quest to raise the bar—because who wants to settle for average when excellence is so much more fun?
I’m all about the future, which is why I’m on a mission to attract Gen Z talent. Let’s face it, they’re the ones who’ll figure out how to turn tweets into board meetings. And while they’re at it, I’m ensuring our business is as green as it is profitable—because saving the planet and making a profit should never be mutually exclusive. I’m not just about business acumen; I’m also into personal growth. Whether it’s mastering the art of communication or figuring out how to keep a straight face during serious meetings (it’s harder than you think), I’m committed to leading by example—I am committed to keep inspiring Aaviians to be better than we were yesterday.
Okay, so maybe my vision for Southeast Asia as a MICE powerhouse is still a work in progress. But hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will our global domination. I’m refining, evolving, and slowly but surely, I’m getting there—just in time to toast our success with a coconut on a tropical beach.
As we look ahead, Vision 2030 is all about staying ahead of the curve in the MICE industry. We're welcoming fresh Gen Z energy, diving into AI, and planning for the future with a rock-solid succession plan. With "Customer Experience" as our theme for 2024, we're all about being adaptable and keeping our standards high. But this journey isn’t just about business; it’s about personal growth too—learning to lead with empathy and vision, and building something that will inspire others.
As Apxara keeps growing, we're fully committed to becoming the region’s go-to MICE agency, and I can’t wait to see where this wild ride takes us next. Here’s to 21 amazing years, Apxara!
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