The first day of the Asia Mgmt Conference was encouraging and intellectually stimulating. To meet all the great Managers of Oriflame Asia again and that, in the beautiful mountains of Chiang Mai was truly inspiring. We have so many greatly talented and passionate people and for me that is the number one reason for our success over the last decade. The biggest question we have to ask ourselves is; how do we become even better Leaders, more efficient and superiorly prepared for the future. We need to dig deep within ourselves and find those small tweaks that will ensure solid and sustainable long term growth. How do we think differently, creatively and groundbreaking whilst at the same time remain processed oriented and disciplined? Let´s put our heads together and figure this out!

I really liked the presentation today by Jesper Martinsson, COO of Oriflame. Jesper talked about Asia´s importance for the future. Over the next 5 years Asia will add a larger sales volume to the Oriflame total sales pie than any other region. Currently Asia contributes to 10% of the total Oriflame Sales turnover. In 2015 this share will go up to 19% and in 2020 it will be 34%. One third of Oriflame´s total Sales will come out of Asia 10 years from today. Truly exciting and challenging. This can of course only come from growing our Sales Force whilst at the same time reduce our removal rate and increase the activity levels. And basically everything we do in all departments relate back to this.

We got to step up even further in order to increase our market share in the markets we operate. In order to increase our market share we have to find, employ and motivate the best talents in Asia whilst at the same time keep the great talents we have and develop them further. This is key for us. Without great people we cannot achieve the highly ambitious goal of becoming the Number 1. People and Leadership is everything. I will talk more about Leadership tomorrow to all the participants. Jesper continued to talk about Oriflame´s ambitions in becoming an environmentally sustainable Company. I for one, feel proud to work for an organization that truly cares for the environment in which we operate. I wish more companies would step up efforts in reducing their negative impact on the environment and carbon dioxide pollution. This can from a business point of view also become a competitive edge at the same time as we care for our world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The guest speaker flown in from Singapore, was none other than Johan Stael von Holstein. To Swedish people Johan is known as a great entrepreneur. He has founded a large number of different companies and of course the biggest success but also the biggest failure was Icon Medialab. Johan is a true visionary leader. Johan talked about the importance of taking responsibility for your life. We all come from different backgrounds and have different resources. Life is not fair – get used to it and take responsibility for your own success! Johan also talked about the importance social media has for businesses but clearly is also at the same time exceptionally negative to the Social Media companies. Johan´s negativity comes primarily from how these companies control ownership of everything that is being uploaded. Johan calls this digital slavery. Interesting and thought provocative views!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, the first day of the conference was great and I am looking forward to mingling with my friends and colleagues during the welcome dinner tonight!

Thank you Asia Managers for being great People!!!