Welcome to UNLEARN, the podcast where we explore the transformative experiences, strategies, and mindset shifts essential for true innovation and growth. Today, I’m honored to host Crystal Lee Gonzalez, a trailblazer in strategic growth and innovation across Southeast Asia.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Crystal has spent the last fifteen years shaping and scaling some of the region’s most prominent brands. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of NoneAway and was previously the Co-Founder of PICK.A.ROO. Her leadership has left a significant mark on multiple industries, serving as the Former CEO of Canva Philippines & Southeast Asia, Former President & Managing Director at HonestBee, and Former Regional Head of Southeast Asia at Viber. With a career spanning top-tier organizations, she also held key roles as the Group Account Director at Tribal Worldwide, Head of Branding at Lazada Group, and Marketing Head at YAHOO.
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Beyond launching and leading businesses, Crystal finds deep fulfillment in mentoring emerging talent and reshaping industries through innovation. Her expertise is now encapsulated in her upcoming book, Innovate to Elevate: Transforming Markets and Minds in Southeast Asia, a must-read for those looking to make a lasting impact in technology and strategic development.
Key Takeaways:
- Scaling Global Startups: Crystal details her strategies for business expansion in Southeast Asia.
- Embracing Challenges: Insights into overcoming obstacles in high-growth environments.
- Unlearning for Growth: How adapting and unlearning fuels innovation.
- Leveraging Personal Experiences: Crystal’s approach to creating solutions from personal pain points.
Additional Insights:
- The NoneAway Model: Crystal demonstrates how strategic thinking and operational excellence revolutionize real estate.
- Adapting in High Growth Markets: Mastering the challenges of rapid expansion and market dynamics.
- Innovative Solutions from Personal Insights: How Crystal’s personal experiences inspire practical business innovations.
Prepare for an insightful conversation with Crystal Gonzalez on Bringing fresh ideas to startup strategies and cultivating a culture of innovation and strategic growth.
Episode Highlights:
00:35 – Episode Introduction
“In the Philippines, there are 120,000 reported scammers in real estate. This is why, even with a legitimate broker, I felt unease and anxiety until I received the keys to my house.”
01:18 – Guest Introduction: Crystal Lee Gonzalez
“Welcome to the Unlearn Podcast. Today, I’m honored to host Crystal Gonzalez, a leader in strategy and growth who has developed and scaled renowned brands across Southeast Asia.”
03:03 – Viber’s Launch Story
“It started when I met Talmon, the founder. My first question was simple: Why are you in the Philippines?”
07:50 – Nurturing Empathy and Innovation
“Okay. So interesting fact. I promise you this is connected to my answer. So my dad and actually my sister, now my younger sister, they’re both psychiatrists.”
16:15 – The Role of Relatability in Product Adoption
“When we added more words to our copy and analyzed our data, we changed our messages to offer free chat and calls for your family and friends abroad”
26:08 – Discussion on Market Needs and Solution Development
“I kid you not, my earliest memories involve playing role-playing games with my childhood friends where I was signing checks.”
31:27 – Vision for a Seamless Real Estate Experience
“I’ve always promoted and highlighted issues, even if I wasn’t the founder or creator.”
42:11 – Building Trust in Philippine Real Estate: A Digital Solution
“I didn’t feel safe. Despite dealing with legitimate brokers, the anxiety of 120,000 reported real estate scammers in the Philippines lingered until I held the keys. I kept wondering.why hasn’t this been solved yet?”
53:51 – Conclusion and Future Aspirations
“Just the way you discuss this issue, your previous achievements, and the team you are building indicate you’re set to do something truly amazing.”
