g up in a family deeply rooted in manufacturing, discussions around our dinner table often revolved around order fulfillment, export compliance, and hiring workers.  This early exposure ignited my passion for entrepreneurship. At the age of 17, I embarked on my academic journey, pursuing a degree in Business Management and Administration at the University of Reading which provided me with a solid foundation in business principles and management practices. Upon graduating, I ventured into the world of international trade. We formed a trading company, specialising in importing Malaysian products and distributing them to over 100 stores across the UK.  However, in late 2015, a significant turning point occurred when my father experienced health complications which prompted my return to Malaysia to lead our family food business, Seiko Gourmet. During my tenure from 2016 to 2017, I spearheaded the construction of a globally compliant factory for Seiko Gourmet. This strategic move positioned us for growth and market entry, setting the stage for the development of our innovative concept, Meals in Minutes. As the founder of Meals in Minutes, I’ve taken on various roles within the business.  From overseeing and planning production to spearheading research and development efforts for our recipes, fundraising initiatives, and ensuring global export compliance, I’ve been deeply involved in every facet of our operations IR: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career and how have you dealt with them? Khiara Mia: One of the most significant hurdles was deciding to pursue entrepreneurship over the stability of a career in law.  Despite my background in law and the allure of a secure job in a law firm, I faced the tough decision of sacrificing immediate gratification for the long-term vision of our business.  It required a deep-seated belief in the fulfillment that the entrepreneurial journey would bring, despite the inherent uncertainties and risks involved. The daunting reality of the high failure rate among startups posed yet another significant challenge. Confronting this reality, Brandon and I anchored ourselves with a robust mission and cultivated a resilient mindset.  We understood the importance of learning from the experiences of others, which led us to seek inspiration and guidance from podcasts and other sources. Additionally, building a startup from the ground up presented logistical and operational challenges that required creative problem-solving and adaptability.  From navigating regulatory hurdles to securing funding and building a team, each step of the journey posed its own set of obstacles that demanded perseverance and resourcefulness to overcome. Despite these challenges, each hurdle has ultimately served as an opportunity for growth and learning.  By remaining steadfast in our commitment to our mission, embracing resilience in the face of adversity, and leveraging the wisdom of others, we’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs of the startup journey and continue moving forward towards our goals. IR: What are some of your career highlights so far? KM: One of the most significant highlights of our career so far occurred during the pandemic when concerns about food safety and hygiene were at an all-time high.  At that critical juncture, our company’s full HACCP certification played a pivotal role in providing assurance to our customers that everything we offered was food safety guaranteed, leading to a surge in sales during a challenging time.  Being able to provide comfort and assurance when people needed it most was immensely gratifying and stands as a testament to the importance of our commitment to food safety. Another major highlight was securing our first fundraising round.  Not only was this a significant milestone for our company’s growth, but it also garnered media interest and recognition.  We were featured in several publications and had a really enjoyable experience participating in our first radio interview on BFM 89.9. It was a definite highlight for this year to see our hard work and dedication being recognised. IR: What do you love about your job? BL: I love the inherent reward that comes with my job. Every day, I have the opportunity to make a positive impact, whether it’s ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our customers, spearheading innovative projects, or witnessing the growth and success of our team.  The sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that our efforts contribute to making a difference in people’s lives is truly priceless.  It’s not just about the work itself, but the meaningful connections forged along the way and the shared sense of purpose that drives us forward. That’s what I love most about my job – the opportunity to make a difference and be part of something greater than myself. IR: What advice would you give to someone who wants to move up the corporate ladder? BL: My advice to those aiming to ascend the corporate ladder is simple: be proactive, stay focused, and continuously strive for excellence. Take ownership of your career development by setting clear goals and seeking out opportunities for growth.  Cultivate strong relationships within your organisation and demonstrate leadership qualities in your current role. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and remain persistent in pursuing your aspirations.  By consistently investing in your personal and professional development and staying committed to your goals, you’ll position yourself for success on your journey up the corporate ladder.   IR: Where do you go for career advice? KM: One resource I frequently turn to for inspiration is podcasts. In particular, ‘The Diary of a CEO’ with Steven Bartlett has been incredibly influential in shaping my approach to business and entrepreneurship.  Listening to the stories of other founders and CEOs on this podcast has provided invaluable insights, helping me navigate challenges and stay focused on our mission.  By learning from the experiences of others and applying those lessons to our own journey, we’ve been able to overcome obstacles and make meaningful progress. Additionally, I recognise the importance of building a personal network of like-minded individuals who can offer guidance and support.  We’ve invested a significant amount of time into cultivating relationships with fellow entrepreneurs who have faced similar challenges and triumphs.  This network serves as a valuable resource, providing us with access to mentorship, advice, and opportunities for collaboration. By fostering these connections, we’ve been able to tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has proven instrumental in our growth and development. IR: Do you have any business heroes? BL: Richard Branson has been a longstanding business hero of mine, admired since my formative years. His bold entrepreneurial spirit, relentless pursuit of innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world have always inspired me.  His ability to challenge the status quo and build a diverse portfolio of successful ventures across various industries is truly remarkable. Most importantly, he seems to have a lot of fun while doing it! KM: We also really admire Steven Bartlett, who represents a new breed of CEO for the modern age.  Steven’s approach to leadership is refreshing; he departs from the traditional CEO archetype of infallibility and instead embraces vulnerability, authenticity, and emotional intelligence.  His willingness to share his personal struggles and growth journey on platforms like ‘The Diary of a CEO’ has helped redefine what it means to lead with empathy and humility.  His emphasis on continuous learning and self-improvement resonates deeply with me, as it reflects a more holistic and human-centric approach to leadership that I aspire to emulate. IR: What does a typical day look like for you? BL: I typically start with meetings with my team, where we discuss our progress, address any challenges, and ensure that everyone is aligned with our goals and objectives. Apart from that, every day can bring different tasks and responsibilities.  It might involve arranging our production lines to optimise efficiency and ensure that we’re meeting our target yields. Other days might be focused on brainstorming and developing new recipes to keep our offerings fresh and innovative. Additionally, I dedicate time to monitor our cash flow and runway, ensuring that we’re on track financially and making strategic decisions to support our long-term sustainability. I’m also involved in the hiring process, as building a talented and passionate team is crucial to our success. IR: Do you have any “work hacks” for getting things done?  KM: Yes! Brandon can vouch for my passion for productivity hacks and my relentless efforts to encourage everyone else to adopt them. I’ve found that leveraging technology can greatly enhance productivity.  One tool that I rely on heavily is Motion, which utilises artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically schedule and prioritise tasks based on deadlines, importance, and other factors. This allows me to focus my energy on completing tasks rather than spending time manually organising and prioritising them. In addition, I’m a proponent of maintaining an “inbox zero” approach to email management. By regularly processing and organising my inbox, I’m able to keep track of important messages and prevent them from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Another favourite hack revolves around single-tasking, where I focus on completing one task at a time without multitasking. By dedicating my full attention to the task at hand, I find that I can achieve deeper focus and produce higher-quality work.  I make a conscious effort to avoid looking at the entirety of my to-do list at once, as it can feel overwhelming and lead to procrastination.  Lastly don’t forget to incorporate regular breaks throughout the day as this allows for rest and recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining sustained productivity levels. IR: What’s your approach to work-life balance? BL: For me, achieving a healthy work-life balance is about prioritising both professional success and personal well-being. I believe in setting clear boundaries between work and leisure time, ensuring that I dedicate sufficient time to recharge and pursue activities outside of work.  This means establishing a structured schedule that allows for dedicated work hours while also carving out time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending quality time with family and friends. Additionally, I advocate for flexibility and autonomy in the workplace, recognising the importance of accommodating individual needs and preferences.  Whether it’s implementing remote work options, offering flexible schedules, or promoting a culture of trust and autonomy, fostering an environment that supports work-life balance is essential for employee well-being and overall productivity. IR: Do you have any hobbies that help you switch off and stay balanced? KM: Absolutely! One of my favourite ways to unwind is by hitting the gym and getting in a good workout. Exercise not only helps me stay physically fit but also clears my mind and reduces stress. After a solid gym session, I love to relax in the sauna, allowing my muscles to relax and my mind to unwind. Another hobby I enjoy is playing tennis. There’s something about being out on the court, focusing on the game and enjoying the fresh air, that helps me disconnect from work and any other stressors.  Plus, it’s a great way to stay active and competitive in a fun and social setting. Lastly, spending quality time with friends and family is essential for me to stay balanced.  Whether it’s catching up over dinner, going for a hike, or simply enjoying each other’s company at home, being surrounded by loved ones brings me immense joy and helps me keep things in perspective.