The Challenges of 2023 Go-To Work Model
We are honored to have Brandon Lee, CEO/Co-founder of Pandan Social, as our new sage and guest speaker for this interview. Brandon Lee Zhon Wei has built an impressive entrepreneurial journey. In 2015, he co-founded Modern Vision, an athletic wear brand that quickly gained recognition and expanded its reach with ambassadors spanning across Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Italy, and Russia. The company also became the title sponsor for Malaysia’s renowned CrossFit event, The Hopper Warrior. Building upon his success, Brandon went on to co-found Pandan Social in 2019, a digital marketing agency based in Kuala Lumpur. With an extensive clientele that includes prominent brands like Etiqa, Decathlon, and GORE, Pandan Social continues to provide exceptional services to clients in Malaysia, USA, and Indonesia. Brandon’s wealth of experience in both the startup and digital marketing sectors makes him a valuable speaker who can offer unique insights into navigating the challenges of modern business environments.
Our discussion with Brandon Lee delves into the challenges and adaptations of a young company operating in a hybrid workspace. In the first year of their operations, they had to navigate the shift from traditional office-based work to a remote setup. Despite being a young company, they showcased adaptability and malleability, allowing them to quickly respond to the changing needs of remote work. Brandon emphasized the importance of implementing effective communication processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure smooth operations.
When it comes to communication in a remote setting, Brandon stressed its paramount importance. Without face-to-face interactions, online communication and clear record-keeping become crucial. To facilitate this, their company relied on tools like Slack for real-time communication and collaboration. They also integrated project management tools such as Asana or Monday from the beginning, enabling efficient workflow and task management.
As the interview progressed, Brandon shared insights into the transition from a fully remote model to a hybrid work model. They found that weekly check-ins served as a valuable platform for aligning team members and providing progress updates. Additionally, their team’s tech savviness played a crucial role in their successful adaptation.
Brandon emphasized that the benefits of reduced commute time and improved work-life balance solidified their commitment to this model. Trust emerged as a key factor in maintaining a cohesive and productive team. Building trust between team members and managers fosters a supportive culture and enables effective collaboration, regardless of physical proximity. Brandon stressed the significance of hiring the right people who align with the company’s values and can contribute to building a trustworthy team.