238 | From Tech Entrepreneur To Amazon: Da Li's Experience for Entrepreneurial Success Part 1
Release Date: 07/12/2024
263 | AOCP The Preemptive Edge - Gaining a Strategic Advantage by Acting Early and Wisely
Art of Consulting Podcast
00;00;00;01 - 00;00;31;05 Andy Hey, everybody, today I want to talk about the things we can do and decisions we can make ahead of time before something becomes an issue. Recently, most of us know about the government shutdown that had recently occurred. This is being recorded, November 24th, so of 2025. So anybody who wasn't aware of it in the US, the government had shut down, which was affecting air traffic because the air traffic controllers, some of them were having difficulty getting to work and some of them were being overworked because the government wasn't funded and they weren't...
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262 | More Than Compliance - How Confidentiality Serves Us
Art of Consulting Podcast
The Art of Consulting Podcast – Episode Transcript Hosts: Andy Fry & Cat Lam Episode Topic: Non-Disclosure Agreements and the Power of Keeping Information Confidential [00:00 – Intro Music] Andy Fry & Cat Lam (together): Welcome to the Art of Consulting Podcast with Andy Fry and Cat Lam. We are seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional-development connoisseurs. Each episode we bring you an inspiring message to help you discover that X-factor as a professional in your field so you can gain the success you know you deserve in your career and in your life. [00:15] Andy Fry: Hey...
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261 | Why We Should Assume Someone Is Always Recording
Art of Consulting Podcast
Why We Should Assume Someone Is Always Recording In this solo episode, Andy Fry reflects on how everyday behavior—inside and outside the workplace—shapes our personal brand and professional reputation. Through personal stories and relatable lessons, he reminds listeners that in today’s world of smartphones and social media, every action could be on record. Andy shares an eye-opening story about visiting a college track team whose coach insisted her athletes greet everyone politely because “you never know who you’re talking to.” That lesson sparked a deeper conversation about...
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260 | Power Moves: Inside Energy Innovation and Consulting with Ashton Fox
Art of Consulting Podcast
Power Moves: Inside Energy Innovation and Consulting with Ashton Fox In this episode, Cat sits down with Ashton Fox, President of Onix Energy, to explore how consulting and executive leadership are reshaping the future of energy. With an impressive career spanning renewable energy, natural gas, and electricity supply, Ashton brings a wealth of experience on scaling organizations, transforming business models, and leading companies through high-stakes change. Ashton shares how he helped transform a negative-revenue startup into a $150M powerhouse, scaled solar and renewable operations across...
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259 | From Oilfields to Solar Fields: Building Ridgeline Solar and the Future of Clean Energy
Art of Consulting Podcast
In this episode of the Art of Consulting Podcast, hosts Andy Fry and Cat Lam sit down with Drew Mair, President of Ridgeline Solar, to explore his inspiring journey from Alberta’s oil and gas sector to building one of the most respected solar manpower companies in Western Canada. Drew shares how his early career as an electrician shaped his transition into renewable energy, and the challenges of moving from “one guy in a truck” to running a full-fledged solar construction business. He talks candidly about balancing golden handcuffs with flexibility, the risks of entrepreneurship, and the...
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258 | Breaking Barriers: Svetlana Winters’ Journey from Russia to CFO in American Oil & Gas
Art of Consulting Podcast
Breaking Barriers: Svetlana Winters’ Journey from Russia to CFO in American Oil & Gas In this episode, we sit down with Svetlana Winters, CFO at Alteriver, whose journey from Russia to the executive boardroom of a U.S. oil & gas company is nothing short of inspiring. Svetlana shares how she left a top finance role in Russia to start over in the United States—facing language barriers, cultural challenges, and the uphill climb of rebuilding her career from the ground up. Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the strength required to thrive in male-dominated...
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257 | Fractional CFOs: The Secret Weapon for Scaling, Selling, and Stress-Free Success
Art of Consulting Podcast
Fractional CFOs: Turning Financial Chaos Into Strategic Wins with Emily Statler In today’s episode, Cat welcomes Emily Statler, a seasoned Fractional CFO and Financial Coach who has spent more than 20 years helping consultants transform financial headaches into strategic victories. Emily shares how fractional CFOs are no longer just for big corporations — consultants, solopreneurs, and small-to-mid-sized firms can all benefit from high-level financial guidance without the burden of a full-time hire. Together, Cat and Emily dive into three key perspectives: For solopreneurs and...
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256 | How Returning a Man's Gloves Helped Move Me Forward
Art of Consulting Podcast
Andy shares a story of a difficult time in his life where an apparent unassuming event helped move him forward and change his perspective. This began a path a consistent changes for the better.
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255 | How to Use Consistency and Bursts to Achieve Goals
Art of Consulting Podcast
In this episode Andy walks through two approaches he's used to achieve goals that take a long time to accomplish. How to breakdown goals into smaller components and how to continue a consistent approach to achievement.
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254 | How to Deal with the Defining Project in Our Careers
Art of Consulting Podcast
In this episode Andy discusses that there is typically one project that defines our career, will we continue in consulting, or will will switch careers. He discusses the signs and when this typically occurs as well as how to approach it. Its also a reminder for more seasoned consultants that this happens to others (and you may have forgotten it happened to you) and it may happen with minor changes in our careers.
info_outlineWelcome back to The Art of Consulting Podcast! In this episode, we feature Da Li, a serial entrepreneur with a rich background in IT and enterprise software development. Da Li shares insights into his diverse ventures, including Kingsway Global Inc., Peer Communications, and Wellcee, showcasing his dedication to sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the development of a leading lifestyle and roommate-seeking platform.
00:06 Introduction:
Host Kat introduces Da Li as a special guest, highlighting his extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur and the founder of various successful ventures. His expertise in sustainable home products, marketing services for luxury brands, and the establishment of Wellcee, a premier roommate-seeking platform, set the stage for an engaging conversation that follows.
01:11 Current Ventures Overview:
Da Li delves into the founding of Wellcee, a platform designed to address the housing challenges faced by young individuals in bustling cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. His role as an investor and insights into Wellcee's growth and significance within the community form a central part of the discussion.
05:16 Platform Expansion and Unique Niche:
Da Li provides specific details about Wellcee's growth, highlighting its evolution from a roommate-finding platform to a comprehensive lifestyle platform connecting young people in large cities. He emphasizes the platform's ability to maintain a high-touch approach while expanding across various cities and its significant impact in a market dominated by large platforms.
11:03 Lifestyle Platform and Community Engagement:
Da Li explores the multifaceted nature of wellness, underscoring its impact on the lives of young individuals. He discusses the platform's unique features, such as enabling users to connect, understand shared interests, and select roommates based on lifestyle choices, thereby creating a personalized experience for its users.
12:04 Inclusivity and Community Support:
The conversation shifts to Wellcee's role in fostering inclusivity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community in China. Da Li highlights the platform's unique approach in facilitating pre-vetting and providing a safe space for individuals to express their identities and find compatible living arrangements, reflecting Wellcee's inclusive values.
18:02 Focus on Sustainable Home Products:
Transitioning to another venture, Da Li shares his journey in establishing Kingsway Global Inc., emphasizing the company's commitment to producing sustainable bamboo home products. He sheds light on the importance of FSC certification in the production process and its significant environmental and cultural impact.
23:03 Embracing Sustainable Practices:
Da Li elaborates on the decision to prioritize FSC certification for bamboo products, emphasizing the alignment of sustainable practices with personal values. He discusses the strategic differentiation of the business and the critical role of sustainable endeavors in driving product excellence within a competitive market.
27:27 Transition from IT to Entrepreneurship:
Da Li reflects on his transition from IT to entrepreneurship, revealing the spontaneous nature of his journey and the organic growth of his early business, Dietech. He shares insights into breaking into the industry, securing initial clients, and the balance between the enthusiasm of youth and the wisdom of experience in entrepreneurial pursuits.
30:00 Conclusion:
The show closes with a discussion on the dynamics of entrepreneurship, highlighting the blend of intuition and data-driven decision-making. The conversation with Da Li enriches the understanding of sustainable ventures, strategic differentiation, and the transformative impact on community building and lifestyle platforms.
Episode Highlights:
00:06 Introduction of Da Li: Serial entrepreneur and founder of Wellcee, with expertise in sustainable home products and roommate-seeking platforms.
01:11 Wellcee Overview: Da Li discusses Wellcee's niche, growth, and impact in metropolitan communities through lifestyle connections and inclusivity.
05:16 Expansion and Inclusivity: Insights into Wellcee's evolution, emphasizing its inclusive approach to the LGBTQ+ community.
11:03 Sustainable Home Products: Da Li highlights Kingsway Global Inc.'s commitment to FSC-certified bamboo products and environmental values.
23:03 Embracing Sustainability: The importance of FSC certification and its impact in a competitive market.
27:27 Transition to Entrepreneurship: Da Li's journey from IT to entrepreneurship, initial clients, and balancing enthusiasm with experience.
30:00 Conclusion: Focus on entrepreneurship dynamics, blending intuition, data-driven decisions, and community impact.
About Our Guest Today
Da Li, a seasoned entrepreneur, excels in sustainable home products and marketing services within China. His diverse ventures, including Wellcee, reflect a commitment to fostering inclusive living spaces and innovative solutions for young individuals seeking roommates. Da Li's dedication to sustainable practices and strategic differentiation adds value to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Where to find Our Guest online
https://www.facebook.com/mykunaboo/
https://www.instagram.com/mykunaboo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dali1/