Insights from an Entrepreneur: Kieron Chalder
Entrepreneurship often begins with a bold leap, and for Kieron Chalder, that leap meant transitioning from a corporate career to pursuing his entrepreneurial vision through acquisition. As co-CEO of Emotion and founder of the search fund Iberica Cap, Kieron’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. In this episode of the INSEAD ETA podcast, we delve into Kieron’s experiences, from his time at INSEAD to the challenges of acquiring CarPro during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kieron shares how he navigated the transformation of a traditional business into a modern technology provider, highlighting the importance of cultural shifts, internal process improvements, and growth strategies tailored to changing market conditions. The conversation also explores the value of supportive investors, effective people management, and the balance between operational execution and long-term planning. Reflecting on his global business operations, Kieron emphasizes the critical role of education, networking, and the lessons learned from his search fund journey. He offers actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating why ETA can be a fulfilling and impactful career choice. 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition 06:43 The INSEAD Experience and Networking 11:58 First Days as a CEO 18:57 Cultural Transformation in a Modern Company 24:03 Key Learnings in Managing Investors 29:27 The Benefits of a Global Business 34:41 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Directions