วิกรม กรมดิษฐ์ ปรัชญาจากศูนย์สู่ศูนย์ ‘องค์กรผมจะเป็นอมตะ’ | The Secret Sauce EP.677
Short Summary:
This episode of The Secret Sauce features an interview with Vikrom Kromadit, founder of Amata Corporation, a large industrial estate developer in Thailand. The main concept revolves around Vikrom's philosophy of sustainable and responsible business practices, implemented from the very beginning of his career and applied to Amata's development. Key points include Vikrom's long-term vision, his emphasis on environmental responsibility (even before it was a common term), and his meticulous planning and execution, exemplified by Amata City's infrastructure (water management, power generation, roads). The implications are a highly successful and sustainable industrial estate, attracting major international companies like Bridgestone and numerous Japanese firms (over 700 factories). The interview details specific negotiation strategies and methods used to secure land and partnerships, highlighting Vikrom's unique approach to business and leadership.
Detailed Summary:
The interview is structured chronologically, tracing Vikrom's journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to the creation and expansion of Amata Corporation.
Section 1: Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings: Vikrom recounts his early experiences in business, starting at age 4 selling peanuts and demonstrating an innate entrepreneurial spirit. He discusses his early ventures in tuna processing, including a significant setback involving a business deal gone wrong in the US. This early experience of betrayal shaped his future approach to business, emphasizing resilience and long-term vision. He highlights his transition into other ventures, including bottled spring water for tuna and later, cat food made from tuna byproducts, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness. This section establishes his foundation as a tenacious and innovative businessman.
Section 2: The Genesis of Amata and its Sustainable Practices: The conversation shifts to the founding of Amata Corporation. Vikrom explains his vision for a sustainable industrial estate, emphasizing the importance of foresight ("vision") and responsibility. He explains how this vision, coupled with a commitment to sustainability, informed every decision in Amata's development. He details the challenges of securing funding and partnerships, highlighting his negotiation skills and persistence. The construction of Amata City is presented as a testament to his long-term planning, with specific examples of infrastructure development: extensive water management systems (including recycling wastewater), independent power generation, and exceptionally durable roads. The quote "Nothing is impossible" encapsulates his approach to overcoming obstacles.
Section 3: Negotiation Strategies and Business Acumen: Vikrom shares several anecdotes illustrating his negotiation tactics, emphasizing preparation, professionalism, and a positive attitude ("smile first"). The Bridgestone case study is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to secure a deal despite seemingly insurmountable challenges (lack of readily available land, needing to purchase significantly more land than requested). This section highlights his strategic thinking and ability to creatively solve complex problems.
Section 4: Leadership Philosophy and Employee Relations: Vikrom's leadership style is characterized by trust, open communication, and a commitment to employee well-being. He emphasizes empowering employees, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a sense of community. He describes Amata City as more than just an industrial estate; it's a self-sufficient community with housing, healthcare, and recreational facilities. His commitment to employee welfare is evident in his plans for affordable housing and even a cemetery within the estate. This section demonstrates his humanistic approach to leadership, prioritizing employee satisfaction and long-term relationships.
Section 5: Reflection on Life and Legacy: The interview concludes with Vikrom reflecting on his life journey, from a difficult childhood marked by conflict with his father to the creation of Amata Corporation. He uses the metaphor of "from zero to zero" to describe his life's arc, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive and lasting legacy. He expresses his desire for Amata to transcend a family business and become a lasting institution, similar to Honda. His final message focuses on self-awareness, identifying one's passions, and pursuing long-term goals, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains. He stresses the importance of understanding oneself ("Who are you? What are you looking for?") and acting with purpose ("Hit to the point. What were you born to do?").