Up Close With Kasper Wandi, CEO of Consider iProspect Sdn Bhd
Kasper Wandi is CEO and Founder of Consider Digital, which has been acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network and operates as Consider iProspect. His vision is to offer a unique digital proposition to companies across Southeast Asia wanting to tap into the online space. With his expertise in digital performance and business strategy, Consider iProspect has gathered numerous accolades in Southeast Asia.
In his previous role at Google in Denmark, Kasper helped top conglomerates transition numerous businesses online. He then transferred to Google Australia, where he successfully implemented digital growth strategies across the APAC region.
Kasper has more than 10 years of experience in digital, dating back to his first job after high school in his hometown, Copenhagen — where he was already working hard to educate and convince companies that digital is the future.
Having studied and worked in Copenhagen, London, Paris, California, Dublin, and Sydney before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Kasper still has a solid appetite for travel and adventure. If not snowboarding or playing tennis, he can be found relaxing on an island such as Bali.
1. How would you describe your management style?
Passionate. Passion rubs off on people and keeps you motivated even when times are tough. It’s extremely important that you are able to shield your team from all the turbulence that is going on from outside so they can focus on what they do best.
Accountable. I understand, as a leader, that I am personally accountable for the success or failure of the team. So I give credit where credit is due and find innovative ways to make sure people want to work hard.
Versatile. I adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of the people on my team, all of whom are very capable and diverse. I believe in hiring the best people, and then I empower them with the right management approach, and providing them the resources and tools they need to succeed.
2. Who inspires you the most and why? How have you incorporated that into your daily life?
Besides my parents, who are entrepreneurial, during my career at Google, I had a manager named Stephen Riad, who has made a big impact in my professional life and shaped me to be the leader that I am today. Our bi-weekly catch-ups was something that I always looked forward to, as he was a savvy business professional, who also genuinely cared about you as a person. I have turned to him for advice several times when I am at the crossroads.
3. How do you see your organization changing in two years, and how do you see yourself creating/being a part of that change?
In today’s digital world, our clients need to future-proof themselves by nurturing the fundamentals which have always built brands, whilst embracing new levers for sustained growth. First we were the only Malaysian agency that offered a full suite of Digital Strategy, Analytics, CRM, Content Marketing, e-Commerce, SEO, Paid Performance, Social Media and Influencer Marketing. Most recently, we have seen the need for consulting activities and we have evolved our portfolio to develop solid capabilities in Digital Consultancy, CRM, and Data. My role in that is continually scaling up our people and resources. I’m also a constant proponent for establishing closer relationships with our clients based on trust — we’ve never been afraid to set big goals and we aim to continue our strong trajectory.
4. Tell me about an accomplishment or a memorable incident that shaped your career.
I’m proud of being able to make tough decisions and having the courage to chase my dream, by leaving Google, moving to a country that I had never been in before, and starting a business from scratch. When we started Consider Digital, we wanted to build the best digital agency in the region. So when we joined Dentsu Aegis Network and became part of iProspect, the number one performance agency globally by RECMA, I felt very proud that they recognised the value of what we have built, and the talented team we have put together.
5. What would we be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a very hands-on dad! I have a son who is about to start kindergarten, so I try to spend as much time with him and my wife as I possibly can. We love traveling, so whenever we get the chance, we are off exploring!
6. What book are you reading or podcast you most recommend?
Currently, I am reading a really witty book called ‘The Value of Art’ by Michael Findlay. My all-time go-to business book is ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Dale Carnegie. It is a must-read for understanding how people tick and communicating effectively as a leader.
