Open for Business and Ready to Listen: New Adilstone Office Officially Launches in Cambodia

We have big news at Adilstone Group! We have recently broadened our horizons in Southeast Asia with the opening of a new office in Cambodia, led by Australian natives Chad and Corrie Irons along with Cambodian native Bandith Nhep. Bandith will work in Business Development for the Cambodia office. Chad will work as the Operations Manager while his wife Corrie Irons will work as the office’s Administrative Coordinator. As we welcome this opportunity to expand in the Asian market for recruiting and talent acquisition, we wanted to share the inspiration and motivation behind the idea to open an office in Cambodia from the leaders themselves. 

In this edition’s featured piece, we delve into a conversation among Chad, Bandith, and Brandon that revolves around identifying and addressing pressing needs in Cambodia in regards to talent recruitment and acquisition. It all began when Bandith sought Chad's assistance in finding English teachers for a Cambodian school. As they delved deeper into the issue, they realized a broader need for specialists, including health professionals and other experts, which was largely unmet in Cambodia's local market. The absence of intentional efforts to recruit expats with specific skills to bridge this gap became apparent. Brandon emphasized how this initiative aligned with their strategic vision, drawing parallels with their experiences in other Asian markets. They identified three key factors driving their interest: the regional need, on-ground support, and a viable business model. This discussion illuminated the potential for significant positive impact through cross-border partnerships in Cambodia.

The new Cambodia office envisions contributing to the overall growth and success of Adilstone by serving as a regional hub with a deep understanding of the demand side of the business, including the specific needs of potential clients, the types of professionals required, and the regional dynamics. This knowledge will allow for more strategic and efficient operations. Brandon highlights that despite the learning curve, the organization has accumulated seven years of valuable experience, and while not all lessons may directly apply, they anticipate a faster adaptation process when consulting with clients and offering other products and services. Bandith emphasizes the Cambodian market's potential for growth beyond just healthcare and education, underlining the opportunity to attract professionals to work in Cambodia through experienced recruitment, facilitating better collaboration and results in the region.

Regional Need

The new partnership aims to engage with key industries and sectors in Cambodia, with a focus on healthcare and education. Brandon highlighted the healthcare sector as a strong fit for the company, with opportunities for both clients and candidates. In education, they see potential in both the principal product and the ATLAS product. Additionally, they are exploring research opportunities in areas such as leadership and consulting. Chad emphasized the wide-open opportunities in the education field, particularly the demand for native English speakers to address the need for English instruction. Another promising sector they plan to engage with is hospitality and tourism, where native English speakers can contribute by training local staff while working in the industry, fostering a mutually beneficial arrangement for both expats and locals.

“Many ppl may not know Cambodia yet but I can say Cambodia is the best; we have a variety of food, beautiful beaches, islands and mountains and ppl are very friendly and the food is the best. Coming here is not just work but it is enjoyable. We have a great culture and most ppl that come here don’t want to leave.” -Bandith Nhep

On-Ground Support

Chad highlights the importance of internal collaboration as the first step in their approach to building strong relationships. They emphasize the value of drawing on the diverse strengths and talents of their team across different locations. This collaborative mindset seeks to achieve goals that may have been previously unattainable with traditional approaches. They also aim to extend this collaborative attitude to their interactions with clients in business development, focusing on how the talent they provide can add value to the community. Their vision goes beyond expats simply fulfilling job roles; it includes leaving a lasting impact by developing skilled local staff who can contribute more to their community.

Bandith acknowledges the challenge of empowering and training employees in a diverse Cambodian workforce with varying cultural backgrounds. He emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity and understanding, highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between Cambodian and Western cultures. He stresses that building effective relationships will require time, open-mindedness, and open-heartedness to address misunderstandings and conflicts. Chad adds that Bandith and his colleagues have successfully merged Australian and Cambodian cultures in the local community, serving as intermediaries. In a business context, he recognizes the necessity of integrating international business culture into Cambodia while also respecting local processes and securing buy-in. Achieving this balance will be a challenge, especially when implementing a Western approach, but it's essential for their company's success and growth in Cambodia.

Viable Business Model

This isn’t the first time Adilstone has expanded into new territories, as evidenced by having a presence in Vietnam and the Middle East-Africa region. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced their strategies for the new office launch and subsequent operations by highlighting the importance of agility and flexibility. Chad emphasizes that running a lean business model and focusing on delivering quality services has become vital, as opposed to locking many things in place with uncertainty. This flexibility enables them to adapt to changing circumstances and be nimble as they move forward. Brandon adds that this nimbleness allows them to take calculated risks, something that can be more challenging for larger organizations under added pressure. The pandemic has reinforced the value of adaptability and innovation in their approach.

The message these leaders want to convey to potential clients, partners, and employees interested in their new office location in Cambodia is highly positive. Bandith highlights Cambodia's attractions, including its diverse food, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and affordability, emphasizing that working in Cambodia is not just about business but also enjoying life. Chad underlines the advantages of experiencing an Asian culture that values relationships and connections, particularly in contrast to countries like Australia and the US facing rising living costs. Cambodia offers the opportunity to pursue one's profession while enjoying a lower cost of living, making it an appealing choice for personal and professional growth.

Open for Business and Ready to Listen

“Personally, getting to expose people to countries that they are not as familiar with changes the perception of what Cambodia is like. Beautiful country, incredible food, high hospitality. When you get to talk to people you get them to go; and even then you put that country on the radar. To see where the country can be in 10-15 years from now.” -Brandon Christensen

The leaders of the new venture in Cambodia express excitement about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Bandith is enthusiastic about the chance to connect overseas professionals with Cambodian locals, providing an opportunity for skill enhancement and growth. He believes that this collaboration can uplift Cambodian people quickly, offering them the chance to upskill within a year or two. Chad's excitement stems from the prospect of skilled professionals finding purpose and meaning in their work, creating meaningful connections and leaving a valuable legacy by passing on skills and systems. Brandon acknowledges the competitive nature of entering a new market and the challenge of navigating relationships when there are numerous variables at play. Despite these challenges, they are all motivated by the potential for positive impact and growth in Cambodia.