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