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Noel Edgar - 
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

As CEO, I plan the objectives and strategies to increase revenue on a monthly and annual basis. Each objective and strategy is carefully assessed once a month according to the annual plan. It is my job to keep actions on track.

I manage supervisors and checking results from students by talking to them and giving weekly advice.

I solve all problems and mistakes on the production process so we can meet our goals.

I am also responsible for checking financial statements, preparing budgets, paying monthly taxes and assigning resources where they are needed.

I help with marketing and business meetings and coordinate the research and development teams.

On a regular basis I am also a mentor to our students in their preparation through our talents programme. All our activities are based in the total quality management system.

Typical day

Each day is different.

I have a weekly plan with tasks assigned carefully each day of the week.

I plan for the week according to our monthly goals on Saturday.

On Monday I start by executing the most urgent and important tasks at hand.

Tuesday is when finished products and patent procedures are checked.

Wednesday is marketing, research and development.

Thursday is projects in process and meetings with managers.

Friday is used to check on goals and results achieved.

What do I enjoy about my job?

The fact that It is really challenging and that it is what I wanted to do. I am the CEO and co founder of the company. I am a technology geek and our company is helping Mexican students to showcase their talent abroad. I really enjoy that I use what I have learnt in university to learn even more by managing a real business.

Challenging aspects

Decision making and resource management.

When you are a CEO you need to execute, which means taking action.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

Because I am a co founder of the company.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Accounting, management, budgeting and HR

Training I receive as part of my job

Training in: start up engineering, programming in xcode, java, android, ruby on rails, lean management, business model canvas, social media management and user experience.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

After leaving university in 2004 - 2005 I became a social networking pioneer with Atseif and Central Station, Latin American online communities.

In 2006 I moved to Japan where I became an International Entrepreneur, preparing to open an imports & exports business between Mexico and Japan.

In 2007-2008 I opened offices both in Mexico and Japan through the Japanese business incubator named JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization). During five years we opened the market for Mexican food and beverages in Asia.

In 2009 we opened an office in Shanghai and became the sponsors of the Mexican pavilion during the Shanghai expo in 2010. Our business spread to Japan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Mexico. We also explored the possibility of opening our business in Argentina and Costa Rica.

In 2011 after the Japanese Fukushima earthquake I moved to Mexico for a year where ACG’s operations continued in Asia. In Mexico I became a lecturer at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the National Centre for Micro and Medium Enterprises and I became an official business consultant to the Mexican Economy Secretariat authorised to advise new companies.

In 2012 while still in Mexico and with a former student from Sheffield University we decided to build a new project. Fomento GEEK.

In 2012 we opened an office in Japan with funds from the Mexican Government to help us startup.

We now have an office in Mexico city, Tokyo and Silicon Valley employing 10 people. We produce 32 apps and some software.

Where do I see myself in the future?

I see myself continuing with Fomento GEEK, but in two years, one of the projects in Fomento GEEK will be so profitable that I would love to sell it in USA.

I still have plans to continue teaching, studying and learning about business. I picture myself living in Japan most of the time, constantly travelling to USA, Europe and Mexico.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

The best advice I can give to students in management or business is to build a start up based on what you love to do. In a start up you will apply all the knowledge you get in university and will need to really manage all and every aspect of it including funding.

I would also suggest trying to gain an internship before you finish university.

Other comments

Yes. The following is a list of key things that I learnt as an entrepreneur, which no business school will ever teach you.

You need to be strong, resilient and an overachiever.

Satisfaction is greater when you work for your own company than for anyone else´s.

Never ever forget that the most important member in your company is YOU!!

You don´t have to have an office,or wear a suit and you don´t need to do business in just one country to become a successful entrepreneur.

Gut feeling is your best adviser!

Believe in other people´s potential.

Focus, focus, focus and then execute!!


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Last updated: 19 Jan 2014