Grits & Guts is not just another business event—it's a gathering of minds forged in the fire of real-world experience. Designed for the bold and the curious, this exclusive evening brings together proven entrepreneurs and future leaders for an unfiltered exchange of hard-earned lessons, pivotal moments, and breakthrough strategies.
Through intimate keynotes and fireside chats, you’ll hear the raw, untold stories behind the headlines—stories of grit, failure, resilience, and ultimate growth. Whether you're building your first venture or scaling your next, Grits & Guts gives you direct access to the wisdom that textbooks don’t teach and most founders never share.
This is where ambition meets authenticity—and where tomorrow’s leaders get inspired.
Hear firsthand how successful entrepreneurs navigated growth, overcame obstacles, and built businesses that last—then apply those insights to your own path.
Walk away with the confidence and clarity to make decisive moves, challenge your limits, and pursue your goals with renewed purpose.
Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators who are serious about growth and innovation.
Discover the lessons that only come from experience—the missteps, pivots, and comebacks that shaped today’s business leaders.
Former McDonald's China CEO | Strategic Advisor | Executive Mentor Leadership, F&B, FMCG, Marketing & Communications, Author
Kenneth is a veteran CEO and organizational leader with nearly 35 years of experience in top-tier Fortune 500 companies, including McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Singapore Airlines.
He is best known for his transformative leadership at McDonald’s, where he served as Chief Executive Officer for China and Division President for Greater China (2009–2015). During his tenure, he led 150,000 employees, oversaw the fastest expansion in the region's history—opening over 1,000 restaurants in five years—and built a robust foundation in operations, talent, supply chain, and digital transformation that enabled long-term growth.
From 2016 to 2021, Kenneth returned as an equity and operating partner with the Lionhorn Group (McDonald's licensee) and served as Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore. Under his leadership, the business achieved a significant turnaround, focusing on restaurant expansion, operational excellence, digital innovation, and organizational upskilling. He also led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic with a resilient plan that prioritized safety, job security, and customer trust—resulting in a stronger post-pandemic business.
Previously, Kenneth was Managing Director of McDonald’s Singapore (2004–2008) while overseeing Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia. During this time, McDonald’s Singapore achieved record growth and was named Hewitt Best Employer three times consecutively.
Earlier in his career, Kenneth held regional and in-market brand roles at PepsiCo International and Procter & Gamble, and began his professional journey at Singapore Airlines in International Relations after serving as an officer in the Singapore Armed Forces.
His leadership has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Overseas CEO Award (Singapore Business Awards, 2014), Leading CEO Award (Singapore Human Resources Institute, 2007), and Champion of HR (HRM Magazine, 2008).
Today, Kenneth serves as an operating investor, strategic advisor, board member, and executive mentor, and is the author of the best-selling management book, "Asians in Charge: Earning Your Place at the Leadership Table."
Director and Co-Founder of Write Edge
Nicolette Ng is the Director and Co-Founder of Write Edge, a leading English enrichment centre specialising in English and writing tuition for primary and secondary school students. Founded in 2014 with a single branch and 12 students, Write Edge has since grown to 12 physical locations in Singapore and an online presence reaching students in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Today, it operates across three countries, delivering high-quality English education both in-person and online.
Nicolette holds a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and a Master's in Education for English Language from the National Institute of Education (NIE). Write Edge continues to equip students with strong language skills and a passion for writing.
CEO and Co-Founder of Paros Creative Agency
Melvin Cho is the Marketing Guru and CEO and Co-Founder of Paros Creative Agency (www.paros.sg/melvincho), a marketing powerhouse dedicated to driving brand transformation through innovative strategies. With 20 years of experience, Melvin has established himself as a marketing expert, empowering multinational corporations (MNCs) such as DBS, Singapore Airlines, DHL, Deliveroo, and SPH with impactful campaigns that deliver results. Under his leadership, Paros Creative Agency has scaled fivefold, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the marketing space.
Beyond his core focus in marketing, Melvin, a Seasoned Entrepreneur and Business Owner, also co-founded an e-commerce/logistics startup, where he successfully secured $1.4 million in funding before exiting via a sale. While this venture highlights his entrepreneurial versatility, his primary passion and expertise remain rooted in marketing, where he continues to drive business growth and transformation.
Known as a master connector, Melvin’s ability to build networks and his dedication to helping businesses succeed make him an ideal host for Scaling with Grit & Guts. His journey—from startup founder to marketing leader—brings a unique blend of grit, insight, and innovation to the role.
Pre-event Buffet Lunch | 12PM to 1.45pm
Elements cafe, Level 1
This event is ideal for startups, micro-SMEs, SMEs, and growth-stage business owners or business leaders who are looking to scale, sharpen their strategy, and connect with like-minded peers.
This event is designed specifically for business decision-makers and founders. As the conversations will focus on strategy, growth, and business leadership, it may not be suitable for employees not involved in these areas.
Expect honest, practical insights from seasoned entrepreneurs and leaders, real conversations on both success and failure, opportunities for meaningful networking, and a thoughtfully curated experience—including good food and good company.
It's both. Grits & Guts combines keynote insights, fireside chats, and business matching—making it a unique blend of learning, sharing, and connecting.
Smart casual is encouraged. You're meeting fellow entrepreneurs and leaders, so come as your professional best.
Yes. Part of the experience includes curated business matching, where we help connect you with others based on your business needs and strengths.
Yes, a buffet lunch at Element Café (Level 1) is included with your ticket.
Lunch will be served from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM. Please arrive at the event venue by 1:45 PM to begin networking and settle in before the event starts.
Each ticket admits one person. If you'd like to attend with a co-founder or business partner, they’ll need a separate registration.
This event is made possible with the support of our amazing sponsors
Venue Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Web development Sponsor
Media and Print Sponsor
Emcee Service Sponsor
Ready to scale? Join Scaling with Grit & Guts on June 19, 2025, at Amara Hotel
