Sim Kaur founded Pounce as a full-service digital agency in 2017 with a simple mission – to make great happen. Having spent the previous decade working with some of the largest IT vendors and resellers in the Asia Pacific region, Sim was convinced B2B marketing didn’t need to be quite so mediocre. She saws a demand for an agency that thought differently about marketing – and that could help both B2B and B2C clients to think differently too.
The Pounce formula is simple: Strategy + Creativity + Technology = Great. Based in Sydney, Pounce has since expanded to Malaysia.
For more details, visit their website here.
Today, we sit down with Simran to learn more about her journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Simran: Inspiration is often rooted in the stories of those who came before us. For me, that source of inspiration stems from my grandfather, the visionary force behind one of Malaysia’s oldest and most enduring sporting goods businesses, G.S.Gill Sports.
Q. How did you get started?
Simran: I have worked in lots of different roles and industries. Prior to starting Pounce, I was a marketing manager for a cybersecurity company looking after marketing initiatives across the Asia Pacific region.
I gradually became more frustrated with the kind of work I was seeing from agencies. I felt strongly that marketing – and B2B marketing in particular – didn’t need to be so timid or conservative. It should be bold and imaginative.
So I took a leap of faith and decided to start Pounce.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Simran: I think one of the biggest challenges we faced was hiring the right people. Some steps we took to overcome it include:
- Don’t use a recruiter till you are massive.
- Outline exactly what the job description is.
- Don’t hire people just because you know them. Hire according to your values.
- Get a good HR company and spend money drafting your company’s HR Policies.
- Make sure you have resilient practices for when unexpected events like global pandemics happen
Q. What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Simran: One of the most exciting moments for me was when we opened our office in Malaysia. That expansion felt like a testament to our commitment to growth, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the global marketplace.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Simran: There are so many great books out there but I have to say one of my favourites is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. The book encourages us to reassess our priorities, urging us to allocate our limited “f*cks” to the things that genuinely align with our values and contribute to our long-term well-being.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Simran: I use multiple different apps, tools, and resources. If I had to pick they would be in no particular order:
1) Calm app – I use the mindful app every night to meditate and practice mindfulness. I highly recommend this as it fosters a healthier mindset that fuels sustained productivity.
2) Google Workspace – This is the beating heart of our business. From shared documents to real-time collaboration, it keeps us connected and boosts productivity.
3) monday.com – We rely on this to manage and track projects, from ideation right through to execution. Monday streamlines our workflows, enhances communication, and makes sure all of our projects keep moving forward seamlessly.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Simran: As the CEO of Pounce, my entrepreneurial journey is not solely about the present; it’s about crafting a legacy that transcends time. The mark I want to leave on the world is that of a globally recognised agency, a hub where talent flourishes, disciplines converge, and excellence knows no boundaries.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Simran: The most valuable piece of advice I can offer to those just starting is simple yet profound: Just do it. Take that leap of faith, embrace the challenges, make mistakes, learn from them, and above all, persevere, and don’t give up.
To keep up to date with Simran and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn.
