What made you (in the words of Aaron) join the “dark side”?

Keefe (K): Both sides have pros and cons, but freedom, which also comes with a lot of responsibility, was what drew me to the “dark side”. In a big company, there are many levels of approval that hinder the decision-making process. At Dash Living, with the flat hierarchy and emphasis on efficiency, I am empowered to make decisions and in turn, enable my teams to execute quickly. This flexibility has allowed Dash Living to grow rapidly in multiple locations across the Asia Pacific despite the pandemic and the fluctuating rental market.

It has been a challenging and exciting journey with Dash Living over the past year. Not only was I presented with many growth and progression opportunities, I was also able to celebrate successes with the teams in Singapore, especially when we launched 2 new en-bloc properties in a short span of 6 months.

All in all, it is indeed rewarding to have this level of ownership to grow the business in Singapore and now, in Australia too.

What is it like walking into a world that is all so familiar (Hotels) yet so different operationally?

K: When I was with CapitaLand, I had the chance to be part of the team that conceptualised a coliving brand and went on to open and manage a property with more than 400 rooms and 3 floors of social spaces. This experience allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the coliving industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

As I continue my journey with Dash Living, I am excited to share the lessons I learned, commit to adapting to new ways of doing things and conquer new challenges with my teams. Combining my knowledge of the strong processes of a big company with the flexibility of a startup, I hope to help Dash Living achieve the best of both worlds.

How would you describe your first year with Dash Living?

K: Fast & furious. My experience in Dash Living is akin to the thrill of driving at breakneck speed along a wide-open highway, with the wind in your hair and the rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins, while upgrading the engine and changing the wheels at the same time! In just one year, we grew our headcount substantially, more than doubled our revenue and turned profitable in Singapore. I am proud of the outstanding efforts of each and every team member in Singapore who has played a pivotal role in our achievements.

MEET THE DASHER: FROM A MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION TO A COLIVING START UP

MEET THE DASHER: FROM A MULTINATIONAL CORPORATION TO A COLIVING START UP