On January 14th, Pine Crest’s Chapter of TILE (Talks on Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship) hosted its inaugural event of the year, which consisted of an interview with the Chief Executive Officer of JATEM Companies, Edward Mullen.

As students are drawn to the quarterly presentations from various entrepreneurs, they gain a profound understanding of the economics field.

In front of an audience of over 20 Pine Crest TILE members, Mr. Mullen “shared insights into international business and entrepreneurship, both the risk and excitement,” said Alex Mullen, Mr. Mullen’s 18-year-old son as well as the Founder and Co-President of TILE.

Mullen’s expertise runs the gamut, with the Harvard graduate overseeing a variety of investment activities.  Over the years, the Harvard Business School Graduate has allocated his time to a variety of investment activities including securities, single, multi-family residential properties, private equity, venture capital, and private credit.  During the after-school talk, audience members learned that Mullen’s passion for international business came at a young age, making his mark on the Asian financial scene as a leading pioneer in China’s hedge fund industry from 2000 to 2009. While in the region, Mullen founded two of the first alternative asset management firms in Mainland China, successfully managing, sourcing, and exiting over one-billion dollars worth of investments.

Making mistakes and “taking risks while you are young,” is advice Mullen imparted to the group. He also emphasized the “importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities,” much like he did as a young entrepreneur in China.

Throughout Mullen’s career, he relied on his North Star, his moral compass to guide him. When confronting ethical dilemmas and personal conflict, Mullen explained, “karma and the ‘golden rule’ have been at the center of my career.” Mullen concluded our talk with this sage advice: “As young business minds, making honest and good moral decisions will reward you in the end.”