From there, Nomad Caviar was created, in hopes of ‘building something for the new generation’. With an increase in caviar consumption seen in the last decade, the hospitality veteran hopes to change our perception of caviar, from a luxurious delicacy to ‘an everyday indulgence’.

With the caviar retailer's latest brand launch in Singapore in July 2022, we catch up with Cohen as he shares more about how he balances his time between his various ventures and family.  

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What is a typical morning like for you?

Jason Cohen (JC): I’m up early these days. Since Covid, I began making use of the time I would spend travelling to the office to get healthier. I generally get up at 6am, have coffee, hit the gym, and take my daughter to the school bus. I’m usually in the office around 8.30am.

What does a standard work day look like for you?

JC: I’m in the office early and generally spend the mornings sorting out the Nomad deliveries for the day. The afternoon is mainly spent working on the Ce la Vi venues in the region, The Fleming Hotel, and other business I’m involved with in Hong Kong.

How would you describe your working style?

JC: My working style is efficient but also a little erratic. I find it hard to stay focused on one thing at a time for a long period. That said, I’m goal and task orientated, and don’t let things pile up. I do tend to have a need to finish all my work before knocking off for the day.

What time do you usually have lunch? What do you usually have for lunch?

JC: If I’m in the office I usually have lunch at my desk. I eat everything from healthy salads and wraps, to Middle Eastern and Japanese.  If I’m out for lunch for work or with friends, it’s anything and everything really—it could be Omakase one day and dim sum the next. I prefer eating earlier as I don’t have breakfast and am usually starving by 12 noon.

Free time: overrated or underrated? Why?

JC: Honestly, with the work that I do in the hotel, F&B, and nightclub space, I don’t have much free time. Even when I’m free, I’m usually working in some form—this is both the curse and blessing of entrepreneurial life. I don’t really have the ability to completely switch off nor do I want to.

How do you deal with your shortcomings?

JC: The first step is to acknowledge and identify the issue. Then, deal with it by speaking with peers and making a commitment to change.

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How do you chase your dreams?

JC: I’m still chasing my dreams every day. I don’t think it’s possible to achieve these dreams without hard work, taking action, and a lot of luck.

Risks: should you take them? Why or why not?

JC: We should definitely take risks. Otherwise, nothing would be achieved. I’ve always rolled the dice when I have believed in something and have always gone all in—some things have worked very well and some not so much. Regardless of the outcome, there is always something to learn.  

How do you achieve a work-life balance? How do you set boundaries?

JC: I find it hard to achieve a work-life balance, but I do my very best to not bring work stress home with me. The gym helps me stay calm throughout the day. During the covid period, I did a lot of wake-surfing in the mornings, as gyms in Hong Kong were closed. This was both fun and extremely meditative.

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