In the journey of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of making a difference, there are those who are driven by a profound passion that not only fuels their ambitions, but also shapes the essence of their endeavors. These individuals are not just pursuing a career; they are living out their dreams through every action they take. Their passion manifests itself in creative and unconventional approaches to problem-solving, leading to innovative solutions that defy the status quo. Even in the face of adversity, they remain undeterred, continuously finding ways to reignite their drive. Their stories are a testament to the power of passion in turning visions into reality, and they offer invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on harnessing this passion to propel their ventures forward.
Tell us about yourself and what you’re passionate about, which led to what you’re doing now.
I am trained as an architect. My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for architecture and design, which took me across Europe and Asia, working on landmark projects like the Four Seasons Hotel and Capella Hotel in Bangkok. These experiences taught me the profound impact that well-designed spaces can have on how people live, work, and interact.
I’ve always been fascinated by the way spaces can tell stories and evoke emotions. This passion evolved into a desire to create environments that are not just functional, but truly evocative and inspiring. Founding The Great Room was my way of bringing together my passion in design with my belief in the power of beautiful, thoughtful spaces to enhance our daily lives.
Can you describe what passion in action looks like to you?
Passion in action is when you immerse yourself so fully in your work that every detail becomes an expression of your vision. For me, it’s about translating the principles of architecture and hospitality into a workspace that feels as inviting as a home and as evocative as a luxury hotel.
At The Great Room, this means curating every element – from the spatial layout to the art on the walls – to create an environment that sparks creativity and connection. As they say, ‘hot coffee fast with a smile is never an accident’, it is the culmination of intention, passion and execution.
It’s also about continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning – being willing to adapt and evolve in response to new ideas and challenges. This dynamic process is what keeps the passion alive and ensures that it’s always reflected in the work we do.
(Related: Driven by Passion - Marcus Tan)
Tell us about a time when your passion led you to pursue an unconventional approach or solution. What did this experience teach you?
My journey with The Great Room has been full of moments where I had to step away from conventional wisdom and embrace a different path. One of the core beliefs I hold is that ‘with ignorance comes great courage.’ When we first started, I wasn’t weighed down by the traditional models of the co-working industry. This ignorance allowed us to approach the design and functionality of our spaces with fresh eyes, leading to the creation of work environments that are more akin to luxury hotels than typical offices. We didn’t just replicate what others were doing; we reimagined what a workspace could be.
Another belief that guided this approach is the importance of using multiple mental models. I deeply believe that understanding a broad spectrum of disciplines and their big ideas – whether it’s psychology, history, or engineering – can lead to more innovative solutions. At The Great Room, we didn’t just apply a single mental model; we drew on the best ideas from hospitality, design, and even behavioral science to create something unique. This experience taught me that stepping outside of conventional boundaries, using diverse models, and the appetite to working relentlessly are essential to achieving something truly impactful.
How do you maintain and fuel your drive during periods of difficulty or stagnation?
As a mother of four, I’ve learned that resilience and adaptability are crucial, both in parenting and in business.
No pressure, no diamonds. During tough times, I find strength in the process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. This mindset helps me approach challenges with fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
I also draw inspiration from the people around me – whether it’s my children, who remind me of the importance of curiosity and play, or our members at The Great Room, whose successes and challenges keep me connected to the impact of our work. Staying close to what drives me, both personally and professionally, helps me navigate periods of difficulty with a sense of purpose.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs when it comes to leveraging their passion effectively?
To leverage your passion effectively, you need the stomach and work ethic to work 10X harder than what most people would be willing to.
It’s also about being strategic in how you channel that effort. Don’t just rely on one model or approach; diversify your thinking. As I’ve learned, knowing the big ideas in the big disciplines and using them routinely can set you apart. Most people try to solve problems with the same tools they’re familiar with, but real innovation comes from combining insights from different fields.
For me, my architectural background and my role as a mother deeply inform how I approach my work. Passion is most powerful when it’s authentic and aligned with who you are. Your passion should be a compass, guiding you through challenges, but it should also be flexible enough to adapt and evolve as you and your business grow. Lastly, recognize that learning from other field experts is one of the greatest hacks. Nobody is smart enough or fast enough to figure everything out on their own. Mastering the wisdom of others – whether it’s in psychology, physics, or history – can give you an edge.
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