潘冠铮
Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I love a good routine during the work week! It keeps me focused and on track. That said, there’s always time in the evenings or over the weekends for spontaneity, which is crucial for stimulating creativity as well.
Weekdays: Wake up – Coffee – Check messages and emails for anything urgent – Prep and Off to work! Exercise at least twice or three times a week.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
For sure. My Mum was a single mother and brought me up on her own. I was always inspired by her and her drive to succeed. At the back of my mind, I knew that one day I would run my own business one day as well. I was always interested in art and architecture, and this is something that my Mum definitely encouraged from an early age.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
Generally from 9 am to 4 pm. I’m also a bit of an owl, so I love working at night when my phone rings a little less!
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Persistence. When I first started the business almost 10 years ago, most people would have never believed that art or any luxury items would be purchased online, sight unseen. It’s now our 10th year of theArtling.com and our site has grown tremendously, with more and more online listings growing each day from amazing artists and designers all over the world.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
I’ve never seen it as positive or negative and have always believed that the work can and should speak for itself.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I have many professional aspirations though I think
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My Mum was definitely the biggest influence in my life. She was an incredible lady and had such an interesting outlook on life. In 2019, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given 3-5 years left to live. In reality, she ended up only having 2 years but she really made the most of her time during that little window that was left. She also decided that she wanted to have a ‘Living Funeral’ i.e., a funeral while she was still alive! So because it was during COVID, we held a funeral (on Zoom due to COVID restrictions at the time) for her while she was still alive, and I read out her eulogy with her next to me. It was a surreal and tremendously difficult experience, but one that she really believed in. Her view is, ‘Why celebrate my life when I’m gone? Let’s do it together while I’m still here, so you can all say your goodbyes, we can tell each other how we feel, and say our goodbyes.’
This was very much a lesson about openness, acceptance, love, and life.
I am sharing an interview link here in case anyone here is interested in hearing more about how she approached it all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbM4SOb0tjQ&t=800s
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Probably Zaha Hadid, an Architect that I used to work for in London back in the day! She persisted and created an entire movement and design language that still lives with us today, even after her death.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
To be present and not to hold grudges. It’s just something I think is good to try to live by for one’s own mental health and well-being. Hanging on to the past can be toxic.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
“Why do you do what you do?”
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I don’t have any siblings, but my husband started his own architecture practice (Studio Derickx) about 2 years ago, and it’s been amazing to see that journey of growth!
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I do think it’s innate and is something that you either love doing or you don’t. Not everyone enjoys the responsibilities that come with running your own business!
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Founder/ CEO The Artling Address: 91B Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088512 Singapore website: https://theartling.com/en/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talenia/ and https://www.instagram.com/theartling/ and https://www.instagram.com/artlingprojects/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talenia-23682921/ email: [email protected]