Welcome to our ‘Conversation Starter’ series, that aims to introduce you to more business owners around you, and to help get to know each other better.
Through these questions, we want to learn more about you. Not just your challenges and what you’ve experienced along your entrepreneurial journey, but the person that you are, beyond your business…about what makes you, you!
We realize that work does not always define us and things may not be what they seem. Often, we tend to work with people we know and trust. Most work partnerships fail because people hold back and don’t openly speak about what they want, and think.
As business owners, we have to show up and make ourselves known, if we want our business to grow. For some people, it is easy. For others, the idea of networking and social gatherings is not something they look forward to. In a world where people ask you right away, ‘What do you do’, what if it were more about who you are and what your story is?
How fun would it be to first encounter people without knowing what they do? Just meeting them and finding out what you may have in common and what you can learn from each other. Work and business opportunities could come second, naturally.
Here are a series of icebreaker questions answered by the people that inspire us. We believe the answers to these questions can help start conversations in a different way.
1. As business owners, we’re constantly networking and meeting new people. Let’s say you’ve just met someone for the first time. What’s the first thing you’d like to know about them?
Where they grew up! It’s always a pleasure to watch people light up when they talk about their childhood memories with great fondness. It’s a fantastic way to connect at a deeper level and share stories about how they ended up where they are today.
2. We know you’re super busy – as all business owners are, no doubt – but when you’ve had the time to squeeze in some TV-watching, what’s the last thing you watched? What made you choose that particular show?
My guilty pleasure is Netflix and a good show is my way of unwinding. A show that really resonated with me but was hilarious at the same time was Workin’ Moms. Truth be told, in every episode, I saw flashes of me!
On a serious note, a serial that kept me at the edge of my seat was a Spanish thriller series called Victim Number 8 and an American series called Unbelievable. Amongst many strong plots and twists, what I loved most in these series was that women can get anything done once they set their mind to it!
3. Before you decided to go solo and be your own boss, you must’ve worked for someone else. What advice would you give your previous manager?
In all honesty, when I got back to work after our baby #3, before I hit 30, I was literally thrown in the deep end with minimal support. Yes, the learning curve was steep and I learnt on the job but some mentorship would have been priceless. I wish I could tell my manager to never underestimate the power of guidance and mentorship, especially if you are in a position of power and authority. Kindness that is steeped in learning and empowering goes a very long way. I try to remember that when I am around people who are hungry to learn and are looking for direction.
4. A koala bear jumps in through your window, and he’s looking at you. Why is he here? And what does he say to you?
This question literally made me burst out laughing. Well, if this would happen, it would mean I am in beautiful Australia. I would ask the koala the best go-to spots in the neighbourhood and we would have a hearty chat about the places I should explore that no travel book would show me…only a KOALA!
5. A resume can only tell you so much about someone. Often, the most interesting things about that person can’t be learned from those pages. What do you think is the most interesting thing about you, that your resume wouldn’t tell us?
Personally, given the number of countries I have lived in and moved to ever since I was a child gives me a unique perspective on my surroundings. Being a third culture kid and an expat family in my adult life has given me the ability to make new friends and settle into new environments with a relative sense of ease. I take pleasure in immersing myself in new cultures and surroundings when to most it would be interpreted as disruptive or uncomfortable.
6. What gets you out of bed every morning? What is it that excites you, or is meaningful to you?
Empowering people to believe in their dreams. I am in the business of interpreting an entrepreneur’s vision into reality using the most effective marketing tools. Now that is my kryptonite!
7. We’ve all got different talents and skills. It’s what makes us unique. What do you think you’re amazing at? And what are the things you’re not-quite-the-best at?
I think my core strengths are a healthy mix of creativity and execution. Some projects are so visionary that executing them from an idea to a reality is next to impossible. Striking the right balance where you don’t stifle creativity yet keep it attainable and results-driven is something I have learnt over the years of being in the creative media space.
As for what is a work-in-progress for me – if I don’t check myself I tend to overthink and over-analyse the littlest things. I will go over something a million times and sometimes I need to break that trance and just go for it! Don’t sweat the small stuff, right?
8. Building a great team takes time. It’s not easy to find the right fit – like, the people who share the same work values, have the same vision for your business and have a sense of humor. If you were granted a wish to hire any 5 people – people you know, celebrities…anyone – whom would you bring into your team?
Building a dream team has been the most challenging part for me as an entrepreneur. Finding people who are equally passionate about your business is next to impossible. I would love to hire people who compensate for my weaknesses and from whom I can learn.
Mark Zuckerberg, Indra Nooyi, Huda Kattan, Jack Ma, and Sheryl Sandberg. Imagine the force of power if I got all these iconic brains in one room!
9. If you woke up one morning and found yourself on a deserted island, which three things would you want to have with you? Why?
1. A companion because, what can I say? People make me happy!
2. Good food because….come on!
3. A boat to get back once the #islandlife has worn us out.
10. Inspiration can come from anywhere…a picture, a bike ride, the lyrics of a song, a pet, or even a gorgeous sunset. But people have the power to inspire us like none other! There is always someone we look up to, someone we admire. Who has inspired you in your life, and in what way?
I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who touch my heart and inspire me on a daily basis. My children play a huge role in inspiring me in the most innocent way without them even knowing. They are my biggest muse and I draw so much positive energy from them. Someday I will be able to articulate that to them and thank them wholeheartedly.
11. What’s your spirit animal? If you haven’t ever given it a thought, the time is right now!
An elephant has always been my spirit animal ever since I was a little girl. It is mighty and ever so powerful but one look into an elephant’s eyes and it would melt you with its humility and kindness. Elephants are soulful creatures that value relationships and have a strong sense of self and belonging with such a graceful flair! Don’t you think?
12. What characteristics do you admire the most in a person?
As cliché as this may sound it is very hard to come by, integrity and consistency. Both of these characteristics take serious depth, hard work, and mental clarity. The rest can be learnt, overlooked or compensated!
13. Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do but were afraid to try? What’s stopping you from doing it?
I have always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument and sing to my heart’s content while doing it! What’s stopping me? My kind consideration for the poor souls around me!
14. We’ve all been impressed by someone’s skills and wished we could have them too! If you could have a new skill at the snap of your fingers, what would it be?
To read people! I wear my heart on my sleeve and trust way too fast. I would not change that because that is the core of who I am but I would love the ability to know when to be cautious!
15. What’s your idea of a perfect day?
A day with my near and dear, exploring a new city with good food and vibrant culture! Making memories to last a lifetime. Too much to ask for?
About Sabina Munshi
Hello there! I am an avid digital media nomad with skincare being my passion project. A tech nerd with a soft spot for good skin? Yes, that sounds just about right!
We hope this interview with Sabina helps break the ice and foster familiarity. Now that you know a little more about Sabina online, you could make things more interesting by connecting offline!
You could contact Sabina here:
Email: sabina@bareskin.sg
Website: www.bareskin.sg
