The Business Times X Shentonista — Off Road

We caught Fiona just a day before she jetted off for a vacation, and from the sounds of it, she likes to go off the beaten track. She went camping while in Korea, and counts her running shoes as a must have when she goes overseas. Evidently, she’s adventurous when it comes to her fashion choices as well. She’s not one to shy away from colour, and is in almost the same shade of bright coral as when we met her previously (here). At work, Fiona takes more of a Zen-like approach, and tries to see the big picture in things. “What drives me is knowing that in big or small ways, I can do something every day that is meaningful to someone else,” she says. “Even on the toughest days, I remind myself that I have my family and friends, more food than I need, and a comfy bed to crash on, so I count my blessings and get through the day knowing that my struggles are really nothing.” We catch up with Fiona and find out more about what she’s been up to.

1. Describe a typical day at work.

Typical day at work — I’d really like to know that myself! Because my work deals with people, you really don’t know what to expect.

2. If you could start your own business or company, what would it deal with, and why?

Food. I like feeding people, and food brings people together. On that note, I’m not very good at cooking/baking but that doesn’t stop me from forcing it upon others. It usually looks good, but I can’t say the same about the taste…

3. What do you think about entrepreneurship in Singapore? Eg. Are there more opportunities for entrepreneurs? Is it becoming easier or more difficult for people to start their own businesses?

Well, I don’t think that opportunities for entrepreneurs have “increased” but rather, society is now a lot more embracing and encouraging towards that notion, versus a decade ago where most of us would simply have one goal, which is to pursue and attain a certain standard of academia and then progress on into ideal professions.

4. If there’s one piece of advice you would like to give anyone who is just starting his/her career, or his/her own business, what would it be? Or, what is the one most important thing you’ve learnt in your years at work? 

Appreciate and respect the work of others. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey.

5. Describe your usual workplace style in three words. 

Clean, neat, understated.

6. If you could wear a uniform of sorts to work for the rest of your life, what would that outfit consist of, and why?

Tailored shorts and well, seasonal/occasional pairings? Oversized-shirt/sweater with sneakers/heels.

7. Tell us something interesting about yourself. What do you do in your spare time? Any unusual hobbies? A childhood pastime? Favourite book/movie/music genre? Role model in life? Anything that you can come up with at the top of your head.

I enjoy running outdoors and my running shoes are an essential part of the travel pack. I also have an obsession with bread, and can be completely random at times.

8. Do you have any philosophies, mottoes or quotes that you’re living by right now?

Resist the temptation to judge.

This is a Shentonista project for The Business Times, supported by Ermenegildo Zegna.