"What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create." - Buddha
Ricardo Sentosa, a remarkable individual, has undergone a transformative journey to emerge as a prominent leader and mentor in the startup community of Singapore. Having had the privilege of knowing him personally a decade ago when he embarked on his entrepreneurial venture with Venuerific, I have witnessed firsthand his remarkable growth and the profound impact he has made in the industry. Our paths crossed as we collaborated on several events, and our friendship blossomed along the way. Ricardo's unwavering dedication, resilience, and strategic thinking enabled him to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading Venuerific to thrive amidst adversity. His exceptional journey and accomplishments make him truly deserving of the spotlight, serving as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the power of transformation and perseverance.
How would you describe the values, principles, and beliefs that guide your personal and professional life?
When it comes to the values, principles, and beliefs that guide my personal and professional life, I prioritize integrity and a customer-centric approach. These core values have been instrumental in the growth of our business, as they have fostered trust, loyalty, and organic referrals from our clients.
During challenging times like the Covid period, I have found that persistence and resilience are crucial traits. By maintaining unwavering belief in our mission, we have been able to overcome obstacles and inspire our staff to stay committed.
Recognizing the significance of a growth mindset, I have cultivated a leadership team that embraces continuous learning and development. As the saying goes, "Your company can only grow to the capabilities of its leaders." This mindset has been instrumental in driving our company's progress.
Lastly, I have learned the importance of self-awareness, particularly in identifying my own strengths and weaknesses. By understanding my limitations, I have been able to seek out leaders who complement my skill set and contribute to our collective success.
What are some of your key strengths and qualities that contribute to your success as an entrepreneur and leader?
Compassion & Empathy: I genuinely care about my team and always lend a hand. I ask, "How can I help?" instead of just telling them what to do.
Trust in Team Members: I trust my team to make the right decisions and deliver what's needed. No micromanaging here!
Effective Communication: I'm all about clear communication. Everyone knows what's expected, and I listen to their ideas and concerns.
Strategic Thinking: I analyze data, anticipate trends, and set long-term goals. I love playing the strategic game and making informed decisions.
Resilience: I bounce back from failures and encourage my team to do the same. It's about embracing challenges and coming out stronger.
Inspiring and Motivating: I bring energy and enthusiasm to the workplace, appreciating my team's efforts and motivating them to give their best.
How do core aspects of your personality shape your approach to challenges and interactions with others?
My core personality aspects greatly influence how I approach challenges and interact with others. I embody optimism, proactiveness, adaptability, empathy, and resilience.
I maintain a positive outlook, actively seek solutions, adjust to change, understand others' perspectives, and bounce back from setbacks. These qualities shape my problem-solving approach and foster supportive interactions with others.
How do you incorporate self-discovery practices into your daily life and how have they influenced your personal and professional growth?
Self-discovery practices, including reflection, mindfulness, seeking feedback, continuous learning, and embracing challenges, have been vital in my daily life and have greatly influenced my personal and professional growth. Additionally, having a mentor has played a crucial role in my journey. Their guidance and support have provided invaluable insights and helped me navigate through important decisions and challenges. These practices, combined with mentorship, have enhanced my self-awareness, improved my decision-making, and fueled my personal and professional development. They have shaped me into a more adaptable, empathetic, and growth-oriented individual.
What strategies or techniques do you use to prioritize self-reflection, self-care, and staying motivated towards your long-term goals?
To prioritize self-reflection, self-care, and staying motivated towards my long-term goals, I have a structured routine. I start my weekdays with acai berry smoothies and coffee. During my daily commute, I spend 20 minutes reading or meditating. I exercise 4-5 days a week, either during lunch or after work, sometimes incorporating 15 minutes of meditation with home workouts. I also carve out "me" time for hobbies and relaxation. Weekly, I reflect on achievements and challenges to stay motivated and make necessary adjustments to my goals. These strategies help me maintain balance and focus.
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Ricardo Sentosa, the visionary founder of Venuerific, is transforming the events industry with his tech-driven approach. Venuerific, a Southeast Asia-based event space marketplace and SAAS solution, simplifies the process of searching, discovering, and booking event venues. Offering a diverse range of options, from restaurants to hotels and even private houses, Venuerific caters to events of all sizes and types. Ricardo's expertise in finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship has propelled Venuerific to become a game-changer in the industry, empowering individuals and businesses to find the perfect space with ease.
Beyond Venuerific, Ricardo Sentosa serves as the business director of Aemorph, a digital marketing agency, and is a co-owner in Motion Studio Asia. In addition, Ricardo holds the position of Executive Director at Decentralised Capital, a specialist blockchain firm focused on developing institutional-grade assets and services. Alongside these ventures, Ricardo is passionate about knowledge sharing and has launched CEO's Confess, a platform that enables entrepreneurs to learn, exchange experiences, and discuss strategies. Recognized for his expertise, Ricardo has been invited as a business mentor by Impact Hub Singapore, supporting companies in building successful startups from the ground up. One of his recent mentees is Mercatus Capital, the property investment and management arm of NTUC. Ricardo Sentosa's diverse portfolio and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship make him a prominent figure in the business landscape. With his dedication to innovation and empowerment, Ricardo Sentosa is revolutionizing the events industry and leaving a lasting impact on the startup ecosystem.
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