A conversation with Karmen Tang
Through the work that we pursue, which bridges creativity with entrepreneurship centered upon positive values, our path crossed that with Singapore-based another startup story founder, Karmen Tang. Talented and multi-faceted, Karmen’s story caught our attention, for it speaks of a journey defined by perseverance, a global-mindedness, and a vision projected towards greatness.
A former qualified ACA Chartered Accountant, Karmen gave up her role as Financial Controller of Iris Worldwide advertising agency to launch another startup story-a podcast packed to the brim with inspiring nuggets of education for millennials seeking to pursue their creative passion through entrepreneurship. With story-telling at its cornerstone, another startup story showcases profiles of global entrepreneurs and the creatives of today's brands.
Karmen Tang
From co-hosting informative panel talks with the likes of Javier Perez (of Grain Traders and Kilo Kitchen fame) and Nadia Anya, to releasing podcasts featuring guests such as Peter Bone and Steph Dickson, Karmen’s work has attracted a global audience of the positively informed and inspired.
With a passion to understand what drives and motivates people at the emotional level, Karmen helps brands, leaders and visionaries to unpack a new understanding of the unseen challenges and opportunities facing their companies. She helps visionary entrepreneurs transform their business ideas into meaningful brands, guiding growing businesses through a rethink of their identity while supporting larger organisations in launching new products and services into new markets through content creation, social media and marketing consultancy.
We recently caught up with her amidst her travels, asking 10 questions inspired by the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
From a macro-level, as Simon Sinek says, I imagine a world in which the vast majority of us wake up inspired, feel safe at work and return home fulfilled at the end of the day. Imagine how much better the world would be if this were the case.
From a micro-level, it would be when my mind reaches a complete and utter state of peace. No limiting beliefs, self-destructive thoughts or deep-rooted traumas holding me back from becoming the best version of myself.
What is your current state of mind?
Intention. Being intentional about where I’m spending my time, who with and doing what and consistently asking myself ‘what is the purpose of this?’
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?
Nelson Mandela. Of course I don’t wish to go through what he did, but I want to emphasise how poorly the man was treated and having gone through all the degradation and humiliation, he allowed it all to develop him, to strengthen him and to open him. He’s become one of our great symbols of forgiveness and peace.
‘People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.’ – Nelson Mandela
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To live in the present more and to stop stressing about the future.
What is your greatest regret?
I never regret, I believe all experiences can be used as lessons to shape who you are today in any shape or form.
What is your most treasured possession?
The Bible. The word has changed my whole perspective on life, and consequently how I live life.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Integrity.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Unapologetic
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Creating another startup story as a source where millennials can be educated and inspired to follow their dreams and passions, to be bold and to be encouraged to start today.
What is your motto?
Your mind is the most powerful tool and if trained well, can achieve great things.
Tune in to our conversation with Karmen as part of the another startup story podcast series here.