Building Relationships and Breaking the Ice

The conversation began with an icebreaker called “Bonfire Connections,” which invited participants to dive into introspective conversations by answering thought-provoking questions, such as, "What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?" The activity encouraged genuine engagement, helping turn strangers into potential collaborators.
Following the icebreaker, Dawn, the founder of Media Clubroom, shared the organization’s mission: empowering thought leaders and aspiring speakers through platforms like Bonfire Fridays. Dawn underscored that the event wasn’t just about talk but about creating conversations that spark action.

As the evening progressed, attendees exchanged LinkedIn connections and discussed Media Clubroom’s broader initiatives, from leadership summits to discussions on intergenerational trauma.

Insights into Creative Leadership

A highlight of the night was a panel moderated by Narita, co-founder of Paperspace Asia, focusing on the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, particularly among "Designpreneurs" — entrepreneurs in the design world who balance creativity and business acumen. The panel featured industry leaders like Matilda Sung, Frank Chen, and Valentina Doncevic, who shared personal experiences and offered practical insights on navigating the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurship.

Matilda Sung, co-founder of Graphite Studio, emphasized the importance of building a team centered on joy and purpose. For her, success isn’t measured by high-profile projects for companies like Bloomberg and Google but by the positive impact she has on her team’s well-being. Frank Chen echoed this sentiment, focusing on creating value and authenticity in his work. Valentina Doncevic, an entrepreneur and artist, shared her passion for using creativity to give back to communities, highlighting her work with migrant workers and her forest retreat project in Croatia.

Overcoming Lows: The True Measure of Success

The entrepreneurial journey is not always smooth, and the conversation expanded to cover the emotional toll of pursuing creative dreams. Valentina spoke about her 15-year journey to realize her dream of creating a wellness retreat in Croatia, noting that moments of doubt and failure were part of the process. Her realization? Success often comes after years of perseverance, and small validations—like a guest writing, “You’ve made my life better”—make the struggles worthwhile.

"Every day is different, but when a guest wrote in our notebook, 'You have made my life better,' that was everything. It validated all the years of work and struggle."

Frank shared his battle with depression and how channeling his emotional lows into creativity helped him overcome personal challenges. Through collaborative projects, he turned his experiences into artistic expressions that resonated with others. Matilda also reflected on leaving behind prestigious roles to start her own business, admitting that the uncertainty was daunting. However, she learned to reframe her struggles and ask for help, which ultimately led to personal and professional growth.

Navigating Entrepreneurship: No Regrets, Just Lessons

The entrepreneurial path is filled with lessons, and one major takeaway from the discussion was the importance of trusting your instincts. Panelists agreed that the greatest regret was not acting sooner or spending too much time pondering "what if." The key is to leap in, learn from setbacks, and avoid lingering in indecision.

Managing a team was another critical theme, with panelists sharing the difficulty of navigating diverse leadership styles and personalities. Effective leadership, they agreed, requires understanding others’ strengths and creating an environment where these strengths can shine.

Growth Brings New Challenges

The idea that entrepreneurs reach a point where they can finally relax was dispelled during the conversation. Growth, while a marker of success, often introduces new challenges and pressures. One panelist shared how the current phase of business growth felt harder than ever before, requiring resilience and adaptability to continue thriving.

Despite the difficulties, the panelists found empowerment in their ability to say "no" to projects or clients that didn’t align with their vision. This shift from taking on everything to selectively pursuing opportunities was a liberating milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.

The Power of Asking for Help

One of the most powerful takeaways is the importance of asking for help. Valentina, at her lowest point, considered giving up on her retreat. She approached a mentor, who simply told her, "You’re going to finish it. You have to finish it because only you can." Sometimes, as Valentina learned, the advice you receive may not solve your problem, but the support of being surrounded by people who believe in you can provide the strength you need to carry on.

For Frank, collaboration became his lifeline. Working with other artists and creatives helped him turn his negative energy into something beautiful. And for Matilda, it was the realization that she didn’t have to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. She learned to ask for help, to lean on her support system, and to find comfort in the community of creatives around her.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

That night highlighted the complexities of entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership, reminding attendees that success is a continuous journey rather than a final destination.

From building meaningful connections to navigating emotional lows and business growth, the key message was clear: embrace the challenges, trust your instincts, and keep moving forward. In this space where conversation sparks action, entrepreneurs and creatives alike can find support, inspiration, and the courage to choose their own path.