Get ready for personal tales that highlight how favourite teachers lit the fire for innovation and drive in these entrepreneurs' paths.
You’ve probably heard it a million times: teaching is far from a leisurely stroll. In fact, it’s the unspoken foundation for all other career paths. We’re so grateful for our teachers! So, to give these unsung heroes a shoutout, we kicked back with a crew of our Launchpad entrepreneurs to learn how teachers have been the cheerleaders that helped pave the way for their entrepreneurial journeys. From the extra study sessions to the “aha!” moments in class, to the mentors who sparked their interest or a coach who pushed them to aim higher, these stories prove that teachers aren’t just in the business of education – they’re in the business of shaping futures.
How teachers continue to shape lives
1. Embracing real-life skills
“I truly appreciate my teacher, Mr. Wolmarans, from when I was 11 years old. He was a South African rugby fanatic, a middle-aged guy working in a rough area in London. He taught us how to play touch rugby, how to conduct ourselves, and how to navigate the stock exchange. These real-life skills have propelled me further in life than memorising Ancient Egyptian gods’ names or ensuring my handwriting was exceptionally neat. In fact, he helped each of his students build their self-esteem by encouraging them to tackle challenging tasks. Back then, I simply thought he was cool, but now I recognize the foresight he had.”
Ana Mackay, Founder and Osteopath, AMO Clinic
2. The impact of dynamic teaching
“My art of perfumery lecturer, Jessie Tong, profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial journey while I was studying Perfumery and Cosmetic Science at Singapore Poly. Her dynamic teaching merged art and science, igniting my passion. Immersive lessons included identifying scents of raw materials and grouping them into olfactory families, even transforming exams into engaging olfactory challenges. Her emphasis on safe materials and IFRA standards stayed with me as I founded Scent Journer, prioritising safe formulations for daily consumer use. Jessie’s impactful guidance shaped my business, where safety and artistry harmonise, reflecting the ethos of my perfumery venture.”
Joyce Lian, Founder and creative director, Scent Journer pte ltd
3. The legacy of inspirational teachers
“I consider myself fortunate to have had my favourite teacher for several years. She was not only caring but also an inspiration to us. Her remarkable ability to motivate us to try new things, explore our surroundings, and develop our relationships was truly phenomenal. Having such an inspirational teacher has laid a solid foundation for my future learning and exploration of the world. This experience may have even led me to create Milimilu, sustainable fashion for families. I hope my kids will also have the opportunity to meet teachers who inspire and encourage them as I was encouraged. It is a very exciting time of year for all the little ones starting their school year!”
Linda Morrison, Founder and Creative Director, MiliMilu
4. Inspiring acts of caring teachers
“Mrs. Carmen Fernando was my Primary 4 form teacher. She was stern but very caring. I had a hand puppet named Wally, and I would act like I was a ventriloquist. I wanted to perform in class, so I placed a note on her desk asking if I could. Mrs. Fernando encouraged all talents, and she immediately agreed to my request. In a way, I fell in love with the Arts because of her. She reminded me that a child learns best in a safe and conducive environment, which has heavily influenced the way I teach and parent my own child.”
Kavitha Dashinamoorthi, Director, Ambi Arts
5. Teachers who make a difference
“Miss Sylvia, my German and history teacher in high school, ignited my entrepreneurial fire in an unexpected way. Despite facing pity due to her weight and single motherhood, she remained unshaken. Her family drama, involving her unfaithful ex-partner and a colleague, was gossip fodder. Yet, she radiated positivity and kindness, leaving an indelible mark on me as a teenager. A fierce advocate for women’s rights, she became my role model, embodying the essence of a fighter. As an entrepreneur, I draw from her tenacity, navigating challenges with grit. Miss Sylvia’s impact resonates, shaping my entrepreneurial path by demonstrating that strength and purpose fuel success.”
Dana Wolf, Founder (Feng Shui practitioner and Marie Kondo consultant), Anjia Living
6. Lessons in hard work and diligence
“Miss Arkins was my senior-year Chemistry teacher, exhibiting unwavering dedication to her work. Beyond regular class hours, she stayed behind to provide valuable after-school tutoring, instilling the importance of hard work and diligence in her teachings. Her remarkable kindness resonated with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Prior to our final exams, she extended her thoughtfulness by gifting me a calming crystal, a gesture that eased my pre-exam jitters. This experience left an unforgettable mark, motivating me to approach life with the same level of compassion and care that she displayed daily.”
Tess Nguyen, CEO, Midnight Mischief
7. Teachers cultivating a passion for learning
“As much as a good teacher can inspire you to do great things, sometimes a poor one can hinder progress and even cause the student to dislike the subject.
When I was 5 years old, my father took me for piano lessons at a teacher’s home. I’m sure the teacher was a nice man, but as a 5-year-old, he was intimidating and scary. He didn’t seem to want to build a rapport with me, instead, he drilled me with scales, chords, and theory. We focused solely on classical music when I had just mastered nursery rhymes. Each week, my dad had a battle to get me to class, as I was kicking, screaming, and crying. Eventually, we stopped the lessons, but the damage was done. I never wanted to play the piano again.
This experience inspired me as a tutor. We aim to build rapport with our students, find common ground, and connect it to the topic we are teaching. An engaged student is more likely to be a successful student, and this philosophy is encapsulated in our company motto, which emphasises instilling a love of learning.”
Adam Crook, Director, Boutique Education
And there you have it! If you’ve got a story to share about your beloved teachers, we’re all ears. Slide into our DMs and let us know!
