Event Recap: Women Up! – A Night of Entrepreneurship

Women Up! Entrepreneurship took place last week at The Langham Hotel in Xintiandi. The event brought together the top female business leaders of the city for a night of fun and networking.

Host Lilian Shen (Zmack Comedy Troupe) welcomed the crowd, before an opening speech by Grace Guan of the British Consulate-General, Shanghai. “People are afraid of being labeled. No matter if you’re a man or a woman, if you long for equality, you are a feminist.”

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The first of four guests was Ling Zeng, founder of 8 ArtHotel and a partner at WE Design. Originally a backpackers’ hostel, an all-female team transformed 8 ArtHotel into a hotel with artistic appeal. Despite Ling’s 11 years in American real-estate, she faced serious challenges in Shanghai. But she persevered. “Only when you believe in yourself can you go on with your work. Let loneliness and uncertainty become your friends.”

Next up was Edith Sum, CEO of Smart World Holdings Ltd. Sum spent 13 years starting up her business. She shared her three maxims of entrepreneurship: strong decision-making, good implementation and piercing tenacity. And always reevaluate your own work. “How can I maintain my business mindset? I must have repeated this sentence many times today and that is: don’t forget the beginner’s mindset, always.”

On stage next was Johanna Hoopes, founder of Dragon Group Asia, speaking about being a woman in the Chinese sports industry. She founded her company in 2009, and has been a longtime supporter of ShanghaiPRIDE. Hoopes sees no reason that being a woman should disadvantage you in her business. “I speak up, and choose my words carefully. I listen to my team and clients.” During the Q&A session, she was asked how she earns people’s trust, “There’s no secret. You just have to work really hard. I really do my research, and I love to take new challenges.”

Last up was Louise Lai, a serial entrepreneur with successful businesses in education, catering and pets. She is also not afraid to fail. “I have a passion for many businesses, I strive to find the one that won’t die.” She founded Tread Design, which both fed her passion and exposed her to a variety of clients and commercial activities. Tread Design has just passed its tenth year and Lai is seeking her next venture. Speaking of the elements to succeed, she said: “Have fluid capital, a supportive inner circle, and a flexible mentality. Eat well, sleep well and keep fit!”

Passions ran high as the audience shared their own stories. These are proactive and independent women who dream big and act on their guts.

Special thanks to British Consulate-General, Shanghai and to The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.

Women Up! Returns on May 26th with Ladies Who Tech. Follow Wechat ID: shanghai-pride or check our website shpride.com for details.