When we think of the word “entrepreneurs”, big names such as Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs come to mind. In this traditionally male-dominated field, countless women entrepreneurs have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also paved the way for others to follow. This feature article in a men’s publication aims to shed light on the remarkable journey of a pioneering woman entrepreneur who has triumphed against the odds and is now a formidable force in her industry.
Meet Crystal Ren, a visionary businesswoman who has not only built multiple successful companies from the ground up but has also overcome a multitude of obstacles and gender-based challenges along the way. Through her inspiring story, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the unique hurdles women face in entrepreneurship compared to men.
Can you share with us what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
I was a bit of a weird kid who didn’t like to follow rules. For example, I would skip classes to read a book at home or sneak away to play alone in the garden. I valued that freedom immensely. My upbringing also played a significant role in shaping my perspective. I was born and raised in China in the 1990s, a fascinating era brimming with business opportunities. I witnessed neighbors and friends improve their lives through entrepreneurship, which made me realize the transformative power of starting your own business.
How did you get started as an entrepreneur?
I was 28. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak since young, and I dabbled in some businesses in Canada in my early 20s. Then I came to Singapore and ever since I was here, I knew doing my own business is something I definitely need to do. So a day after I got my visa in Singapore, I started my company.
Was it scary, going into the unknown?
At first, yes. I remembered staring into space on the bed for 3 days, thinking what to do with all my free time. This was after I left my consulting job, which, even though was very demanding, I had control over when I will be paid and what I needed to do. It was almost like my safety blanket was gone.
A research paper published in 2022 showcased a persisting gender gap in entrepreneurial intentions, with males on the higher side. Have you experienced gender bias in your work as an entrepreneur?
I think there is a significant gender imbalance in jobs that involve higher levels of risk. In fields like finance and tech, especially in roles with potential for big returns, men tend to dominate. This might sound stereotypical, but historically, women have been more biologically inclined to take fewer risks, focusing on family and caregiving, while men, as hunters, were conditioned to take greater risks for survival. While these roles are ingrained in our genes, they no longer make sense in a world where we have equal opportunities.
Confronting these ingrained fears is challenging. Over time, I made a conscious decision to take more risks and pursue the things I wanted to do, fully aware of the sacrifices required. Many people fail to understand the level of sacrifice needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. When they encounter obstacles, they often give up. I recognize that obstacles are inevitable, and I work hard to overcome them.
Women tend to be more cautious and risk-averse, often considering factors such as family duties. I constantly remind myself not to fall into this mindset, as it can be constraining. Instead, I strive to push beyond these limits and embrace the risks necessary to achieve my goals.
It is tough enough having to prove yourself as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Do you find it harder for an attractive woman to be taken seriously?
In my experience, of all the obstacles that a person can face—such as race, gender, and nationality—gender is often the most significant hindrance. People form preconceived notions about you, especially as a woman, and even more so if you are considered attractive. You have to work much harder to demonstrate that you can perform as well as or better than your male counterparts.
When I first started my business, I vividly remember going to an incubator where a female Venture Capital partner questioned me, saying, “Why don’t you work in other startups first? Why would you want to work for yourself? You should gain some experience before taking such a leap.” This was despite the fact that I had graduated from business school with an MBA, worked in consulting, and had a solid business idea to pitch. She didn’t believe I had what it takes to succeed.
For some reason, I didn’t receive the benefit of the doubt from people, and that benefit of the doubt can be incredibly powerful.
How important has mentorship been in your career, and what have you personally done to foster an inclusive and supportive ecosystem?
I am passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs in the APAC region. I was selected as one of 19 Rising Talents out of 1400+ candidates globally at the 2022 Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, a worldwide community of top businesswomen, lawmakers and agents of change from numerous sectors. I attended the forum in Paris and actively participated in events and organizations that support female business owners.
Most importantly, I make it a point to collaborate with like-minded women in various associations to collectively assist the next generation of female entrepreneurs. There are so much shared experiences among us that I believe by helping each other, we can navigate uncertainties and self-doubt together.
This shared journey is not only about professional growth but also about recognizing and uplifting one another as fellow human beings.
How important has mentorship been in your career?
During an event with many VIPs from business and politics, we participated in a powerful exercise with 10 to 20 rising talents from diverse backgrounds. Traditionally, I might feel threatened or insecure around other driven women, but this experience changed my perspective. We each shared our life stories, revealing that our drive often stemmed from trauma and insecurities, particularly the feeling of not being good enough. Realizing that everyone at the table had similar experiences helped me see them differently and recognize their strength and resilience.
This deeper understanding fostered a supportive environment where we could channel our energies positively to reach our full potential. I was inspired by the fearless dedication of these women to their missions, which was refreshing and motivating. As women, we often lack the strong support networks that men have, so seeing and hearing from empowered women was incredibly inspiring. They showed me what I too could achieve.
What advice would you give to men in leadership positions to actively support and empower women entrepreneurs?
In my opinion, men in leadership should understand that supporting women should come from a place of sincerity. This means ensuring their intentions are genuine and rooted in a belief in a woman’s potential. It’s important to listen and understand our experiences and strengths without preconceived notions or stereotypes.
Creating safe spaces where women feel comfortable sharing their ideas and aspirations is another key aspect. This can be done by facilitating networking opportunities, organizing initiatives that allow women to share their journeys and connecting with mentors to reduce competition and build empathy.
Also, promoting equity such as advocating for fair hiring practices, equal pay, and opportunities for advancement can encourage women to express their true selves, show vulnerability and be authentic.
And what can women do to help themselves?
Women often strive to get along and avoid certain topics to maintain harmony, but it’s important to acknowledge that we all have interests and passions that might not fit the typical “girly girl” mold. Discussing these genuine interests can strengthen friendships and help others understand each other better.
Embracing and sharing our imperfections and experiences, including conflicts, allows us to connect on a deeper level. Often, strong and assertive women may seem difficult to approach because they hide their insecurities behind a tough exterior. This can lead to misunderstandings, as their true selves remain hidden.
Any last advice?
One key aspect I observed about female entrepreneurs is the stigma of confronting fear. It’s important to identify what scares you and learn to manage those emotions to pave the way for success rather than failure. Women often take on more responsibility and may struggle with risk aversion, which can hinder progress so recognizing and addressing these fears is essential.
There’s also a tendency among women to rely on others, which stems from social conditioning to be interdependent. Unlike many male entrepreneurs who are fiercely independent, women can benefit from cultivating a more self-reliant mindset. So I advise women out there to figure out solutions yourself so you can gain confidence and resilience, which are crucial for navigating the business world.
I think introspection is also vital – look inwards and reflect on your personal growth and think about areas for improvement. This practice, which can start from a young age, helps in overcoming challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Lastly, entrepreneurship requires constant growth and the willingness to face and overcome pain for long-term success. I always say that if you choose to be an entrepreneur, you are choosing the path of growth and pain.
In a world where many high-paying professionals feel a lack of purpose, Crystal is developing a holistic online program aimed at mid-career professionals (ages 25+) who seek greater clarity and purpose in their work lives. Her method, grounded in heart-centered entrepreneurial principles she practices herself, prioritizes internal aspirations over external validation. This program is designed to help individuals find careers aligned with their values and passions, offering an alternative to traditional coaching and therapy. Crystal is eager to connect with those facing these challenges to understand their frustrations and dreams, and in exchange, she offers personalized insights to help them navigate their paths. Please reach out to her here: https://www.crystalren.me/contact.
