As the co-founder of Ikigai, a yoga and meditation studio that opened amid the pandemic in Hong Kong, Melwani was severely impacted by the city’s response to Covid-19 and his biggest takeaway was to “keep your team lean and have foolproof systems in place”. 

One big topic that emerged organically was the need to adapt and pivot, with many honourees describing how the pandemic and ensuing economic downturn forced them to change tack in order to survive. 

Lam’s Unspun, which makes custom-fitted jeans, offered remote fittings when social restrictions prevented people from visiting its physical store, while LifeHub’s Chan docked her and her chairman’s payroll to ensure her staff stayed employed and paid throughout the pandemic. These were just some of the ways the honourees responded to crises, but even better than reacting to disaster is to prepare for it.

“The majority of us know offence, but hardly anyone knows defence,” said XGD Media’s Kwong, whose business of outdoor advertising took a hit when there were fewer people going outdoors.

The lunch wrapped up with a passionate dialogue on self-care, a constant struggle in the life of an entrepreneur, and the importance of respecting your own limits and well-being. 

“It’s so important to set boundaries,” said birthday girl, Wong from Madame Quad. “I want to do everything, but I can’t.”

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