For Vanessa, entrepreneurship is about more than just starting a company; it is about solving problems with purpose. As the leader of Gernise Global Pte Ltd, she navigated the complex world of raw material distribution for two decades before identifying a new challenge: the need for sustainable living. This sparked the creation of MamaShop, an eco-lifestyle brand that serves as a living case study for any career talk focused on innovation and social responsibility.
Her commitment to community building is equally evident in her work with Mumpreneurs-Go-Places, a digital hub she co-founded to support mothers in the business world. By bridging the gap between corporate success and community advocacy, Vanessa provides a unique perspective for students. She demonstrates that a professional journey isn’t just about a job title, but about the impact you leave behind.
Real Talk: Beyond the Classroom
On 26 March 2026, Vanessa brought this wealth of experience directly to the students of Zhenghua Secondary School. The session was lively, honest, and grounded in reality. Vanessa did not gloss over the “hard parts”—the uncertainty of starting a business, the steep learning curves of entering an unfamiliar industry, or the emotional weight of balancing family and professional ambition.
She spoke plainly and warmly, in a way that resonates most with teenagers: without pretence, without jargon, and with plenty of heart.
Key Discussion Points
- Turning Problems into Opportunities: Students were particularly engaged when Vanessa explained how wanting to reduce plastic waste in her own kitchen eventually became MamaShop—a brand, a movement, and a community.
- The Power of Adaptability: She shared that her career has involved constant learning and a willingness to step into territory where she was not yet an expert. In a fast-changing world, a curious and resilient mindset is a student’s greatest asset.
- Values in Action: Vanessa modelled how commitment to sustainability isn’t just a marketing angle; it shapes her business operations, her partnerships, and her conversations with the next generation.
Expanding Horizons
Feedback from students after the session reflected genuine engagement. Many admitted they had not previously considered careers outside of traditional professional tracks. Vanessa’s story opened their eyes to the breadth of possibilities that exist when you combine skill, passion, and purpose.
Schools play a vital role in shaping the horizons of young minds, and sessions like these remind us that the best career conversations come from real people willing to share their real journeys. Vanessa’s visit to Zhenghua Secondary was a powerful example of that impact.
Join the Spirit of Enterprise
If you are inspired by the work being done in Singapore’s schools, the Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) is looking for you. We welcome passionate volunteers—professionals who want to give back by mentoring students, speaking at events, or contributing expertise to our programmes.
Join us at soe.org.sg/volunteer/ and help us play a part in inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
AUTHOR BIO
ALAN KOH
Alan Koh is the Founder and CEO of Impossible Marketing, a group of companies renowned for hyperlocal marketing strategies tailored to businesses in Singapore. His professional journey began in the banking sector, where he quickly rose through the ranks, garnering eight industry awards in just four years.
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