On a breezy November afternoon in BGC, the aroma of spices mingled with the hum of conversation at The Kitchen by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Renowned chef, restaurateur, and content creator, Chef Tatung Sarthou, wasn’t just there to cook—he was there to inspire.
As part of Sun Life’s Coffee & Play event, Chef Tatung served up more than just his signature peri-peri chicken and chicken macaroni. He dished out the wisdom that has guided his own ventures, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a taste of what it takes to succeed in business. Here are his three essential tips for turning dreams into reality.
1. Define Your Success and Design Your Plan
“Success will happen by design, not by chance,” Chef Tatung said, his voice confident yet approachable. He explained that the first step to any successful endeavor is having a clear vision. For him, success isn’t just about opening doors—it’s about building an organization that thrives long-term.
“Be intentional,” he urged the audience, emphasizing the value of nurturing a team of leaders and hard workers who share your vision. “Your business should have the right people to help expand it.” Just like perfecting a recipe, success requires precision, preparation, and a pinch of determination.
2. Be a Problem-Solver
Running a business is no walk in the park, and Chef Tatung knows it firsthand. “Every day brings challenges,” he shared. “But successful businesses exist because they solve other people’s problems.”
For Chef Tatung, a problem-solving mindset isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. He described it as part of an entrepreneur’s DNA, a way of approaching obstacles with curiosity and creativity. Whether it’s a supply chain hiccup or an evolving market trend, every problem presents an opportunity to innovate.
3. Seek Professional Help to Grow
As the conversation turned to financial management, Chef Tatung didn’t mince words: “Get advice from people who know finance.” He reminded the audience that growing a business involves navigating complex financial and legal landscapes. The right experts, he explained, can help ensure a solid foundation for success.
For budding entrepreneurs, these words carried weight. Many nodded in agreement, their pens busy scribbling notes.
A Taste of Inspiration
As Chef Tatung wrapped up his talk, the audience sampled the dishes he prepared during the demo, savoring not just the flavors but the lessons behind them. The event didn’t end there. Participants dove into Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices, designed to teach strategic thinking and decision-making—skills every entrepreneur needs.
For Sun Life’s Market Segment Manager for Business Owners, Renee Co, the event was about more than sharing tips. “We want to empower our clients to make the bright choice in achieving their life and business goals,” she said, thanking Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for their collaboration.
Chef Tatung’s tips are a reminder that success, much like cooking, requires the right ingredients, a thoughtful process, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re plating your first dish or launching your first business, the recipe for success is within reach—with a clear vision, a problem-solving mindset, and the right support team to guide you along the way.
For more resources to grow your business, visit Sun Life’s Business Owner Program. Follow @SunLifePH on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on future events.
Details provided in a tecent press release.
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