What strategies can SMEs use to circumvent rising food prices?

Learn from Claire Shen, director of Cooking Art Industries.

Claire Ariela Shen is a second-generation family business owner and believes that business is not just about work or the bottom line, but also about developing people and running business responsibly. Her motto: To live and leave an inspiring legacy.

She is one of the thought leaders who will speak at the upcoming SBR Industry Insights Series 2015.

Find out more about her here:

What are your previous experiences and positions held that contributed to who you are as an entrepreneur today?

I am a second generation family business owner. The business has been around since 1988 and has pretty much grown with us. I have had varied food manufacturing experiences - from setting up and running a bakery cafe, to working in the galley of a ship sailing in the middle east when I was 19, as well as serving in a catering kitchen in Hawaii.

Leadership experiences in my university, as well as participating in other leadership circles such as the National Youth Achievement Award and the Young Women's Leadership Connection exposed me to forward-thinking men and women whom inspired me to go beyond. I am indebted to my mentors in these circles.

My experiences with poverty developed a strong desire in me to run business responsibly. From researching rural entrepreneurship in India, to interacting with the street children of the poorer communities in Turkey, I've encountered many needy groups internationally. The ripple effect of our business choices affects others in the world. No matter how "far away" that ripple may lie, it matters to me that our choices as a company enhances their lives too.

What are your key business philosophies?

People matter. At Cooking Art, we strive to fruit the maximum potential of the people who work with and partner us. I personally strive to be as inclusive as possible.

Be a good steward; invest wisely. I believe the choices I make and where I invest my time and money is a vote toward what I want the world to be, or become, for me, as well as the future generations.

Be honest. Be humble. Challenge yourself. Innovate.

Seek excellence and think "long-term" - it helps with making wiser choices.

Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the SBR Industry Insights Series?

I believe I'm one of the panel representing the SME sector of the food manufacturing market. On the panel, I'll be sharing about the strategies that we took as a company to circumvent the rising food prices through waste monitoring and some business model innovation

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