In Conversation With Saranta Gattie
We’ve recently expanded our Friday 5 series to encompass friends of Heist, and branched out to a new format called “In Conversation With…” Heist sat down for a chat with Saranta Gattie, co-founder of The Working Capitol, a coworking space on Keong Saik Road which we called home last year.
1/ Hi Saranta, who and what inspires you on a regular basis?
I get inspired by other people’s stories. I’m a fan of autobiographies and how people have gone through their personal or business journeys. Right now, I’m reading, Tim Ferriss’ Tribe of Mentors — the questions change but it sheds light on people’s experience. It offers bits of advice from various leaders on how they have overcome challenges, and that kind of bite-sized inspiration helps me reflect on what I’m doing as well. Becoming by Michelle Obama is a great read. Beyond that, I also enjoy going to events, culture, travelling, taking care of my plants and my dog… all those things allow me to keep my mind fresh and take time for myself.
2/ You’ve co-founded the Working Capitol, how would you describe the culture there and how did you and your team cultivate it throughout the years?
The culture at The Working Capitol is ever-evolving. When we first started, we sold to our first team members a great idea; we weren’t even using the term “co-working” — our aim was to create a multi-faceted space for people to do their best work, meet and unwind. Our team culture was really just about building something new and exciting; everyone had a part to play and a voice to be heard.
As we grew and different people joined the team, they helped to further our culture to what it is today. I’ve always been sensitive to the fact that our team culture is a big part of what makes The Working Capitol’s culture; it is reflected in our service, our events and the various touchpoints within the space. For some members, The Working Capitol’s culture becomes an extension of their own, and it’s a place where they can attract, hire and grow the best talent.
3/ What’s the most challenging aspect of creating a space for start-ups to thrive? On the other hand, what’s the most rewarding thing?
I would highlight first that our space is not just for startups — it’s for entrepreneurs and businesses looking for a new flexible way of working. It’s very rewarding to be part of a company’s journey; whether they are growing or downsizing, being able to support them is key. With that comes the challenge of being able to accommodate them within our space. There are solutions to that — you just need to be creative, flexible and a master juggler!
4/ What do you think Fortune 500 companies can learn from start-up culture within co-working spaces?
Simplifying the decision making process and empowering all employees to make decisions. We, along with a lot of startups, need to make quick decisions — it saves time and we can then move on to the next task. Also just surrounding ourselves with people from all walks of life — that’s what I love about running this space, it is those random conversations because sometimes you’re so stuck in your problem but just taking a trip to the front desk or the pantry and communicating with others can be powerful.
5/ Given how rapidly things are changing, what do you think the future of work looks like and what role do places like the Working Capitol play in it?
Creating more mobility within the workforce, and hiring people that are multi-skilled and adaptable. I think more companies are looking to build a team that’s mobile and flexible, where people are more autonomous and project-based. Where I think the opportunity is for co-working spaces is to help support these individuals and encourage companies to be more flexible — giving team members across businesses to work on a variety of projects, available within the space. In essence, you become a hub for services; from meeting spaces to project-based skills.
