CEO Insights Magazine

Profoundly influenced by her architectural education, Grace Sim I En, Co-Founder of Graxis Design and Key Signature Music strongly believes that creating something entirely unique, beginning from complete abstraction, is achievable. She views this creative process as an entrepreneurial journey, where the fusion of subjective, customizable creativity and universally understandable logical and rational thinking is paramount. Her early exposure to classical piano and music enriched her life and imparted invaluable lessons.

Grace understands that music education demands discipline, patience, and focus, emphasizing the delicate balance between expression and technical precision. Grace's experiences led her to explore the art of teaching music, which she finds unique and rewarding. Over six years of teaching private piano lessons, she recognized that teaching is an art distinct from her architectural and musical background, requiring skills such as clear communication, effective instruction, and guiding young musicians toward discovering their own passions and artistic identities.

The driving force behind her daily routine is self-empowerment, cultivated through personal experiences with hardships and setbacks. Emerging from a modest and tumultuous background, Grace acknowledges that adversity forges the strongest confidence and resilience. Grace's ability to navigate challenging phases is a testament to her inner strength and growth capacity. Her self-discovery has been transformative, providing inspiration, personal empowerment, and the encouragement to embrace failures, setbacks, and imperfections. Let’s get to know more from her.

Could you please share with us the distinctive experiences provided by the Singapore University of Technology and Design, and what non-academic insights you gained from your time on campus?

My experience in pursuing architecture as my major at Singapore University of Technology and Design has significantly influenced the way I view and solve problems. The study of architecture provides a distinctive and robust framework for addressing complex issues. It empowers students like me to begin with a clean slate, allowing us to choose a research area, identify challenges and obstacles aligned with our interests and objectives, and formulate a comprehensive strategy. This process is rooted in research, hypothesis, imagination, and creativity, elements that I find directly applicable to my entrepreneurial endeavors.

By incorporating these principles into my business ventures, they become invaluable tools that enhance my ability to approach challenges and opportunities with a well-rounded skill set. This makes me more effective, adaptable, and has instilled in me the confidence that I can create something meaningful and fulfilling.

How would you define Graxis Design as an organization and its current position in the market?

Graxis Design is a design consultancy firm specializing in design thinking and spatial solutions, primarily within architecture and interior design. Our journey began as a creative platform, branching into various design disciplines such as branding, digital marketing, web design, interior design, and architectural design. We discovered that design involves a complex interplay of practical implementation and creative conception, emphasizing justification, evaluation, and persuasion. As design consultants, we’ve learned to be versatile, similar to entrepreneurs. We aim for Graxis Design to remain dynamic, adaptable, and proficient in various design disciplines. We recognize that distinct design thinking, unique values, and experiences differentiate one design consultancy from another, emphasizing the constant need to hone, practice, apply, and explore the craft of design.

Define Key Signature Music as an organization.

Key Signature Music School's mission is to provide quality music education that fosters creativity and a sense of community for both students and teachers. In addition to teaching music, they are committed to modernizing and digitalizing their administrative and customer services to enhance the overall experience for clients. Key Signature Music School strives to offer personalized experiences, including individualized lesson goals and tracking each student's musical journey. Their inclusive approach welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to join their community and discover the joy of making music.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

In my perspective, leadership is context-dependent. Crucial to leadership is cultivating strong relationships with colleagues, ensuring decisions align with the team's and customers' best interests. In the music school, teaching and learning experiences enable me to lead by example and understand fellow teachers better. In design, understanding project and client needs is vital for proposing solutions that serve their objectives. In all contexts, my leadership is rooted in the best interests of those I work with, promoting a hands-on, collaborative approach for a more productive environment.

What is your intended future direction?

I strongly believe in personal growth and am currently dedicated to this journey. Personal growth, to me, involves various facets such as character development, expanding knowledge, refining expertise in business areas, enhancing leadership skills, and nurturing relationships. It also entails continuously aligning my goals with my life's purpose.

I view personal growth as an ongoing journey that includes striving to reach my full potential and embracing challenges. My aim is to become more resourceful, not just for personal benefit but to serve communities, especially underprivileged children, by leveraging my privilege for a positive impact.

Grace Sim I En, Co-Founder, Graxis Design & Key Signature Music

Grace Sim I En is a multifaceted professional serving as the Co-Founder and Piano Teacher at Key Signature Music School since July 2022. In this role, she actively contributes to the school's mission of providing quality music education. Sim is also the Co-Founder and Designer at Graxis Design since June 2021, where she brings her creative expertise to various design projects.  

Hobbies: Reading, Swimming, Cooking

Favorite Book: The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth - John Maxwell

Favorite Travel Destination: Switzerland