3 minute read
Xpat Files - Chitra Stern
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How did the Martinhal concept come along?
The Martinhal concept was born when we had to figure out what unique positioning we could adopt for our first resort in Sagres. It was exactly then that we had our first child, and we realised the trials and tribulations of travelling with children! It suddenly became difficult to have luxury for parents while travelling with children. We looked at various existing family concepts and realised that there was a niche in the market to satisfy families at the luxury end of the market. This is how the concept was born.
And was the school a natural progression?
It was not natural per se. It was a passion to create positive impact for foreign direct investment in Lisbon that drove that decision. Without enough international schools, we saw back in 2017 that expat families who had to move here for work or investment couldn’t do it. Companies thinking of relocating to Lisbon could not be attractive without international schools for their employee’s children. Understanding children and families from all over the world with our experience in Martinhal obviously helped us to enter the educational world.
How does being a mum of four work alongside running the various businesses?
It is challenging and obviously you’re ridden with guilt on every side! However, children learn so much from entrepreneurial parents – life lessons and how much hard work must go into these ventures. As a mother, I feel much more balanced having to focus on both work and the family.
Are you a pro at multitasking?
Whether I’m a pro or not, I do multitask! I think this is what every entrepreneur has to do.
How does the real estate development business fit in?
All our businesses have had a real estate connection from the start. We started developing the real estate in Sagres before developing a hotel brand. Every new Martinhal has a real-estate angle behind it. What we have done is diversified into other kinds of real estate, as well as businesses.
Can you pinpoint key turning points in your life?
There are probably several. One of the key turning points was my decision to leave Singapore to come to Europe to study – I came to London. This obviously changed my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. The next one was certainly meeting my husband and business partner, Roman. We have complementary skill sets and we are great as co-founders.
Any lessons learned?
There are various lessons learnt in our 20-plus years of entrepreneurial life! Too many to cover here. Top five as an entrepreneur: 1. Grit is far more important for the execution of an idea than a good business idea. 2. Focus on building great teams. 3. You need to always combine persistence with rational analysis. 4. Stay positive and optimistic and think about how you’re going to steer the ship in good weather and bad. 5. Don’t run out of cash!
How is life in Lisbon now? How has the expat community changed?
It’s great! Lots of good development has taken place in bringing this city to new heights. The expat community has grown immensely and has become more cosmopolitan and diverse.
Are you expat or local?
I am truly both! I am a proud resident of Portugal and an expat with various cultures in me (Singaporean, Indian, British and Swiss).
Follow Chitra @chitrastern
For more about The United Lisbon School at unitedlisbon.school
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