Meet Richard, who is the visionary founder of Rainmaker, a thriving business community that unites over 500 entrepreneurs and top professionals under a shared philosophy.
With a background as a successful entrepreneurial fundraiser, he has not only driven business growth but also cultivated a culture of genuine connection and support. Now semi-retired, he remains deeply committed to fostering impactful relationships and advocating for charitable causes. Here’s his story.
What are the core values behind the community you have built and how have they shaped the community’s growth?
The core values of love, authenticity, respect, and kindness are the foundation of Rainmaker. These values have fostered a sense of trust and belonging within the community, making it more than just a network—it’s a family.
By promoting these principles, we’ve attracted members who resonate with them, leading to organic and sustainable growth. Members naturally become ambassadors, advocating for the community’s ethos and bringing in others who share the same values.
Recently, we added a new core value: youthfulness. We believe that moving ahead, youthfulness is an important trait—not just in terms of age, but as a mindset of energy, innovation, and openness to change. This value empowers members to stay agile, creative, and forward-thinking, ensuring that Rainmaker remains relevant in an ever-evolving world.
Additionally, more and more entrepreneurs and professionals are beginning to realise the importance of values in building real businesses. Values are the foundation of long-term success, and this realisation has made Rainmaker a magnet for attracting top-notch entrepreneurs.
By upholding these values, we’ve built a community that not only supports personal and professional growth but also inspires others to join us on this journey.
How did your experience as an entrepreneurial fundraiser influence your leadership style and approach to building a strong business network like Rainmaker?
As an entrepreneurial fundraiser, I had the privilege of meeting people across a wide spectrum—high-level individuals such as investors and business owners, as well as those who needed help and support.
These interactions shaped my perspective on the importance of bringing people from different levels together to support one another. Rainmaker was built on the principle of integration, not segregation or differentiation. It’s about creating a community where people connect and collaborate based on shared values, rather than status or background.
One of the most important lessons I learned as a fundraiser is the value of empathy. Fundraising is not just about securing resources—it’s about understanding people’s needs, emotions, and motivations. This has made my leadership style dynamic yet deeply personal. It’s always about the people we are dealing with—individuals with different backgrounds, talents, emotions, and abilities.
As a leader, I’ve had to learn how to manage their emotions while building trust and respect. This empathetic approach has helped me create meaningful relationships within the community and has been a cornerstone of Rainmaker’s success.
My message to future entrepreneurs is simple: Success is fleeting, but the impact you make on others is lasting. Build with purpose, lead with integrity, and always lift others as you climb.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while growing this community, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the integrity of our values as the community grew. It’s easy for large groups to lose their identity, so I’ve been intentional about instilling our core principles at every level.
Another significant challenge has been managing individuals with selfish agendas, such as trying to grow their own “little empire” within Rainmaker or causing division. While these cases are rare, they can disrupt the harmony of the community.
To address this, we’ve implemented clear expectations, open communication, and robust feedback sessions. These measures help us identify members who contribute positively and those who might pose challenges. By fostering transparency and accountability, we’ve been able to ensure the community remains aligned with its core values and continues to thrive.
Additionally, engaging inactive members has required creativity. We’ve tackled this by organising unique events, like the Rainmaker 5th Anniversary Dinner, and implementing incentive schemes to re-energise participation. It’s about consistently adding value and making people feel included.
Can you share a memorable success story from within your community that embodies the core values you promote?
Through Rainmaker, one of the values that I promote is kindness. It is through Rainmaker that Steven Goh, the head of the Rainmaker Charity Group, got to know one of our fellow Rainmakers, Dr. Ivy Heng, who is very passionate about fundraising and helping the poor.
This connection sparked a collaboration where they organised several successful fundraising events. With Dr. Ivy’s support and leadership, Helping Joy recently achieved its IPC status (Institution of a Public Character).
To me, this is a memorable success because it demonstrates how Rainmaker is not just a business network but a platform that facilitates impactful collaborations. It’s deeply fulfilling to see how the community has been a catalyst for creating meaningful change and how the impact of our values has spread far and wide.
Now that you’re semi-retired, what motivates you to stay connected and involved with Rainmaker?
It is my passion that motivates me to stay connected because Rainmaker started with a passion and a commitment to build a long-lasting legacy. It is my obligation towards my friends and the many friends of friends in the community. We are here to help one another succeed on various levels.
Rainmaker is not just about business; it’s about making a difference, lifting each other up, and creating something that will last for generations. This sense of responsibility and purpose keeps me actively involved and invested in the community.
How do you see the future of business communities evolving, especially in a world that’s increasingly digital and fast-paced?
Digital tools will play a significant role in how business communities connect, collaborate, and grow. However, the human element—trust, authenticity, and meaningful relationships—will remain irreplaceable.
Rainmaker is positioned to bridge the gap between technology and personal connection by embracing digital advancements while staying rooted in our core values. The future belongs to communities that can adapt quickly while staying true to their purpose.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work with this community, and what message would you like to share with future generations of entrepreneurs?
I hope to leave a legacy of a community that values people over profit, collaboration over competition, and kindness over self-interest. My message to future entrepreneurs is simple: Success is fleeting, but the impact you make on others is lasting. Build with purpose, lead with integrity, and always lift others as you climb.
Where do you see yourself and what’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
In five years, I see myself mentoring more entrepreneurs and focusing on philanthropic initiatives that align with Rainmaker’s values, such as supporting elderly care, education, and children with special needs.
For Singapore, my vision is for it to remain a hub of innovation and inclusivity, where businesses thrive and communities like Rainmaker play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more connected future.
Connect with Richard: LinkedIn.
Also read: Meet Colin Goh, From Civil Servant to Inspiring Entrepreneur
