Why communities matter | Sabrina 'Princessa' Wang

My BNI experience and how we’re building ecosystems that empower.

Two days in, and I almost wanted to quit.

Yes, me – someone who’s been on global stages, founded multiple companies, speaks to thousands without batting an eyelid – almost walked away from a room of 30-odd people.

Why?
Because I felt like an alien.

Recently, I joined the BNI Affluent chapter, a Mandarin-speaking business community. And here’s the kicker – Mandarin is not my strongest suit.
HOW is that even possible?!
Honestly, I asked myself the same question.

The first two meetings were tough.

For someone who doesn’t have stage fright, who’s pretty outspoken, confident, and a natural connector, suddenly, I felt small.

The language barrier was real. I couldn’t keep up, couldn’t contribute the way I usually do, and I started wondering: Maybe this isn’t for me.

But here’s the thing about communities – sometimes, it’s not about whether you “blend in” immediately.

It’s about whether the people give you room to grow into it.

When you don’t blend in – and that’s okay

I’ve been part of and built many communities over the years.
Business networks, entrepreneur circles, mastermind groups, mentorship programmes, and of course, my own communities.

In most of them, I fit in easily.
But BNI Affluent was different.

Despite the struggle, what struck me was how accommodating and warm the people were.

They didn’t shut me out. They welcomed me, bent a little so I could lean in – they even encouraged me to use AI (yes, Seraphina!) to bridge the gap.

It reminded me that sometimes, it’s not about immediate belonging.
It’s about whether the people around you want you to belong.

What makes a community worth staying in

This wasn’t the first BNI I visited. But honestly?
It was the warmest, most genuine vibe I’ve felt.

If language weren’t a setback, I’d probably devote myself to it fully.

That experience made me reflect on the communities I’ve been building since I took my sabbatical a few years ago – when I hit burnout, walked away from the hustle, and started rebuilding my life, my network, my purpose.

Since then, I’ve joined many communities.
And I’ve also built many.

But here’s the thing: A community isn’t just about membership. It’s about meaning. It’s about what you give, what you receive, and what you can build together.

Because for any ecosystem to work, there needs to be value exchange.

There needs to be collaboration.
There needs to be growth.

That’s why I created two of my most purposeful communities: Royal Visionary Society (RVS) and Speakers Society. Different, but part of the same mission – to build an empowered ecosystem where we rise together.

The power of collaboration: The plant analogy

I always go back to a simple analogy.

Outside my house, I have plants.
When I group them together, they stand tall, no matter how strong the wind blows.
But when I separate them, they fall.
Individually, they look beautiful, but they’re fragile.
Together, they’re unshakable.

That’s how communities work.

Alone, you shine.
Together, you soar.

Why I built the Royal Visionary Society and the Royal Launch School

When I founded Royal Visionary Society (RVS), it wasn’t to start “just another group.”

It was born from a deeper purpose – to create a space for visionary entrepreneurs, especially women, to achieve freedom in time, wealth, location, and happiness.

But I didn’t stop there.

Because a community without a system is just a social club.

So under RVS, I created the Royal Launch School (RLS) – our flagship programme designed to turn passion into fortune.

It’s not theory. It’s not fluff. It’s a structured, actionable roadmap to help aspiring female founders build real businesses, using the very tools and strategies that built mine.

RVS is the community.
RLS is the classroom.
Together, they are the ecosystem.

An ecosystem where collaboration thrives, knowledge is shared, businesses are built, and lifelong connections are made.

How to build a strong, thriving community (that actually works)

Whether it’s BNI, RVS, RLS, or any community, here’s what I’ve learned – and how we intentionally build our ecosystem:

1. Start with shared values and purpose

People stay when they feel aligned.

In RVS, our purpose is clear: To empower visionary founders to build lives of freedom and abundance.
In RLS, it’s about giving them the actual skills, systems, and strategies to make that possible.

2. Make it safe and inclusive

Communities grow when people feel safe and seen.

We welcome everyone – dreamers, doers, beginners, experts.
In RVS and RLS, you can show up as yourself and be supported.

Even in BNI Affluent, the warmth I felt despite my language barrier was a reminder of this.

3. Encourage contribution and collaboration

A community isn’t a spectator sport.

In RVS, members collaborate, co-create, and cheer one another on.
In RLS, students build partnerships, refer clients, and celebrate each other’s wins.

You don’t grow alone – you grow together.

4. Facilitate value exchange

For an ecosystem to flourish, there must be a value flow.

In RVS, that value comes in the form of knowledge, opportunities, and collaboration.
In RLS, it’s real-world business results, skills, and revenue growth.

It’s not about transactions. It’s about transformation.

5. Empower with tools and systems

We leverage AI, automation, and structure to make connections easier and business simpler.

In RVS and RLS, we use:

Seraphina AI – my digital twin.
People’s Inc. Unify – our automation platform.
Content systems, templates, workflows – to remove the overwhelm.

6. Nurture the human connection

Technology is the tool.
People are the reason.

That’s why we have:

Monthly masterclasses.
Royal Confessions newsletter.
Telegram community.
RLS coaching sessions and alumni network.

Because nothing beats a real, human connection.

7. Create rituals and identity

In RVS and RLS, we have our cohorts.
We celebrate milestones, share success stories, and build rituals that make every member feel like they belong.

How Speakers Society complements the ecosystem

And because every visionary deserves to be seen and heard, we added Speakers Society to the ecosystem.

Where RVS builds entrepreneurs, and RLS equips them, Speakers Society gives them a stage.

It’s a space for creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to grow their influence, get speaking opportunities, and amplify their voice.

Different purpose, same mission – to empower.

Why do I keep showing up for communities

My experience at BNI Affluent was uncomfortable, but meaningful.
It reminded me that sometimes, you don’t blend in immediately.
But when you find (or build) the right community, it changes everything.

I’ve spent the last few years not just building businesses, but building ecosystems.

Because I believe this:
Alone, you shine.
Together, you soar.

And in the communities we’ve created – RVS, RLS, Speakers Society – we don’t just connect. We collaborate, grow, and rise together.

Ready to join an empowered ecosystem?

If you’re looking for a community that doesn’t just “exist” – but lifts you up, helps you grow, and gives you the tools to build your dream life, here’s where you can start:

→ Royal Visionary Society: For visionary entrepreneurs who want to live with freedom in time, wealth, and happiness.

→ Royal Launch School: For aspiring female founders ready to turn passion into fortune with systems, strategies, and support.

→ Speakers Society: For creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to grow their influence and get their voice heard.