[Interview 2] From Dreams to Reality: A Journey of Self-Growth, Resilience, and Vision

Welcome back to the inverview Series!

 

Thank you for all your patience! Many of you asked when the next interview would be released, and I'm thrilled to finally share it with you. If you haven't seen the first interview yet, check out the link below to get the full background and insights from our first conversation:

https://energy-no1.tistory.com/36

[Interview 1] Building a Life and Career with Purpose: Insights from My personal Journey

 

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Unauthorized use of photos prohibited

 

Q. You seem to have an incredible ability to adapt and acquire new skills. Would you say these are innate talents or learned abilities?

 

Some of it might be innate, but I belive adaptability and skill acquisition can be cultivated. I developed these abilities while dancing, teaching and creating stages of myself. My mom used to tell me it was my talent, but I didn't quite understand back then. I thought everyone could do it! Over time, I came to appreciate that it was a strength.

 

Growing up, I didn't have resources like Youtube or professional choreography tutorials, so I learned by piecing together music videos, live performances, and stage appearances. By filling in the gaps on my own, I developed a knack for capturing details. Working with a group taught me to harmonize our skills, adapting to different levels so we could create a polished performance. This adaptability became invaluable not just in dance but in my professional life as well, helping me in ways I hadn't anticipated.

 

Q. You've had an interesting career journey from being a K-pop trainee to a Customer Success Manager (CSM). How did these past experiences shape your career choice?

After stepping away from my K-pop aspirations, I initially explored marketing. I was fascinated by the concept of business and knew that marketing is often considered the "big picture" of business. I wasn't particularly creative in the way a marketer needs to be, but I had strong planning skills. When I realized this, I shifted toward sales, which at the time was the best way forward for me.

 

My experience on the ground taught me so much about how businesses operate and connect with customers. The quote "Every answer is on-site" has become a guiding principle; it emphasizes the value of firsthand experience in understanding and effectively engaging with clients.

what chat GPT thinks about my career journey

 

Q. How do you view your strengths, and are you naturally inclined toward leadership?

I feel confident in my current role, but my goals extend beyond a single specialty. My aim is to be a businesswoman who understands the entire scope of business operations. I'm naturally skilled at distilling information into clear, consices messages, which helps me share key insights with my team.

 

What I enjoy most is guiding my team toward success and strategizing the best paths forward. Even before taking on an official leadership role, I often inspired and supported my team, and it felt incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact.

 

Q. How does the life you're living now compare to your childhood dreams?

It's surprisingly close to what I envisioned. At nine, I declared, "I want to be an amazing career woman by the time I'm 27," even though I had no idea what that meant! That belief drove me forward. Now, I feel about 70-80% of those dreams have come true, especially when I put on my business suit - I feel like I'm living the life I once dreamed of.

 

There are some differences, of course. For example, I once imagined I'd be married by now, but I realize I need more time to grow on my own. Looking at my 27th year from an international perspective feels almost like living in a parallel universe filled with new experiences. I turned 27 in Korea two years ago, so I feel like I'm living my second 27 years.

 

Q. How do you stay resilient when faced with challenges?

Last year was one of the hardest times in my life, both personally and professionally. I reminded myself, "Stay on the right path, no matter what." I believed this period was a defining moment for me. I could go astray, or I could choose to grow stronger. Each day, I pushed myself and acknowledge my efforts, telling myself, "I'm proud of you for how you handled today." I embraced the hardships, focusing on personal growth.

 

Meditation, gratitude journaling, and celebrating small wins helped me build resilience. Now, looking back, I'm glad for the struggles - they've become part of my strength.

 

Go for my dream

 

Q. With all of your experiences, what core value guides you now?

A growth mindset is still my driving force. I have big goals, and I'm energized to see how much further I can go. I would rather face risks and challenges than settle for stability. When I'm tired, I take a break or get a good night's sleep. It helps me recharge and return to my goals with fresh energy.

 

Balancing my responsibilities and caring for myself is also essential. As the head of a single-person household, I manage multiple roles: financial planner, caregiver, homemaker, and more. I often think of myself as my own "mom," nurturing and looking after my well-being.

 

Q. Given your busy schedule, what's your perspective on love and relationships?

To me, love is expressed through time. I enjoy choosing thoughtful gifts, but I find greater meaning in spending quality time with people. I share my daily life and accomplishments with my parents, and their happiness in seeing me thrive is priceless. With friends and in relationships, I prioritize shared experiences, whether that means laughing together or supporting each other through life's challenges.

 

Recently, I've also realized the importance of cultivating a sense of "love" for my company. I appreciate my work and want to honor it with steady, genuine effort. My Linkedin posts, where I reflect on my work journey and express gratitude, are part of how I nurture this appreciation.

 

Q. You're approaching your 30s. What are your hopes and reflections as you enter this next stage of life?

I don't think much about age; I focus more on attitudes. Age doesn't necessarily define who we are or what we can accomplish. I'm simply excited to see where my growth mindset will take me. I now have more experience, financial stability, and knowledge to make informed chocies. And while I didn't expect it, I've received feedback about having an "aura" or presence, which has shown me that I've stepped into a new phase in life.

 

Now, I feel like I'm standing on the starting line of a new chapter, fully ready to embrace what's ahead!

 

 

Chapter 3: Coming Soon!

Stay tuned for the next installment, where I'll share my long-term vision for the next 3, 5, and 10 years.