Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I absolutely agree that a daily routine can set the stage for success. It creates structure, allows for time management, and helps maintain focus. My day usually starts at 6:30 a.m. with a quick workout followed by catching up on industry news and emails. The rest of the day varies significantly depending on whether I have interviews scheduled, but it usually involves researching future podcast guests, scripting questions, and managing the production process. I also block out time to connect with my team and for personal development.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Absolutely, the entrepreneurial bug bit me early on. During my high school years, I spearheaded an English newspaper with my friends. We covered everything from school activities to student achievements. Within a short time span, our little venture became the largest student-run organization on campus. This early experience was invaluable; it taught me the nuances of hard work, instilled a sense of resilience, and emphasized the power of networking—all lessons that have served me well in my journey as an entrepreneur.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I find that I am most productive in the morning. There’s something about the stillness of the early hours that really allows me to focus and accomplish tasks without distractions.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Resilience. The path of entrepreneurship is filled with highs and lows. Being able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going despite difficulties is crucial.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Being a woman in the business world has its challenges, but has also provided unique opportunities. I believe my perspective often stands out in what is still a male-dominated field. The positive side is that I’m part of a strong network of female entrepreneurs who support each other, which is incredibly empowering.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
By 2030, I aim for the Smart Venture Podcast to be a globally recognized platform that not only educates and inspires entrepreneurs but also has a direct impact in terms of fostering innovation and creating opportunities for emerging talents.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My biggest influence would be Oprah Winfrey. Her ability to connect with people and share stories in a meaningful way has always been something I admired and aimed to emulate in my own podcast.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
I’m hugely inspired by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Her journey, starting from a simple idea to building a billion-dollar brand, is awe-inspiring. Plus, her transparency about the struggles and triumphs along the way is extremely motivating.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
The best advice I’ve received was to “stay curious.” Curiosity leads to learning, and learning leads to growth and innovation. It’s this insatiable curiosity that has helped me adapt, evolve, and stay ahead in my career.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
One of the most memorable questions I was asked was, “What would you pursue if you knew you wouldn’t fail?” It really made me think about the essence of my aspirations and ambitions without the constraints of fear or failure.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
While I don’t have siblings, the idea of running a family business is incredibly appealing to me. If I did have siblings, I would absolutely love the prospect of combining our talents to create something impactful. Building a venture from the ground up with family could add a meaningful layer to both our personal and professional lives.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I believe it’s a combination of both. Certain traits, like resilience and risk-taking, might be innate to some extent. However, many skills essential to entrepreneurship, such as business acumen, networking, and leadership, are learned experiences.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Founder & Host @ Smart Venture Podcast website:http://www.gracegong.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracegongGG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhU46VW3GjduAyrFlPCW-w/featured Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fV8r4CjOClzCvzYDq2Sg8 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegong/ Twitter:http://twitter.com/gracegongGG Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracegonggg/