Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routine. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I think a daily routine is great. Mine is walking my dog, meditation, and coffee. It helps me start the workday in a clear headspace. Plus I believe in 8 hours of sleep (minimum).
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
I love this question. I never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. That felt so out of reach. But I did see myself as someone who was interested in positive change and new experiences. I knew I wanted to make a difference. Aside from being involved in the school newspaper and theatre–I also started an Amnesty International chapter in my high school. Which made me feel more connected to the larger world and that I was making a difference. I was always looking for ways to expand my experience. Growing up in a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas, I had dreams of moving to NYC and living life around culture and diverse people.
Is there a specific time of day where you feel most productive?
Absolutely. First thing in the morning. It’s when I do whatever is most important. Reserved for deep thinking work. I’m most productive before 1 pm.
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?
Dogged willfulness. You have to believe in yourself and what you are trying to accomplish. There are going to be a million reasons not to start your own business and it can be very challenging once you do. It’s very easy to doubt yourself and feel overwhelmed. So you have to have the moxie to face those challenges all the time. You have to stand up to people that tell you it can’t be done or you aren’t the one to do it. Willfulness is needed to break through the status quo.
Has being a woman in the business world denied you of any opportunities, how so?
Both. Positively in that, I’ve gotten to both mentor and champion other women in business and have received the same in return. Negatively in that, there is still a great deal of sexism and bias in business towards women. When I was starting out, it was hard to be taken seriously or have my voice heard. Sexual harassment was just part of the job and not taken very seriously. Even as the boss of my own company, I used to get mistaken for the assistant or secretary often. Mainly because it is not common to see female CEOs. But thankfully that is changing. New generations to come will go further faster, which is really heartening.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I would love to play an active role in combatting climate change. Either in my professional life with the projects I take on or in my personal day-to-day existence.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
One of my biggest influences is Jane Goodall. She had so much courage to do her research as a woman and independently. Then later raised her child and still carry out her research. I think she is a curious, patient, and seemingly fearless person. I’m so impressed with the impact her work has had on the world.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration.
Sallie Krawcheck. I saw her speak at the Wing and was so impressed with all she had accomplished. She was known as the most powerful woman on Wall Street due to her previous positions as CEO of Smith Barney, CFO of Citi, and CEO of Citi Wealth Management. She came up through the ranks at a time when there were few women in high positions in finance. She took all that she learned and formed Ellevest, a financial management company geared towards female investors. Women, historically, have been ignored as investors and have unique investing needs. Ellevest is answering that.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
Where there’s a will, there’s away. Any path is possible to make if you can commit to going all the way. There have been many times that I thought something was impossible. But I just work on the problem until its conclusion, and ultimately an answer reveals itself.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
“What’s next?” Because the answer is always changing.
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have a sister, and she’s not an entrepreneur. But I think she could be one if she put her mind to it. She’s always wanted to be a private investigator, and I think she’d be dynamite at it.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
It can be either. I don’t think you have to be born an entrepreneur, but I do think there are those that are. Usually, the rebels who don’t want to take orders from someone else. People that possess a vision of how to make things better. I think that attribute is something you can discover in yourself, though and not something you have to be born with to be successful.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Frank Collective Co-Founder and CEO Los Angeles, CA LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiffyiuen/and https://www.linkedin.com/company/frank-collective/ website: http://frankcollective.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankcollective/ email: [email protected]