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 think this is true to some extent. I’m a mother of four kids and run my PR & marketing agency from home, so there are elements of a routine that I tend to follow, especially in the mornings. And then there are the other unscripted moments that happen when everyone wakes up! I get up early before the rest of my family and take that quiet time to go through emails. I’m in Los Angeles but have clients on the East Coast and work with journalists from all over the world, so I tend to get up early to ensure any urgent messages are reviewed and attended to.
From there, I’ll make my morning coffee and continue going through emails and getting ready for the day. Even if I don’t have any meetings scheduled, I do like to dress as if I do. It helps me get into the mindset (and you never know when a spontaneous video conference might happen!). From there, it’s a flurry of activity getting the kids ready for the day and balancing meetings and work.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
Not so much entrepreneurial interests, per se, but I was involved in a lot of dance, music, and singing groups, so we had to do quite a bit of fundraising and outreach. However, I went to a private boarding school for high school where academics and sports really took precedence. With such an intensive schedule, there wasn’t much time to do anything else. It would’ve been nice to explore my entrepreneurial side more as a youth but that didn’t really happen until I opened my own agency 13 years ago.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I tend to feel most productive in the mornings when it’s quieter; however, the nature of my work is quite fast-paced, so it requires me to be productive really at any time of the day.
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?
I’d say flexibility. Things change all the time and even the best-laid plans can fall by the wayside. You can’t pin your hopes or plans on only one result (or one way of getting there) because there are so many factors that can influence an outcome, particularly in the space of entertainment PR. I also find this to be true in life. If you can learn to assess a situation without a negative reaction, then you can effectively adapt or pivot. In addition, this provides an opportunity for creative solutions. You can’t force results or expect people to act/think in the same way that you do. Oftentimes, it takes many conversations to get a team or client in alignment with a goal, as everyone has a unique path to getting there.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Overall, I’ve had a positive experience. I’ve learned so much as a business owner and am incredibly grateful that I can create the company culture I want – and the type of experience I want to give to my team, clients, and professional contacts. Yes, there are still shortcomings within the larger business world when it comes to leadership opportunities, but I feel women can bring a compassionate leadership style; something that might’ve been looked down upon in the past, but is now really fostering a new way of leading.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I’d love to try living in a different country with my family and immerse ourselves in the local cultures. Travel is too temporary to truly explore and absorb the dynamics of living somewhere else and there’s much to be said about the mind- and heart-expanding opportunities that come with being in a completely new place.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
I have a spiritual guru, Sri Nithyananda Paramashivam, who is like a modern living Buddha and has given me a completely different perspective on life. Through Eastern philosophy, I’ve found a greater context for why I do what I do and how I react to situations, grounding me to handle whatever comes my way. This same guru has frequently been the target of religious persecution as a Hindu leader and has survived multiple assassination and defamation attempts, and yet, he continues to do his work with grace and compassion – all while remaining blissfully unfazed. To see someone embody this inner strength and clarity while in the direst situations is truly inspiring.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
It’d be my mother. She came to the US from Taiwan as a first-generation immigrant and didn’t know anyone here. She essentially raised three young kids on her own while my dad was busy building up his medical practice. While shuttling us between lessons and performances and social visits, she always found time to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, from selling cosmetics and skin care products to owning and running a restaurant! She had the guts to try everything, which I really admire.
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
When I was first pursuing journalism (my former life before PR), I took a summer course at UCLA with LA Times Editor Tom Plate. To soothe some of our final-exam jitters, he imparted this great piece of advice: “All you can do is the best you can do at this precise moment.” Upon hearing this, I immediately felt a sense of calm and was able to take that test without feeling this immense pressure to perform. It’s advice that I continue to heed myself and impart to my team to this day.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
What are you grateful for today?
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
I have two younger siblings. My sister, Julia, is a Senior Information Business Systems Analyst at the SF Department of Public Health. My brother, Kevin, is entrenched in the Funko Pop world, where he has been steadily building his network and is exploring the possibility of starting his own business selling Funko products.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
I think it’s a combination of both. There’s an initial fire that needs to come from within, and then there are the additional life/professional experiences and opportunities that you need to continue growing and fanning those flames!
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Los Angeles, CA CEO Priya PR, Inc. website: https://www.priyapr.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearepriya/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelekumar/ email: [email protected]