Get To Know: Joyce Yung, host of the ‘Powerhouse’ podcast

Jumping from the corporate world of risk management at a Fortune 500 company to the creative landscapes of film, photography and podcasts, Joyce Yung is an example of what success looks like for modern creatives. While working with the likes of Apple and Shutterstock, and being a mother, Yung has also taken up the important task of championing fellow women on their paths to success through her podcast, Powerhouse.

We caught up with the creator and entrepreneur below.

How did the podcast Powerhouse begin? 
‘Over the years, I’ve had the fortune of meeting many different people in a variety of industries through my photography and film projects. I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by their journeys toward success. Many of them have done some incredible work and started amazing businesses. I really wanted to tell their stories and benefit others who may want to take a similar path.’

What’s next for Powerhouse? 
‘I plan to expand the podcast into a community and supportive platform to help tell inspiring stories of successful women in different industries and roles. The platform will provide additional resources and events, both online and in person, to bring like-minded people together to learn from each other.’

Powerhouse highlights successful women in their industry. How would you personally define success?
‘I think it’s being able to achieve what one sets out to do. It’s having the drive, focus and skills to keep improving and reinventing oneself towards that goal.’ 

You’ve spoken to more than 20 women on your podcast. What’s the common denominator in their journeys to success? 
‘I think they all have an innate drive to achieve and do better than the previous versions of themselves. It’s a culmination of hard work, focus, grit, and the ability to pivot and adapt when needed that makes them successful.’ 

In your opinion, how best can women support each other? 
‘By having a positive vibe, openly supporting, and showing up for other female projects. Finding opportunities to collaborate on specific initiatives or projects, and raise each other up. Bringing on male allies to support women-led initiatives is also a great way to increase awareness and visibility.’ 

Being a photographer, producer, podcaster and parent, you wear many hats. How do you find balance and avoid burnout?
‘I enjoy doing various roles, so I rotate my tasks to avoid burnout in specific areas. Usually, my projects are at different project cycles, so some weeks I’ll be wearing my photography hat more, and others I’ll be planning out my marketing activities. The variety of roles makes the work more interesting. 

‘Though I must say, being a parent is the hardest on time management. Especially with classes being conducted online nowadays, it’s tough to manage that and have a regular work schedule. I have to fit it around my four-year-old son’s timetable, which means mostly late nights. But it’s also nice to do some fun activities with him, like going to the park or the beach. It’s amazing relearning things from a child’s perspective.’

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt as an entrepreneur and creator?
‘Not to get too affected by other people’s comments, suggestions, and doubts. That said, it’s also important to try to have a somewhat objective way to evaluate your own projects to ensure that they are implementable and viable.’

For those starting out in the creative industry, what advice or story would you share with them? 
‘It’s crucial to try everything related to your field early on in your career, and not be afraid to do the nitty-gritty work. I think people starting out often make the mistake of only wanting to do their own role, instead of trying to learn about other related skills that will help them become better creators. 

‘Be the photography assistant, lighting assistant, production assistant (for film), or that catch-all person, so you can learn about other areas that can help you become a better photographer, content producer, or film producer. Do it more than once, try it in different projects, and make sure you’re learning something new each time while still doing a great job. You need to be able to do the smaller tasks well for people to consider you for the main roles.’

 

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