“When things get tough, I’d ask myself whether I still want to continue doing what I’m doing. If my answer is yes, then I’d remind myself of my whys.” -Vivian Chan

Today we are so excited to have tracked down Vivian Chan, The Leadership and Team-Building expert at @thesette.co. We asked her 5 questions that our team was just dying to know. She has built an amazing Instagram presence with close to 10,000 followers so we know people love to see what she has to share!

Vivian was so tired of being “undervalued” in life and in business and decided to do something about it! She helps entrepreneurs build solid business foundations where they feel valued and appreciated and we can’t imagine any work more honoring than that! You are going to love her!

She is the type of person we all want to sit down with to “pick her brain” and just share a cup of coffee with! Vivian has created a quiz that helps others identify what type of business builder they are. Her tools and resources truly are one of a kind.

Take the QUIZ HERE!

Links for quick reference:
Website
Blog
Instagram

INTERVIEW

Question: What inspired you to start your business?
Answer: From working for a highly bureaucratic institution, I’ve experienced first hand how great, hardworking, talented people were being overlooked, undervalued and mistreated. The system was working against them, including myself. They weren’t being rewarded and appreciated for all their effort, contributions and devotion. And this is very saddening and heartbreaking for me, especially after going through bad workplace experience. I could clearly see that I don’t belong to that kind of environment and culture. So I was determined to start my business, work for myself so that I get to decide how to run a company and do things the right way while adhering to high standards. My ultimate dream would be to create job opportunities for people and let them do more of what they do best, and create a company that people love working for.

Question: What has been the easiest part of running a business? What has been the hardest?
Answer: I’d say managing the backend operations. Streamlining operation has always been my strong suit. I’m good at figuring out the best way to get things done. So I never really worry too much about operations/systems. The hardest part would be letting myself get in my own way. Because I’m so close to my business and I care about it a lot, I’d worry about losing it. I tend to overthink when it comes to my own stuff. And this has caused me to take one step forward and two steps back. It’s still something that I’m working on. Definitely work in progress. I’ve also learned how to be a better observer of my own thinking and behavior. Whenever I identify any limiting belief that’s holding me back, I’d try to bounce back as quickly as I can.

Question: What keeps you going when things get difficult?
Answer: When things get tough, I’d ask myself whether I still want to continue doing what I’m doing. If my answer is yes, then I’d remind myself of my whys. Why do I want to do this? What’s the purpose behind what I’m pursuing? Why do I want to persevere? I also ask myself whether I’ve confidence that I’d make it work. If yes, then go get it! Focusing on the end goals and reflecting on how far I’ve come also helps me stay motivated during the toughest times.

Question: What is one tip you would give someone just starting their business?
Answer: Get your mindset right! I learned from my mentors that success is an inside job. Mindset it so much more important than strategy. You can have a great strategy, but it won’t work unless you have the right mindset. I learned that the hard way until I worked with my mentors in my early stage of running a business. Most of the time, it’s not the strategy that’s holding you back, it’s your limiting beliefs, mindsets. So I highly recommend that you start working on your mindset. Start today! And you don’t have to do it alone. Get some help as soon as you can. When you look back on your journey, you’ll thank yourself for starting.

Question: What’s the greatest thing you’ve ever been wrong about?
Answer: I love this question! When I was younger, I never got picked to lead anything. The outspoken ones in the class would get picked instead. Seeing them in leading roles and being given responsibilities to handle important things, I thought maybe I’m not good enough and that I’m not leader material. But I was so wrong! Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m actually a great leader and people enjoy working with me because of that. A few team members who worked with me before have told me once that I’m the best leader they’ve ever had. And that means a lot to me! It further proves that the things I thought about myself in the past due to my surroundings were wrong. Now I’m more at peace with staying true to who I am, and carrying myself in my own unique way.

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