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Howard, Business Owner at Small Business Owner: Advize Career Interview
A chemical engineering degree led to a sales career, then a pivot to coaching Asian Americans on emotional intelligence.
This unique journey, fueled by self-reflection and a passion for community impact, highlights the importance of emotional management and self-compassion, not just technical skills.
The work, though challenging due to imposter syndrome and societal views on mental health, provides immense satisfaction in making a difference, both locally and globally.
The interviewee's experiences emphasize the value of diverse experiences, perseverance, and self-care in building a fulfilling career, advising students to embrace early experiences and trust the process of growth, even if it means risking the familiar.
The coaching career is described as rewarding but demanding, requiring a commitment to self-improvement and a unique understanding of complex identities.
This individual's path offers a compelling alternative to traditional career trajectories, inspiring exploration of unconventional career paths and the power of personal growth.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Howard Zuo
Business Owner
Small Business Owner
Georgia Institute of Technology, 2011
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Engineering - Chemical
Coaching
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Business Owner as a Small Business Owner
Howard's career journey began with a chemical engineering degree from Georgia Tech, but a lack of excitement in the field and a post-college move to Los Angeles for a sales job ("my worst nightmare") led to unexpected growth in interpersonal skills and self-awareness. This ultimately culminated in their current role as a business owner, coaching Asian Americans on emotional intelligence, fueled by a period of self-reflection during COVID and a desire to address "men's mental health advocacy" within their community.
Main Responsibilities of a Small Business Owner
As a solo business owner, Howard's responsibilities encompass "every responsibility," ranging from direct client coaching to "marketing, admin, finances, and legal" tasks. This self-directed approach stems from a background outside of coaching, necessitating "continuous education" and leveraging engineering experience to understand client needs.
A Day In The Life Of A Small Business Owner
Howard's day, as a business owner, is highly variable but incorporates self-improvement through "readings off Google Scholar" and writing online to "sharpen skills," alongside client work in flexible hour-long blocks. This approach allows for integration of personal well-being with professional tasks, demonstrating a holistic approach to the work-life balance.
Most Important Skills for a Small Business Owner
Contrary to expectations, the most crucial skills for a small business owner are not technical proficiencies but rather "emotional management," including self-compassion and avoiding perfectionism. This involves "holding a lot of compassion for [clients]...and for myself," and actively unlearning ingrained behaviors to better support client growth and healing.
Favorite Parts of Being a Small Business Owner
Howard, a business owner, finds the greatest fulfillment in "actively making changes in [their] community," both locally and globally through internet-based work. This ability to impact lives in "bigger or little ways" provides a level of satisfaction exceeding what Howard experienced in a corporate setting.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Business Owner At A Small Business
Howard's biggest challenge as a business owner is overcoming imposter syndrome and navigating societal views on mental health; the work requires "unpacking norms" and combating "old ways of thinking" to both ask for help and advocate for its importance within their community.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Coaching Industry As A Small Business Owner
Howard, a business owner in the coaching industry, finds immense satisfaction in contributing to society and building "a community of people who have the emotional intelligence and tools to navigate life," particularly helping young adults lacking the emotional skills they did not receive during their upbringing. This impactful work, addressing a significant need, brings Howard considerable joy as a "difference maker."
What Type of Person Thrives in the Content Creation Industry According to a Small Business Owner
The business owner, Howard, challenges the common perception that success in their industry requires extroversion and strong social media skills, stating "I'm not one of those typical people," while acknowledging the industry's attraction to those traits. Instead, Howard emphasizes perseverance and a unique approach, believing that passion and dedication, not a specific personality type, determine success: "if this is really your North Star...you'll figure it out. You'll thrive."
What a Small Business Owner Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Mental Health Industry
Working in mental health requires significant self-care; Howard emphasizes the need to "prepare yourself to self-care," establishing boundaries, and disconnecting to avoid burnout from the constant giving and holding space for clients grappling with trauma. The job demands recognizing that "feeling anxious all the time is not normal," and proactively building self-care strategies is crucial for long-term success in the field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Business Owners
Howard, a business owner who didn't follow a traditional career path, advises undergraduate students seeking entry-level positions to prioritize gaining experience in *any* field: "get the first job that feels like...can make you some money" and use that experience to inform future career decisions, as their own diverse background—including chemical engineering—informs their current success.
Significant Career Lesson From A Small Business Owner
Howard's most significant career lesson involves recognizing and managing internal voices advocating for safer, less risky paths; the key is to understand that these voices, while aiming for self-preservation ("we want to keep this train running"), may hinder necessary growth, requiring one to "risk your entire career" and trust that clients will accept the inherent imperfections of a journey toward expertise.
College Experiences That Helped a Small Business Owner Succeed
Howard's undergraduate experience, while not directly related to their current career, instilled valuable perseverance and self-awareness; the interviewee learned "what you are up for, what you're not for," ultimately shaping their approach to future career decisions and highlighting the importance of personal growth and learning from all experiences.
How Identity Has Influenced A Small Business Owner's Career
Howard, a business owner, describes their Asian American identity as a "hyphenated identity," a complex experience that has shaped their career by fostering deep connections with clients who share similar multifaceted identities and "core immigrant struggles." This understanding allows them to offer coaching services to a broad audience, recognizing that "most people just have that," a complex identity, rather than a singular, pure one.
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