Tina Choi is a name that resonates with influence and insight in the Greater Bay Area's academic and entrepreneurial circles. As an adjunct professor at CityU, adjunct associate professor at CUHK and CUHK (Shenzhen), distinguished executive coach, and visionary CEO for both Maker and Wisey, her expertise is a testament to a career dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.

Drawing from her experience as a judge at the recent CUHKSZ Greater Bay Area Youth Empowerment Challenge, Choi shared her exclusive insights with us, illuminating the intricate relationship between education and leadership, the resilience necessary for empowerment, and the evolving role of technology in shaping contemporary business practices. Our conversation with her, set against the backdrop of this vibrant gathering of young minds, offers a unique perspective on driving innovation and cultivating the next generation of leaders.

In entrepreneurship education: how future business leaders think and operate.

For Choi, the relationship between educator and student is paramount, and she strives to redefine this interaction. "I see my students as peers, moving beyond the traditional professor-student dynamic," Choi shares. Her teaching philosophy is anchored in practical skills vital in today's fast-paced business environment. "I teach communication, investment pitching, and team-building for various stages of entrepreneurship," she explains, emphasizing the hands-on approach that is critical for nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit.

"My role is to create an environment that nurtures their growth."

In defining innovation, Choi is concise: "Innovation means addressing a problem that has been overlooked." Choi takes a unique approach to foster this spirit of innovation by turning the traditional idea hierarchy on its head. "I encourage innovation by asking the youngest and newest members of our team for their ideas first," she reveals, advocating for a culture where fresh perspectives are not only welcomed but prioritized.

Choi's students often find themselves taken aback by her authenticity and the genuine connection she forges with them. "Students brace for a standard, dull speech but find themselves moved when they see a professor genuinely connect and become one of them."

The subtlety of language is something that Choi wields with finesse. She understands its power to shape thought and action, stating, "This demonstrates the subtle, yet profound influence that language holds." In Choi's classroom, language is more than a tool for communication—it's an instrument for inspiration and change.

A mentorship and leadership style built upon the premise that anyone can contribute.

She challenges the traditional hierarchy of innovation by embracing a more inclusive approach. "I believe that experience can sometimes hinder innovation, which is why I welcome young people to join my initiatives," she asserts, emphasizing the potential for youthful energy to disrupt and innovate.

"Often, these young minds come up with groundbreaking ideas that the older generation might miss."

Choi observes, recognizing the unique value that comes from minds unburdened by 'the way things have always been done.' Choi holds the individual in high esteem, recognizing the power of personal authenticity in a professional setting. "I honor each person's unique lifestyle and approach."

In her leadership, Choi values openness, focusing on intrinsic abilities rather than a resume. "I prioritize talent and capability over years of experience," she explains, illustrating her belief in the potential of individuals regardless of their tenure in their field. This openness often means reevaluating the weight that experience traditionally holds in business. "Sometimes, experience can be an obstacle to innovation," Choi reiterates, suggesting that an unencumbered perspective can be more conducive to breakthrough ideas.

Failure, in Choi's lens, is not a setback but a cornerstone of learning and growth, framing setbacks as essential steps in the journey toward success: "I view every failure as a valuable lesson. I focus on what actions I can take, not on why something happened."

Empowerment is deeply interwoven with the concepts of resilience and adaptation.

"We must cultivate resilience so that when we encounter challenges, we can overcome them and emerge stronger."

At the heart of her empowerment strategy lies the drive of passion, which Choi identifies as a particularly potent force among the youth. "Passion is our most powerful motivator, especially in our youth," she remarks, underscoring the energy and dedication that passionate individuals bring to their endeavors.

"Success comes from finding what you love and pursuing it passionately," Choi advises. She does not underestimate the importance of resilience, especially within the volatile landscape of entrepreneurship. "Resilience is vital for anyone in entrepreneurship," she states, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of starting and growing a business and the fortitude required to navigate such uncertainties.

An advocate for action over idle speculation, Choi is a proponent of learning through doing. "Without action, ideas remain imaginary. I'd rather try and make mistakes," she declares, embracing a hands-on approach to innovation that prioritizes real-world experience over theoretical planning.

"Don't wait for perfect clarity to act; fail fast and learn quickly to seize opportunities." promoting a dynamic learning process that accelerates growth and adaptation.

Through her emphasis on resilience and the ability to adapt through action and learning from failures, Tina Choi empowers her students and colleagues to withstand the challenges they face and use them as stepping stones towards greater success and personal development.

Text: Jeremy Chapnick

Photos: Tina Choi

JESSICA Magazine 2024