Business Interview: Jinsoo Terry, part 1

This is post number 98 for BusinessViking.com and as we lead into #100 - and the global economy makes its way through this time of lightning-quick change - I thought it would be helpful and fun to bring in a fresh, exciting, creative voice to the table.

She's a business leader, a success motivator, and as she puts it - a superhero creator.

She has spoken across the globe for fortune 500 companies, she's been featured on Television, and honored by the United States Government. She's Jinsoo Terry and she was good enough to answer some poignant questions about her journey to success, and how others can do the same - in fact - that's her motto: "If Jinsoo can do it, you can do it too!"

Enjoy part 1 of this 2-part Interview:
Jinsoo's Book.
[Continue to See Part 1...]

BusinessViking: Hi Jinsoo - In your book, “Succeeding in America, The Jinsoo Way”, you explained that as a girl growing up in Korea, you were expected to become a teacher, the ‘appropriate’ role for a woman, but you wanted more. Do you think that today you are a sort of teacher? How would you describe what you do?


Good question. Yes, today I am a teacher although I didn’t think ofOn July 10^th 2001, the Mayor of San Fransico honored her with an official "Jinsoo Terry Day." it that way. I think of myself as leader and motivator creating superheroes in the world. I love to inspire people and challenge to do something they’ve never done before.


After all your schooling and effort, you finally were in a good job position in Korea, but then:

• You come to the U.S. and struggle with the language and culture,
• You manage to get work on an assembly line,
• You are repeatedly turned down for interviews to move your career forward,
• Then you even get struck by a car -

and somehow you decided THAT was a good time to spend your savings on a vacation. I like that move but I don’t think most people would have done the same. Why did you make that decision?


For years I have been curious about the world. I studied different languages, cultures and religions and wanted to meet the people personally. So this was a good time in between jobs to satisfy my desire to travel. I met a lot of women in different countries some were suffering with AIDS in Africa, in India working women had beautiful clothing but they were fixing the roads in the hot sun, and women in the Middle East kept their tradition but wanted to move forward. In Switzerland I met independent women who wanted to challenge their traditions.Jinsoo's speaking tours have taken her all over the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. No matter what country I visited, rich or poor, women wanted change yet still protect their families. I became more open minded and understood more about different cultures because of this experience. That’s why I decided to become a multicultural expert.

You moved up at your assembly line job here in the U.S. and finally you were in a position of leadership over 60 people – but then – you were fired because "people didn't enjoy working with you." Some or most people would get down on themselves but you took it just as 1 more skill that you needed – Where did you learn to think like that? What's the secret?


When I was young my mom always told me, “If you want to catch the tiger go to the cave where the tiger lives.” My mother, an educated music teacher, was my mentor in my early years. I loved learning new things. I enjoyed discovery. My mom’s tiger phrase followed me throughout my life. Going back to the cave is important. It can help you put fire in your belly and take risks in your life.


Joining and then starting the Toastmasters club seemed to be a big turning point for you - what happened mentally or psychologically during those 4 weeks from when you first joined to when you asked about starting your own group - the Red Cross Rhinoceros Toastmasters Business Club or Rhino Club?


I was looking for a group that could help me improve my presentation skills and build my confidence because I had to give a speech to the textile industry. This was the first time I had to give a speech in public. I was scared and thought I could not explain myself very well. When I visited my first Toastmasters Club I was surprised that American people would join a speaking club. I thought they knew everything already about speaking English.Jinsoo is now a member of the National Speakers Association as well as the International Federation for Professional Speakers. While I was practicing my speech I became more confident and realized that I was not only learning how to improve my English I was learning how to present my ideas to the audience. I realized that all business leaders needed these skills, so I decided to start my own club for global business leaders in San Francisco.


In your book, you mention a 4-part formula for success but on that road to success - Where do most people get tripped up and why do you think that is or how can you help them over that hurdle?


Many people have “tunnel vision” and they want to put a bandage on their scar. People need to follow their dreams and keep their eyes on the target. They need determination and a passion for what they want to do. Just keep your eyes on the target and find mentors and friends that will support your dreams. Enjoy your challenge.

---------- Part 2 is NOW AVAILABLE ----------

Take a look at Jinsoo's inspiring book: "Succeeding in America the Jinsoo Way."

And don't forget to come back tomorrow for part 2 where Jinsoo explains:

• 3 Ways to Improve Your Mindset for Better Results
• How Small Business Owners and other Leaders should be acting during this changing economic climate, and
• How You can Improve your company's production output.