Christine Hsu is originally from the United States but moved to Taipei in 1995 to pursue an international career and, as she puts it, "to brush up on my language skills". She currently works as a part-time editor [at a local trade organization] by day, but by night, she co-owns and operates a web business called ORIENTED (http://www.oriented.org/), an online community network of Taiwan's global professionals. Like a number of other start-up web companies, this moonlighting business started out as a fun, personal project amongst friends that has turned into a formalized business venture.

Christine is also actively involved in the local community, having re-established a once defunct organization back in 1997 called CAPT (Chinese American Professionals in Taiwan, http://www.capt.org.tw/) and more recently co-founding the first young professionals Internet network in Taipei called IPO-Taiwan (www.oriented.org/IPO). Her involvement with the community is an integral part of her business since it very much involves connecting people with each other.

What has been the biggest hurdle in your business career, and what did you do to overcome it?

When I moved to Asia, the "job of my dreams" was to work for a large, multinational corporation operating in the region, to move up the corporate ladder, and eventually, to return to the U.S. via company transfer once I was ready to leave. It took me two painful years to earn my job at Citibank Taiwan (where I was previously employed), not only because I needed to attain the right business skills but also because of the language/cultural barriers that I had to overcome in order to be an effective professional in the local Taiwan workforce. Leaving Citibank to focus on CAPT meant more than just a job change. It meant that I was taking a huge step away from everything that I had worked so hard for and into a black hole that had no guarantees for professional advancement much less financial rewards.

Ultimately, what helped me to make the decision was knowing that if I didn't do it now, I may never have the chance to do it again. Here I had the unique opportunity to make a difference. I firmly believed that the value I could bring in building this professional network would have a far greater impact on the development of the region than anything I could ever do in a large corporation no matter how long I stayed in it or how far I moved up its ladder. So, I closed my eyes, pinched my nose, and jumped.

What attracted you to the field you are in?

When CAPT was re-established in 1997, the Internet was still relatively new in Asia. Designing and maintaining the CAPT web site was viewed as an administrative hassle, and no one was willing to volunteer and help us manage it. Out of sheer desperation, I finally took a stab at it, but even then I kept thinking to myself, "I am not technically-oriented, I don't have a creative bone in my body, and I really have no interest whatsoever in learning this web stuff!" Essentially, I got into the web business because I was forced into it. My introduction to web site development along with the experience gained from building CAPT contributed greatly to what I am doing now. It's been an incredible experience.

What is your greatest business accomplishment?

Other than individual success projects that I have been responsible for in previous capacities, I am not sure that I can pinpoint one specific business accomplishment as opposed to what I have been able to accomplish with my life as it stands today. What I am doing now is the ultimate fusion of my corporate training, my community involvement, and my personal beliefs in what I define to be the meaning of my life. It is a rare combination and is something I definitely consider my greatest accomplishment so far.

What qualities about being a woman have made you successful in business?

I tend to think of my professional accomplishments more as a result of my individual skills and talents rather than gender-specific qualities. I don't believe that successful men have any special or unique qualities that women do not or cannot have to also be successful in business. Having focus, determination, discipline, high self-esteem, and a belief in one's own abilities and potential are what make people, men or women, successful.

In my view, what makes women unsuccessful is when they choose to accept the roles and expectations placed upon them by tradition, and by culture. Overcoming those barriers is never easy, and of course I have had my fair share of head-on collisions both here and in the U.S. However, I truly believe in the statement, "that which does not kill you will make you stronger." I know so many bright and talented women with the potential to do such great things but are simply afraid to "go for it" - most of the times because they themselves do not believe in their own abilities and potential.

Have you found any unique challenges to being a woman entrepreneur?

Ironically, I have found the opposite to be true. Being an entrepreneur allows me to expound on all the professional skills and talents that I have without the barriers that normally exist in a more structured and often male-dominated work environment. I have no choice but to tap into all the skills that I have to make things happen, or, I must figure out how to compensate for areas where I fall short. As an entrepreneur and particularly in the Internet business where barriers to entry are next to none, there are no excuses. You either have what it takes to succeed, or you don't!

Have you changed as a person and in the way you do business as a result of your current job/business/ or involvement in an organization?

Yes and no. I've always had that die-hard workaholic corporate/professional attitude towards everything that I do. I've always been actively involved in the community wherever that might be, and I've always enjoyed being around people and helping my peers. My departure from the unforgiving corporate world and into my own small business that directly benefits the community has been enlightening in the sense that it confirmed for me all the things I deem to be important in my life. Long hours at a large corporation for a nice paycheck and a heavy-weight title is not part of that picture - unless of course I own the company! Isn't that the one common factor we as entrepreneurs have?

LOOKING AHEAD

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

I wouldn't change a thing. My advice to young women who are starting their careers is this - learn to embrace change, get involved, be true to yourself, and don't be afraid to speak out, or make mistakes. View each new person that you meet as a teacher, each new experience (both good and bad) as a lesson, and believe that everything happens for a good reason. Never put yourself down or say "I'm not good enough" or "I don't have what it takes." Women use excuses all the time to avoid going for what they really want and can attain. Gosh just do it!

The other advice I would give is to incorporate a routine exercise program into one's daily life. Both the mental discipline of committing to a program, and the concerted effort of allowing yourself the time and space for self-reflection, will help you to build the inner strength you need to keep going, not to mention the physical benefits of a regular fitness program. A daily commitment to taking care of your physical and mental health is, in my opinion, the basic fundamentals for leading a truly successful life regardless of the lifestyle and/or profession you choose.

Do you have a goal "yet to be achieved"?

Yes! Many. And each year the list gets longer.

You can contact Christine Hsu at Christine@oriented.org