Wanderwoman Diaries: Life's a journey, not a destination
Since I’m currently stationed in the US for the near future thought it would be great to speak to women who moved here to make the USA their home. Today we meet a powerhouse woman who really manages to do it all. Meet JuE, who I was introduced to by my close friend and mentor. It is so great to make a meaningful connection during the time of the pandemic outside of social media. I truly resonate with JuE because she is also an Asian American woman, and a kickass one at that. She has held many high executive positions and is currently the CEO of Olaplex, one of my favorite hair brands, and still finds the time to travel to amazing destinations. I personally love that she is extremely passionate about everything she does and watching her IG feed brings me joy everyday. Let’s talk to JuE and hear more about her journey.
Name
JuE Wong
Originally From
Singapore
Current Country
USA
How many countries have you lived in?
JuE featured in a Hong Kong coffee table book: Here Be Dragons dancing to “ Come on Eileen” at JJ’s in the Grand Hyatt!
7 countries sequentially: Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, UK, Switzerland, Thailand, US
11 cities: Singapore, Canberra, Hong Kong, London, Geneva, Bangkok, Scottsdale, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, Georgia, Salt Lake City, UT, New York, NY
What brought you to your current country?
Primarily because of family. My husband and 2 kids were expatriates for all 7 years of my time with Cargill and we felt it was time to provide the children with stability of their home country.
What is your favorite thing about living in your current country? The most challenging?
I love entrepreneurship and opportunities in the US that I am familiar with. However, I find that because of how in America we prize individual freedom above all else that we look for what is wrong rather than to build on what we could for the greater good. For example why can't we agree to give up some of our personal freedom and come together on vaccines and masking for the greater good? Instead of labeling people as anti-vaxxers or anti-maskers, which already puts the "other" side on the defensive, should we come together and appeal to each other's higher calling?
Is there anywhere you would choose to move to and why? (If not, is there a country on your bucket list that you would like to visit)
I would love to one day spend extended period of time in Portugal. When I did the 300 mile Camino De Santiago walk via Portugal I saw places and met people that made me realize there is so much out there that I want to experience that is outside of my imagination!
What is your most memorable travel experience?
Spending 12 days on the 300 mile walk from Portugal to Spain. It was a test of endurance, appreciation of the unknown and living out of a back bag that carried everything I need. It puts so much in perspective. I did this trip in 2019 and then we went into lockdown in 2020.
How has the covid pandemic affected your life?
I have rolled with the punches since March 17 2020. While it is nothing I have ever expected, I am also pleasantly surprised how I am able to adapt and in many ways thrive during this time. I am having my best professional career achievement in beauty and on the personal front, I have gotten closer to my grand children by dedicating at least an hour a week to speak and “see” them on zoom.
How do you feel your country is handling the pandemic? Do you feel safe?
Singapore has been touted as an example of how they have handled the pandemic. In the case of the US I am glad to see we are doing much better with getting people vaccinated, though it is nowhere close to herd immunity. I feel much more optimistic.
Based on current travel restrictions are you happy to be where you are? Or do you wish you were somewhere else?
I am thankful where I am. Whenever, I feel sorry for myself, I think of the people who have lost loved ones to COVID or have not fully recovered from COVID.
What are your thoughts on traveling right now? When do you plan on traveling? And what are your own personal guidelines and precautions?
I would only do essential travel at this time. I would continue to double mask and practice all CDC protocols. Until my family and friends are all vaccinated would I feel comfortable socializing with them again. I feel like we have come so far, it would be unforgivable when I feel like we are on the homestretch to let my guard down.
What inspires you? Fuels you?
Piece of heaven in the sky: JuE’s terrace in Manhattan
Learning new things and being able to apply them in my life. I am reading Think Again by Adam Grant a second time and the gems in the book, keeps me grounded, checks myself when I think I am overly convinced of a position because as Grant puts it "you do not want to be the only one left on Mount Stupid."
Knowledge fuels me, it is one thing to know that Knowledge is Power but Knowing the importance of continuous Learning is Wisdom.
Being such a successful woman, How do you balance travel/wanderlust with your work? Do you believe in work life balance?
I look at it more as work-life integration. What I mean by that is I feel less anxious if I can take time to work and play even when I am playing or working. For example when I am away on vacation, I have dedicated time to check in on work and let my travel companion/s know that this is what I am going to be doing so that they don't think I am not all there with them. When I am working and I see an opportunity to include fun, I do it. For example when I am on a business trip and my team and I have a weekend together or an evening to catch up over dinner, I use that time to get to know my team members better and they I. Or if I am by myself, I use the down time to explore and learn about the location, the people and culture and that only helps me to be more relevant in professionally and socially.
What advice would you give to other expats?
Get to know the culture and the people. Take advantage of this life changing and learning experience.
What do you wish someone told you before you took the leap to move to another country?
That time flies and you don't take any opportunity for granted. If you get a chance to do something, do it because you may not have that opportunity again. I once took a train from Paris to St. Tropez with a group of acquaintances. I almost did not get on the train because my friend who invited was sick and could not make it. I had the option to cancel and not go. But I decided to do it and it was a 5 hour train ride and none of the people on this trip with me spoke English or I French but we had the best time "speaking" and getting to know each other.
What is your new normal?
JuE with her son and daughter at her son’s wedding 2019
Being more thoughtful but also taking on too many meetings and squeezing in too many zoom hours!
Learn more about JuE
2017 Award winning Digital campaign :”From the desk of Liz Arden” with Glossy for “Best in Show” and Best use of social media for a beauty campaign
Follow Jue on IG: @juewong888
See her career on LinkedIn: Jue-Wong-Jue888
Clubhouse: @ruyi888
TikTok: @juewong0
Twitter: @juewong888