Please, tell us about yourself.

I majored in educational technology, which is the study of educational theory and practice grounded in the humanities using technological process and resources. That is perhaps the reason why I was able to play the role as HR and organizational development professional for companies across many different industries including IT, consulting, food, and cosmetics since 1998. How time flies! I've been doing this work, exploring human and organizational culture for 23 years now.

You must have met different people, different AP members. What do you see as strengths of AP organizational culture and system?

I have experienced a lot of different organizational cultures over the years but from among all of them, AP is doing so much to ensure that the voice of its members is heard. Generally, as companies grow, they are often likely to make arbitrary decisions for the sake of work efficiency instead of listening to different points of view. AP, however, is different; it strives to listen to its members and change itself for the better. Of course, improvement is still needed in many areas. The world is changing faster than ever, and we must evolve the organizational culture and HR system more quickly than we have before. I strongly believe that AP has the power to respond flexibly to changes, motivate members, and increase their job satisfaction.

What has been your most memorable moment at AP?

The ABC Spirit Declaration Ceremony last year is still quite vivid in my memory. It was an important event as it brought together AP members, both in Korea and abroad, to share together the principles of our behavior. Much effort and time were put into setting up ABC Spirit and finding the best way to deliver it. Because face-to-face meetings were not allowed due to COVID-19, we had to find a way to get the members engaged and to enlighten them in a new digital setting. All of the departments involved worked closely and organically together to come up with a creative idea, and we were finally able to share the five values of AP and some first-hand experience from our members through YouTube Live. The burst of energy was truly impressive at that moment when the members, regardless of their language or background, were connected via our common values.

Many young women are struggling to balance their work and childcare. What was the most difficult thing about being a working mother for so long and what was the most rewarding moment for you? What advice would you give to the younger women who are having such a difficult time?

Work-life balance has always been important, but it is easier said than done. I know that well enough. In my case, rather than separating my work and home life, I thought they could complement one another. It was one of the things that actually helped me continue with my career. The key is to make one's own sustainable work-life balance model.

For example, my husband, my child and I worked as a team at home. We split up the housework and we each did our given part. And at work, I managed everything thoroughly at the micro level. My team members and I set the work schedule, particularly certain dates when each member could never stay late at work, and shared it with other members to kindly avoid overtime work or business dinner on those dates.

It is not about giving up one thing for another but instead, continuing to coordinate your work and family life. In that way, you will surely be able to balance your work and childcare.

What’s your goal as the head of the L&D Center Div.?

Paradigm of learning and development is shifting quickly with changing values among millennials and Gen Z, advancement of digital technology, psychological and social change resulted from COVID-19 outbreak.

In the past, learning was directed mostly by the organization through on-site group training programs where one professional instructor teaches a group of non-professionals. Now though, it is evolving into a more self-directed social learning. There is no strict boundary between learners and instructors anymore. It takes place outside the training room through social interactions between peers who share their knowledge and experience with each other. It is now not only about achieving professional development but also planning future career, which has become an integral part of the personal growth.

At the moment, the L&D Center is working to redefine learning in tune with a new paradigm of learning and development. Accordingly, we also need to change the learning content, method, , and culture, one by one, with the goal of providing more learning opportunities for growth to our AP members.

What message would you like to tell the AP members who will be working with you for many more years?

Trust yourself, your peers, and the company. That's essential for your growth and happiness. First, trust yourself and take the long view of your work and career. Today's young members seem to have a lot of experience and knowledge in many things but are still insecure in themselves. If you don't trust yourself, it’s a lot like standing on shaky ground and whatever you look at or see, looks like it is shaking. Next, trust your peers and the company. Good intentions can sometimes have negative consequences. But if we can maintain our trust in each other, we will be able to move forward together. I will always keep my trust in, and support for, you all!