"As wonderful as the creative field is–don't lose sight of the business or lose sight of LEARNING."
Evelien Kong Tweet
The daughter of immigrant parents, Evelien Kong grew up in the boroughs of NYC. Always dreaming of a career in the entertainment industry, she worked her way up from a television producer to a director, gaining valuable experience and opportunities to work with talented individuals on major projects.
One of her current endeavors is her podcast, “Reppin,” which serves as a platform to tell stories and express her unique perspective. Evelien strives to create entertaining and thought-provoking projects that leave a positive impact.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Evelien Kong: I’m the daughter of immigrant parents, and grew up in the boroughs of NYC. I always dreamed of being in the entertainment industry, but that seemed like a world that was light years away. My parents always instilled a sense of humility and a strong work ethic, but one day I realized, I have to stop staring at magazines and dreaming about it–because it was always going to stay a dream if I don’t get up and work for it.
I worked my way up as a television Producer, then a Director, and have had amazing opportunities to work under and with super talented, kind, and good people and on major shows and projects. Since then, I’ve been a part of a myriad of projects, working in different roles and in a spectrum of genres. So after years of experience I formed Suburban Outlaw Productions which allows me to continue producing and working in the different arenas but ultimately be a storyteller in everything I bring to fruition.
My podcast, Reppin, is one of the projects where I am really fusing so many ideas and elements, and really ME all in one project. But ultimately, I’m hoping that I create a series that is not only entertaining and thought provoking, but more importantly, contributes positively.
In the past year, what is the greatest business achievement you’d like to celebrate with your team? Please share the details of that success.
Evelien Kong: One of the greatest achievements that I’d like to celebrate with my team? With Reppin, I want to celebrate the guests who have come on and their teams (PR reps, agents), who understand and support the podcast, concept, and effort that the show embodies. To see this collective group of amazingly talented, notable people–and to see them beyond what the public knows them for–have these authentic conversations and share not only their time but their experiences with me.
That blows me away. It doesn’t matter that I’ve been working in entertainment for however many years…it’s not lost on me the gift it is when people share time and their experiences with you or me. So seeing this group of people who understand Reppin–but also seeing this community slowly form.
That’s really incredibly cool to me and worth celebrating. Then having listeners who have found the show, join that community–and to know the podcast is resonating? It’s such a wonder to me and I’m so humbled and grateful. That’s a very long way of saying: to see this formation of community both with my guests and the audiences is something that reminds me of how much good is out there and that is what I celebrate–everyday.
What advice do you wish you received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Evelien Kong: As wonderful as the creative field is–don’t lose sight of the business or lose sight of LEARNING. Learning as much as you can overall–but definitely learning the business end of it. So I am going to try and absorb as much as I can from my team going forward and the people around me. And one thing I have known for a long time in order to stay focused and always grow–is to never forget to take care of the people in my life–professionally and personally. People matter. For me it’s something I don’t want to ever lose sight of.
Here is a two fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Evelien Kong: That’s such a great question. I remember when I was in High School I read a book by Dawn Steel, They Can Kill You.. but They Can’t Eat You: Dawn Steel was the president of Columbia Pictures back then. But the book detailed how she came from nothing, no money, no connections, to rising through the ranks and succeeding in spite of sexism, devastating gossip and politics, and never ending challenges. She detailed all of her experiences, and it really is a story of survival and guts.
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Evelien Kong: There’s an absolute deluge of content that is available. So cutting through and having people first FIND the show and then growing it is a major challenge. In production there are always a million challenges that will arise, too–but having people, listeners, and guests find your show, growing your audience, and then working to ensure that there will be resources to sustain the show and ultimately allow it to evolve into what you envision are all big hurdles.
I want Reppin to be bigger than just a podcast and also serve everyone regardless of skin color, ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ, race, etc. So, my other challenge is finding enough coffee too that will allow me to do all of this.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Evelien Kong: Don’t ever forget the people who are in your life, who work with you. Care about them, invest in them, be kind–nobody can run a project or a company alone. The stronger the team, the stronger the company. Everyone will also have a better experience working, will be invested in you, and whatever it is they’re a part of, if they are valued and respected.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Evelien Kong: A business superpower!? Oh cool! Ok, I’d either have the ability to plug in like Trinity and Neo from the Matrix and just instantly learn anything and everything. Just like downloading infinite terabytes of information in nanoseconds (yes, I’m a nerd). I’d learn everything from law and finances, to cooking like a master chef, to how to groom and bathe my dog without her acting like she’s being cooked. She’s very sweet, but very dramatic.
Or I’d clone myself a few times–each being able to specialize in doing a niche. So one of me would be able to handle production, another finances, the other would be a legalese, the other would manage finances and scheduling….and another would be sleeping and eating chips on the couch. That would be great. But I hope there would be no spandex or tights involved with being this superhero. Those are not comfortable.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Evelien Kong for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Evelien Kong or her company, you can do it through her – Instagram
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