We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gloria Kum. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gloria below.
Gloria, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve been inspired from movies, shows, and people that I’ve came across in every part of my life so far. Through the highs and lows, I’ve had moments of self reflection on how I react and how I continue to thrive be the best version of myself. While I am optimistic, I stay realistic. Every problem comes with a solution, and while the solution may not be perfect, you do the best with the resources that are available around you.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Growing up watching multitude of animations through her dad’s large VHS collection, it strongly influenced Gloria to the person she is today. Through her compassion and selflessness, she’s eager to learn more about the industry in hopes to inspire those who were in her shoes as a kid – a child filled with wonder and joy on the expressive medium. In March 2021, Gloria started her animation career as a Production Assistant for SpongeBob SquarePants and The Patrick Star Show. A year later, she then rolled dice as a Design Production Coordinator at Titmouse for The Legend of Vox Machina. At the end of 2022, she then pivoted to Riot Games as an Administrative Assistant to the Head of Creative. Now being in the gaming industry, she hopes to utilize all her experiences to build the skills to nurture and develop projects to inspire current and future generations.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Communication – It’s such an essential skill to have that helped me build my confidence and my communication skills. Don’t take customer service skills for granted! You learn how to communicate with diverse people with an array of personalities.
Relationship Building
– This goes hand in hand with communication. This is one of the biggest skills I’ve developed when I got laid off at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. It takes time to overcome the social anxiety when meeting professionals in the industry. Especially with people who you do not know. We are all human. We all have emotions. We’re not robots! Be true to yourself, read the room, and just have a genuine conversation. And whenever you wrap up a conversation, always ask if there’s anyone that they know that would be great for you to connect with. It will keep the momentum going and you will expand your network in no time. Even if you meet people from different areas, you never know when you might need their knowledge or help!
Hunger
– Not the hunger you feel when you need food, but the hunger to want more of something. Find that spark. Find that “thing” that makes you feel fulfilled an accomplished. Find that ambition. Surround yourself in a space or a team that will continue to feed you that eagerness to feel at your best.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Many people share this story of how their parents gave up so much of theirselves by moving to the United States in order their children to thrive and be successful. I share that same narrative. My parents supported me and my three siblings through the most difficult situations in their lives. They taught me to show gratitude, mindfulness, and humility on my day to day. I wouldn’t be where I am without their guidance and sacrifice, and I want to do whatever I can to give them back for their actions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glo.shrimp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-kum/
