Meet Anda Pho

We recently connected with Anda Pho and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anda, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I initially started my career in investment banking and finance, largely influenced by my upbringing. With two immigrant parents who sacrificed everything for my future, practical and secure career choices were highly valued in our household. However, I soon realized that my true passion didn’t lie there.

Recognizing the need to align my work with my interests, I transitioned to general management at The Wonderful Company. This role gave me valuable experience and opened doors for further career shifts. My time at Teleflora and True&Co introduced me to the startup world, where I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit and could blend it with my finance background.

Becoming President of Evite was a significant milestone. It wasn’t just a career move; it was an opportunity after working as Chief Product Officer to make a meaningful impact on a larger scale. I find so much fulfillment in encouraging people to celebrate everyday moments and connect with one another. This role has really allowed me to blend my professional skills with a deeper sense of purpose: making a difference in people’s lives.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m incredibly honored to be the first-ever female President of Evite, especially after my time as Chief Product Officer. This year has been such a transformative journey for Evite. We’ve moved away from an ad-driven model, which has led to amazing growth in user engagement and market share. We’re constantly innovating, bringing in features like shareable links for quick invites and schedulable eGift cards. These additions not only make things more convenient but also add a touch of style to every celebration.

What excites me most about Evite is not just the brand, but the incredible team behind it. As a mom-led team, we fully understand the needs of busy party planners and parents, and we’re committed to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into their lives. We’re constantly staying ahead of party trends, offering themes from kid favorites like Disney and Minecraft to on-trend themes like Wine, Tacos, + Friends (WTF). Our Parenthood Journey category caters to all stages of family planning, ensuring we can help celebrate everyone and every milestone. Additionally, we are dedicated to philanthropic causes, having raised over $46.5 million for worthy community initiatives.

One of the most inspiring aspects of my role is driving these innovative changes and seeing the positive impact on our users. Our refreshed approach is enhancing user experiences and solidifying Evite’s position as the authority in event planning. We’ve recently launched Evite SignUp Sheets, a tool that streamlines organizing volunteers for any event, whether a classroom party or a weekend trip, eliminating the need for multiple apps and serving as an all-in-one party organizer. Another exciting addition is Party Playbooks, online blueprints that outline everything you need to throw the best parties, allowing hosts to savor life’s most meaningful moments.

As we continue to innovate and expand, we are set to revolutionize how people plan and celebrate their special moments. Our commitment to convenience, style, and community impact makes Evite an exciting brand to be a part of.

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?

Curiosity has been my guiding light, allowing me to continuously learn and grow. It pushes me to understand the deeper reasons behind everything I do, stay informed about industry trends, and seek knowledge from diverse sources. For those early in their journey, my heartfelt advice is to never stop asking questions and seeking answers. Read widely, network with people from different fields, and always be open to learning something new. Curiosity will keep you adaptable and innovative, opening doors you never imagined.

Authenticity has been my anchor. Being true to myself has helped me navigate through judgments and stay focused on my goals. It’s about more than just being honest; it’s about being genuine in every interaction and decision. For those starting out, embrace who you are and let your true self shine through in your work. Authenticity builds trust and fosters meaningful connections, creating a supportive network around you.

Resilience is the third key quality. Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous challenges, as many leaders have. Resilience has enabled me to persist through tough times and learn from failures. For those early in their journey, it’s vital to develop a resilient mindset. Understand that setbacks are a part of growth and use them as opportunities to improve. Stay determined, keep pushing forward, and maintain a positive outlook, no matter the obstacles.

Cultivate curiosity to fuel your learning, embrace authenticity to stay true to yourself, and build resilience to navigate challenges. Speaking from my own experience, these qualities will not only guide you through a successful career but also lead you to a fulfilling and meaningful life!

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

By far, the most transformative skill throughout my career has been resilience. This quality was ingrained in me from a young age, passed down from my parents, who escaped Vietnam in 1975. They taught me that as long as I’m safe, no setback is permanent. My parents are my greatest role models, and their unwavering strength and perseverance have guided me throughout my life.

As an Asian American woman, I’ve often been underestimated in my career, which has further underscored the importance of resilience. Facing these challenges head-on, resilience has allowed me to bounce back with determination, stay focused on my goals, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.

For anyone looking to build and develop essential skills, qualities, or knowledge, I believe cultivating resilience is key. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and remember that no setback is permanent. With resilience, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals, transforming challenges into stepping stones towards success.

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Evite

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