Meet Yi-wei Chiu

We recently connected with Yi-wei Chiu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yi-Wei, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

When I was a high school exchange student, I was selected to live with a family in a small town in Iowa. Traveling from Taiwan to a rural community with a population of only 2,000 people, I quickly realized that I was the only Mandarin speaker for miles. Not only did I look different, but I dressed differently and didn’t speak much English at the time. I felt like an alien in a place where everyone seemed to know each other.

My classmates were curious—they would touch my hair and skin as if I were from another planet. At first, it was confused, but I soon realized this was an opportunity to bridge the gap. Instead of retreating, I embraced my uniqueness and worked hard to learn the language and build connections. I made it my mission to immerse myself in the community. I participated in every school event I could, whether it was joining the basketball team, attending sports games, or going to homecoming and prom parties. By putting myself out there, I began to connect with my peers in meaningful ways.

Being the only one in the room taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, patience, and the power of embracing your differences. I’ve carried those lessons with me throughout my career, where I’ve often been the only one who looks or thinks like me in creative meetings or client presentations. I’ve learned that standing out can be a strength, and that by being open and adaptable, I can build connections and achieve success, no matter where I am or who’s in the room.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a Taiwanese automotive designer currently working at General Motors’ California Advanced Studio. Over the years, I’ve gained professional experience working with major brands like Kia, Nissan, and Volvo, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design from the ArtCenter College of Design.

My main focus is on exterior car design, but what excites me most is creating the overall experience for users. I don’t just think about how a car looks; I imagine how people will feel when they interact with it. What kind of connection will they have with their vehicle? How can we design cars that not only meet functional needs but also evoke emotion and create a memorable experience for the driver and passengers?

At my previous companies, I gained extensive experience designing production vehicles, working on cars that people can drive today. Now, at GM’s Advanced Studio, I’m excited to dream more freely and push the boundaries of automotive design. Here, I get to imagine conceptual designs that explore the future of transportation.

We are living in an incredibly exciting era for the automotive industry. On one hand, we have a rich heritage that excites classic car enthusiasts, and on the other, we are at the forefront of revolutionary advancements like fully autonomous vehicles, electric cars, and innovative new platforms. Being able to design cars during this time feels like standing between the past and the future—it’s about honoring the legacy of automotive design while pushing boundaries to shape the future of mobility.

As for what’s next, we’re on the brink of exciting launches related to electric and autonomous vehicles, and I’m proud to be part of that journey. My goal is to continue contributing to this evolving industry by designing vehicles that not only look beautiful but also redefine the way people move and connect with their cars.

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?

Adversity taught me resilience. From being an outsider in America who didn’t speak the language to navigating the competitive world of automotive design, I learned that challenges are inevitable. But rather than seeing them as setbacks, I used them as fuel to push forward. My advice to anyone early in their journey is this: embrace adversity. It’s in those uncomfortable, difficult moments that you grow the most. The more you learn to adapt to challenges, the more resilient and capable you become.

Commitment was another key factor. Designing cars requires a deep level of dedication—there are long hours, revisions, and constant problem-solving. I knew from early on that I had to stay committed to my craft, even when things got tough. For those starting out, I’d say: stay committed, even when progress seems slow or when you’re faced with obstacles. Mastery takes time, and success isn’t an overnight process. The ability to stick with something, even when it’s difficult, is what will set you apart in the long run.

Lastly, open-mindedness has been crucial. The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with electric and autonomous vehicles reshaping the landscape. To keep up, I had to remain curious and open to new ideas, even if they challenged my prior beliefs. Whether it’s learning new technology or collaborating with different disciplines, being open-minded allows you to innovate and grow. My advice here is to always stay curious. Be open to learning from anyone, be it a mentor, a peer, or even a new industry trend. The more perspectives you embrace, the more you’ll evolve both personally and professionally.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

There have been many life-changing and pivotal moments in my journey, but the most impactful thing my parents did for me was their unwavering support in two key decisions. The first was supporting me to become a high school exchange student. What was originally a one-year plan turned into 12 years and counting! That experience completely changed the course of my life, allowing me to explore new cultures, environments, and opportunities I never could have imagined.

The second moment came when I decided to pursue car design. I was already close to earning a degree from the University of Illinois, but deep down, I knew my passion was elsewhere. My parents stood by me when I made the difficult decision to transfer to ArtCenter College of Design and start all over again from the first term. That leap was daunting, but their belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my true passion.

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personal projects (non any company’s property)

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