We recently connected with FLOYD TAKEUCHI and have shared our conversation below.
FLOYD, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
An interesting question. While I was almost myopic in my early professional years focusing on my career as a journalist, I always offered a hand to junior staff who I thought were talented. That attitude has been a constant in my career. From that, I realized that there’s more than just meeting personal goals. There has to be meaning to the work . It all came together by the time I was in my 50s’ and had built a career on a solid foundation of success.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a documentary photographer and writer who has a particular interest in how traditional cultural values, particularly in the Pacific Islands, have applicability in contemporary society.. My photography projects all revolve around this nexus — sharing the values, traditions and beauty of small Oceanic societies with the larger world. My interest is a result of being of both worlds — born and raised in the islands to American parents who worked in the region for three decades.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three skills or qualities? First, you have to be able to honestly and frankly assess your strengths nd weaknesses. This means, as is said in the public relations field, you don’t believe your own press. Second, you need to commit to being he best that you can be in what you do. When I began my journalism career, I knew there would always be other journalists who would be better writers, reporters and have better sources. But I knew that none of them would work harder than me. And I was able to build a successful career on that belief. Third, like the Boy Scouts preach, be prepared. Do your homework. It always pays off.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents were typical of their generation — second generation Americans of Japaneses ancestry who were the first in their families to go to college. Their approach to parenting was to lead by example. And give opportunities when and where they could. They never explicitly said so, but i always knew I had their support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @fktakeuchi
Image Credits
Photographs by Floyd K. Takeuchi
