Meet Ivy VanDyke

We were lucky to catch up with Ivy VanDyke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ivy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from a deep belief in humanity’s resilience. When I look at history; and at my own life, I see how people adapt, recover, and move forward. We face challenges, sometimes overwhelming ones, and yet we continue to grow. That gives me hope.

I grew up in Taiwan and witnessed firsthand how the country transformed from a modest, developing society into one of the most advanced, prosperous, and democratic places in Asia. That didn’t happen overnight, it took decades of discipline, creativity, and collective will. I saw my parents’ generation work incredibly hard, often with limited resources but an abundance of hope. I remember older family members saving everything, sacrificing for education, building from scratch. That kind of transformation wasn’t just economic, it was emotional, cultural, and deeply human.

That shaped how I see the world. It taught me that progress is possible, not just for nations, but for individuals. When I hit challenges in my business or personal life, I think of the long view. I remind myself that change is slow but steady, and that what feels uncertain now can become a foundation later.

Whether I’m navigating a business setback, curating a show at the gallery, or stuck on a difficult climbing route, I come back to that belief: we’ve made it through worse. We adapt. We learn. We get better. That’s why I stay optimistic; not out of naiveté, but because I’ve seen what people can become when they keep trying.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently focused on two very different but deeply fulfilling ventures. I run an HR outsourcing company that supports Japanese expatriates on assignment in the U.S., helping them and their companies navigate everything from compliance to cultural adaptation. This business gives me a strong sense of structure, problem-solving, and purpose, it’s about making transitions smoother for people working across borders.

At the same time, I’m the co-founder of Thomas VanDyke Gallery, where I have full creative control to shape exhibitions, foster artist relationships, and build meaningful connections between artists and collectors. One of our core missions at the gallery is to promote Taiwanese culture and art, introducing its depth, history, and contemporary voices to a broader international audience. While the HR world is built on systems and precision, the gallery space thrives on intuition and expression. Balancing the two keeps me energized and grounded.

In my free time, I’m a passionate climbing enthusiast and a frequent traveler. Climbing sharpens my focus, tests my limits, and constantly reminds me how important it is to stay present.

Looking ahead, my goal is to expand both the HR business and the gallery into the Asian market. I’m excited about building new bridges between cultures and industries, whether through art, business, or community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my journey most are courage, discipline, and belief.

Courage means being willing to fail, to fall, and to get back up again. It’s not about being fearless, it’s about choosing to keep going even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. Whether launching a business, climbing a new route, or navigating change, courage is what moves us forward.

Discipline is what creates freedom. It’s about taking care of your body, your time, and your mental health. Structure may sound rigid, but it actually gives you the stability to grow creatively and take risks without chaos.

Finally, belief, in yourself, in people, and in the future; is what keeps you going when things get hard. I genuinely believe in human potential. History has shown we are resilient, adaptable, and capable of growth. That belief fuels my optimism and my work.

Advice for those just starting out?
Start by building small habits that reinforce these qualities. Try, fail, learn. Be consistent even when no one’s watching. And trust that your voice, your values, and your path matter, even when the results haven’t shown up yet.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely. I’m always looking to collaborate with people who inspire me with their mindset, ideas, and actions. I’m drawn to individuals who challenge my thinking, introduce new perspectives, and bring a sense of curiosity and purpose to their work.

Recently, I was in a meeting to propose an idea, something I had thought through carefully. But the person I met with took that idea, completely reimagined it, and turned it into something far more powerful than I ever would have envisioned on my own. That experience reminded me how valuable true collaboration can be. I love working with people who blow my mind a little and help me grow.

Whether it’s in business, art, or creative problem-solving, I’m most energized by working with people who value integrity, creativity, and bold thinking. If that sounds like you, let’s connect.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thomasvandyke.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasvandykegallery/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivy-vandyke-234b12183/

Image Credits

Nancy Hsieh, Thomas VanDyke, Thomas VanDyke, JAVI, JAVI, Yi-Jung Lin, Mardi, Thomas VanDyke, Maaemo Restaurant