We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Vogel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kathy, 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 child, pre-school aged, I didn’t realize I was “different”– meaning– I didn’t look like everyone else, I knew I was half Korean, half white, but I didn’t comprehend what that meant. It was just “me”. I figured everyone else was like me. That is, until I started school, Then I realized I was the only one in the room that was “me.” It was a new experience to be asked why my eyes looked different than theirs. Did I speak Chinese? I was even asked once if I ate dogs, because someone had said that “Oriental” people eat dogs. I asked my mother if we did and she was horrified. She said: “Dogs are pets!” With these early experiences, I knew I was now “different.” But in all honesty, I never let that effect me. I learned very early on that I am who I am. I am no different other than my looks, I can achieve anything I want to because of my work ethic. I do what I do. If someone has a problem with my gender or race, then it is on them. If I focus on what may be seen as a disadvantage or if I allow myself to feel that I’m working from a minority standpoint, it takes away from whatever I’m trying to accomplish. And now that I’m a “mature” woman, I face a new challenge– ageism– which is just another turn in the road to navigate. These things should never stand in the way of your success story. It’s noise. It’s distracting. And yes, it’s real. But keep your focus on what you are intended to do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been a radio on-air personality for quite a long time. But I guess you could consider my career “media” because I do voiceover, audiobook narrations, on-camera work, acting, and playing synth in the band Ravenwood. But, I have side hustles in media as well. In 2018, after been “separated” from my radio job I took those few months to launch a project that I had been on my mind for a while– a fun, snarky, escape from the downer of the news on your timelines on social media. That project is Crack. Wise. Magazine– an online source for what I call “funformation”– information you need presented in a fun, silly, humorous, snarky way. Crack. Wise, is a play on “wisecrack” which is the heart and soul of the site. We’re slowly gaining more followers, and I intend to keep at it because we could all use a humor oasis out here. The website is: www.crackwisemag.com
My new project, which launched a few weeks ago, is called Enduring Olive– a resource/community for women over the age of 40. Even as a younger woman I knew that the time would come when age would start to be held against you. And here I am now. It’s frustrating. We don’t value our older members of society– especially women. When women hit 40, people start to look at us differently whether they’re conscious of it or not. Women 40+ still matter, still have worth, still have goals and dreams and are still viable. The message of Enduring Olive is that “we still matter.” With that in mind, I’ve created a community filled with information, knowledge, shared experiences of women in this age group. Soon, I’ll launch a podcast under the same umbrella. The website and the social media is the information part of Enduring Olive, while the podcast will be the conversation part. I want women to live their ideal lives with all the support necessary. Here’s where you can learn more: www.enduringolive.com
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?
1. Work Hard: Nothing beats a solid work ethic. Everything you want to accomplish requires putting the work in. There is really no quick, easy way to success. Time can be greatest asset, so if you have a few moments to put some work in on your project– do it. When you’ve accomplished your goal, you’ll look back and relish it even more because you earned every sweet moment.
2. Be Adaptable: As a broadcaster, I’ve seen a lot of changes from when I started out as a kid. Whether it’s technology, or social media trends, or reading up on something, you have to be willing to do it. Knowledge truly is power. If you can zig and zag and necessary, you’ll get left behind.
3. Learn From Others: I’ve proudly been a mentor to some younger people coming-up in the radio industry. As much as I’ve taught them, I’ve learned from them, too. Don’t let someone’s age– whether they’re younger than or older than you– cloud what you can learn from them. We all have knowledge and abilities that we can learn from one another. Growth should be continual through your lifetime.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Take a breath. Literally, take a breath. Get up and walk away from your desk, from a conversation, whatever. I usually take a moment to sit quietly when I feel overwhelmed. I pray. I then remind myself that I’m on a journey and that there is no guarantee that it will be pleasant and smooth sailing. And then I remind myself that I can do it. Whatever that it is. And if I stumble, I’ll get up again– even if I have to crawl first.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.enduringolive.com
www.crackwisemag.com
www.hausofv.com - Instagram: @enduringolive @crackwisemag @hausofv
- Facebook: @enduringolive @crackwisemag @kathyvogelofficial
- Linkedin: @kathyvogel
- Twitter: @kathyvogel
Image Credits
All images: Kathy Vogel
