We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Penny Peipei Lin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Penny Peipei below.
Penny Peipei, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline is fueled by a genuine passion for personal growth and a commitment to maintaining a well-rounded sense of well-being. I derive joy from actively seeking out new experiences and confronting challenges, whether that involves immersing myself in outdoor activities like hiking, yoga, and bouldering or engaging in continuous self-learning.
Over the past few years, I’ve crafted a routine that not only meets the demands of work but also serves as a form of self-care. Activities such as nature walks, exercise, and exploring new hobbies act as stress relievers, helping me strike a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. This commitment to diverse interests and ongoing learning has become a foundational aspect of my self-discipline.
I find inspiration in both my mother and grandmother, who exemplify an unwavering commitment to knowledge and personal growth. Their dedication to staying informed about trends, learning new things, and adapting to changing times has profoundly influenced me. Recently, they’ve even embraced modern technologies like ChatGPT and live shopping. I am particularly in awe of my grandmother, who, post-retirement, taught herself ballroom and Latin dance, achieving a professional level of performance. Their self-discipline and eagerness for self-development are truly admirable. Observing their resilience and curiosity has instilled in me the belief that growth is an ongoing journey.
In essence, my self-discipline is driven by a thirst for progress, reflecting the values instilled in me by my family, who adhere to the principle of staying current with the times. Whether it’s maintaining physical activity, trying out new pursuits, or staying informed about the latest trends, I see self-discipline as a means to consistently evolve and make the most out of life. This mindset has not only enhanced my overall well-being but has also empowered me to confront challenges with resilience and a proactive approach.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Penny, currently a UX designer at Google, working on enhancing the Podcasts experience for YouTube. Before this role, I worked as a visual designer at Google Health, focusing on developing the visual language. Prior to that, I co-founded an AI startup, contributing to projects in both GenAI and healthcare.
Since my undergraduate days, I’ve been passionate about exploring new technology with creativity while also prioritizing social innovation. My goal is to design solutions that genuinely assist others and create an inclusive experience for everyone. One of my favorite projects is a visual system and app design created for individuals with autism. Drawing from personal experience growing up with an autistic family member, I witnessed the challenges they faced. This project aims to provide support and raise awareness about the needs of both individuals with autism and their families.
Another noteworthy project I’d like to share is an AI project from my time at the startup. The initial idea was to simplify the photoshoot process by allowing users to transform old photos into different environments or worlds without the need for a new photoshoot. Leveraging immersive 3D technology and AI, we developed an automated GenAI to generate unique photos. Users can enter 3D landscapes, explore the universe, or delve into the world of anime. While we continue to innovate and explore more possibilities, this project has been a delightful journey, offering a myriad of creative opportunities.
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?
Three qualities that hold significant value for me are perseverance, optimism, and open-mindedness. My appreciation for these traits has deepened, especially as I pursued both my undergraduate and master’s degrees during the pandemic, facing a challenging environment marked by a struggling economy and job market. The process of finding opportunities, particularly securing a job, has become increasingly difficult over the years.
In navigating this tough job market, I firmly believe that maintaining perseverance, optimism, and an open-minded attitude is crucial. These qualities have played a pivotal role in helping me overcome numerous obstacles. It’s essential to always believe that, despite the difficulties, success will eventually come. I continue to stay determined, positive, and open-minded to possibilities.
For anyone currently in the job market, I would recommend never giving up and not getting discouraged. Understanding that the right opportunity, tailored for each individual, will come in due course is crucial. Stay persistent, stay positive, and keep an open mind, as success often follows those who persevere.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I strongly believe my manager is the person I would point to. Despite his self-professed lack of managerial prowess, I’ve really come to appreciate and seamlessly adapt to his management style. I genuinely feel fortunate to have learned a great deal from him and express my gratitude for the numerous opportunities he has provided me. He’s the kind of leader who places trust in his team’s potential and consistently believes in their abilities. Even when faced with projects that initially appeared formidable and overly complex for me, he entrusted them to me and encouraged me to take charge. The journey of growth and learning has indeed been challenging, but the results have been rewarding, and I have ultimately conquered those challenges.
Therefore, when people inquire about my future career goals, my response often centers around aspiring to become a proficient manager within the next 5-10 years. I envision myself guiding and leading young designers, much like my current manager does for me. My goal is to mentor them, assisting them in navigating their professional paths and discovering their own directions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peipeilin.design/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennie_ww/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peipei-lin/
Image Credits
Second image: Credit: DxPos
