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Jane Park
CEO & Founder at Tokki
Professional Background
Jane Park has built an impressive career marked by leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to empowering individuals and communities. As the founder and CEO of Tokki, Jane is leading efforts to create meaningful social impact through innovative products and services. Her extensive professional experience is highlighted by her previous role as the CEO and founder of Julep Beauty, where she revolutionized the beauty industry with a strong focus on technology and consumer involvement.
Prior to her tenure at Julep, Jane was a project leader at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she honed her skills in strategic consulting and project management. Her role at BCG allowed her to work with high-profile clients on complex problems across diverse industries, laying a solid foundation for her future entrepreneurial ventures. She also served as the director of New Ventures at Starbucks, where she was instrumental in launching innovative initiatives that further cemented Starbucks' position as a leader in the retail coffee space.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Jane has engaged in significant philanthropic efforts, serving on the Board of Directors at the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. This organization is dedicated to supporting underprivileged students in their pursuit of higher education, exemplifying Jane's commitment to social responsibility and accessibility in education.
Education and Achievements
Jane Park's academic credentials are as exceptional as her professional portfolio. She holds a Doctor of Law (JD) degree from Yale University, one of the leading law schools in the nation. At Yale, she acquired the skills and knowledge that would later bolster her business ventures and leadership roles. Before this, Jane earned her AB from Princeton University, where she developed a strong foundation in liberal arts education, further enabling her to think critically and creatively in tackling business challenges.
These academic achievements have not only equipped Jane with a profound understanding of law and business but also have enhanced her capabilities in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and fostering innovative corporate strategies.
Notable Achievements
Jane's career is adorned with numerous accolades and achievements that underscore her influence in the business world. At Julep Beauty, she not only pioneered a new standard for customer engagement but also built a brand that resonated with consumers worldwide. Under her leadership, Julep grew rapidly and became known for its diverse range of beauty products that catered to individual needs and preferences.
Her strategic vision at Starbucks significantly contributed to the company's innovative drive, helping create new pathways for the brand to connect with its customers and expand its reach. Moreover, as an advisor at Julep Beauty during her early career, Jane provided valuable insights and direction that further established the brand's presence in the market.
Outside the corporate sector, Jane's service on the Board of Directors at the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship showcases her dedication to making higher education more accessible. Through her work, she has positively impacted the lives of many students, empowering them to pursue their educational goals and realize their potential.
In addition to her professional life, Jane is known for her commitment to mentorship and community involvement, often sharing her experiences to inspire the next generation of leaders in business and social impact.
Summary
All these experiences, educational background, and leadership roles position Jane Park as a formidable force in the business and philanthropy sectors. She continues to drive positive change through her work at Tokki and remains dedicated to making a difference in the community.
Highlights
Are entrepreneurs really “fearless?” I am not – because that would undersell the emotional resilience necessary to engage in the insanity of trying to build something new. Especially as a woman. Especially as a short, Asian woman.
To be fearless is to be an idiot. There are so many, many legitimate reasons to be fearful. The question is how we find the strength not to be stopped by our fears.
When I’m feeling fearful (No one will buy our product! This retailer is ghosting us because they hate us!), the first question I ask myself is, “are you confusing fear with excitement?” Am I feeling the butterflies of being at the starting block of a race, and telling myself a story of fear instead of excitement? Because the chemical reactions in our brains are largely the same for fear and excitement – it’s the story that we tell ourselves that matters.
Sometimes that doesn’t work. The fear remains after that check-in. That’s when I turn to my record of resilience. What I have survived before, the body of proof that I can endure this level of pain. That I can find my way through with creativity and strength. So that hard thing you’re going through right now? Regardless of the outcome, you are building your record of resilience. Yay you.
Finally, share your fear outloud with an empathetic friend. Often what can seem overwhelming reveals itself to be survivable in the light of connection.
So for me, the goal is not to be fearless. The goal is to be fearful - yet unstoppable.
#entrepreneurship #lifelessons
Photo by Melanie Wasser on Unsplash
