As we expand our team across Australia, our former Head of People, Ivy Cheung, shares her experience with growing and challenging herself at Generation Entrepreneur.
Ivy is a prime example of who we are at Generation Entrepreneur — an organisation made up of young people with big dreams.
Back in 2019, Ivy joined Generation Entrepreneur as a member of our events team before assuming a role as Co-Head of People in 2021. Alongside spreading Entrepreneurship across Australia and improving the wellbeing of our core team members, Ivy also undertook a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at the University of Technology Sydney. If that wasn’t enough of a challenge, Ivy’s growth mindset and desire to make a positive impact saw her interning at companies like Forage and Mastercard.
As a valuable member of our team, we asked her about her time at Generation Entrepreneur and here’s what she had to say ⬇️
Q. What drew you to Generation Entrepreneur?
The ability to inspire more diverse students through entrepreneurship! I was lucky to stumble across startups in high school by chance and ultimately pursued an innovation degree in University because of it.
I know how important entrepreneurship is because it’s impacted who I am today and how I view the world.
“I always wished I had the opportunity to participate in something like Gen-E when I was younger, so I wanted to join to help more students get the chance I never had”
No matter what role you have within Gen-E, whether it’s marketing, HR, or you’re the CEO, you’re also required to be on the ground teaching students — arguably the most enjoyable and satisfying part!
I think I did something crazy like go to 5 in-school workshops (Cranbook, James Ruse, Punchbowl Boys, Caringbah High, and Ashfield Boys) and 2 initiate 48 (UNSW Women in Business, University of Newcastle) during my 3 month internship period. Looking back, maybe it was a bit overboard, but it was so fun meeting so many students from diverse backgrounds and seeing how universal the power of entrepreneurship is when students light up working on something they deeply care about.
Q. What is something you have achieved at Generation Entrepreneur?
I mentored 2 student teams that won their respective competitions. I am very proud of these students within their teams and seeing both of them personally develop with their project throughout the competition — I would like to think that I helped a bit!
Q. What weakness did you use to have that Generation Entrepreneur helped you improve upon?
“Finding my natural presenting style and being confident in public speaking.”
Since I was little, I’ve always had issues speaking in general and had to even go to speech therapy! It was always a challenge, so speaking publicly was a final boss level challenge.
Gen-E has been a safe training ground to improve my presentation skills without judgement. At the same time, one of the most humbling experiences is being disrupted by the regular high schooler when presenting. It’s extra critical to be concise, speak confidently and passionately when you speak. Though you have a team behind you to give you honest feedback with pure intentions, supporting you all the way and giving you more opportunities to grow.
I’ve applied what I’ve learnt here to present at work, school, and life, and I can see the difference it has made.
Q. What is your favourite memory in GE?
For sure it’s our annual road trip! Every year, the core team goes away for a trip for team building. You have to join to find out what happens during a road trip!
Interested in applying for the team or have any questions? Head to our website to find out more.
