Uncommon member spotlight: Wendy Wong
Welcome to Uncommon Stories, an interview series highlighting the female leaders that make up the community. Each month, we’ll invite a member for a candid conversation about work, life, and an inside look into the Uncommon experience.
This month, meet Wendy Wong, co-founder of Singapore-based user experience design studio 55 Minutes and mom-of-two.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What’s your career story and how did you end up where you are today?
I belong to the generation in Singapore where most parents had a fixed definition of success for their children — get a university degree, land a cushy well-paying job, and you will be happy. To cut a long story short: I was (academically) inadequate in junior college, but thrived in a polytechnic while pursuing my interest in a diploma in digital media design. This led me onto a designer’s path, involving years of improving my craft: firstly as a desktop designer, and then as a digital designer. Today, I am the co-founder and Head of 55 Minutes, a user experience design studio which applies the human-centered approach, not just in the work that we do, but also in the way we work. I’d say it all clicked mid-way in my career when I enrolled in a part-time master's program by Hyper Island which sharpened my mind and enabled me to develop my own voice. Some 30 years and having co-founded a few companies later, I now know how to better define happiness for myself — it’s when I can design meaningful solutions and help people thrive.
What’s a unique or uncommon fact about you that might surprise people?
Although I have an advanced diving license, I am still afraid of open water. And I mean, very afraid.
What’s been your experience as a founder/leader?
Leadership was never something I craved. Who I am as a leader today is a cumulative experience from the opportunities people gave me, starting way back when I led extra-curricular activities in school. Those experiences enabled me to lead church ministries and creative teams, and eventually run organizations. I am immensely grateful to the people who believed in me—be it the people who gave me the chance, or the people who followed my lead. They showed me it is not true that (1) women cannot or should not want to lead, (2) leadership is about being the loudest in the room. Leadership is about caring enough to want to make a positive difference. The irony though—despite years of being a leader—is there’d still be moments I think I am not good enough.
Why did you join Uncommon?
Leadership can be lonely, and female leaders face different challenges from men due to societal norms. Being in a community that supports women and helps each other to grow while keeping things real, is so important to a leader's well-being. I desired to be amongst female leaders, leaders who care about authenticity and community. Not just to be inspired by them, but to also give value to them as well.
“Leadership can be lonely, and female leaders face different challenges from men due to societal norms. Being in a community that supports women and helps each other to grow while keeping things real, is so important to a leader's well-being. I desired to be amongst female leaders, leaders who care about authenticity and community.”
What’s your favourite part about being an Uncommon member?
The women in my core group, and our lovely coach, Leila Sierra! Everyone is authentic, fully present at all our discussions, and shares their experiences or knowledge openly. The group is a safe space for me to connect and grow.
How has Uncommon helped your professional or personal life?
The reflective conversations with the women in my group and regular workshops on highly current topics, –combined with the coaching sessions–unlocked some of the gems that were buried deep inside me. The clarity and affirmations that came out of these conversations encouraged me in my pursuit to become a better version of myself.
What life experience has been your biggest teacher?
Covid has taught me to “never say never”. Three years ago, if anyone asked me about the possibility of working remotely, I’d say no – without blinking an eye. But this is my team’s third year of remote work and I cannot deny its benefits. Motherhood is a great teacher too! Before giving birth to my two girls, I had many “Oh, I would never do that if I had my own kids” moments. But my lovely 15 and 13-year-old taught me to respect the unique needs of every mother-and-child relationship and to withhold judgement.
“The reflective conversations with the women in my group and regular workshops on current topics unlocked some of the gems that were buried deep inside me. The clarity and affirmations that came out of these conversations encouraged me to become a better version of myself.”
If you could read/watch only one book/movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’d read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The book’s overall themes of mortality, love and loss, while centering around books, are deeply captivating.
Could you share with us any exciting projects you’re working on?
My team and I have been working on two products focusing on the idea of connectedness. One is targeted at young children, and another for working adults. The first one features a goals-setting journal for children. Parents can use the questions in the journal to gain a deeper understanding of their child. The second project, called Team Talk, focuses on helping remote employees connect with each other better through meaningful conversation prompts. We are having a Team Talk showcase at the Tampines National Library in Singapore, from mid-February to mid-March 2023, so do visit!
Meet a vetted community of women leaders
Uncommon is a vetted private network for female leaders to connect, grow and thrive. We believe in creating spaces for women and equipping them with the right skills, tools and community to define their goals and realise the best versions of themselves. Apply to join our waitlist here.