Grace Jeon means business.
Oh, and did I mention she’s awifeandmom, too?
In short, she’s an inspiration.
Courtesy of Grace Jeon
And SELF had a chance to talk with her to find out how she does it all.
Lindsey Lanquist: How did you become a CEO two times over?
I was actually working as a CEO for a designer protein company when JUST came my way.
So it started out innocentlywith me as a friendly adviser.
But I soon realized, Wow, this concept has tremendous merit, and it could be a game-changer.
Do you ever face specific stereotypes, as a woman in business?
Now that I have a CEO title,stereotypesare more subtle, but I see them.
And I get this reaction from both men and women.
So I just go on with my businessand I have a quiet way of going about it.
Im a huge believer in demonstration over talk.
I let my results speak for themselves.
How do you balance your personal and professional successes?
This is something I struggle with, and Im still trying to figure it out.
I feel like Ibarely have enough timeto get the work stuff doneparticularly with such an unconventional business.
There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Thankfully, I have a great support system who understands the demands of my role.
Still, I’m working on doinglittle thingslike getting my meals delivered so I’m eatinghealthier mealsand better portions.
It’s a work in progress.
What are your healthiest and unhealthiest habits?
Aglass of pinotis both my healthiest and unhealthiest habit!
Joking aside, I think my unhealthiest habit is that I just throw myself into work.
I remember telling my husband, I just dont know how to go at a normal pace.
My healthiest habit is a workout that I’ve recently started.
It’s a combination ofpilates,cardio, andweight trainingand itll kick your ass.
Its an insane total body workout.
And for me, when something kicks my ass, I feel really good about having done it.
It’s hard work, but it’s something I’ve recently tried to work into my routine.
What’s the biggest mistake you made in your 20s?
And would you make it again?
Professionally, I didnt make any mistakes that I regret.
The mistakes I made in my 20s were more personal.
I grew up in a culture that didn’t place much emphasis on emotional expression and development.
And in some ways, this prepared me less for long-term relationshipsparticularlymarriage.
I actually ended up getting married to someone who wasnt necessarilyright for menor was I right for him.
Because I thought I was supposed to.
I didnt know how to reconcile what my heart was saying versus what I was supposed to do.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Now, what Im starting to do more is enjoy the journey by beingkinder to my younger self.
I would tell her she doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter shape to be asuccess.
And I would tell her to allow herself to be free.
My motto is: Always be honest and a person of integrity.
Theres really no shortcut in businessor in life.
And what advice would you give young women starting out in their careers?
If I can do it, so can you10 times over.
In high school and college, I wasn’t the most studious person.
There’s a much greater openness to having female leaders in the workplace.
The opportunities are out there.
Just keep at it, andnever sell yourself short.
But if the opportunity presents itself, go for it.
Learn more about JUST Goods here.
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