Fast Five with Emily Chang

Emily Chang is an entrepreneurial education superstar. She has experience across private industry, government and the research sector and runs her own company Stoke, where she creates experiential learning opportunities for the global research sector.

Emily has a long-standing connection with SSE and is now officially starting as our Director, Entrepreneurship, part-time in May and June, before beginning full-time in July 2020. We sat down with her to discuss her love of entrepreneurship and what inspires her.

Hi Emily! Tell us how you got started with SSE and what attracted you to the Director, Entrepreneurship role.

I had a ‘running start’ in joining the SSE team, as I was involved in the delivery of several SSE units and the launch of the Discovery program.

The opportunity to make an impact on students and see their eyes light up was what attracted me to join the SSE train. I remember the first conversation I had with Sarah about the difference SSE can make to individuals and communities; the excitement and energy it generated left me buzzing for the rest of the day.

What’s your favourite part of working at SSE so far?

My favourite part is the free-flowing exchange of ideas in our morning meetings.

Why do you love working in entrepreneurship?

Being part of starting something new and rocking the status quo. I believe entrepreneurship empowers people to embrace change and the possibility of a better future.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received, personally or professionally?

One of my favourite quotes is from Ben Zander, “The conductor of an orchestra doesn’t make a sound. He depends, for his power, on his ability to make other people powerful.”

Tell us something you’ve found yourself doing recently that you normally wouldn’t.

Yoga – I swore I was never going back after a horrendous first experience a few years ago, but here we are!

And last bonus question: do you prefer a good book or a good movie?

Although I usually prefer to read the book before watching the movie (most of the time the movie kills off any creativity), movie watching is such a treat! Thank goodness Netflix is in my life!