In the second business women profile in my series, Women of Innovation, I am honored to feature Yumi Wilson, Associate Professor of Journalism at San Francisco State University. Yumi is also the Community Manager for two popular LinkedIn Groups, LinkedIn for Journalists and Friends of LinkedIn. Together, these groups have over 40,000 members.
Yumi credits much of her success to two things: the early discipline of her father, who was in the military and the reason her family traveled and moved many times, and her mother, who was strict, of Japanese origin, and simply gave Yumi “the look.” Yumi learned that she could move ahead in business if she became sensitive and responsive by listening to “almost ruthless” feedback from others about her talents.
Professor Maile Ornelias at Solano Community College was the first to see a greatness in Yumi, which she could not see in herself. Yumi’s goal was to become a journalist, and she decided to follow the advice of another coach at Solano who encouraged her to go where the action was for journalists—Los Angeles.
Yumi attended and worked for USC covering the L.A. riot, an experience that caused her to shift from broadcast journalism to urban reporting and breaking news. Her first job after USC was with The Associated Press. From those experiences, Yumi offers the following advice on business:
- Certain perspectives on business are learned in retrospect through reflection.
- Go where the action is (for journalists, New York is now the place).
- Don’t be afraid to take risks.
- Be ready to switch priorities.
- Be flexible.
- Even if you have genius, listen to the coaches and creative souls who can see this greatness in you.
You can learn more about Yumi on the San Francisco State University website and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Follow the link to read more business women profiles in the Women of Innovation series.
If you would like to be featured in a future business woman profile for the Women of Innovation series, contact Jim Nico at [email protected].
Jim Nico
Jim Nico is CEO and Founder of SNI the parent company of The Social Network Show®, and The Social Network Station® which presents cutting edge, actionable information for social network owners and managers and is a one stop source for social networkers worldwide. SNI provides a quick reference guide on its website by featuring over 500 social networks on parade. Jim believes the future is niche social networks and he continues with strategic partners to catalyze core principles and best practices of Service, Safety, and Sustainability as guidelines for social networks world wide. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
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Jim,
Thanks for the wonderful article … it’s a testament to your great listening skills! I’m so glad we’ve connected.
Yumi
You are welcome. And thank you for the compliment–it means so much coming from you! Among your great traits: are your courtesy, your humility and your appreciation of people. You have been so gracious and helpful to me; and I am hoping we can continue to collaborate as I truly think you do have greatness in you and if I can catalyze this greatness I know the world of business and the world of innovating women will be forever grateful. And thank you so to Susan Gunelius–our host here–who afforded us this amazing opportunity to make public your contributions and your importance.
Thanks for sharing this great post. Love the advice on business.
Thanks so much Brooklyn!
Thank you Brooklyn and I hope to learn more about you.