Meet Melanie Jang, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Rakuten Symphony’s Internet Services BU, as she shares her journey and what inspires her work.
What has been your journey to Rakuten Symphony been like?
I’m originally from Seoul and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. My career journey took me through various roles in tech and digital advertising companies, where I developed my expertise in marketing and business development. My path to Rakuten Symphony began with a startup called Estmob Inc., a company founded in Seoul that I joined in 2016 to manage marketing for their promising product, "Send Anywhere."
Three years ago, Rakuten acquired Estmob Inc., and this acquisition was a turning point. With it, the Internet Services Business Unit at Rakuten Symphony was formed, bringing together members from Estmob to create a new, innovative division. In October 2021, I officially joined Rakuten Symphony as part of this transition.
The move was exciting and a bit nerve-wracking at the same time. Transitioning from a small startup to becoming part of a global conglomerate like Rakuten was a significant milestone for all of us. It felt like a huge achievement, and there was a sense of pride in knowing that we could now leverage Rakuten's vast resources to accomplish even greater things. The opportunity to work in such a dynamic and innovative company was thrilling, and I was eager to see how our team could contribute to the broader vision of Rakuten Symphony.
What does a day in your life look like?
As the Vice President of Marketing and Business Development within Rakuten Symphony’s Internet Services BU, I report directly to our president, Ryan Son. My role is dynamic, with no two days being the same. The nature of my work requires constant engagement with different stakeholders, involving everything from planning and executing strategies to providing feedback, making adjustments, sharing insights, and reporting progress.
My schedule is often packed with meetings, reflecting the collaborative and fast-paced environment we operate in. I manage a team of five people, and I also oversee the product services and customer services departments here in our Korea office, which is located near Gangnam. Despite being a small office, we maintain a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere through frequent events like all-hands meetings and workshops. It’s a great way to keep the team spirit alive and have some fun together!
What’s been your best day here so far?
I'm not sure if I should call this the "best day," but the most memorable moments of my time at Rakuten Symphony has been withth truly talented and exceptional people. My team members and close colleagues are not only some of the smartest individuals I've ever met but also some of the kindest. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such great people every day. Thanks to Rakuten Symphony, I've had the chance to meet people who have not only become trusted colleagues but also dear friends. This sense of camaraderie and connection is something I cherish deeply and consider one of the highlights of my journey here.
Is there a phrase or saying or person that inspires your work?
The Bible verse Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me," has been a source of inspiration for me. I recently came across this verse again while reading a book called “The Power of Positive Thinking.” This fantastic book helped me rediscover the power of having the right mindset, and it reminded me of just how powerful this verse truly is.
In moments of fear or stress, reflecting on this verse gives me the strength to believe in my own abilities. It helps me face difficult situations with confidence. Just last week, I had an important meeting, and initially, I felt nervous. But when I thought of this verse, I felt a surge of courage to take on the challenge. It reassured me that, yes, I can do it.
Do you have any hobbies?
I'm really interested in psychology, particularly in the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator. I'm an ISFP - personality type with the Introverted, Observant, Feeling, and Prospecting traits - which means I often need time alone to reflect and recharge. However, as a mom with a beautiful 11-year-old daughter, finding time for myself can be a bit challenging.
On Sunday mornings, l like to listen to music and do house chores while my family is outdoors. There's something incredibly peaceful about being alone and seeing my home well-organized. It helps me feel at ease.
Do you have any advice for people joining Rakuten Symphony?
If you're considering joining Rakuten Symphony or our BU, know that there are countless opportunities for growth and development here. As Google's Eric Schmidt once advised Sheryl Sandberg when she was considering joining Google, “Get on the rocket ship and don’t ask too many questions.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the dynamic and fast-paced environment at Rakuten Symphony. It’s an exciting place where innovation and change are constant, and being adaptable is key.
My advice is to embrace the journey, even if it feels overwhelming at times. Jump in with both feet and be ready to learn as you go. Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude and an open mind will serve you well. With the right mindset, you'll find that the potential for success is immense, and you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact. This is a place where those who are eager to grow and contribute can truly thrive.
