Angie Sees an Uptick of Public Engagement That is Powering a News Media Renaissance
What’s your story?
Since founding www.forkast.news in late 2018, I’ve grown as a founder, CEO and entrepreneur. It wasn’t always a role I ever thought I’d permit myself to have. As a 20-year veteran in broadcast journalism, I’m taking all the skills I’ve accrued in my professional and personal life and putting it all into exploring what the next dimension of media needs to look like for a 21st century audience who are hungry to know more about technology. As a journalist, I always felt like a teacher. Now, as a mother, I value this role even more. At Forkast.News, we believe that emerging technology is a real-life metaphor for disruption. And amidst the Covid-19 disruptions around the world, we are in a position to explain these shifts in dynamics from our perch in Asia.
What excites you most about your industry?
Media is experiencing a renaissance moment. As millions of people stay home, stay in place, to stay safe… there is an exponential need to feel connected, seek out information, and understand the bigger universal story of the current state of the world. As people seek answers, those of us who are in the business of asking questions and reporting are seeing upticks of public engagement in our work. It’s a reminder of the value journalism has. It should not be squandered or taken for granted ever again, and there is some incredible reporting out there that elevates all of us.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Hong Kong, but raised in Canada. I never thought I’d ever have the chance to live and work in my place of birth. It’s been incredible and humbling.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
For me, this answer has evolved. There are so many incredible cities to choose from, each one of them unique! It is impossible to choose a favorite.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
If it feels right, it is right.
Who inspires you?
My team inspires me. Literally. Their passion, creativity, and the ideas they share and invest in the company inspires me to think differently, and to go big. Inspiration is collaboration amongst aligned equals. Every idea can give birth to another one.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I, like everyone else, have learned that life will always throw you a curve. The lesson is to learn to love the challenge.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I am a believer in being committed to everything you’ve ever decided to do — because even when things don’t go your way, or are deemed a failure… it is simply an opportunity to learn, evolve, and iterate that gets you to your next success. I would do zero things differently.
How do you unwind?
I play chase with my three-year-old!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I’ve come to really love the countryside of Taiwan. The blue skies, water, mountains, and the hospitality makes this a wonderful place to bring the family. Plus, there are so many things for the little ones to do!
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Think and Grow Rich,” by Napoleon Hill, first published in 1937. Where there is a will, the way will find you. All you have to do is [believe] know you can. It’s as simple as that.
Shameless plug for your business:
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter “The Current Forkast” that delivers the latest technology and blockchain headlines from around the world straight into your inbox. I do a fun, in-depth, weekly podcast that helps people understand how all the dots connect in their industry, communities and the world. The world is disrupted; technology is a metaphor. We cover innovation, resilience, and the future. Sign up here www.forkast.news and I’ll meet you there!
How can people connect with you?
They can email me at [email protected]
Twitter handle?
@angietvlau
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
