From Tragedy to Triumph in Business
Sometimes tragedy serves as a powerful catalyst for innovation. Joan Dao’s business, Ilesovi, was born from a deeply personal and traumatic experience—her mother being robbed in broad daylight. This incident left her mother fearful and reluctant to dress fashionably to avoid being targeted again. Combining her love of fashion, technology, and inspiration from spy movies, Joan set out to create something that would empower and protect. Thus, Ilesovi was created, embodying the transformation of adversity into a driving force for creativity and change.
Challenges and Perspectives on Luck vs. Hard Work
Joan believes in preparing to be lucky. In her view, success stories often highlight serendipitous events, but what they frequently omit are the strategic moves that positioned the founders to seize these opportunities. “Timing cannot be created, forced, or rushed,” she says. Hard work is essential, but it must be complemented by strategic positioning and timing. Together, these elements make luck appear more fortunate. She emphasizes that behind every apparent stroke of luck lies a series of deliberate actions and strategic decisions.
Passion and Drive
Joan’s passion is fueled by her nieces and nephew, and by extension, all children. She aims to create a better future for them to inherit, aspiring to be the aunt they can brag about and who inspires them to reach their fullest potential. Children represent the future, and Joan is motivated to see what unfolds in these ever-changing times. She dreams of a world where they can thrive and be inspired by the generations before them.
Definition of Leadership
For Joan, leadership is about knowing when to defer to others’ expertise. She believes that the best leaders understand how to follow, viewing leadership not as a substitute for power, but as a role similar to social dance. A good leader, like a good dance lead, should inspire, create direction, and provide the space and resources for their team to succeed. Joan doesn’t see leadership as wielding power, but as facilitating success through support and guidance.
Sources of Inspiration and Aspirations
Joan draws inspiration from creatives and artists. She finds their energy nourishing and imaginative, especially during times when she feels stuck. Listening to artists and makers dream of new futures and projects is contagious for her. Unlike the sometimes superficial nature of startup culture, art offers authentic connection and reflection, inviting Joan to stretch her mind and connect with her humanity. These moments of artistic immersion help her envision innovative solutions and stay grounded in her values.
Sunday Mornings and Hobbies
On Sunday mornings, Joan can be found drinking tea in her garden patio with her dad. She enjoys picking up new hobbies annually, with recent interests in salsa dance and judo. Joan finds traditional gym workouts boring, preferring social exercises that keep her mind clear while moving her body. Her hobbies reflect her desire for constant learning and social interaction, blending physical activity with personal growth.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of Joan’s strengths is her tenacity. While she may not have an abundance of raw talent, she excels in consistency, creating routines and systems designed for sustainability. Her curiosity has served her well in both science and entrepreneurship, enabling her to explore problems and find creative solutions. However, Joan acknowledges her high inertia as a weakness. Starting new tasks often involves significant changes to her routine, leading to overthinking, overbooking, and procrastination. She sometimes hides behind a facade of busyness to avoid tasks she’s been putting off.
Professional and Personal Achievements
This year, Joan has been featured in various media outlets and received leadership awards from Canvas Rebel and CXO. She has also been highlighted in the Wall Street Journal, CES, NY Fashion Week, and numerous tech and fashion magazines and blogs. Among her proudest achievements are receiving patents in both the US and China during the pandemic. These patents represent years of preparation and affirm that her university ideas were worth protecting and developing. They signify not just recognition but also a commitment to innovation and long-term success.
Message to Viewers: Mantra for Growth, Development, and Success
Joan shares a poignant mantra: “You can afford to take your time, but you can’t afford to waste it.” She reflects on the time she spent overthinking and doubting herself instead of building what she needed. Recognizing that being stuck and unhappy was a sign, she emphasizes that staying in that state won’t improve things. The solution requires taking the time to build and understand your business thoroughly. Joan’s message underscores the importance of proactive growth and the courage to pursue one’s goals despite uncertainty.
Joan Dao’s journey from personal tragedy to building a successful business portfolio exemplifies resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of showing up. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and determination in transforming adversity into opportunity.
