Kim Du
Chief Commercial Officer at EMOTIV
“I wanted to find something that would captivate my heart and imagination.”
Read Kim’s full profile below
What do you do every day?
What's unusual about my job is that I work with a larger number of women than I am usually used to. It's very different from the tech world in general, where there are more men than women on executive committees. It's a very collaborative and nurturing environment- we are all friends and colleagues.
We have a very distributed team- people work in different parts of the globe, different time zones and so it's a much more flexible working environment.
Why do you love it?
One of the greatest things about the work we do is that we want to democratize the space around brain research. We have the opportunity to transform lives in a significant way- and this mission really resonates with our team. As a result, the team finds it easier to live a meaningful life!
What were your moments of fear and challenges in your career?
A lot of us spent much of our life finding what we are passionate about- and I was just like that. I wanted to find something that would captivate my heart and imagination. I was always very reflective, and so I really wanted to find that. As a teenager, I did community service to help people find vocational work and education that would help people find a job. It mattered to me that I was trying to do something positive. I started my career in law, at a large law firm in Australia. As I was working there, we started a section of the firm that serviced innovators and entrepreneurs- as I moved over and became more and more interested, I found that the digital revolution and information age was transformative and I wanted to be a part of the action. And that's when I made the change! It has to be the unique fuse of inspiration, ideas, and the right mix of people- and when I ran into the brain area, I was completely crazy over it. I felt brain research was really ripe for innovation. I didn't want to compromise- I wanted to create something new that would tackle a difficult problem.
What are some of the latest innovations in science that you are most excited about?
Biotechnology, energy (green, renewable etc.), I'm excited about social impact organizations as well!
Where did you grow up?
Melbourne, Australia
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
My primary school teachers- it was a Catholic school, and a very nurturing, value filled environment. I learned so much about being grateful and needing to give back!
The high school I went to was focused not only on academics but also finding passion in your work. It really brought out the best in me and helped me find my inner strength and confidence.
What is your unique talent?
I'm finally developing a green thumb! I thought I was terrible with plants- but in the past two years, I've developed a nice little garden! It's teaching me patience, and I love it.
Tell us about your personal style.
I like classic pieces with a pop of color.
What is your favorite website or fun activity?
I really enjoy Pinterest! I like collating ideas and tidbits on there- from remodeling tips to gardening ideas.
Who inspires you?
My mom- she's an incredibly strong role model for me. She came to Australia with just my sister and me- she has worked so hard to give my sister and I a great start to life. She is the most incredible inspiration- raised two kids on her own and earned two degrees and is the first Vietnamese mayor outside of Vietnam! She is such a positive, optimistic person with such a healthy outlook on life. She's incredibly disciplined too. Just seeing her, I realize that she has the most amazing amount of strength and discipline.
