Irrational Optimism?

JuE Wong believes in destiny. After losing her husband to a fatal heart attack just three weeks after they relocated from New York to Georgia, the CEO of Astral Brands used the devastating experience to help others.

Blindsided by a tragedy no one saw coming, Wong credits positive thinking with helping her bounce back, personally and professionally.

“By training teams to look at situations as opportunities rather than problems, it’s helped us succeed,” Wong tells PINK. After her husband’s death, she began volunteering with the American Heart Association, helping them raise $100,000 more dollars than they had the previous year. She now sits on their board of directors.

“Irrational optimism” is a mindset that could benefit all businesswomen. “We think we’re in control – then we get fired or a company goes under,” Wong says. “We can’t control that, but we can control the opportunities we find through networking and improving our skill sets.”

Switching careers, focusing on your health or taking time to self-educate are a few ways women create their own destiny. Plus, being open to gratitude, staying in the present and seeking professional help if necessary provide the chance to trump tragedy with positivity.

“When tragic things in life happen,” says Wong, “you can’t let that pull you down.”

Bonus PINK Link: Join Wong and other top women at PINK’s 7th Annual Fall Empowerment Series this November!

and tell us how you overcame a challenge.

By Caroline Cox

“There’s much to be said for challenging
fate instead of ducking behind it.” Diana Trilling