Meet the Team: Five Ws with Rena Yung

1) Who are you?

My name is Rena Yung. Many close friends call me "Miss Rena". At home I am addressed as "Pumpkin" or "MOM!!!!!" depending on who's talking. Personality-wise, I'm always striking that balance between introvert and extrovert. I can be quiet, and I can be loud. But I'm always the diplomat. I love live music. I've been known to hop on a plane and travel 3,500 km just to see a concert. I've also done same-day road trips from Vancouver to Seattle to catch a once-in-a lifetime musical performance. Lately I've been putting together a 'bucket list' of artists and bands that I would like to see before they retire. My tastes are varied and some performers that I am glad I have seen live include: Bjork, David Bowie, Kraftwerk, Beastie Boys, KISS, The Cure, Pet Shop Boys, Flight of the Conchords, and Tom Jones. I can also be a bit of a film snob (or film nerd, depending on how you look at it). I can be that person who corners you at a party to pick your brain about your favourite director. Most of my spare time is spent with my 2 young children. One of our favourite things to do is hang out in the Gulf Islands at our family's cottage and go beach-combing and skip rocks into the beautiful Pacific.

2) What is your role at Appnovation and what does it entail? What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

I am a Principal for the Professional Services group at Appnovation. I start each work day with 25 minutes of yoga at home to prepare me for the day ahead. I play many roles each day but my primary focuses include project management (owning and delivering projects), team management (I manage a team of BAs, PMs, and Developers), portfolio management (ensuring health of various projects/accounts), and champion for process improvements. I work with people and numbers, and I make sure everything in between is in harmony. In my role, I'm constantly striving for that balance of company growth and supporting the PS team to ensure successful project deliveries. A typical day for me is always a blur. There is so much going on at any given minute. I probably spend too much time in meetings but I think face-time is important to successfully do my job. It's also very rare that I'm actually at my desk.  If I was in the circus, I'd be a hybrid of the juggler and the tightrope walker (and lion-tamer some days, it seems....)

3) Where are you located? Where do you hail from originally?

I'm based out of  the gorgeous, open-space, Vancouver office. I am thankful for the convenient commute, the great local eateries, and funky shops. I am originally from North Vancouver, so I am a true local born and raised (I don't think there's many of us in the Lower Mainland).

4) When did you join Appnovation?

May, 2012

5) Why do you do what you do? Why did you decide to join Appnovation?

I do what I do because I love working with people. And I'd like to think people like working with me. I also enjoy number crunching and making spreadsheets. And I love solving problems and tackling things that aren't always black or white. Grey areas are more dynamic and allow me to be creative. Finally this might sound trite but I truly get great satisfaction from helping others.

I joined Appnovation because as soon as I walked in the office I could sense the energy and top-notch talent. There are so many opportunities, and the experiences that I've gained in my short time here have elevated 'my game' to another level. I also love the environment which is open, honest, and collaborative. Almost immediately upon joining, I felt welcomed and accepted. And trusted. And those are important things for me. It's typical for me when I leave the office each day and I'm heading home to my family that I realize I have been pushed to my limits. But I thrive on being challenged, and I know that I've actually made a positive difference, somehow, for someone.....