Bianca (Young Publisher Review)

Full Transcript

Petya -- Hello Bianca, and thank you so much for joining me for today's interview.

Bianca -- Hi Petya, I'm really glad that I could join.

Petya -- Thank you. And could you please tell us a little bit about yourself, who are you, and also for how long have you been with Young Publisher?

Bianca -- Okay, so hi, I'm Bianca and I've been working with Young Publisher for more than three years now. I'm basically a virtual assistant or a VA, and I mostly handle customer support, social media, and admin tasks as requested.

Petya -- Thank you. And actually, because, you know, we've known each other for a bit, and I remember when you came into the company, you were doing very different tasks than what you're doing now. Would you like to share with others how did your journey start and how it evolved?

Bianca -- Wow, it's like walking down ancient times, but I initially started out as an editor for our articles in Young Publisher because Young Publisher initially used to handle writers and graphic designers and such. And so my role was basically to proofread and edit and make sure that all articles were basically good to go for our websites. And that... and after that, since Young Publisher like consistently evolved, like we expanded into different brands. It just so happens that, you know, I was also motivated to like learn new skills to grow into other roles as well. And throughout that process, I think that Young Publisher has really supported me because they've given me like the tools I needed, as much as the support, and also like they also were consistently asking me if I needed like, you know, time to like adjust and everything. So I felt really like... I felt like it was really a conducive environment to upskill and everything. So even though I started out as an editor, I really think that the lessons that I learned from Young Publisher are like some of the lessons that I could still do outside of work and yeah, it's been... it's been a really long time I guess.

Petya -- Yeah, it's... it's been ages ago, but you know, I kind of wanted you to share that because I remember how you started out as an editor and it was a very responsible position because it required very high level of English which you have and it was the position that is basically serving as a filter between whether an article would get published or not in the back then blogging business that we were involved in. And yeah, it was just a very responsible role. So thank you for taking it on. And I just wanna share this moment to acknowledge you because you were recruited as an editor and even though at some point there was an opening for other roles and other responsibilities, you actually took them on. We asked you, you took them on and you succeeded in them and kept improving in them as time went by. And currently as a customer support, you're in that role because you combine a skill set that's very valuable and it also builds upon what you used to do with English, with being attentive to detail and then also being very empathetic and truly caring towards customers.

Bianca -- That's so kind to hear, Petya. Yeah, of course, like, you know, it's not just like work to me. It's not like once I shut down my laptop, all the skills I go are just put to rest. It's basically like all the lessons and the tools and the life skills that I gained from Young Publisher is more of like... it's a reminder that we're all just gonna constantly grow and if like we let ourselves be stagnant and label ourselves as, "Oh, I'm only an editor, that's all I can do," we're really not gonna like improve in other aspects. So you know, I'm really glad that Young Publisher like saw the opportunity to give me other tasks because even though they weren't at my current skill set at that time, they saw the potential that I could potentially learn and, you know, grow in that.

Petya -- So, could you say that that boosted your confidence or, you know, helped you with that?

Bianca -- I would say that yes, it boosted my confidence, but it more so boosted my curiosity to learn more things because it's not just that, oh, they see that I can probably do this task. It's not just that, it's more of like, oh, they see that I have the potential to like accomplish this task. So maybe in my part, I should do like the work to learn more and you know, to be proactive. Basically, oh, wow, like being proactive is something like I really, I picked it up from Young Publisher early on because you know, it's not enough to just give the bare minimum. You really have to have the motivation to like go beyond it because if, like I mentioned, if you stay stagnant in one position, you're not really gonna bloom or like reach your maximum potential.

Petya -- Thank you. I definitely see proactivity as a word that stands out, as a highlight. Nice. And could you tell me a little bit about your life before Young Publisher? So that's even further...

Bianca -- Okay. So even further in the past, I was actually a fresh grad during that time, 'cause I applied for Young Publisher during the pandemic. So it's crazy that, you know, it's been almost four years now and looking back, wow, Young Publisher really took in a fresh grad and just gave me like the chance to really prove myself. And you know, thinking about it, it really felt like the universe was telling me that hey, there are people who believe in you even if they can't see you physically, as long as you know, you like put in the effort to try and communicate, 'cause at that time everything was virtual and like work from home was the only option we all had. So you know, I was like really, really, really thankful that Young Publisher gave me a chance to even try to apply and even like get the interview and such.

Petya -- Thank you. Yeah, that is valuable as a contrast, you know. The pandemic was stressful for all of us. It was a big shift. So again here comes adaptability as a skill, you know, that's your trait. And thank you also for applying because we found a very dependable employee with whom we could work together for years. And that's, I would say very valuable because you know how a lot of companies had high churn and that really hinders the work of the company because you have to take a step back or a few steps back, start again. And it's very valuable to have someone who you can rely on consistently and trust because that gives you peace of mind. And then you work together, you have the confidence, and you also have more space for creativity and for learning because the worries of "Oh, will we have to find another person?" are out of the way. And that's amazing.

Bianca -- I definitely feel the same way because one thing I remembered is that when I was applying like years ago, the goal was to like have a long-term relationship with Young Publisher because it isn't just like something you do for a part of your time. It's something that you really have to give thought into. Because of course, it may be a work from home position then, but you realize that it is a legitimate career that you can build and eventually grow into.

Petya -- Thank you. Thank you for sharing your opinion and view of that. And I also want to ask you, when you first joined, what surprised you most about Young Publisher? Is there something that really surprised you?

Bianca -- Well, I guess I could say that I was really surprised that I was working directly with Petya and Tim. I mean, you and Tim at that time because what I was assuming when I applied was that it will be like an agency where I would have like superiors, Filipino superiors above me who would like just give me the tasks. And I'd say I'd just be like... if there was a hierarchy, I'd be like here. But then, you know, since I realized that, oh my god, Young Publisher was just such a small team back then and then we were all working like hand-in-hand together. There was no one who was better, there was no one who was getting left behind. I guess that's what surprised me is because I've always had this misconception that maybe once you join the workforce and everything, you're really gonna have to start from the bottom. And I guess it's true for some parts, but yeah, I guess surprises come and I was lucky to join a team that like uplifts one another rather than, you know, just leaves one behind when they can't catch up.

Petya -- Thank you. I'm glad that that was the feel behind it because we also aimed to, you know, speak in a normal manner. Like I like to say "work together," not "Filipinos working for Young Publisher" but "working with" because it's a mutual process of communication. Sometimes misunderstandings might occur, and then it's important to meet halfway and not just give orders and being like, "Hey, why isn't this done?" I mean, we also had our flaws and our mistakes, but we try to learn from them and also ask for feedback because when starting out, there is a lot of unknowns. So that goes again both ways. It's not just for the people who are in the company and start the company, but yeah, for all of us. So I think it's important to have tolerance and to learn from mistakes, whether we were too strict or we had unrealistic expectations sometimes. It's important to adjust. And once you adjust and you're all aligned, you can move forward smoother.

Bianca -- Definitely. I think one of the motivations I had was that it wasn't just us employees are expected to improve. I was also seeing you, Petya, and like Tim also trying to constantly learn from their current skill set. So it's more of like we're all trying to improve together. Because if I could share, at that time when I was applying, I also had a friend who was applying for a different client. And then we were sharing our experiences and they were saying like, they didn't even have the chance to talk with their client and such because they had like... they had to like start from the bottom which was like, you know, they had to get through all these mini tasks and everything just to get like a legit task that could harness their own skill set for it. And then I was like, "Huh?" 'Cause in my few months of experience back then with Young Publisher, I was already talking and coordinating with like you and Tim. And then I was learning so much at a pace that I couldn't believe that, you know, it felt like I was learning skills more efficiently rather than like I was being forced to.

Petya -- Oh, I see. Also something that's coming from you, like seeing an example that's how we also try to do things and learn and improve and then it's more of a standard for everyone than just a requirement of you, let's say.

Bianca -- Yes, exactly.

Petya -- I'm really glad about that. Thank you for sharing this. Also it makes me really happy. And I would also like to ask you about a specific moment where you felt genuinely appreciated or supported, be it throughout a hardship or even, you know, acknowledged for something.

Bianca -- I guess I would remember the time wherein I felt really like overwhelmed 'cause at that time we were transitioning to a different brand, namely like, you know, we were trying to get into digital courses this time rather than articles. And I remember being overwhelmed because it was also the time when we were transitioning in the real world to the new normal where everything was going back to normal and such. And so like I had to request for a break and just try to cool off my mind. And then you and Tim were like very so understanding with it. Like you didn't try to pry too much or like even try to interrogate me as to why I'm asking for that break. You just let me have the rest that I needed. And then when I was like ready to come back, it was really... I guess that was one of my core memories is that I was able to go back to the position that I left because I was welcomed with open arms.

Petya -- Oh. Yeah, I remember that actually. I remember you took a few months break and I didn't know whether you were gonna come back or not, but I thought, "Okay, for me if someone asks for a break, it's only natural to give them that break because I don't think your heart and your head will be aligned if you stay somewhere despite your free will." So I do think it's important to... I always say, "Yeah, sure, let's have a discussion." But by discussion, I don't mean opposing your decision, but more like, "Hey, voice out what you need and we'll hear you. And also we respect privacy." So for me, if you want to share something, then that's valuable and that's okay. If not, we are not gonna push you, of course, because you know what you need best. And we believe in your capabilities, free will, and decision. And yeah, I'm just very glad that you came back after, to be honest.

Bianca -- Yeah, I mean I really wanted to come back 'cause I felt like I was in such a better place that time after resting 'cause yeah, you can't really pour from an empty cup. And then after that break, I was really just like so motivated to get back to work. And then after that, yeah, it's been smooth sailing. I've been with Young Publisher for almost four years now, which is so crazy to think.

Petya -- Yeah, it is a big milestone, I would say. And you're one of the longest working people that we have. So I'm truly happy to see that and to be part of that, you know, to be working together for this long. And I would just say that genuinely it felt really easy to work with you and I remember also writers back at the time sharing, "Oh, it's really easy to communicate with Miss Bianca." The 'Miss' being a very respectful way, you know, of talking about you. And yeah, I was just happy. I thought, "Nice, that's exactly what we want. Someone that people are open to receiving feedback from." Cause that's important. And I think you bring it out also in a very gentle way. So respectful but also honest and constructive.

Bianca -- Yeah, I remember like I was so nervous back then 'cause I remember being so young. Like I mentioned, I was a fresh grad back then and the writers were all much older than me. And so initially it felt like a bit of a... there was a disparity in me where I was thinking, "Hmm, am I in the right place to be giving them feedback?" But then you know, yeah, Petya, you never really like treated me as like this just this young person. You treated me equally with all of them and that gave me the push to you know, "This is work. It's something serious, but it's not gonna consume me and I can't let it like ruin my whole thoughts and my whole persona just because I'm starting out young."

Petya -- You know, I always admired people who start working really young or in general start tackling challenges really young because when you're young, you're more insecure I believe, or at least that was my experience. I was very insecure, I was very very confused. And by the way, when you said, "Oh, I was so young," I literally felt like interrupting you and saying you're still very young. In a good way. More experienced but still very young. I'm older. Probably like most of the writers. I'm a millennial. But you know, I try to view people as people, like a personality with their own skill sets, their needs, and their wants and hobbies and interests. So for me it's the whole picture. And I think also it's very important to recognize the drive someone has because whether young or older or whatever, that drive is really the engine behind the actions and behind experimenting and thriving. And once you see that, that's like a flame, you know. So you don't put out the flame, you let it burn and it becomes something beautiful. Anyway, thank you. And I would also like to ask you, how has working at Young Publisher allowed you to improve or change something in your personal life? And you could think in terms of hobbies or interests, anything really.

Bianca -- Well, I remember 'cause we used to do our weekly calls right, and then you would ask me, "So what did I do over the weekend?" And I'd say, "Hm, I did work," 'cause you know, I genuinely like doing the routine work. And then you'd ask me, "Okay, aside from work?" And it really made me think that Petya is really the one asking me to like do and enjoy more hobbies outside because as much as I'd love doing work, we all really need to like have outside hobbies. And so I remember sharing that I got so much into hockey so much. I'm still so invested in that. So I genuinely feel like in terms of personal life, Young Publisher has reminded me that "Okay, so you enjoy doing your work. You should also like enjoy doing outside things." And as much as possible, since my shift is very flexible, which Young Publisher was very considerate with that, they helped me craft a schedule that was something I needed to balance out in my life. And so with the shift I had, I had the early morning time to get things done. And basically now, I have like... I'd say luxury, I have the privilege of just enjoying my mornings before work. And with that, I've become more calm and I've really grounded myself into thinking that, "Okay, the afternoons and the night times are for work, but the mornings are mine." And that's really something I wouldn't probably be able to experience if I worked an onsite job here in the Philippines 'cause imagine working a 9 to 5, you'd experience the commute and everything. But no, with Young Publisher, I was given the chance to have my own time at my own choice.

Petya -- That's amazing and I'm honestly, I was just indulged in listening about your mornings 'cause I also value my mornings and having a morning ritual to lower cortisol or the stress hormone down. And for me it really makes a big difference. So I'm glad that you found a rhythm that works for you and that it also fits with your current work schedule 'cause that's important. And yeah, I am amazed how you found ice hockey as a hobby 'cause it's not something typical and that's what makes it so cool, 'cause it's something specific to you and something that makes you so excited, which I'm glad about. Last but not least, I would ask you what it's like working at Young Publisher and if someone asks you, what would you recommend them that they need as a mindset?

Bianca -- So what's it like working with Young Publisher? It's basically trying your best every day to improve and to learn and it's not boxing yourself into a position that you applied for. So that's something I carry with me every time I try new tasks because of course you're gonna feel like, "Oh, am I capable enough to do this and all that?" But as long as you believe that there are other people believing in you in our team with Young Publisher, you're gonna be able to accomplish it because Petya, Tim, and everyone around us like the employees, they're all so kind to make it feel like it's more than just a workplace. It's actually like a community that you know, even though it's online, we can all easily talk to one another and help each other. And then you asked me if I'd recommend it to a friend. If I'd... personally, I don't like mixing my personal life and work life. But if I believe that my friend has the skill set that we need, of course I'd encourage them to apply. Yeah.

Petya -- Yeah, I respect that actually. I also believe in the fact that you don't need to advertise stuff to people, but the right people who have interest in what's being done will come. And nothing should happen at all costs. So just let things be and the right people will come. So Bianca, thank you so much for sharing your valuable experience from 2022 until now, with blogging and more. Is there anything else you would like to say to fellow Filipinos who are skeptical about applying with Young Publisher or anything else?

Bianca -- I'd definitely just say that do it scared anyways because you know, I've always thought about this one line from Petya that once we start to feel fear, our mind will just automatically try to bring us down and give us reasons not to try something. You're not gonna lose anything by trying to apply with Young Publisher. You're just really gonna give yourself more chances to grow. And I think that based on everything I said, I hope that you could have the chance to be motivated to try and be better every day because it's not always that you get the opportunity to try and land yourself in a team filled with other people who are just constantly trying to do their best. And you know, I think that's the most important part with working is that you don't feel boxed, rather you feel motivated every day.

Petya -- Thank you Bianca. I really appreciate your kind words. And with this interview, I think that people will have a fair chance of evaluating based on their own principles and values whether a certain position or work at Young Publisher in general is for them. And thank you for helping. I wish us many more years of success together and achievements both small and big. I actually like to think that there is no small achievement because it's a process and it works by compounding. So that being said, I sincerely thank you for showing up today and in general and wish you a great shift ahead.

Bianca -- Thank you Petya. It was a really enjoyable call. Thank you so much.

Petya -- Thank you. See you soon.