Meet our new coach, prototyping expert Priscilla Tan
Priscilla joins the UNSW Founders team as Program Manager (Protoyping)
Introducing Industrial Designer Priscilla Tan, the newest coach to join our 1:1 Coach & Connect service. Coach & Connect links people who have an innovative idea, or an existing business, with an experienced startup coach to accelerate and amplify success. Priscilla has experience in Industrial Design, Education, Accounting, and Small Business. A self-taught woodworker and CNC machinist, her passion is in fabrication and creative problem-solving.
Can you tell us a little bit about your role at UNSW Founders?
As Program Manager for Prototyping, I'll be working on strategic management of our fabrication facilities/know-how/networks to not only improve student experience but also to better support programs within UNSW Founders. I strive to build a culture of 'learning through making' and facilitate entrepreneurship-focused course delivery and integration.
What experience do you bring to the role?
This role is an unbelievably rare opportunity for me to consolidate my rather diverse portfolio of experiences. I've accumulated 12-14 years of experience in Accounting & Finance, Design & Fabrication, as well as Education. I started my professional career with Toyota, giving me a strong foundation in lean manufacturing and overall lean practices. I've worked in both corporate accounting and startups. I later studied to become an Industrial Designer, and from there I have gone on to design education, creative practice consulting, hands-on prototyping and fabrication, as well as assisting businesses to bring their products to market. I also co-founded a design practice that has been running for the past seven years.
What is your favourite thing about entrepreneurship/startups and why?
I love the emotional stamina of startup founders. It is not a journey for the weak-minded. Dedicating your full presence to sell a cause/product/idea/system to improve your future and hopefully, the future of many others requires the dedication and self-belief that many of us can't even fathom. Successful or not, there are always great stories and lessons to learn; whether it be the drive and process it takes to succeed, the market forces beyond control, or just pure delusions of grandeur that ultimately result in failure. There is always a fascinating story of mental endurance behind every startup story.
Who is your startup/entrepreneurship idol and why (could be a founder, business or brand)?
Based on their understanding of the importance of good design, my top 3 companies with startup origins are:
Xero - Because they have gone far beyond accounting software and have really empowered small business owners through meaningful education. They have built a strong ethos of 'beautiful business'.
TransferWise (now known as Wise) - A great fintech startup example that truly understood the problem with international money transfer and made it cheaper, and faster, and using great UI/UX design to make it seamless with every touchpoint well considered.
Everlane - Combating the filth of fast fashion, I think as a fashion label, has done well in balancing good design, quality, and an ethical supply chain, while still offering a reasonable price tag.
Can you tell us a little more about your own startup you mentioned earlier?
Not so much a startup, I co-founded a small business (Red Block Pty Ltd). It is a design practice with a focus on ethical and sustainable furniture/fitouts/homewares where we work with local makers and artisans. Back in 2015 we were designing, consulting, and fabricating. It took me over five years to set up the right operating model and network for me to be able to put down the tools. These days I am less involved in running the business and have more liberty for it to be my creative outlet to keep my design and creative problem-solving skills sharp. I am still very passionate and invested in keeping local makers viable, ethical, and sustainable.
Ready to chat with Priscilla or one of our other experienced startup coach about your innovative idea or existing business...for free? Check out Coach & Connect here.