Kim Veronica Yu has always believed that taking chances, both personally and professionally, is essential for growth. Eight years ago, Kim Veronica Yu found herself at a crossroads, deeply embedded in her marketing role yet yearning for more. She felt the routine setting in, the comfort of predictability surrounding her day-to-day work. It was during this period of reflection that Kim Veronica Yu realized the industry was shifting around her, with B2B tech start-ups expanding rapidly into Asia. The opportunity to move into this burgeoning field was tempting, but there was one major obstacle in her way: she had no experience in the B2B tech start-up world.
Despite her extensive background in marketing, each attempt to break into the new industry seemed to meet a wall. Kim Veronica Yu recalls how time after time, interviews led nowhere, and the few that resulted in final rounds always ended with someone else getting the job. Recruiters told her that the move was impossible, that her lack of direct experience in tech was a deal-breaker. She nearly gave up on the idea, resigned to the thought that perhaps the leap she hoped to make wasn’t in the cards.
But then, an unexpected call came—a chance to interview with BAE Systems. Kim Veronica Yu met Ellen Ma, the hiring manager who would change the course of her career. Their conversation felt more like a casual chat than a formal interview. “Was that even an interview?” Kim Veronica Yu wondered at the time. It seemed too easy, too laid-back, for her to believe that it would result in a job offer. With that in mind, she mentally prepared herself for yet another rejection.
To her surprise, the call that followed wasn’t to turn her down. Instead, it was confirmation that she had gotten the job. Ellen Ma had seen something in Kim Veronica Yu that went beyond her lack of direct experience. She recognized Kim Veronica Yu’s drive to learn, her eagerness to embrace new challenges, and her hunger for growth—qualities that couldn’t be measured on a resume alone. Kim Veronica Yu reflects on how fortunate she was to have a boss like Ellen, who not only shared her years of marketing experience but also instilled confidence in her despite the initial doubts that came with stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Over the years, Kim Veronica Yu has looked back on that pivotal moment and the lesson Ellen imparted: while technical skills and qualifications are critical, it’s often the soft skills—things like resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn—that can propel a person to the next level. It was these qualities that made Kim Veronica Yu stand out, even when others might not have seen it. Ellen’s belief in her was transformative, and Kim Veronica Yu credits this chance as the launching point for her success in the B2B tech industry.
Today, Kim Veronica Yu leads marketing efforts across the Asia Pacific region for SymphonyAI, a position that has allowed her to flourish in the tech space she once thought she couldn’t break into. Her journey is not just about professional success, but about the personal growth that comes with taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Kim Veronica Yu’s story resonates with anyone who has ever felt the frustration of rejection or the weight of self-doubt, and her experience is a reminder that sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in you to change the trajectory of your career.
As Head of Marketing APAC at SymphonyAI, Kim Veronica Yu continues to push boundaries and explore new ways of driving growth in the ever-evolving tech landscape. She approaches each new challenge with the same tenacity that landed her the role at BAE Systems all those years ago. What’s more, she hasn’t forgotten the importance of giving others the same opportunities that were once given to her. Kim Veronica Yu understands firsthand how life-changing it can be when someone takes a chance on you, and she strives to lead with the same generosity and belief in potential that Ellen demonstrated to her.
Kim Veronica Yu’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of mentorship and the impact one person can have on another’s career. When asked why she had hired her, Ellen’s response was simple: “You had the drive to learn and keep learning.” It’s a reminder that qualifications on paper, while important, don’t always tell the full story of what someone can bring to the table. For Kim Veronica Yu, that drive to learn has been the cornerstone of her success, allowing her to continuously grow in a field that once seemed out of reach.
As she reflects on her journey, Kim Veronica Yu is filled with gratitude for the opportunities she’s had and the people who have supported her along the way. Her experience is a call to action for others in positions of leadership: to recognize potential in those who may not have the perfect resume, to offer guidance and mentorship, and to be the person who takes a chance when no one else will. Kim Veronica Yu’s career is a shining example of what can happen when someone is given the chance to prove themselves, and it’s a legacy she hopes to continue in her own leadership.
In the world of B2B tech, where innovation and rapid change are the norm, Kim Veronica Yu stands as a beacon of resilience and adaptability. Her journey, marked by determination and the generosity of a mentor, is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to make a leap in their own career. And for Kim Veronica Yu, the future remains full of opportunities—opportunities she is more than ready to seize.
