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EX-STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
ELIZABETH RYU (2000)
CEO, HAPPYTEL
When I joined HappyTel in 2004 we had less than 10 stores. Today, HappyTel is the largest retailer of smart device accessories and smart device repairs with 60 stores in every capital city and major shopping centre in Australia and New Zealand. I then decided to do a Law degree, but part-time so that I could continue to work. Studying law was a major turning point in my life because it made me think differently, think broadly and logically. It made me a generalist and highlighted the importance of understanding/knowledge. This love of learning led me to another degree - MBA from the London School of Economics, New York University Stern, and HEC Paris. The 18 month global program cohort consisted of executives, CEOs, and leaders from Europe, US, Africa, South America and UK. It was a life changing experience which broadened my perspective. I met so many amazing, successful but humble people who I still stay in contact with. Currently, I am the CEO of HappyTel, Director of Active Golf, and other companies which own and manage real estate, funds, and online businesses.
Elizabeth Ryu (2000)
If we look back at your time at school, when did you attend PLC Sydney, and what did you plan to do after school? I attended PLC Sydney when you could describe yourself by identifying as a Spice Girl, Nokia Snake was the only form of mobile phone entertainment, and John Howard was PM. I have such fond memories of life inside the green gates. They were fun times with the teachers who were all very caring, friendly, some stricter than others but generally a very lovely environment to spend your days. After school, I planned to go to university, preferably one where my friends were going, study business or economics, then go into the big corporate world or go overseas and live the life of an ex-pat in London or Hong Kong and work for a multinational. Well, that was the plan... Please briefly tell us what you did after finishing school? I went to UNSW and studied Economics but didn’t end up going into the big corporate world or going abroad; instead, I stayed in Sydney and started my career at Happytel. Happytel is a retail business that my parents founded when phones were the size of bricks. In 1996, they were the first to sell mobile phone accessories in shopping centres. PLC SYDNEY / CAMPHORA
What does a typical 'work' day look like for you? A typical workday involves many meetings with various stakeholders of the various entities regarding, management, strategising, sharing ideas, checking on their well-being in fact anything. In between meetings, I'm on the email, zoom or calls. Since covid Zoom or Microsoft team meetings have taken over requiring less travel and more flexibility. I try my best to fit in a walk during lunch. I quite enjoy this time as it gives me the chance to take in the weather, listen to sermons, podcasts or the news. What are the positives of working in a family business? The positives of working in a family business are flexibility, maintaining a good culture and closeness to staff. Being less bureaucratic, we are more nimble, cohesive and decisive despite the limited information in an ever-changing environment as we have experienced/experiencing during the pandemic. Quicker decisions means faster implementation and improvement. Whilst I say it is a family business, my parents moved on many years ago so the only family I work with is my brother and we have 350 staff members. Contrary to popular belief, it’s great working with my brother. He is highly intelligent, understanding and open-minded. We have great discussions about the economy, life, politics, and everything else. He is often sending me podcasts about technology, innovation, future industries and markets which challenge my thought process and I adopt later in work and life. We make a great team.
