She started with the firm in 1992 as its first female researcher and technician.
IntraFish: How did you begin working in the seafood industry?
Jennifer Kuo: I graduated from National Ocean Taiwan University, aquaculture department. I majored in animal nutrition. I wanted to develop a career, based on my expertise. Through my uncle's business connection, I met Mr. Ko [Grobest CEO Ko Chi-Kang] and he hired me right after the interview.
This way I got into the leading company specialized in animal nutrition in Taiwan. I was the first female researcher and technician in the company. It was the year of 1992. At that time, Mr. Ko already expanded the business from Taiwan to the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
IF: What attracted you about the seafood industry?
JK: I like to identify problems, solve problems and challenge new tasks. Raising healthy animals are challenging at all times and there are always many different factors involved. The variety of species in the seafood industry is even more interesting.
The most interesting thing is that animals’ responses can be very different under different conditions. I like to help farmers and see the big smile on their faces. I like to see healthy animals on farms in order to make sure the quality and safety in our diet is the right one. I feel I am doing a good and right thing.
IF: What obstacles have you faced in your career a man might not have encountered?
JK: Most of the people I work with and most owners I deal with are of the other gender. Some of them do not admit women could be qualified leaders, not because of their abilities but because of their sex. This is especially true in the east. As a woman you need to work harder to prove you are qualified.
Others obstacles come in the form of social activities in places where women won’t go. In that case, you are not on the same "side."
Pressure also comes from other female workers. The strange thing is that female executives need to prove themselves to female staff. She needs to prove she is as qualified and as good as a man.
IF: Would you encourage other women to seek a career in this industry? Why?
JK: Definitely yes. Because women are able to do it as well as men.
IF: What advice would you give aspiring female seafood executives?
JK: Just do it, go for it. Do the right things and do it right. Get strong support and understanding from your family.
IF: What are the biggest challenges facing female seafood executives in the industry?
JK: There is an invisible ceiling in terms of promotions, and to make room for your family.
Female executives will face much more pressure when they want to have babies, take care of children, husband and parents, while at the time having the same contribution as men, as it is time- and energy-consuming.
IF: How can the industry recruit more women into the sector?
JK: Start from an education level for both women and men. Sometimes it is the mindset which is confining women to get into the industry instead of no available positions for women. I believe every job in the seafood industry is available for everyone no matter the gender you are. The question is, would you accept it.
IF: If there were one thing you could change about the industry to make it a better place for women workers, what would it be?
JK: For more owners to give fair opportunities to women. If they did, they'd easily find out there are so many talented female executives out there. More female executives would lead more future talented people, and men and women would work together to make it a better place for both genders.
IF: What was the dumbest advice a man in the seafood industry has ever given you?
JK: Act like a man if you want to fit into the executive 'circle' and want to be recognized as an executive in public. Well, I don’t think that is going to work, as it is totally not possible and against our nature.
I believe wisdom, vision and ability to lead the team, to do right things are equally true to every executive who makes an effort. Have confidence in yourself. No matter if you are a man or a woman, you can do it.
