Team Spotlight on Ryuko: The witty and thoughtful giver who brings charm and sweetness to the workplace
Meet Ryuko! A Bay-Area local with Japanese roots, Ryuko has worked as an Executive Assistant / Interpreter in industries ranging from biotech, gaming, advertising to government agencies.
We are thrilled to have her on DNX’s team as our Executive Assistant. Her day-to-day roles vary throughout managing schedules and communications — forming the backbone of the company so that the team members are able to focus on the Bigger Picture. She prides herself on going the extra mile to ensure everyone’s day runs as smoothly as possible, and feeling supported and appreciated by fellow team members makes this role a pleasure. She cites the culture at DNX as her main draw towards the role, coupled with DNX’s ties to the Japanese language and culture.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in your VC Career?
With every new industry, there’s new lingo to get your head around and to be comfortable with, so I’ve had to be quite on the ball, doing my best to learn on the job while also doing my homework.
What administrative advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
“We support budding entrepreneurs around the globe because innovative breakthroughs could occur anywhere in the world”
Adding your timezone to your Email signatures will help expedite setting up meetings! And if you have an EA, adding his/her contact there as well would be a big plus!
Be your own CEO (Chief Energy Officer) — make sure and carve out a time to recharge, relax, refresh — weekly if not on a daily basis.
What are your must-read books or top three podcasts?
I find that classic literature grounds me in such a fast-paced, cutting-edge industry where we’re constantly on the go. I’ve finally read all the Jane Austen novels cover-to-cover, and I love Khalil Gibran’s ‘The Prophet’.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Reading or listening to audio/books, roaming the aisles of bookstores and libraries… and collecting people’s pets’ names!
Names of all the dear companions of friends, colleagues and family, past and present: Sushi, Wasabi, Puccini, Hurrem, Pippi, Kato, Carby, Leo, Sprite, Taz, Yuki, Kira, Persius, Gigi,,,on and on,,, I carry this growing collection of mine in my head wherever I go :)
