Mother of one and Disney's Marketing exec, Rachel Fong, tells us it's okay to not be perfect at all times
Rachel Fong is an experienced brand marketeer with over 17 years of integrated and brand marketing experience in the entertainment industry.
This year’s International Women’s Day 2024 theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ Yahoo Life Singapore speaks to inspiring women of today who are making a difference and forging a better world.
Rachel Fong is an experienced brand marketeer with over 17 years of integrated and brand marketing experience in the entertainment industry. At The Walt Disney Company’s Studio, she oversees marketing strategies and direct-to-consumer entertainment businesses. She is also Head of Brand Management for Asia Pacific, responsible for marketing the Company’s iconic brands and franchises in the region.
Prior to her current position, she served as the studio business lead for Disney in Singapore and Malaysia, where she identified strategic opportunities, managed exhibitor relations and was responsible for global box office and revenue targets. Before joining Disney, she was part of the marketing team at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Despite her accolades, Fong had one good piece of advice to share with fellow women who are currently juggling many hats: "My advice is to give yourself grace and permission to not be perfect at all times. Balance in life does not necessarily mean that each facet is always given equal attention. Above all, remember to prioritise yourself so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for everyone else in your life."
Inspiring IWD reads:
International Women's Day 2024: LAC's CMO Evelyn Teo on daring to be the one to trigger change
International Women's Day 2024: Charlotte Cho, founder of Soko Glam and award-winning skincare line
International Women's Day 2024: White Shades's Head of Beverage, Alexa bartends with flair and flares
International Women's Day 2024: Skyscanner Travel Expert Cyndi knows when to take a break
International Women's Day 2024: Porcelain founder Pauline Ng on being burnt out and tips on preventing it
This Skechers Managing Director went from having just 3 staff members to over 1,150 in Southeast Asia
We had a chat with Fong to learn her strategies for the company she works for and what it's like to be a woman today.
What is it like to be a woman today?
Rachel Fong: To me, being a woman today is about balance as we navigate a complex landscape of responsibilities, demands, and societal expectations. You have to be strong and nurturing, fierce and motherly, smart and humble, all while juggling different roles, sometimes at the same time. While significant advancements have been made, thanks to those who paved the way before me, I believe there is still much work to be done to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all genders. Despite that, I’m extremely proud to be surrounded by many women who are actively working to create positive change, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender equality.
Name a female personality who inspires you and why.
Michelle Obama. She holds herself with high respect and treats others the same, constantly leading by example both in her words and actions. It is inspiring how she manages to be a star in her own right, defining herself even as she supports her president husband, and she uses her position of power to inspire change in her community and the world.
Share with us your proudest achievement to date.
My proudest achievement to date is being a mother to my six-year-old daughter. It has been a privilege watching her grow into a strong, inquisitive young lady who is also understanding and kind. There is nothing more fulfilling, and she is the reason I want to advocate positive change where girls are empowered to reach their full potential and given equal opportunities.
What kind of improvements do you wish to see/have seen in your industry that will help women?
Representation and diversity are important in the entertainment industry because they reflect audiences' diverse experiences and perspectives worldwide. In driving diversity, we can create a more inclusive and equitable entertainment landscape that reflects the richness of human experience.
Instead of typecasting female characters into stereotypical roles such as the love interest or the damsel in distress, I’m heartened to see a shift towards more complex and multifaceted portrayals of women in Disney content. E.g. classic Disney princess stories to Mulan, Frozen, Moana and even stories within the Star Wars and Marvel Cinematic Universe, we have strong female characters like Ahsoka, She-Hulk, Ms Marvel. As a mother of a young daughter, I think it is crucial for them to see role models and aspirational figures in the media who inspire them to pursue their dreams.
What products/services from your company would you personally recommend to Yahoo readers?
For Yahoo readers, I would recommend watching:
Shōgun, an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga” who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him.
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version): The concert film in its entirety is now exclusively on Disney+. The concert film will feature the song “cardigan” and four additional acoustic songs.
Blood Free (Premieres April 10): Starring Han Hyojoo from award-winning Disney+ K-drama Moving and Ju Jihoon, Blood Free is a gripping conspiratorial drama that follows a former bodyguard who is recruited to protect the CEO of a controversial lab-grown meat company.
