Five Questions with Pay Chen

What motivates you?

The desire to change, learn, and be better. Better at what I do and to be a better person.

What do you do for a living, and why?

I work in radio and television as a host, producer and a writer. Media is an industry where it’s good to be able to do a few things. Especially since I freelance, I might produce one project and the next contract will be to write a TV show. I love entertaining and telling stories. I do this because clearly I hate job security and a steady income (please note the sarcasm!)

Why are you excited to speak at TEDxManitoba?

Manitoba has such a creative spirit and I haven’t been there since 2011, so I’m long overdue for a visit. I’m also excited to see that museum completed.

What is your idea worth spreading?

Sometimes we need someone to nudge us, or even push us forcefully to take action. I don’t think it’s ever too late to take risks or accept new challenges. You can manage how small or how large the risk is – but I firmly believe you need to try so you don’t spend the rest of your life wondering if you could have succeeded. You also need to accept that failure is a part of the process, and not the end.

What’s your connection to Manitoba?

Manitoba holds a special place in my heart. I spent two very full years living there while hosting and producing Breakfast Television at Citytv. I haven’t been back since I left in 2011 so I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces, and to see how the city has grown.