DR AUDREY TANG – Since taking the stage to play a chicken at the age of 3, Audrey knew that drama gave her something special. Working at it meant she could develop the emotional agility to get everything she wanted. Combining her Equity membership with degrees in Psychology, Law, and Teaching followed by her PhD focused on training customer-facing professionals, and number of management positions – she knows how important soft skills are. Plus, she can tell you how exactly to refine them.
She published some of that knowledge in her book BE A GREAT MANAGER NOW grabbing the top spot of “Business Book of the Month” in WH Smith Travel – now translated into Russian and Chinese. The rest she keeps for the talks and workshops…let’s not spoil the surprises! Audrey is a FIRO-B and NLP Practitioner, and has Chartership with the British Psychological Society. She is the resident psychologist on The Chrissy B Show (My Channel, Sky203)….and you might catch her and the CLICK Arts team occasionally revisiting their theatrical roots. audrey@clickproductions.co.uk
What book have you gifted the most? Why?
Mine! Actually, there is a bit of truth to this as there was a real novelty value…but now most of my friends and family have bought a copy. At one point I wanted to gift the book to a presenter interviewing me, but I’d run out of my own copies – I managed to buy one last minute from a friend (at slightly more than RRP – I insisted – as neither of us had change!)
Otherwise – I always recommend Oliver James’ “They f*** you up, your mum and dad” as it’s a wonderful read about parental scripts and how we can still choose our own path, even if there are obstacles to overcome first.
What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?
I’m quite “old school” – so it’s the “To Do” list. I like crossing things out. I also sometimes write them on post-it notes so that I don’t have to re-write when I turn a page in my diary. I also tend to keep post-its by my bed so that I can write thoughts down at night if I need to – just so I don’t have to keep focusing on them to remember them.
What word do you misspell most often?
If using spell-check – then “form” instead of “from”…but otherwise it’s “focused” – for some reason I keep wanting to add an extra “s”.
What three things do you do to be a successful writer?
- WRITE!! It’s not about getting it spot on right away – but about getting it “on”. It’s much easier to edit or make changes later, or even look at it and try something completely different…but at least you know the first choice didn’t work. Also, I never delete old writing – I save it as I can often find a place to use it later on.
- READ – I read a lot. It’s great to see how others explain things, or to grasp their take on concepts. There’s so much information accessible to us now (although you have to be a little discerning!)
- TEACH – as a non-fiction writer with a huge focus on the practical, I will often have taught the sessions which form the basis of my chapters. That way I can tell if the theory makes sense and if the exercises are going to work.
What are the titles of the last two books you have read?
“Gateway to Perakanan Culture” by Catherine GS Lim – my grandparents were Baba-Nyonya (or “Perakanan”) and I never really spent the time learning about their history; and “Skin in the Game” by Taleb – I loved “Black Swan”.
What is your favorite word?
YES!
What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?
I use a thesaurus. I’m generally good with meanings, but I like nuance in expression…plus I don’t like using the same keyword twice in a sentence unless it’s for effect.
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“As God is my witness – I’ll never teach drama again!” – partly because I like the drive and passion of Katie Scarlett O’Hara, but it’s a bit of a tongue-in-cheek approach to my life. I trained as a drama teacher, and while I do actually enjoy it (I particularly used to love being inspired by the students’ creativity every single day) – it has always been my “go-to”. When I wanted to start out on my own as a trainer, during the times I’d struggled to get work, I’d revert to teaching drama. When I was working and I’d get stuck – I’d teach drama. I still use drama a lot in my training (I work with actors to deliver immersive skills practice scenarios), and I produce and perform in community theatre, but moving away from drama teaching is like finally moving away from my comfort zone!
What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?
When I’m writing is the one time I don’t snack!! But I try and remind myself to drink water.
Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.
Absolutely – as long as you don’t want your words to have a specific meaning. Pictures allow for interpretation, and can help make a point that’s hard to explain clearer. However if you are saying something specific you’re better off doing it in person…then you have both words and picture (expression) – and the opportunity to clarify – to make sure you get the point across.
What animal are you most similar to and why?
A cat. I am relatively independent – but I like to have a home.
I enjoy affection – but on my terms
I am loyal as long as it is mutually beneficial…and I do try and look at it from your perspective too!!
How would your best friend describe you?
Well, my husband is my best friend and he has the “Darth Vader Theme” as my ringtone, so go figure!! I think he’d say “Generous” “Supportive” and “Not entirely what I choose to show to other people publicly”…in his words “They all think you’re nice!” (The truth is I’m very direct, but when it matters – and when you matter…If I want to maintain a relationship with you or if you are a coaching client, then I think it’s important to be open and I’m also willing to work through the fallout if any, but if you’re a passing acquaintance I’ll just keep to niceties).
What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)
Literally, my dog DOES keep me up at night at the moment. We had to rush her to the vet for acute pancreatitis, and so I’m always keeping my ear on her moving around as she recovers. (The sound of a dog about to be sick should be an alarm sound – NOTHING gets me out of bed faster!!)
But otherwise – I am a bit of a worrier in general, and when things are out of my control it makes me uncomfortable, so I’ve got a great app which plays “natural sounds” like rain and waves, and I use that to clear my head.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Teach drama? This is a tough one – maybe…hopefully…I will never marry for the wrong reasons. I’m speaking about my first husband. He was never right for me, but because we’d spent such a long time in the relationship we sort of “went with the flow”. Given that the relationship prior to the extra pressure that marriage, family, getting older can bring – I now think it’s not a good idea to marry if the relationship itself isn’t working in the early stages!!
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
I can only cook two meals – a lasagne, or a roast…so I’d probably try and impress you with one of those. My husband cooks though – he’s really good, so I might get him to do it!
What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?
I can quote it “I am more determined than ever…and am feeling very motivated – thank you.” This was around the time of the GCSE results. A friend posted that his daughter was collecting her results but then it went silent. When someone asked about them, being the fab father that he is, he said “Cs and Ds. We’re proud of her.” I always feel (unlike many!!) that a facebook wall isn’t the place for unsolicited advice especially since I don’t know the full story – Cs and Ds might be excellent for someone expecting Es and Fs – so I messaged him and said if he felt it was right to do, please tell his daughter (who I know enjoyed my book) that – save drama and English I also got Cs and Ds at GCSE. (My results were a disappointment to me…but I worked really hard and did very well in my A-levels and subsequently attained my degree, masters and PhD). It was the first time I’d spoken about them as I’d always counted them a failure – but I got her email shortly after – as I quoted, and now I use overcoming my disappointments to embed resilience and perseverance. (And I’m grateful to her for inspiring that new approach to my teaching…and self-reflection!)
What question do you hate to answer?
“Do you have any questions for me?” at the end of an interview.
Crowds, small groups or ‘go away’?
Crowds – as long as I’m anonymous, on stage or hosting
Small groups – for preferences
“Go away” – to recharge!
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Anything country. Probably Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” . I used to use it as an example of why you need to rehearse talks out loud otherwise you can kid yourself you know it…in the past I have always known the chorus, but I remember choosing it and then getting completely stuck because I had no idea how the verse went. Now, I’m producing the Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick musical based on the film with my community group in March 2019, in support of the local Guides group – so I know that song perfectly!
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
You won’t like me when I’m hungry”.
What is the one question you wished I would have asked you? Why?
Why did you agree to this interview?
Then I could have said I love the concept of Patient Safety and speaking up. It’s classy empowerment at a vulnerable time. A lot of my work is aimed at helping people find their voice and to be open, honest and direct – to benefit themselves…and also as long as the organisation you are open, honest and direct with is not egotistical, they can learn from it too!! A also like your charity work because you are targeting the less visible people (and animals) who are so valuable and you work to make their lives a little more comfortable.
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