Each month, industry news media organization XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry's most influential female executives.
In her eight years with sexual wellness brand ANEROS, Malay Vannouvong has made a steady climb up the career ladder. She began in the role of marketing associate and was promoted to director of operations last year. Vannouvong says her perseverance has helped her overcome challenges by staying focused on the endgame — and today that focus is on propelling the brand even further with the upcoming release of new products. In this month’s edition of Women in Adult, we profile Malay Vannouvong as she discusses her professional growth with Aneros.
I’m a work in progress! I hope to contribute so much more to ANEROS because the company has given me so much. However, I’ll always be proud of having earned the necessary respect and trust of my team to be promoted to head of operations.
XBIZ: What is your role and responsibility at Aneros?
Malay Vannouvong: I was promoted to director of operations in mid-2015. Since the beginning of my career with ANEROS, I’ve taken on responsibilities in various departments to contribute to the success of our company. My dedication to problem solving and maintaining a productive and positive working environment for the team has led me to where I am today.
XBIZ: How did you get into the business?
Vannouvong: I graduated from the University of Houston in May of 2008 and joined the ANEROS team in November as a marketing associate. I answered the company’s online listing and was hired the same day of my interview. I’ve been happily stuck here ever since.
XBIZ: What challenges have you confronted in your career and how have you overcome them?
Vannouvong: When I was hired, the company was experiencing incredible growth and transition. To cope with the daily demands, as a smaller company we often wore multiple hats. But over time, I found myself invested in too many roles within the office and was spreading myself thinly. I wasn’t working effectively and it affected my confidence and productivity. Luckily, I’ve always had wonderful mentors and managers to encourage and guide me through the years. I honed in on my desire to assist others and things progressed from there.
XBIZ: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Vannouvong: The camaraderie within the ANEROS family is second to none and I am so lucky to work along side such talented and hardworking people. We keep each other motivated.
XBIZ: What is your personal motto or mantra that you live by?
Vannouvong: Whatever the situation or circumstance — HUSTLE. Meaning, despite the obstacles and adversities, focus on the endgame and keep putting in work. At times we expend so much energy whining about the negatives, we miss out on the opportunities presented by perseverance.
XBIZ: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
Vannouvong: I’m a work in progress! I hope to contribute so much more to ANEROS because the company has given me so much. However, I’ll always be proud of having earned the necessary respect and trust of my team to be promoted to head of operations.
XBIZ: What are your professional goals for the rest of 2016?
Vannouvong: Close out the year with a resounding bang! Specifically, helping our sale and marketing team see the “ANEROS Is...” campaign through to a successful end and ramping up for the long awaited release of new products in early 2017.
