40 Under 40: Sokunthy Yean makes her mark as Sea Bags vice president

Photo / Tim Greenway Sokunthy Yean is vice president of operations and general manager at Sea Bags.

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Sokunthy Yean, 39
Vice president of operations and general manager, Sea Bags Find profiles of all the 40 Under 40 honorees here.
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Significant professional accomplishment: My first job at Sea Bags was as a bookkeeper, then I was promoted to finance manager. Four years later, when I turned 30, I was very humbled and flattered to receive another promotion to the position of vice president of operations and general manager, making me the youngest female vice president at the company.

Audacious goal: I want to open a library in a developing country, Cambodia preferably. It has always been my goal and dream to open a library. We learn so much from reading. The library is where I spent most of my time at a young age.

Passion project: It is very personal. These past few years, I have been obsessed with home remodeling. I can use my imagination and creativity, and it is rewarding when they become real.

Favorite quote: “Changing the world for the better begins with individuals creating peace within themselves.” — Dalai Lama

Influential book: “The Gift of Failure,” by Jessica Lahey. When parents protect their children from making mistakes, they teach them they are incompetent, and that failure is bad. Instead, parents should let their children fail. This approach equips children with the tools to enjoy a self-sufficient, driven life.

Favorite series: “House”

How do you recharge: Spending time with my family and visiting my home country, Cambodia. Going to visit Cambodia is a special treat. Not only does it recharge me, but it makes me appreciate who I was and who I have become today.