Douglas Hand is a Board Member of the FIT Foundation. The FIT Foundation asked their board members some questions to gain a sense of what inspires them. Check out their Q&A with HBA Partner and FIT Foundation board member Douglas Hand!
What excites you most about being a member of the FIT Foundation Board?
As an accessible public college that focuses on the fashion industry, FIT's mission is near and dear to me. To be able to support the institution in a meaninful way is motivating.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." It's a simple sentiment from a great thinker long since passed away but it has always stuck with me.
Who has been your biggest professional mentor?
My fiancée Monica Phromsavanh, a serial entrepreneur, who has taught me at this later stage of my career that while you can never start over, it's never too late to make a new ending.
What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience in your career thus far?
As a lawyer, starting my own firm was certainly epochal and from that building a career around a personal passion - fashion. Focusing my legal practice around this one industry has been empowering and afforded me with wonderful opportunities.
If you could give one piece of advice to current FIT students, what would it be?
Stay mentally nimble. The ability to think dynamically is more critical now than ever.
How do you personally define success?
To me, success is comprehending that you cannot keep what you don't give away. You will only succeed if you help others succeed. Learning to be a giver instead of a taker is integral in creating a world we can all find some happiness in.
What is your personal motto?
I never lose.... either I win, or I learn.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities when you’re not working?
I love sports. As a younger man, I played NCAA soccer, volleyball and baseball, and while I admittedly can't swing a bat the way I used to, getting out on a court or field is still something I adore doing.
Check it out on FIT's page here!
Douglas Hand is a Board Member of the FIT Foundation. The FIT Foundation asked their board members some questions to gain a sense of what inspires them. Check out their Q&A with HBA Partner and FIT Foundation board member Douglas Hand!
What excites you most about being a member of the FIT Foundation Board?
As an accessible public college that focuses on the fashion industry, FIT's mission is near and dear to me. To be able to support the institution in a meaninful way is motivating.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." It's a simple sentiment from a great thinker long since passed away but it has always stuck with me.
Who has been your biggest professional mentor?
My fiancée Monica Phromsavanh, a serial entrepreneur, who has taught me at this later stage of my career that while you can never start over, it's never too late to make a new ending.
What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience in your career thus far?
As a lawyer, starting my own firm was certainly epochal and from that building a career around a personal passion - fashion. Focusing my legal practice around this one industry has been empowering and afforded me with wonderful opportunities.
If you could give one piece of advice to current FIT students, what would it be?
Stay mentally nimble. The ability to think dynamically is more critical now than ever.
How do you personally define success?
To me, success is comprehending that you cannot keep what you don't give away. You will only succeed if you help others succeed. Learning to be a giver instead of a taker is integral in creating a world we can all find some happiness in.
What is your personal motto?
I never lose.... either I win, or I learn.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities when you’re not working?
I love sports. As a younger man, I played NCAA soccer, volleyball and baseball, and while I admittedly can't swing a bat the way I used to, getting out on a court or field is still something I adore doing.
Check it out on FIT's page here!
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