Her Story
About Rebecca (Hyeonseo)
Rebecca (Hyeonseo) Wi is the Operations Manager for Gong Cha Global, where she oversees franchise operations and supports store growth across the United States. With approximately seven years of experience in the food and beverage industry, she has progressed through roles including store manager, general manager, multi-unit manager, and operations manager. Originally from South Korea, Rebecca moved to the United States as an international student and built her career from the ground up through hands-on operational leadership. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at New England College, complementing her bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Illinois State University.
In her current role, Rebecca partners with franchise owners to ensure successful new store openings, deliver operational training, and implement process improvements that strengthen consistency, efficiency, and guest satisfaction. She is passionate about helping franchisees navigate the challenges of opening and growing their businesses, taking pride in being a trusted resource during some of the most important milestones in their entrepreneurial journeys. Throughout her career, she has embraced innovation while focusing on practical solutions that help teams confidently adapt to new technologies and evolving operational practices.
Rebecca is especially committed to developing future leaders through coaching, mentoring, and hands-on training. She believes that leadership is measured by the positive influence it has on others and finds fulfillment in helping managers and employees build confidence, expand their skills, and advance their careers. She encourages aspiring professionals to seize opportunities even before they feel fully prepared, believing that confidence grows through experience. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys baking and has volunteered with organizations including the Midwest Food Bank and local school food pantry programs, reflecting her commitment to serving both her profession and her community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca (Hyeonseo)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to earning the trust of the franchise owners I support. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping them through the excitement and challenges of opening a new store, especially when it's their first venture in the food and beverage industry and represents a lifelong dream. Knowing they can rely on me during such an important milestone and helping make that process smoother is what I consider one of my greatest accomplishments.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to never let setbacks define your future.
Throughout my life and career, I've learned that resilience is one of the most important qualities you can have. There will always be challenges, moments of self-doubt, and times when things don't go as planned. What matters is how you respond.
As an international student who built a career in the United States, I've had to overcome obstacles, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and continuously prove myself. Those experiences taught me that giving up is never an option. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow stronger and more capable.
That mindset has become one of my core values: I believe I can learn anything, overcome anything, and accomplish anything if I'm willing to put in the effort and refuse to quit. It doesn't mean the journey is easy—it means I trust myself to keep moving forward, even when the path is difficult.
Today, as an Operations Manager, I bring that same resilience to my team. When we face unexpected problems, I don't focus on why something can't be done. I focus on finding a solution. I hope that's the example I set for others—that resilience isn't about never failing; it's about never letting failure be the end of your story.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never wait until you feel completely ready. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came before I felt fully prepared, but I quickly learned that confidence comes from experience—not before it. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, say yes to new opportunities, and trust that you will grow into the role. Even if you feel intimidated or compare yourself to others, don't let that stop you. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, grow, and discover what you're capable of.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing change. With advancements in AI, new technologies, and evolving processes, helping people adapt can be difficult because change often feels overwhelming. I've learned that success isn't about convincing people to embrace change—it's about helping them understand it. By building clear processes, providing guidance, and creating confidence in new systems, I help franchise owners and teams feel comfortable with change so they can successfully grow alongside it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are leadership, mentorship, and making a positive impact on others. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is coaching and developing store managers and their teams, helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. I believe true leadership is about influencing people in a positive way, and if something I've taught helps someone become a better leader or advance in their career, that's one of the greatest measures of success for me.
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