Episodes
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In the United States, women represent about 23% of partners in consulting firms, reflecting the broader underrepresentation in senior leadership. Today's story is about one of these women with an added element, where, despite breaking through glass ceilings, sudden business downturns can lead to layoffs affecting even top executives. Transitioning from high powered roles to unemployment challenges identity and today's guest demonstrates a journey from the corporate peaks to renewed success that highlights the indomitable spirit and serves as powerful examples of survival and reinvention.Melissa Ng Goldner, Founder of Fit for Future, shares her journey from high-powered consulting roles to unemployment and reinvention. Raised in a predominantly white community, she faced cultural challenges and personal traumas, including rape and bullying. At Ogilvy, she led diversity initiatives, increasing women in executive roles from 40% to 50%. At Slalom, she created a Women's Sponsorship Program, promoting 40 women into leadership. Despite being laid off after maternity leave, she found joy in her new venture, focusing on organizational culture and diversity. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and systemic change for inclusive growth.Comment below and let us know who should be our next highlight!#Asianamerican #IdentityUnveiled #AsianAmericanWomen #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBarriers #ExecutiveWomen #CareerGoals #Inspiration #Motivation #womensleadership #diversityandinclusion #asianrepresentation #empowerment #resilience #authenticity #overcomingadversity #breakingthecycle #fitforfuture #consulting
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In today’s dynamic professional landscape, embracing new opportunities with unwavering confidence and an open heart is essential for growth. For many women, this means boldly stepping out of their comfort zones and navigating career transitions with courage and resilience. Lisa Bull’s journey is a shining example of this transformative path. Her inspiring transition from Vice President for Global Partner Marketing at Paramount and Viacom to Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Yobo Spirit House exemplifies the adaptability and tenacity required in modern careers.
Lisa’s path was deeply influenced by her unique background as an adopted Korean American. Growing up in a predominantly Caucasian community, she faced the challenge of discovering her identity—a journey that profoundly shaped her personal and professional growth. Beginning her career in the vibrant hub of New York City, Lisa navigated various roles in advertising and marketing, from media buying to brand strategy, consistently seeking out new challenges and opportunities to push her boundaries.
During her decade-long tenure at Paramount, Lisa achieved remarkable success, but it was moments of introspection—particularly when passed over for promotions—that catalyzed her growth. Rather than being discouraged, she used these experiences to reassess her leadership style, actively seeking constructive feedback. This commitment to self-improvement deepened her understanding of her strengths and amplified her impact in every role she undertook.
In a courageous leap of faith, Lisa transitioned to Yobo Spirit House, a Korean American soju brand, where she not only embraced a new professional challenge but also reconnected with her cultural roots. Balancing her demanding career with family life and nonprofit work, Lisa embodies the power of effective time management and the art of prioritization. Her journey is a testament to the strength found in embracing one’s identity, celebrating personal achievements, and leading with authenticity and purpose in a diverse and ever-changing workplace.Comment below and let us know who should be our next highlight!#asianamerican #identityunveiled #asianamericanwomen #aapiwomen #womeninleadership #breakingbarriers #executivewomen #careergoals #inspiration #motivation #empowerment #diversityandinclusion #strongwomen #leadershiplessons #careeradvice #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #bossbaby #fyp #foryoupage #linkedin #interview#careergrowth #professionaldevelopment #industryleader #thoughtleadership #instagram #interview #womeninpower #girlboss #successstory #businesswoman #careerwomen #sheleads #womensupportingwomen #youtube #zoominterview
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Jo-Ann Yoo stands as a formidable champion for the Asian American community, leading the Asian American Federation (AAF) as its Executive Director. Under her dynamic leadership, AAF has solidified its position as New York’s preeminent leadership organization, partnering with over 70 organizations to amplify the influence and welfare of the 1.5 million-strong Asian community. Jo-Ann's unwavering commitment has transformed AAF into a formidable force advocating for a community-driven response to the escalating anti-Asian hate crisis.
Jo-Ann Yoo's leadership has been pivotal in steering the Asian American Federation's (AAF) initiatives to combat anti-Asian violence in New York since 2020. Her strategic direction of the Hope Against Hate campaign, AAF's flagship program, has been crucial in ensuring the safety and security of Asian New Yorkers. Her influence extends to the national stage, where she recently provided powerful testimony at a U.S. Commission on Civil Rights hearing in Washington D.C., addressing the federal response to anti-Asian racism. Jo-Ann has also served as a Commissioner on New York City's Racial Justice Commission and on Mayor Adams' Covid Recovery Roundtable and Health Equity Task Force. She is part of the Advisory Board on Implementation of the Racial Justice Commission, co-leads the AAPI Mental Health Task Force for the New York State Office of Mental Health, and is a board member of Nonprofit New York. Her significant impact has been recognized by City and State NY, which named her to their Power of Diversity, Nonprofit Power 100, and Asian Power 100 lists.
Joo Han is the Deputy Director of AAF. Over the past six years, Joo has managed numerous mental health, education, and capacity-building programs to support AAF's member agencies and advocate for the urgent needs of New York City's Asian communities. Since the onset of COVID-19-related xenophobia in January 2020, she has worked tirelessly to address the rise in racism, bias incidents, and hate crimes targeting the Asian community through advocacy, education, and community response. In 2015, Joo launched a citywide community education program to address the rise in bullying of Asian American youth and its impact on their mental health. This initiative led to a research project on the mental health needs of Asian New Yorkers, resulting in the first-ever mental health report focused on New York City's pan-Asian community. She currently leads the Asian American Mental Health Project at AAF, which aims to increase access to culturally competent mental health services for Asian New Yorkers. Joo holds a B.A. in English from Williams College and an M.A. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
In our interview, Jo-Ann and Joo shared their deep commitment to providing resources and advocacy for marginalized members of the Asian American community, particularly women and immigrants. They recounted personal experiences of discrimination and their advocacy efforts, highlighting the need for greater visibility and recognition of Asian American women in leadership positions. They also discussed the challenges faced by marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of community-based advocacy, effective leadership, and addressing misplaced anger and frustration towards the Asian community.
Jo-Ann and Joo underscored the importance of fighting for equity and access in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Their dedication to creating a more just world is driven by a profound belief in the need to advocate for improvements rather than settling for less.
Comment below and let us know who should be our next highlight!
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Christine Harley is an influential advocate for sex education and Asian American civil rights. She serves as the President and CEO of SIECUS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sex education through advocacy, policy, and coalition building. Before joining SIECUS, Harley founded 2020 Consulting and directed The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights' 2020 Census Campaign. She also served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the Obama administration. Harley, who is Korean American and Native American, is a single mom by choice of twin boys and the first generation in her family to attend college and graduate school.
In our interview, Harley shared her unique background growing up in a half Korean, half Native American household in Annapolis, Maryland. She recounted the challenges of being one of the only Asian American families in a predominantly white community and how this shaped her understanding of the American experience. Harley discussed her passion for civil rights, sparked during her time at Oberlin College, and her commitment to advocating for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.Harley highlighted her work at SIECUS, emphasizing the crucial role of comprehensive sex education in fostering respectful and healthy relationships. She discussed the intersection of her advocacy for sex education with her experiences as an Asian American woman, tackling stereotypes and promoting bodily autonomy and consent. Harley also touched on her decision to become a single mother, driven by her desire to experience motherhood despite not having a partner, and how this journey has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.Throughout the interview, Harley underscored the importance of fighting for equity and access, whether in healthcare, education, or economic opportunities, for marginalized communities. She spoke passionately about her commitment to creating a more just world, driven by her belief that it is always worth fighting for better rather than settling for less.#Asianamerican #identityunveiled #ChristineHarley #SIECUS #Sexed #Asianamericanwomen #Advocacy #2020Census #Leadership #Obamaadministration #Singlemom #Mixedrace #AAPI #koreanamerican #nativeamerican #Socialjustice #Equity #Bodilyautonomy #Consenteducation #Communityadvocacy
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Dr. Pata Suyemoto is a feminist scholar and mental health activist with a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in anti-racist education. She serves as the training director for the National Asian American Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA) and leads the National Asian American Pacific Islander Empowerment Network. She is also the associate director of equity for the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention (MCSP) and co-chairs its Alliance for Equity.Dr. Suyemoto has co-authored "Widening the Lens: Exploring the Role of Social Justice in Suicide Prevention—A Racial Equity Toolkit" and shares her personal experiences as a suicide attempt survivor. She co-founded The Breaking Silences Project to address mental health issues among Asian American young women. Active on various boards, including the MCSP’s Executive Committee, she is also an avid bicyclist, having cycled across the country in 2012.In our interview, Dr. Suyemoto shared her powerful journey. She discussed her dedication to mental health advocacy within the Asian American community, driven by her own experiences with chronic depression and PTSD, and surviving a suicide attempt at 16. Dr. Suyemoto emphasized the importance of openly discussing mental health to combat stigma, promoting self-care, and balancing body, mind, and spirit for overall wellness.#Mentalhealth #Asianamerican #Identityunveiled #Mentalhealthawareness #Asianheritagemonth #Anxiety #Depression #MentalIllness #Stigma #Suicideprevention #Mentalhealthmatters #AAPI#AAPIhealth #Asianwomen #Breakingsilences #Socialjustice #Wellness #Communitysupport #Selfcare #Culturalhumility
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Welcome to our Advocacy Series where we highlight the stories of Asian American women who use their platforms and voices to share their advocacies.
Punita Khanna is a South Asian breast cancer survivor and advocate. She has a successful 20+ career as an executive in integrated health systems. Punita never expected to take on the fight and trajectory of becoming a breast cancer survivor and advocate. According to the American Cancer Society, South Asian women have the second highest incidence of cancer among Asian Pacific Islanders.
Tune into this episode to learn more about Punita’s experiences of becoming a survivor, the challenges of sharing her diagnosis with the South Asian community, and her plea to increase Asian representation in medical studies.
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Mita Mallick is the Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta, a platform for managing global ownership. She boasts a prolific career in marketing with giants like Unilever, Pfizer, and Avon. Beyond her professional roles, Mita is a passionate advocate for the inclusion of Black and Brown communities. Inspired by her dedication to inclusive storytelling, she took on the role of a Chief Diversity Officer. She co-hosts “The Brown Table,” a popular LinkedIn Podcast Network show, which sheds light on issues faced by Women of Color in the workplace and emphasizes the significance of allyship. Mita regularly contributes to renowned platforms like Harvard Business Review, Adweek, and Fast Company, and is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice. She's been spotlighted by numerous major publications and was a feature in a CBS News documentary about women's equality in the workplace. Mita is soon to release her debut book titled “Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform your workplace”.During our conversation, Mita reflected on her upbringing in a predominantly white suburb in New Jersey, which offered her both challenges and insights into her identity as an Indian-American. This duality of experience, she believes, has been instrumental in shaping her approach to leadership and her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Transitioning from the world of Unilever, where she played pivotal roles in breakthrough beauty campaigns, to Carta, she brings with her the ethos of inclusivity. Mita emphasized the importance of having more AAPI women in positions of leadership, shedding light on the barriers they often face and how resilience and adaptability have been key to her journey. She also touched upon the challenges faced by AAPI women leaders and how finding one's voice is an act of courage and self-affirmation. Her career is a testament to the power of authentic representation, demonstrating that it's not only about breaking glass ceilings but also about paving the way for others to follow.#MitaMallick #ReimaginingInclusion #ExecutivePresenceUnpacked #diversityadvocate #corporatechangeMaker #sponsorshipmatters #breakingworkplacemyths #inclusioncrusade #leadershipreimagined #womenofcolorInbusiness #fromstrugglestosuccess #authenticpresence #equityinfocus #beyondmentorship #voiceintech #diversefounders #southasianleadership #modelminoritymythbusted #redefiningcareerjourney #cartaImpact #identityunveiled #fenixglobalmedia
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Bernice Chao is the co-founder of Asians and Advertising, a platform dedicated to building a community for Asians in the advertising industry and beyond. As an alumna with honors from the Art Center College of Design,She's dedicated her career to helping brands tell their stories and bring non-traditional ideas to life, working with industry giants like Google, HBO, Uber, and Nissan. Bernice's journey is not just about advertising; she's an API activist committed to creating opportunities for Asians in all spheres of life. Her dedication has manifested in various forms - from hosting the AIA podcast to co-authoring the award-winning book, "The Visibility Mindset". Recognized in Forbes, Nightline, and Adweek, Bernice's voice resonates not just within the API community, but far beyond.In our interview, Bernice shared her formative years in Cupertino, California, where her surroundings teemed with tech innovation. Reflecting on her experiences in the male-dominated advertising industry, she realized her unique position as often being the 'one-of-one' in many rooms - the only woman, the only Asian, or the only person of color. These experiences, combined with the solitude and challenges faced during the pandemic, drove her to establish a space where Asians could connect, network, and support each other. The result was Asians and Advertising. Today, the platform is not just for those in advertising, but a diverse array of professionals aiming to break barriers. Bernice's vision isn't limited to professional growth; she hopes for a world where her children aren't pigeonholed or isolated due to their ethnicity or gender. Her book, "The Visibility Mindset", serves as a guide for APIs, offering actionable insights into navigating professional landscapes with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.Throughout the conversation, Bernice's commitment to inclusivity, representation, and community shone brightly, painting a vision of a future where diversity is not just recognized, but celebrated.
#BerniceChao #fenixglobalmedia #BerniceChaoVisionary #AmplifyingAsianVoices #AsiansInAdvertising #visibilitymindset #AAPIActivism #breakingbarriers #representationmatters #AdIndustryChangeMaker #communitybuilder #DiversityCelebrated #RedefiningAdvertising #BrandsAndStorytelling #oneofone #CupertinoRoots #InclusivityInAction #ForbesFeatured #TheFutureIsDiverse #breakingstereotypes #AAPIPodcastHost #FromIsolationToCommunity #shatteringglassceilings #CulturalLeadership #AsianEmpowerment #authenticrepresentation #inspiringchangemakers #identityunveiled
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Welcome to our series featuring amazing Asian American women who have broken barriers.
Michelle Wong is the Chief Marketing Officer at Sprinkles Bakeries and Picnik Restaurants.
In 2021, Michelle joined Sprinkles where she leads all consumer and product marketing drives, product innovation, and flavor development. Prior to joining Sprinkles, Michelle was the first female president and managing partner at Dailey, which is a creative ad agency. She advocates for diversity and inclusion and uses her platform and leadership position to create opportunities for BIPOC women and LGBT professionals.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about the impact of being raised by powerful female figures, finding your own voice, and how all career paths are not baked in the same mold.
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Welcome to our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series where we’ll share the stories of Asian American women who are founders or part of the top executive members of their company.
Heather Shen is the Co-Founder of Praxis Labs, a company that partners with organizations to increase diversity and inclusion outcomes through immersive learning experiences.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about how Heather made it into the Forbes’ 30 under 30 in the Education category, her interest in helping communities and institutions, her personal journey with starting her own business, securing funding, and different advice for AAPI women entrepreneurs.
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Dr Sally Chung, board certified in clinical psychology, Dr. Chung specializes in exploring how your cultural identity with Asian American professionals and past relational experiences impact your ability to connect meaningfully with others. Her integrative approach helps you understand who you are in the context of your life experiences and empower you to create a life that aligns with your values and goals.In our interview with Dr. Sally Chung, we discuss The model minority myth;She shared her point of view and some tips on how to deal with this myth throughout our lives and in our work environment. If you have questions about this issue and how to cope with it, tune in to this episode!#leadership #womensleadership #modelminoritymyth #psychology#culturalidentity #AsianAmericanCommunity #Asianwomen #AsianAmericanprofessionals #workenvironment #DrSallyChung #AAPI
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Welcome to our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series where we’ll share the stories of Asian American women who are founders or part of the top executive members of their company.
Dr. Pinkey Patel is the Founder and CEO of Myri Health, which provides women with information and programming to support them during the postpartum phase.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about how Dr. Patel made waves around the world by digitizing postpartum healthcare for women and how Myri has launched across 166 countries with over 180,000 downloads.
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Dandan Zhu is Founder and CEO of DG Recruit, she got into the business of agency recruiting at a very young age, and built a sales career. And then she got into real estate investing and that helped her become financially free by the age of 28, where she left corporate and went very heavy on content creation, learning all the different platforms, specifically focused on LinkedIn to share all the information she gained as a headhunter in her career. In 2018, she started her own recruitment firm and she has built her following based on her expertise in that area, as well as sharing her story across many other social media platformsIn our interview with Dandan Zhu, she shared some tips, tricks and insights into what content creation looks like in a business setting, and how you can leverage different platforms and work processes to help you highlight and do PR for yourself. If you are wondering how to do it, tune it to this episode!#leadership #womensleadership #headhunters #salesleader #agencyrecruitmentcareer #AsianAmericancommunity #Asianwomen #entrepreneur #socialmedia #DandanZhu #contentcreation #aapiheritage
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Welcome to our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series where we’ll share the stories of Asian American women who are founders or part of the top executive members of their company.
Joanne Kwong is the President of Pearl River Mart, the world’s first Chinese American department store. Pearl River Mart is an iconic New York City Destination for Asian-inspired goods, fashion, snacks, and everything in between.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about how Joanne started off as an attorney, to work with her in-laws, to serve on the Commission of the National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, and how it is important for Asian Americans to be counted and to be present at the table of people who are making decisions.
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Welcome to our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series where we’ll share the stories of Asian American women who are founders or part of the top executive members of their company.
Lin Chen is the CEO and founder of Pink Moon, a lifestyle brand that promotes a harmonious well-being. Lin has worked in the sustainable beauty and wellness industry for nearly a decade where she has used her Chinese culture, ancient practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Astrology.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about how her journey through genuine self-love inspired her to be the founder that she is and how she used it to encourage other women into loving themselves every day.
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Welcome to our series featuring amazing Asian American women who have broken barriers.
Esther Ha is the Executive Chef at Momofuku Ko. Esther’s journey in the culinary world is a little different than most other chefs out there as she initially had no intention of going into the industry.
Tune in to this episode to learn about how passion and grit can help you overcome the challenges of being one of the few women in a male dominated industry.
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Welcome to our series featuring amazing Asian American women who have broken barriers.
Maryling Yu is the Chief Marketing Officer at Backstop Solutions Group, one of the fastest growing software providers in the financial services industry with five global offices serving clients across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Tune in to this episode to learn about overcoming the difficulties of cultural and familial expectations that can be counter to what makes us great leaders today.
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Welcome to our series featuring amazing Asian American women who have broken barriers.
Laxmi Poruri is a trailblazing professional tennis athlete who currently works with Pillsbury, a full-service global law firm. She is an EIR or an Entrepreneur in Residence where she is responsible for business client development and technology industry verticals.
Laxmi talks about how her early start as a tennis athlete and later first Indian American woman to play professional tennis on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour helped her navigate into a career on Wall Street.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about how she entered sports at a very young age, the impact of her Indian heritage, her journey into Wall Street, and the importance of connecting and building camaraderie with other women.
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Su Chang is a Senior Director of R&D at Procter & Gamble. In this interview, Su shares her journey of growing up as the single minority in her school as a child and how she was able to navigate her way through rural America as an Asian American woman.Through her resourcefulness and drive, she was able to reach executive ranks at one of the largest Fortune 500 multinational companies.#leadership #womensleadership #fortune500
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Anne Lim O'Brien is a Vice Chair in Heidrick & Struggles' New York office. With Over 30 years of experience of executive search and talent consulting experience, she offers extensive wisdom to aspiring women leaders.#leadership #womensleadership #consulting #fortune500
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