I’ve just returned from a couple of weeks on the road for work and therefore have spent a lot of time listening to podcasts. In fact, it’s inspired me to start my own. One of my very favorites is Tony Robbins’ podcast. Now, I’m sort of embarrassed about my love for Tony Robbins. On the […]
The One Question That I’ve Been Thinking About for Weeks Read More »
Yesterday, I was on a flight back from a work trip and I decided to watch the Mister Rogers documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? For kids of a certain generation who grew up watching Mr. Rogers, I found myself tearing up throughout the film because of the simple kindness and wisdom of this man.In the
The Simple Wisdom of Mr. Rogers Read More »
When I was an Executive Director, I remember many sleepless nights, lying awake, mentally ticking off the list of Things That Could Go Wrong. The carousel of anxiety rotated round and round to the tune of fundraising fears, staff issues or student concerns. Even when things were going well, the gremlins could always sneak out
Dancing with the Amygdala Read More »
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about entrepreneurship and the drive to put a “dent in the universe.” I’ve just launched my own consulting practice and spent a lot of time procrasti-learning by consuming books, blogs, podcasts and YouTube videos. Aside from their inspiring, daring, contrarian and bold advice, the other thing that these thought
Entrepreneurship and privilege Read More »
Asian Americans account for higher levels of economic and educational success compared with the U.S. average. Ironically, the skills that have made Asian Americans so successful in previous generations may be the same skills that hold us back as we enter the new future of work. What characterizes the future of education and work? It
8 WAYS TRADITIONAL ASIAN VALUES MAY SABOTAGE YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS Read More »
I’m not going to lie. It’s been weird and I have had some withdrawal symptoms. It feels strange to not have my phone at hand to idly check on Instagram feeds or Facebook updates while I’m waiting on line or on the subway. I have this feeling of–what is this–boredom? For the first time in
Day Three of Social Media and News Detox Read More »
I know that I was happier before Facebook. Before the onslaught of ads, Twitter wars, the 24 hour news cycle, the endless comparisons on Instagram, the endless craziness of the White House, I was a calmer and more centered person. Like a lobster who doesn’t realize it’s getting boiled, the pace of social media and
Why I’m going on a social media & news detox Read More »
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Crazy Rich Asians is coming out in theatres soon and I am PUMPED! Asian representation on the big screen and the only all-Asian cast since the Joy Luck Club? Yes prease! Imma get my Asian homegirls rounded up and we’re gonna buy out the theatre to show Hollywood that
5 Lessons from Crazy Rich Asians Read More »
“To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle or the night.” Yoda I’m continuously blown away by the energy, optimism and social conscience of Millennials and Generation Z. When I see people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or the young people of Parkland, I think
So you want to start your own nonprofit? Here’s some advice: don’t. Read More »
Today is my birthday and I hope that I’m a little bit wiser than I was at this time last year. As the world gets crazier, angrier and more polarized, I’m learning the value of quiet. I met a friend for drinks yesterday and we were talking about her new gig as a new Executive
The hardest leadership lesson: learning to STFU Read More »
All of us got into the business of nonprofits because of our humanity. We loved animals or the environment or supporting kids to college or protecting the redwood trees. Love and empathy are the most human of emotional experiences and it’s what drives the nonprofit sector. We were called by the promise of changing the
Nonprofits: The Future is Coming Read More »
Thanks to Arianna Huffington, my recent blog post has been getting some serious traffic. Thanks, Arianna! What’s even more amazing is how many people have shared their own struggles and stories about finding themselves. Thank you for your openness and generosity in sharing. Even though I have had the book on my shelf
The Universe is conspiring in your favor Read More »
Kate Spade. Anthony Bourdain. Two celebrities who died this month by suicide. I have nothing to add that hasn’t already been said. I have no advice for people who might consider suicide. All I have is a story of my friend who was here one day and gone the next because she, too, decided to
When someone great is gone Read More »
It’s that time of year: NBA Finals season, baby! And that means all the Warriors, all the time. Full disclosure: my husband would like me to point out that I am a fair-weather fan. I prefer to think of myself as a post-season fan. Because if you don’t get to the finals, what’s the point?
The Wise Leadership of Steve Kerr Read More »
I quit my job last week without another one lined up. I am both incredibly relieved and terrified. Let’s start from the beginning. My family has been in this country for only two short generations and we believe deeply in the power of hard work and suppressing our emotions. Had it not been for the
As they say, people don’t leave jobs, they leave managers. We have all had our fair share of bad bosses, which seems to be more common than good ones. Today, I came across this really interesting graphic by Ximena Vinochega, which breaks it down beautifully. There are four basic buckets: Bosses that are hands-on
The 4 Types of Bosses: A Field Guide Read More »
The hardest and loneliest place to sit in any organization is at the top. We all struggle to climb the ladder and aspire to be the head honcho, the big queso, but nobody knows what you’re going through except for other leaders who are struggling with the same.Here are the mistakes I made as a
8 Mistakes from an Executive Director Read More »
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the challenges of being a female executive. I think it goes without saying that there is a double standard for female leaders. I often wonder if the challenges that I face as a leader would be the same for a male leader. I think that the art of leadership is
You’re not bossy if you are the boss. Read More »
I am fairly obsessed with my dog. He has become the furry center of my universe, but he’s hardly an easy-going type. For those of you who might know Lhasa Apsos, they have attitude with a capital A. Herein lies some of the leadership lessons that I have gleaned from my dog, Stevie Wonder. Make
Leadership lessons from Stevie Wonder Read More »
Ah, millennials. The mere mention evokes no limit of eye-rolling from leaders. We shriek, we complain, we reach for the nearest bottle. Like it or not, millennials are our newest workforce and we better figure out how to work with them.Like all change, it can be painful.As much as we want to complain about them,
Millennials and you Read More »
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