“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” -Mahatma Gandhi Last week, Asians joined a club that nobody ever wants to be part of. Like our Black brothers and sisters, our LGTBQ+ brothers and sisters, and so many others, Asians were gunned down for simply being. Make no mistake, this is […]
What we owe each other Read More »
Asian-Americans have long been held up by whites as the “model minority” in opposition to African-Americans. We were the “good” minority who work hard, stayed quiet and knew their place. We would never get a seat at the table, but we were at least allowed to stay in the room to serve the meal while
What we pretend not to know Read More »
Freeeeee, free faaaaaaaaallling! Congratulations! You just received an offer to be an Executive Director! OMG. Now what? Chances are, even if you have been in a senior role in a nonprofit, you will be new to the challenges of being the boss. More likely, you are either a founder or relatively new in your career
Read this before you take that Executive Director Job… Read More »
In my career, I’ve mentored many young people, particularly young people of color, who are eager to enter nonprofit work. They envision all of the wonderful things they will accomplish: sending kids to college, cleaning the ocean, saving puppies! Yes, I say. All of that is wonderful. But, if you want a career in nonprofit,
What the FOC? Cultivating Fundraisers of Color Read More »
Sound familiar to you? Show me a nonprofit board that is raising “enough” and I’ll show you an Executive Director who blissfully sleeps eight hours a night.But, seriously, folks…how do you get board members to understand and embrace their fiduciary responsibilities to the organization? Here are 7 tips to change the culture of philanthropy on
My Board Isn’t Raising Enough Money Read More »
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain Why are you here? What are you trying to do? Why is that important? I believe that there’s more to life than you live, you die and in between
As an Executive Director for over a decade, I recruited board members with a prospectus that laid out the responsibilities and expectations of board leadership. What I realize in hindsight that the single most important responsibilities was not listed: to embolden and encourage the heart. Board members, we know that you joined a board in order
Have you ever been to a cocktail party or social event where you are stuck talking with someone who can’t stop talking about their favorite subject: themselves? Ever been on the other end of someone’s social media blasts who are all about ME, ME, ME? I’m so great, so brilliant, so amazing and successful? Enough about
Avoiding these 8 pitfalls in nonprofit communication Read More »
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 »
This webinar will guide you through common constraints that limit the success of your major gift program.
I’ll show you how to realign your focus on what truly matters—building genuine, lasting relationships with your donors.
