To become different from what we are, we must have some awareness of what we are… Yet it is remarkable that the very people who are most self-dissatisfied and crave most for a new identity have the least self-awareness. They have turned away from an unwanted self and hence never had a good look at it. The result is that those most dissatisfied can neither dissimulate nor attain a real change of heart. ~ Bruce Lee
Career Stage
Asian Career Development
I have had the honor and privilege to address, coach, and assist thousands of Asian and Asian-American leaders. From students to corporate executives, from non-profit directors to political appointees. While the US and westernized world present all humans with many challenges to find themselves and to express their authentic voices, Asians face unique cultural, parental, and social challenges.
We are under-represented in almost every leadership arena. We are passed over for promotions and opportunities due in large part to racism and stereotyping. But we are also complicit in forming these opinions if we are complacent and silent.
My ancestors and my parents endured great prejudice and discrimination. I have been fortunate to have many advantages and privileges as a third-generation American. I have encountered and had to navigate many instances of ignorance and racism.
We all have a duty to help the world of leaders and decision-makers understand diversity, race and appreciate the Pan-Asian world. To be proud about who you are, how you look and the unique things you bring to the world! To help ourselves and the generation behind us.
Not asking you to assimilate. I am not asking you to be someone you are not. But working in the good ole USA requires a different set of skills and abilities.
The myth of meritocracy has generated great angst amongst Asians. There is a faulty assumption that sheer competency should equate to absolute success. Higher grades, higher performance evals should guarantee admission and promotion. Competency is necessary but will never be enough to advance. You need to develop excellence in the soft skills of communication, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and networking.
This section is to start you on a journey to express who you are and what you want. Along the way acquiring more insight into what it takes to ascend to leadership roles.
Do’s
- Complete the SWiVEL.
- When people ask you: “What are you going to do after this?” or “What are your career plans”?
- Draft and craft your career goal statements that truly reflect you. Focus on the why vs the what.
- Write! Write to yourself without judgment. Write your story.
- Seek opportunities at your current job to add to your experiences--take on projects, volunteer assignments
- Find role models who have the job you want and/or ead/manage the way you want to
- Talk to your mentors to hear truthful feedback--listen
- Ask for help, feedback, and advice.
- Explore the Life Portfolio Design.
Dont’s
- Don’t pretend to know exactly what you want to do--allow people to help you!
- Don’t forget to do your current job well. Nothing worse than looking at the horizon and forgetting the present. Can make for a really bad storyline.
- Seek challenges and discomfort to learn. Don’t avoid addressing your weaknesses.
- If need to be a better public speaker, volunteer to make presentations.
- Don’t try to be perfect. Fail faster and forward.
- Never start by saying what you do not want to do.
Blog Posts
Networking for Asians? Lessons from East and West
This is a topic that I am asked to address more often than any other. Let me go off on a brief Dennis Miller like
Accidental Racism
I am a racist. You are a racist. We are all racists. We all harbor covert thoughts about people, communities, religions, and disabilities. So you
The battle between the scheduler and the Asian jester
Yeah I talk too much. I know. The more I talk the more I think people want to hear me. That is my delusion. I
Ass Kickers
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