I used to believe that being highly empathetic was my professional superpower. After all, emotional intelligence is a prized leadership trait, right? That’s what my early mentors told me: “Don’t get emotional in conflict.” “Never make decisions when you’re upset.” “Keep your cool. Always.” So I did. I mastered the art of emotional regulation. I paused. I breathed. I responded calmly, even in high-stakes moments. From the outside, I was thriving: thoughtful, composed, professional. But...
23 days ago • 2 min read
Burnout isn’t a buzzword—it’s a full-blown crisis. In Q1 of 2025, Glassdoor reviews mentioning burnout surged 32%—the highest spike since tracking began in 2016. Meanwhile, a 2024 LinkedIn survey found that 62% of American workers left paid vacation days untouched. That’s not just a workload issue. That’s an identity issue. Burnout isn’t only the result of high-pressure workplaces. It’s also fueled by internal patterns: the imposter thoughts that whisper we haven’t done enough, and the deeply...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Is your current role bringing you the fulfillment you desire? Many women contemplate a career change in mid-career, yet often hesitate to take the leap. I understand firsthand how easy it is to feel trapped in a job/role that you used to love but now no longer brings you fulfillment, or worse, actively hinders your well-being. I was there before. Self-limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and fear of change can hold us back and keep us stuck in a job/role that no longer serves us. I've personally...
about 1 month ago • 5 min read
Have you experienced that nagging feeling of "not good enough" creeping in as you navigate your career growth? The pressure to advance, the endless scroll of seemingly perfect careers and lives on social media? You compare yourself with other people's careers and lives, you feel you're falling short in the social comparison game. If this resonates, you're in the right place. We, as driven professionals, often find ourselves measured against unspoken societal standards. It's a natural human...
about 2 months ago • 4 min read
A few years ago, a therapist friend asked me a question that got me rethink my priorities: “What does a better life look like to you?” I paused. Then I said quietly, “My biggest regret? I haven’t been prioritizing myself. I want to choose me—more.” At the time, I was so focused on my work that I had unintentionally neglected what makes life whole—relationships, health, joy, and well-being. I had been taught to invest in career growth, to be reliable, selfless, and endlessly available—for the...
2 months ago • 4 min read
This week, I received devastating news. A dear friend—a fellow professional woman—was diagnosed with stage 4 non-smoker lung cancer. It has already reached her brain, requiring immediate surgery. The pain now radiates through her shoulders and spine, and there’s a terrifying possibility it could spread even further. The speed? Just one month. The weight of this news was crushing. A stark, sobering reminder that beneath our responsibilities, roles, and achievements lies a simple, essential...
3 months ago • 3 min read
If you're a professional Asian woman like me, picture this… You're standing in front of the mirror, practicing how to ask for that well-earned promotion. Your track record speaks volumes—stellar projects delivered, high-performing teams led, innovations implemented. But still, something holds you back. That hesitation isn’t just personal. For many Asian women in America, career progression is shaped by a complex interplay of cultural values, gendered expectations, and racialized performance...
4 months ago • 3 min read
"Happy people are those who sleep less and hustle." I recently encountered this comment on social media, and I can't help but wonder: was it meant sarcastically, or does it genuinely reflect that person's reality? From years immersed in Silicon Valley's tech culture, I know the allure—and the potential pitfalls—of the 'hustle' mentality, often painting a picture of relentless, fear-fueled effort. But let's pause and truly ask ourselves: what are we striving for? Is this constant state of...
5 months ago • 3 min read
Does your inner critic ever feel relentless? Do you find yourself bottling up those moments of doubt—when you're stumbling, second-guessing, maybe even feeling like you’ve failed? You’re not the only one. Self-doubt has been a frequent companion in my own journey. But here’s what I’ve learned: we don’t have to let it define our direction. When we recognize it for what it is—a protective instinct gone overboard—we can meet it with kindness, challenge its narratives, and re-center ourselves on...
5 months ago • 3 min read