Reinvention, Resilience, and Leadership: My Journey from Global Sales to Executive Coaching
When I stepped down as a CEO in China and moved to the U.S., I thought landing a job would be easy. Instead, I kept hearing the same response: “You’re overqualified.”
I realized I knew no one and had to build my network from scratch. That humbling experience became the turning point that showed me the power of reinvention and the importance of guidance when navigating new chapters in life.
Today, as an executive coach, I help leaders (especially Asian professionals transitioning into U.S. business culture) navigate those same challenges with confidence and resilience.
Identity as Strength
I was born in Shanghai, where confidence runs deep. As a female entrepreneur in China, I learned resilience early. Together, those traits shaped my leadership style.
I don’t see cultural identity as a barrier or an advantage; it’s simply part of who I am. What matters is how we use it.
“Our heritage gives us quiet strength. Results speak louder than words. Authentic leadership means leveraging who we are, not hiding it.”
Leadership Means Being Human
One of the hardest moments of my career was laying off employees. I cried in front of them. Some might say leaders shouldn’t show emotion—but I believe the opposite.
“Leadership doesn’t mean being a machine. It means balancing responsibility with humanity.”
That moment taught me that empathy and accountability can—and must—coexist.
Overcoming Bias
As a female entrepreneur without a technical background, I often faced skepticism. Some clients didn’t even want to meet with me.
I overcame this in two ways:
Human connection. I did my homework, listened deeply, and sometimes broke the ice with something as simple as a box of chocolates.
Persistence. I studied technical language until I could speak with credibility.
The combination turned bias into respect and it’s a lesson I now share with my clients.
Coaching for Impact
Today, my coaching supports entrepreneurs, executives, and teams across industries.
I’ve helped startups secure their first rounds of funding.
Guided AI companies scaling from $8M to $50M ARR.
Partnered with executive teams to move from profit-first to purpose-driven growth.
At the heart of it all is one belief:
“Lasting impact comes from quiet strengths: values, presence and empowering others.”
Why I Joined ALC
I joined the Leadership Collective at Corporate Edge’s Asian Leadership Center because its mission perfectly aligns with mine: to empower Asian leaders, amplify our voices, and create a strong community of authentic leadership.
“Great leaders don’t stand alone. They build a team that lifts them higher.”
That’s the legacy I want to leave, helping others reinvent, grow and lead with grace.
Quick Insights
Book that shaped me: Purpose Driven Leadership by Arthur Yeung, Tencent advisor
Coaching style in one word: Empowering
Best leadership advice I’ve received: “Great leaders don’t stand alone. They build a team that lifts them higher.”
Core value I carry into coaching: Quiet strength: letting results speak louder than words
Have you ever faced a moment of reinvention in your career? What helped you navigate it? Share your story and check out Corporate Edge’s Asian Leadership Center.