When I first started working in corporate America, I didn’t tell most of my colleagues that I was a former professional dancer—or that I was a new mom with two young kids.
I felt I had to act a certain way to be taken seriously: competent, composed, and never too personal. I kept parts of myself hidden, believing they didn’t belong in a corporate setting.
That’s why this week’s episode with Anna Mok felt especially meaningful as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Anna is the trailblazing co-founder of Ascend and Ascend Pinnacle, the leading network of Pan-Asian business professionals and corporate directors. She’s also the first Chinese American woman promoted to partner at Deloitte and a passionate advocate for lifting others as she leads.
"It’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to ask for help. That’s not weakness—that’s strength."
Anna and I first met through Ascend Pinnacle after I went through their Ascend Aspiring Directors Academy (ADA), just before joining my first public board. The ADA played a key role in preparing me for board service. The curriculum, community, and mentorship helped me clarify what I could bring to the table, and more importantly, reminded me I didn’t have to do it alone.
Like Anna, I come from an immigrant family that taught me to work hard, stay humble, and make the most of every opportunity. And like many Asian Americans, I didn’t always feel comfortable taking up space, showing emotion, or charting a nontraditional path.
In my conversation with Anna, we talk about how hard it can be to show up as your full self in environments where you feel like you have to prove your worth—and how embracing vulnerability, identity, and personal truth can actually become your greatest leadership strength.
In this episode, Anna opens up about her personal and professional path—from growing up in San Francisco’s Chinatown to breaking barriers in corporate America. Her wisdom is as heartfelt as it is hard-won.
3 Takeaways That Stayed With Me:
Embrace where you come from — your identity is your strongest leadership strength.
Let vulnerability in; real connection begins when you take off the mask.
Success doesn’t have one path; allow yourself to wander and follow the opportunities that align with who you are.
This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, purpose, and the people you bring along the way.
Tune in for insights that will shift your perspective on leadership, identity, and growth.
▶️ Listen now
Until next time, keep dancing!
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