Today, I’m celebrating a special milestone in my coaching journey—renewing my coaching credentials with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). This achievement means so much more than a certificate; it’s a renewal of my commitment to serve women founders with joy and purpose. But let me take a moment to reflect on how I got here and why this milestone is a turning point in more ways than one.
Seven years ago, I made a bold decision: I walked away from a corporate role that I had once loved. At the time, I felt undervalued, unseen, and unheard. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t just a feeling—I knew I wasn’t being recognized for my worth. Despite receiving verbal affirmations and symbolic “bonuses,” I watched as others, often less deserving or less qualified, advanced past me in both position and pay.
As an Asian woman in corporate America, I was constantly asked to work on my confidence, yet I always found myself reporting to white male superiors who, I was told, knew better than I did. I spent a great deal of my time explaining to these “superiors” what needed to be done—effectively doing their jobs for them.
The hardest part? I didn’t have the mental fitness to manage the frustration, anger, and sense of injustice that came with these experiences. So, what did I do? I held my breath, repeated the mantra “I’ll show you,” and took what I thought was a brilliant next step—I became president of a re-emerging startup. I got the title, the pay, and what I thought would be the ultimate validation.
But guess what? I still wasn’t happy.
Despite the promotion and new environment, I quickly realized I had moved from one toxic situation to another. This time, I was working for two older, white, misogynistic men who took every opportunity to speak over me, the “Asian girl.” It was appalling, frustrating, and disheartening, but once again, I felt powerless to do anything about it. I burned out even further, and eventually, I resigned.
Eat, Pray, Love: My Odyssey of Self-Discovery
Once I was free of my corporate ties, I embarked on what I call my own “Eat, Pray, Love” odyssey, exploring Asia for a year. The one promise I made to myself? Not to question what came next. Spoiler alert: This was the Love part of my journey—love of self. 🌸
I refused to pressure myself or force an outcome that wasn’t even clear. Instead, I lived in the present moment, day by day. This was something I always understood in concept, especially growing up Buddhist, but had never fully experienced in real life.
My exploration itinerary was unconventional, to say the least. I spent time living and working on a strawberry farm in Gimhae, South Korea—just outside of Busan. I was drawn to this part of my maternal homeland because my grandmother and mother often spoke of Busan during the Korean War when they were forced to evacuate Seoul. 🌾🍓
After South Korea, my adventure took me through Mongolia, Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each day, I honored my promise to live in the present moment. And guess what? Despite not having a job, a home, or a clear direction, I was happy.
For the first time, I wasn’t chasing an outcome or scrambling to meet expectations. I was simply living—and it was enough. 💖
Discovering Coaching: A Path to Mental Fitness
This journey of self-love and present-moment living eventually led me to a deeper calling—coaching. While traveling, I discovered coaching as a profession, and it felt like the perfect blend of everything I’d been searching for. Through coaching, I could help others on their own paths of self-discovery, while also continuing my own growth.
As I trained to become a coach, I realized that the true breakthrough for me was developing mental fitness. Just like physical fitness strengthens the body, mental fitness strengthens the mind. 🧠💪
Coaching has not only helped me process my emotions and control my reactions but also empowered me to respond to life’s challenges with grace and confidence. Mental fitness is a skill that we can develop and hone, and it has become the cornerstone of my work with clients—especially women founders who are transforming the world but often lack the mental tools to navigate their journeys with ease.
A Renewed Commitment to Empower Women Founders
This renewed coaching credential is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of my dedication to helping women, particularly Asian women founders, embrace their true power. Too often, women are making significant contributions but without the mental resources to truly thrive.
My mission is to change that. Through coaching, I help women cultivate the mental fitness necessary to overcome obstacles, reclaim their worth, and lead with confidence. I believe mental fitness is the foundation for true success—both personally and professionally.
If my story resonates with you, or if you’re ready to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and mental fitness, let’s connect! I offer free clarity calls where we can explore how coaching can help you unlock your potential and live a life of purpose and joy.
Book your free clarity call today and take the first step toward transforming your mindset, your business, and your life.
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