Welcome to 2026—and a different kind of drop-in episode. No guest today. Just you and me. In this vulnerable solo kickoff, I’m sharing the truth about the year I lived in 2025: the over-performing, the relentless “yes,” and the moment burnout brought me to my knees.

I’m pulling back the curtain on what high-achieving women rarely say out loud: how “success” can still feel like depletion… and how many of us are quietly drowning in shoulds, people-pleasing, and the fear of disappointing others. If you’ve ever felt like your ambition is at war with your wellbeing, this episode is for you.

I’ll walk you through the reckoning that changed everything—why I chose to press pause, what my real (messy, not-Instagram) sabbatical looked like, and the practices that helped me come back to myself: saying no even when it felt scary, flow journaling, letting grief surface, spending time outdoors, and yes… giving myself permission to be bored. On the other side of that pause, a new vision emerged—one rooted in alignment, wholeness, and community.

This episode is an invitation: let’s make 2026 the year we drop the hustle mask—and redefine success in a way that doesn’t cost us ourselves.

In this episode, we talk about:

The “silent epidemic” of depletion so many high-achieving women live with

Why saying yes can feel safer than honoring your boundaries

People-pleasing, over-functioning, and the fear underneath “keeping it all together”

What it really takes to step off the treadmill without losing yourself (or your momentum)

Why reinvention isn’t grand—it’s messy, honest, and deeply human

Reclaiming joy, creativity, rest, and identity beyond performance

The vision for Asian Like Me this year—and the spaces we’re building together

Quotes you can sit with:

“Achievement was my armor.”

“Burnout takes different shapes and forms throughout our lives.”

“Let’s make 2026 the year we drop the hustle mask.”

Reflection Questions (from this episode)

What is one way you can honor your burnout and commit to caring for yourself this year?

Where might you swap people-pleasing for self-compassion?

What dream have you put on hold that you’d love to revisit—not out of obligation, but for your own joy?

Mentioned in this episode

The Aligned Mindset (my second book)

Mommy Tracked (for anyone balancing career + family and redefining success)

EVRten — a wellness movement and community rooted in nourishment: body, mind, and coming back to yourself

A first-ever Asian Like Me in-person summer event (details coming via newsletter)

#asianlikeme #BurnoutRecovery #HighAchievingWomen #AsianWomen #PeoplePleasing #Boundaries #SelfCompassion #RedefineSuccess #PurposeOverPerfection #WomenInLeadership #Healing #evrten

I’m in conversation with Hoai Scott, a Senior Vice President, people leader, and Vietnamese refugee whose story invites us to rethink what power, success, and integrity actually look like. Together, we trace her journey from surviving and striving to leading from a place of grounded wholeness—where her values, choices, and leadership style all align.

We talk about what it means to stop shape-shifting for approval, to choose yourself in rooms that weren’t built for you, and to lead in a way that honors both your ambition and your humanity. Hoai shares how she’s learned to own her story without bitterness, set boundaries without guilt, and build a career where her presence in any space is intentional and rooted in purpose.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt the pressure to overperform, be “the good one,” or carry it all alone—especially Asian women and women of color navigating corporate systems. It’s also a loving reminder that taking care of yourself is not indulgent; it’s foundational to doing the hard, meaningful work you’re called to do.

Key Themes & Takeaways

Leading with values: aligning your mindset, daily actions, and decisions

Moving away from perfectionism and people-pleasing toward purpose and integrity

Naming and unlearning the “shape-shifting” many Asian professionals experience

Building real, human relationships with supervisors and teams

Why self-care is a leadership practice, not a reward

Redefining freedom—not as “do whatever you want” but as inner permission and mindset

Powerful Moments

On Choice & Ownership

“I'm not bitter about my choices because they're mine.” – Hoai Scott

On Service, Not Selfishness

“It is not selfish. It is in service. Of giving the best.” – Sohee Jun

On Being Willing to Stand Out

“In order to make a difference, you have to be different.” – Hoai Scott

On Shame & Healing

“My belief is if you give it air, you talk about it and own it, it dissipates. The power of that shame dissipates.” – Sohee Jun

On Capacity & Hard Work

“You cannot do hard work without taking care of yourself.” – Hoai Scott

Reflection Questions

Where are you abandoning your own values in order to belong—and what would it look like to gently come back to yourself?

In which spaces do you feel pressure to “shape-shift,” and what is one small way you could show up more as you?

What choices in your career do you need to fully own, so you can move forward without regret or resentment?

How might your leadership change if you treated rest, care, and boundaries as part of your job description?

If you believed your presence in a room was intentional and necessary, how would you lead, speak, or decide differently?

Resources & Topics Mentioned

Values-based and integrity-centered leadership

Identity, refugee roots, and navigating corporate America as an Asian woman

Leadership development, executive presence, and workplace culture

Social justice, inclusion, and creating spaces of belonging at work

Mental fitness, shame resilience, and self-care for high-achieving leaders

Recommended by Hoai:

📚 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown — on courage, shame, and embracing who you are

📚 Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine — on quieting inner saboteurs and strengthening your sage

🧊 Cold therapy and nervous system support — including science-backed insights from Huberman Lab

About the Guest

Hoai Scott is a Senior Vice President and values-driven executive who leads at the intersection of people, culture, and impact. As a Vietnamese refugee who built a successful corporate career, she brings a nuanced lens to leadership, equity, and what it means to belong. Hoai is committed to creating workplaces where people can do hard, meaningful work without losing themselves in the process—and where difference is recognized as a source of power, not a problem to fix.

#asianlikeme #ValuesBasedLeadership #PurposeDrivenWork #AuthenticLeadership #CorporateImpact #SocialJustice #InclusiveLeadership #ExecutiveWomen #WomenInHR

I'm in conversation with Lorraine Lee, a speaker, author, and LinkedIn Learning instructor whose journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship redefines what it means to own your career. We explore how she went from being a “hardworking, overlooked employee” to becoming the CEO of her own path—building visibility, presence, and confidence along the way.

Lorraine opens up about the lessons she learned at LinkedIn and Prezi, how she developed her EPIC career brand framework, and what it really takes to get promoted, advocate for yourself, and manage your career with intention. She also shares how introversion can be a superpower in a world built for extroverts, and how every “scary new step” builds the confidence to take the next one.

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their career, struggled to advocate for themselves, or questioned if they’re ready to make a bold move. It’s also a reminder that confidence is built in the doing—and that your story, no matter where you are in your journey, is worth sharing.

Key Themes & Takeaways

How to become the CEO of your own career

Building presence and visibility as an introvert

The EPIC framework: Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community

Advocating for yourself and managing up effectively

Redefining success and work-life balance as an entrepreneur

How layoffs and “scary moments” can become growth catalysts

Powerful Moments

On Taking Ownership:

"Things shouldn’t just happen to you—you can make things happen. You can influence outcomes."

On Confidence:

"Every scary new step I took was such a confidence booster for me. The growth happens in the doing."

On Introversion:

"Introverts have superpowers—deep connection, empathy, and thoughtful communication. You can be visible on your own terms."

Reflection Questions:

Where are you waiting for someone else to “see” your potential instead of advocating for yourself?

How do you want to be seen in your career—and what can you do to bridge the gap between that vision and others’ perceptions?

What “scary next step” might actually be your biggest confidence builder?

How can you honor your own rhythm as an introvert or ambivert in a world that rewards extroversion?

How might you redefine success or balance in this current chapter of your career?

Resources & Topics Mentioned:

Lorraine’s book: Unforgettable Presence

EPIC Career Brand Framework (Experiences, Personality, Identity, Community)

Managing up and setting proactive career chats

Power of feedback and 360 reviews

Public speaking as a visibility strategy for introverts

About the Guest

Lorraine Lee is a keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and former editor at LinkedIn. She’s passionate about helping professionals build an unforgettable presence—both in person and online. As the author of Unforgettable Presence, Lorraine combines her corporate experience and personal journey as an introvert to teach others how to stand out authentically, lead with confidence, and build careers that align with their values.

I'm in conversation with Sherrlene—a modern Asian woman, entrepreneur, and spiritual seeker whose story challenges not just stereotypes but the binary boxes culture tries to place us in.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

Redefining Identity, Layer by Layer:

Sherrlene opens up about what it was like to grow up as a half-Korean, half-African American woman—never “enough” of either, yet ultimately embracing her unique place in the world. Together, she and So Hee reflect on the ache of not fitting in, the power in choosing the middle, and how true belonging often starts within.

The Courage to Be Seen:

The conversation spotlights those tender moments of feeling alone, wishing to swap features, and struggling to bridge the language gap in family. Sherrlene invites us to embrace our full, complicated selves: “It’s more of just being me. Just being your true, authentic self.”

Honoring Every Heritage:

Discover how Sherrlene’s parenting journey is guided by radical inclusivity—raising her son with an open awareness of his Korean, African American, Italian, and Caucasian backgrounds, all while letting him follow his own path. Dr. So Hee shares her own family’s mosaic and the ways food, traditions, and everyday choices can help connect us to culture, even with imperfect language.

Spiritual Journeys & Self-Compassion:

Both women speak vulnerably on finding peace and light through meditation, connection with nature, and letting go of rigid expectations—of themselves and their children. There’s gentle wisdom here for anyone reconsidering what “success” or “balance” truly means.

Community, Healing, and Ripples:

From childhoods marked by independence to the intentional creation of warmth and presence in their own families, Sherrlene and So Hee model how vulnerability transforms not just the self but community. And they remind us: It’s never too late to connect, ask new questions, or rewrite old patterns.

Actionable Reflections:

Ask yourself: What “layers” of identity have I hidden or wished away? How can I make space for my full self?

How does your family show love? Are there new rituals—like cooking together, affection, or words—that you want to bring forward?

For fellow entrepreneurs and leaders: How does your story shape the way you show up and lead? Where can authenticity fuel meaningful change—not just checkboxes of “diversity”?

Notice the “protective eyes” in your life: What are you doing to shield your spirit? What can you rebrand or let go of to feel more aligned and safe?

Consider, as Sherrlene does: What would it look like to let go—just a little bit—and trust the unfolding of your (or your child’s) path?

Quotable Moments:

“I grew up where I wasn’t black enough, but also I wasn’t Korean enough. … But now I’m embracing it. Embracing me. And I hope others will do that too.”

“You carry a lot of deep stories and struggles as a mixed race individual. … Communicate it—get it out there. Don’t keep it in.”

“This journey is about owning your identity, advocating for yourself, speaking your truth, and breaking stereotypes along the way.”

For the Modern Asian Woman and Allies: This space is your invitation to feel seen, held, and empowered. We celebrate the real stories, the layered journeys, and the remixing of what it means to thrive as a modern Asian woman in today’s world.

Connect, Reflect, and Share: Which layers of this conversation resonated most with you? What’s one way you will honor your “messy middle” this week? Your story matters. Share your reflections and continue the ripple.

— SEASON FOCUS:

Amplifying the stories, boldness, and authenticity of today’s Asian women and cultural shifters. Join us inside the ALM community, where your voice, your heritage, and your journey are all worthy—messiness and all.

What happens when success still feels empty?

In this transformative episode of asian, like me..., Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with therapist, author, and digital mental health expert Israa Nasir to unpack the silent epidemic of toxic productivity among high-achieving women—especially those from immigrant and Asian backgrounds.

Israa Nasir, the author of Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, shares how unchecked hustle culture often masks deeper unresolved emotions like shame, guilt, fear of not being good enough, and comparison. Together, Sohee and Israa explore how internalized expectations, generational trauma, and social media amplify the pressure to “do it all.”

Through vulnerable storytelling, clinical insight, and actionable guidance, Israa invites us to redefine our relationship with success, set meaningful boundaries, and embrace the soft life—one built on agency, emotional clarity, and intentional rest.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

“Children benefit from moms who feel balanced and happy—not perfect.” – Sohee Jun

"Unhealthy productivity is driven by unresolved emotions we don’t want to face." – Israa Nasir

“I used to hold my breath through things. Now I stretch and breathe.” – Sohee Jun

"Culture is made up—and we are allowed to redefine our own traditions." – Israa Nasir

“It’s a continual relearning—reaffirming my boundaries every season.” – Sohee Jun

“You don’t have to do everything someone else is doing just because you can.” – Israa Nasir

“Getting curious allows us to explore what’s possible and what’s underneath.” – Sohee Jun

"Boundaries are seasonal, just like productivity—and that’s okay." – Israa Nasir

“We are so much more connected than we are different.” – Sohee Jun

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to heal from overachievement, find alignment with their true values, and create space for joy without guilt.

#asianlikeme #ToxicProductivity #ModernAsianWoman #HighAchievingWomen #MentalHealthMatters #RestIsProductive #SoftLifeMovement #RedefineSuccess #EmotionalWellness #BoundariesAreHealthy #CulturalIdentity #ImmigrantDaughter #WomenWhoLead #UndoTheHustle #BurnoutRecovery #AsianAmericanVoices

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Susanna Peace Lovell, author of "Your True Self is Enough Lessons Learned On My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism" for a raw conversation about motherhood, cultural identity, and finding joy amidst life's greatest challenges. Susanna shares her powerful journey raising her daughter Arizona, who has multiple diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, and how this experience transformed her life purpose. From postpartum depression to discovering her own path of self-care, Susanna's story illuminates how pain can lead to purpose and how letting go of control opens doors to unexpected joy. As a mixed Taiwanese-Swiss woman, Susanna also discusses the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of Asian women embracing their authentic selves.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"Pain pushes until a vision pulls. We can look back at all of the pain and the discomfort and realize it was because I had to hit rock bottom." – Susanna Peace Lovell

"Kids teach us so much. They are either presenting us with things that are still very raw in us, or things that we need to look at or pivot around our mindset, our heart, our soul." – Sohee Jun

"What's good for me is good for the universe. What's great for me is great for Arizona. Instead of just being this sacrificial lamb at every turn." – Susanna Peace Lovell

"When we can give to ourselves and do real self care that is meaningful for us, and when we can invite in more joy and expansiveness and a mindset around those two things, then we can be in greater service to those that we love." – Sohee Jun

"If our kiddos did not see us enjoying and thriving, what do you think they would lean into for themselves?" – Susanna Peace Lovell

That 1% different makes all the difference." – Sohee Jun

This conversation offers profound insights for parents of children with special needs and anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges while trying to maintain their sense of self.

#AsianLikeMe #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness #AsianAmericanWomen #AsianAmericanVoices #MotherhoodJourney #FindingJoy #SelfCare #CulturalIdentity #AsianRepresentation #WomenEmpowerment #ParentingWithPurpose #NeurodivergentParenting #MentalHealthAwareness #PostpartumJourney #DisabilityAdvocate

In this profound conversation, of "asian, like me..." host Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Angela Cheng-Cimini, former Chief Human Resources Officer at Harvard Business Publishing, who made the courageous decision to step away from her career pinnacle after 30 years in HR. Prompted by witnessing friends diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Angela shares her journey of redefining success beyond corporate achievements. The episode explores the unique challenges Asian women face in corporate America, from breaking the bamboo ceiling to learning self-advocacy. Angela offers powerful insights on intentional living, marriage resilience, parenting adult children, and the urgency of making purposeful choices. Her mantra "tomorrow is a day to be better" serves as a compass for navigating life's failures and setbacks. 

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"I think we could learn so much from what advice we would give our younger selves, because others can benefit from that wisdom too." – Sohee Jun

"I realized that my ego had to be set aside so that I could take care of myself, because your ego's not gonna help you when you're dead." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"I've always believed that the way to move through fear is through it. You have to be willing to sit in the muck, in the murky, in the scary, in all of the feelings." – Sohee Jun 

"Tomorrow is a day to be better. That's all you can do - learn from your mistakes and be better. At some point, the written and verbal apologies don't matter. It's how you show up differently the next time." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"My philosophy is that my kids are on loan to me. It's my job to develop them, give them opportunities, get out of their way, and support them." – Sohee Jun 

"Don't waste your time in a toxic job. Don't waste your time working for someone who doesn't value you. Time is the thing for me." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

"Thriving for me now looks different than it did when I was in my twenties and thirties. Even in my forties as I enter another decade soon.Thriving is all about quality and lots of space to explore what I'm curious about and less about rushing." – Sohee Jun 

"A modern Asian female is taking the best of all the progressive rights that women have accumulated and matching that with our Asian values of hard work, teammanship, collaboration, and humility to make the best version of ourselves for this generation and next." – Angela Cheng-Cimini

This conversation presents a masterclass in defining personal thriving, embracing authenticity, and creating a legacy that honors both cultural heritage and personal ambitions.

#asianlikeme #AsianVoices #RedefiningSuccess #IntentionalLiving #PersonalThriving #CorporateChallenges #SelfAdvocacy #AsianWomenInLeadership #PurposefulChoices #AuthenticLiving #LegacyBuilding #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingAdultChildren #CulturalHeritage #LeadershipJourney #OvercomingFear #PurposeDrivenLife #WellnessJourney #WomenInCorporate #WomenEmpowerment #ModernAsianWomen #WorkplaceInclusion #CareerTransitions

In this powerful episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Selena Yuan, a global talent development leader, to explore her journey of self-advocacy, embracing her greatness, and stepping into courageous conversations.

From moving to the U.S. in her early twenties to becoming a respected voice in leadership and workplace dynamics, Selena shares the pivotal moments that shaped her confidence. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, quieting her inner critic, and ultimately redefining what it means to be a modern Asian woman in leadership.

This conversation dives deep into the power of sponsorship, the importance of being seen and heard in professional spaces, and how Asian women can turn cultural perspectives into leadership superpowers. Selena’s insights will inspire you to advocate for yourself, own your identity unapologetically, and reframe your narrative from limitation to strength.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"What lights me up is this newer version of me. I feel not only confident, but more importantly, I feel very comfortable with who I am, especially comfortable with my flaws." – Selena Yuan

"For me, it's about enjoying the journey much more than the outcome. It's like the reframe is focusing less on the outcome and just being in the moment and the process, which helps you learn." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"I will not be treated disrespectfully. I will not be talked over or completely dismissed. Once I have that clarity, then who cares? It's a failure, mistake, or success. It doesn't matter. I stayed true to myself, and I did what I think is right." – Selena Yuan

"It's really about shifting perspectives, which is a muscle that many of us need to strengthen. And I love to use the analogy of a muscle that's atrophied." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"What I admire most about modern Asian women is someone who's clear about her self-identity. I am unapologetically Chinese. Our culture and values made me who I am today. What I'm advocating for is a 2.0 version that fully embraces culture and values while also accepting and celebrating you." – Selena Yuan

"You can control your action and reaction. And by the way, it builds self-trust, so much more self-trust, which is beautiful." – Dr. Sohee Jun

Selena’s journey is a masterclass in self-advocacy, owning your voice, and redefining success on your terms. If you’ve ever questioned your place in the room or held back from speaking up, this episode will give you the courage to take up space—unapologetically.

🎧 Hit play now and start owning your greatness.

#AsianWomenLeaders #ModernAsianIdentity #StrategicLeadership #WomenInBusiness #AsianLikeMe #CulturalIdentity #LeadershipJourney #SelfAcceptance #AAPI

In this intentional episode of "asian, like me..." Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Eva Lin, a top-selling real estate agent year after year who transformed childhood criticism into remarkable success. Eva shares her journey from being told she "wasn't good enough" to becoming Pasadena's leading realtor and a role model for her daughters. The conversation explores how Eva worked three jobs to fund her USC education, overcame constant rejection in her early career, and invested in herself through coaching and personal development.

Eva reveals her mission to provide her daughters with experiences different from her own upbringing, allowing them the freedom to discover their own strengths. The discussion dives deep into breaking free from family conditioning, developing resilience against rejection, and the importance of maintaining integrity in both business and personal growth. Eva shares her practical approaches to time blocking, consistency in fitness, and the mindset shifts that transformed her professional success rate from 30% to 90%.

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"If you believe it, it's true. If you don't believe it, it's also true. It's all about your beliefs. Right? And I think my second half of my life was a journey, my quest to get rid of the belief that I was given early on." – Eva Lin

"Whether we're Asian females, no matter what heritage, nationality, where we come from, there is that part of us that wants deep love from the most important person, whoever that is in our lives. And if that isn't provided, it is like our life's mission to undo that need and really give it to ourselves." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"The overnight success is after ten years of consistently doing the same thing and getting better at it to get to where I am." – Eva Lin

"I want people and women to know that you can, one, find the help if you look. It's probably closer in your orbit than you think. They're there for you, and you do deserve it." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"It's always the small things that make the biggest impact. And when you take these to heart, that's when you will see the biggest result and the biggest impact. And not just for you, but also for those that you love." – Eva Lin

"Isn't that what we're here on this planet to do is to not leave our traumas with our kids? That's the work." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"If I were not here tomorrow, how would I be remembered? Have I made an impact in their lives in a positive way? And those are the questions that I always have when I'm being intentional about doing things." – Eva Lin

This episode offers powerful insights for anyone looking to rewrite limiting beliefs, build authentic confidence, and define success on their own terms. Eva's journey exemplifies what it means to be a modern Asian woman—being an example of what's possible when you believe in yourself and take intentional action.

#AsianLikeMe #AAPI #FamilyConditioning #WomenInRealEstate #PersonalDevelopment #RepresentationMatters #WomenEmpowerment #IntentionalParenting #AsianSuccess #MindfulMotherhood

In this compelling episode of "asian, like me..." host Dr. Sohee Jun sits down with Zeena Koda, co-founder of Asian American Collective and seasoned entertainment marketing executive. Their candid conversation dives deep into the distinction between performative advocacy and meaningful action, exploring how genuine community-building often emerges from necessity rather than branding opportunities. Zeena shares her vulnerable journey through motherhood, body image challenges, and career evolution, emphasizing how embracing her Filipino heritage has become her professional superpower.

The discussion navigates the critical difference between mentorship and sponsorship, with both women offering practical insights on building a personal "board of directors" across career stages. They thoughtfully deconstruct the myth of work-life balance, especially for women, advocating instead for intentional choices and self-compassion. Zeena's raw honesty about age, career pivots, and finding purpose beyond accolades offers listeners a refreshing perspective on defining success on your own terms. 

Inspirational Quotes from this episode:

"You are not your accolades. Your value isn't defined by your achievements but by the integrity and authenticity you bring to everything you do." – Zeena Koda 

"Don't seek one mentor for everything. Build a tribe of advisors who each bring different strengths and perspectives to your journey."

– Dr. Sohee Jun

"Make it easy for people to help you. Be specific about what you need, and doors will open that you didn't even know existed." – Zeena Koda 

"Peer mentorship is undervalued but often most sustainable. The colleagues beside you today may be your greatest supporters tomorrow." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Grit isn't about hustle culture – it's about showing up consistently, especially when it's difficult, and trusting that persistence creates breakthrough moments." – Zeena Koda 

"Toxic positivity masks the real struggles we all face. True empowerment comes from acknowledging challenges while still moving forward." – Dr. Sohee Jun

"Seeing someone who looked like me on television changed what I believed was possible. That's why representation isn't just symbolic – it's transformative." – Dr. Sohee Jun

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the revolutionary power of showing up as your full self in spaces where representation matters.

#AsianLikeMe #PodcastEpisode #AsianAmericanVoices #AAPI #AsianAmericanWomen #RepresentationMatters #WomenInLeadership #AsianAmericanCollective #CulturalIdentity