In today’s episode, host Sean Li is joined by co-host, fellow alumni, CEO, and co-founder of Sounding Board Christine Tao. An exciting conversation takes place between them and Roy Ng, the founder, and CEO of Bond

In honor of AAPI month, the group tackled relevant social issues. Learn how they navigated this situation as leaders of their organization and members of the Asian-American community.

Take note of how they draw inspiration from successful Asian-American founders. They discussed their struggles as leaders in addressing social issues. Tune in until the episode’s end as they tackle how diversity helps build better business outcomes.

Episode Quotes:

On creating a diverse team: 

"On diversity, I don't look at diversity as an HR topic. I look at diversity as to how to build the best possible team that can address what our customers want [...] Diversity is a way for you to be successful, to incorporate the broadest scope of perspectives as possible in everything that you do [...] Diversity is a business imperative. Diversity is not philanthropy.”

Their views on balancing being a CEO, connecting with employees and customers amidst movements and social issues: 

"I think companies can be a very positive influence in terms of shaping, society and shaping culture [...] You can't be purely apolitical. I don't think that's possible." -Roy Ng

"People want connection. People want to understand more than ever. Even customers, your employees, those things matter[...] It's through friction, through conversation that you are able to create more understanding." -Christine Tao

Thoughts as a founder, a member of the AAPI community, and succeeding:

"There are a lot of people who kind of look like you with a similar background. Those who are immigrants, coming into a new country, who are successful entrepreneurs. I think for me, it's also validation. To me paying it forward to kind of fund that next generation of Asian entrepreneurs. That's the reason why I got involved."

Show Links:

• Roy Ng’s LinkedIn Profile
• Official Website of Bond
• Bond as Featured in Fortune.com
• Christine Tao’s LinkedIn Profile
• Christine Tao’s Profile at Sounding Board
• Sounding Board, Coaching Leaders for Business Impact

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