In this deeply moving episode of Journeys to Leadership, acclaimed poet Tina Chang opens up about the heartbreak of losing her father at a young age and how that profound loss became the foundation of her first poetry collection. With raw honesty, Tina recounts her struggles with language, being separated from her mother, and navigating life as an outsider—experiences that shaped her voice as a writer and a leader. Now the first female Poet Laureate of Brooklyn and Director of Creative Writing at Binghamton University, Tina shares her ongoing battle with self-doubt, the pressures of leadership, and how embracing vulnerability has been her greatest strength. Her journey is a testament to the power of art, resilience, and finding beauty in life’s darkest moments. This episode offers hope and inspiration for anyone seeking to turn pain into purpose.