Leading With Authenticity: AAPI Leaders Reflect on Identity, Visibility, and Progress (Podcast)

Each panelist shared how their cultural upbringing shaped their leadership styles and perspectives in the workplace and how theyamp8217ve seen representation evolve in recent years A common theme throughout the conversation was the importance of visibility of seeing others who look like you succeed and the power of authenticityamp8220I was raised to index on humility waiting my turn not being boastfulamp8221 said Sahni amp8220Even now I defer towards that quiet leadership style But itamp8217s important for me to advocate for myself and my team I feel very lucky to be part of a company like Comcast that makes space for different leadership styles and backgroundsamp8221For Kang being a firstgeneration Korean American brought with it a sense of pressure amp8220I put unnecessary pressure on myself and may not have always been the best leader early in my career But I got more comfortable in my own skin and working with people that support you makes you a better teammate and leaderamp8221Wang echoed similar sentiments about the emotional toll of always trying to fit in amp8220I always had a chip on my shoulder that Iamp8217d be seen as differentamp8221 she said amp8220It wasnamp8217t until I had great role models who were Asian female leaders and authentically themselves that I felt permission to be myself Future leaders shouldnamp8217t have to carry that burden we deserve to be in these roomsamp8221Zee added amp8220I had a hard time speaking up raising my hand in rooms with senior folks But Iamp8217ve worked on getting out of that mindset Being able to connect with people from many cultures is a superpower Our fans and customers come from everywhere and we need to reflect thatamp8221When asked about representation within their respective organizations each panelist highlighted initiatives and campaigns aimed at moving the needleamp8220Comcast sponsors leadership programs for AAPI leaders where we share our backgrounds and commit to shaping the next generationamp8221 Sahni said amp8220That turned me into a mentor and sponsor for younger people Weamp8217re all pushing the envelope for each otheramp8221Zee pointed to ongoing challenges noting amp8220Asian Americans make up 13 of US professionals but only 3 of top executives Organizations like Goldhouse and CAPE are doing incredible work to change that but we still need to do more especially in roles with PampampL ownershipamp8221At Xumo Wang praised the flexibility of streaming to democratize content access amp8220Streaming has lowered the barrier for diverse voices to reach audiences We add over 60 new channels every year creating more space for underrepresented stories The challenge is discovery making sure those stories are visible not buriedamp8221Kang cited AEamp8217s commitment to both internal culture and onscreen inclusion amp8220We rebranded our ad sales team to media solutions to emphasize strategy and research Our content decisions are influenced by our employees where they represent our audience and good ideas can come from anyone A few years ago we were proud to launch one of the first holiday movies with an Asian led cast on Lifetime It was a traditional romcom story but reflected our communityamp8221The conversation closed with words of wisdom for emerging professionals amp8220Own your narrativeamp8221 said Sahni amp8220Highlight how youamp8217re different build your personal board of directors and be a mentoramp8221amp8220Donamp8217t be afraid to be courageousamp8221 added Kang amp8220You bring something unique to the table your experience your ideas and that mattersamp8221Zee emphasized the value of connection amp8220Donamp8217t be afraid to reach out Most people want to help and you can learn from anyoneamp8221Wang encouraged a shift in mindset amp8220View your differences as a superpower Be excited to challenge perceptions and create a new path for othersamp8221The roundtable underscored that while progress has been made the journey toward greater equity and authentic representation is ongoing The voices of these leaders and the work theyamp8217re doing within their companies are paving the way forward for a more inclusive industryClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillageorgMyersBizNet

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Leading With Authenticity: AAPI Leaders Reflect on Identity, Visibility, and Progress (Podcast)

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Juan Ayala

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