Join us as business growth coach Lorraine Chai spills the tea on her extraordinary journey from a Malaysian-born international student to a powerhouse in the business world. Lorraine doesn't just break the mold; she shatters it, navigating the complexities of cultural identity and societal expectations with grace and determination. Lorraine offers a fresh perspective on viewing individuals beyond stereotypes, emphasizing resilience in overcoming the challenges of being an Asian woman in a predominantly Western business environment.

Connecting with Lorraine Chai: https://www.solopreneur2entrepreneur.com

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Growing up with the weight of cultural expectations and the challenge of adapting to new environments can shape one's path in unexpected ways. Dr. Esther Castillo's journey from Macau, China, to the United States is a testament to resilience and adaptation. As an immigrant and mental health advocate, Esther opens up about the discrimination she faced, which steered her away from journalism into the realm of sociology. Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked issues within academia regarding race and diversity, particularly during her time as a visiting professor. With heartfelt honesty, she shares the trials of navigating her professional journey amidst societal and institutional challenges.

Esther and I emphasize the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within the Asian community, particularly for women. Our discussion touches on the skills developed from past traumas, both a boon and a burden and the role mindfulness plays in nurturing wellness. We conclude with a call to foster empathy and intergenerational understanding, recognizing that the journey toward mental wellness and community healing is ongoing and collective.

Connect with Dr. Esther Castillo: https://www.bridgingworlds.work

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Shang Saavedra, the visionary behind the popular platform Save My Cents, shares her remarkable story of financial empowerment, rooted in her experience as a Chinese-American immigrant. With her unique perspective on personal finance, Shang reveals how her family's deep-seated frugality laid the foundation for her financial independence. Discover the art of joyful frugality, where spending is a deliberate choice aligned with personal values and goals, rather than a mere exercise in penny-pinching. Shang's journey to financial freedom at a young age offers a wealth of wisdom and practical strategies, challenging conventional notions of what it means to be financially empowered.

Connect with Shang Saavedra: https://www.instagram.com/savemycents

Work with Sandy Kusano: https://www.joyfuloptimist.com

Tune in every week for a new episode of Spilling Our Tea. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!