Big Asian Energy

In this episode, John takes the guest seat. From growing up as one of the only Asian kids in a predominantly white school to building a career around helping others reach inner mastery, John unpacks the journey that shaped the work he does today: the lonely teenager who read self-help books to learn how to make friends, the chameleon who built a popular persona to hide behind, and the Dark Night of the Soul moment in his sister's storage room that nearly ended his life. We also get into his first men's group breakthrough, the decade of inner work that followed across 19 different modalities, and why most of us are running our lives on pain avoidance without realizing it.Notable Quotes:"When you put on that mask and you get really good at putting on that mask, the longer you put it on, the more dangerous it becomes to take it off." — John Wang"It is very easy for men to sacrifice themselves to help other men. It is very hard for men to accept help from other men. That's where the distrust comes from." — John Wang"My confidence comes from the fact that I am really imperfect, and I'm really okay with it. You can walk into a room knowing who you are, knowing who you're not, knowing your flaws, and being okay with it." — John WangThe Breakthrough Experience · June 26–28, 2026 · VancouverWant to explore your own deep dive and inner work in a transformational retreat designed specifically for Asian Americans? Breakthrough is three days of deep inner work co-led by John alongside Ami Park, Leo Xia, and Colin Pal — four facilitators who have spent years doing this work specifically with Asian Americans. A transformational weekend workshop for Asian Americans ready to break through in their relationships, in their identity, and in the patterns keeping them stuck. Find out more at breakthrough-experience.com.Links: Breakthrough Workshop: https://breakthrough-experience.com/7 Patterns Quiz: https://www.bigasianenergy.com/7-patterns

In this episode, John sits down with Katy Ho, author and founder of BAD ASIAN, a community and Substack dedicated to exploring what it means to push back against the expectations placed on Asian people in the diaspora. From growing up as a minority in a predominantly White city to building a platform around reclaiming identity on your own terms, Katy is a sharp, fearless voice on the intersections of race, gender, and cultural belonging.In our conversation, Katy unpacks the three components of what it means to be a Bad Asian: from resisting the model minority myth, to challenging gender expectations placed on Asian men and women, to navigating parental and cultural expectations. We also get into the viral "I'm in a very Chinese time in my life" TikTok trend and what it reveals about how Asian culture is consumed and commodified in mainstream media.Notable Quotes:"There's such a long history of how colonialism and imperialism and white supremacy were created to put Asians in this place of being the model minority: of keeping our heads down, being quiet, and complying with the system. Being a Bad Asian is about rebelling against that." — Katy Ho"Culture is about being part of a community and having a shared experience. You can't claim a culture for yourself. The culture has to claim you as its own." — Katy Ho"I think the greatest thing we can do for our community right now is create spaces of deeper conversation: to be frank, to be direct, to be unpolished, to be raw." — Katy HoKaty Ho Links:https://katyho.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/katyho_

You worked hard, hit the goal, and then felt nothing. If you've ever reached a milestone you'd been chasing for years only to feel strangely empty on the other side, you're not broken. You're on the Achiever Treadmill, and this episode is going to show you exactly how to step off it.In this deeply personal episode, John opens up about what happened after publishing his book Big Asian Energy, a childhood dream that landed him on the Wall Street Journal, NBC, and Amazon's Top 20 Business Books of 2025. Despite all of it, he felt lost. He uses that experience to break down the psychology behind "not-enoughness," where it comes from, and how to reclaim your own sense of worth.What You'll LearnThe Science of the Achiever Treadmill Psychologists Dr. Philip Brickman and Donald Campbell studied lottery winners, accident survivors, and everyday people and found that within a year, everyone returned to the same baseline happiness level. Your brain is wired to adapt. That promotion, that raise, that dream job title all become the new floor faster than you think. This is hedonic adaptation, and it's why external achievement can never permanently fill an internal gap.Where "Not-Enoughness" Really Comes From For many Asian Americans, the roots go back to childhood. Dr. Bart Soren's research on "conditional regard" shows how children who only receive affection tied to performance start to believe their worth lives in their output, not in who they are. Add in the model minority myth, and research from Claremont College shows it creates some of the highest rates of imposter syndrome among the highest-performing students.How to Actually Break the Cycle John shares the two-word piece of advice from a monk friend that changed his entire year, plus two practical tools you can start using today. The first is the "Whose Voice Is This?" practice, where you pause before chasing the next goal and ask whether the desire is genuinely yours or an expectation you inherited from someone else. The second is a Micro Wins Journal, a simple folder on your phone where you log small wins and moments of progress to train your nervous system to recognize that you're already moving forward.Key Quotes"More pressure doesn't build confidence, it builds more self-doubt.""No external achievement will ever get you to enough if you don't currently feel like you are enough.""You can't step off a treadmill you didn't know you were on.""Enoughness is your birthright."Resources Mentioned📖 Big Asian Energy by John Wang, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Named one of Amazon's Top 20 Best Business Books of 2025.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. When we rise, we rise together.

Ever feel a knot in your stomach when a cousin gets into med school, or a coworker lands a big promotion? If you grew up in an Asian household, you may have felt that sense of comparison dread before. In this episode, John breaks down the fascinating science behind why Asian and Western cultures are wired to respond to success and failure in almost completely opposite ways. In this episode, you'll learn:Why Japanese students work harder after failure while North Americans work harder after success, based on a landmark 2001 study that reveals how Asian and Western motivational systems are often flipped.The difference between the independent vs. interdependent model of self — and how your cultural background shapes what makes you feel valuable at the most fundamental level.How social comparison works as a tool of motivation in collectivist cultures, and why "upward comparison" isn't threatening to East Asians, but informationalWhy perfectionism in Asian cultures is often a survival strategy, not just a personality trait.The hidden reason why Western talk therapy and standard mental health advice can actually increase stress for East Asian people.How immigrant family dynamics intensify these pressures — and what often gets missed about the genuine benefits of collectivist systems.Referenced Research:Heine & Lehman (2000s) — Japanese vs. Canadian participants on self-assessment biasHeine et al. (2001) — Success/failure feedback and task persistence across culturesWhite & Lehman (2005) — Upward comparison preferences after failure in Asian CanadiansKo & Kim — Interpersonal vs. intergroup comparison and self-esteem in Asian AmericansResources Mentioned:Quiz: The 7 most common achievement patterns in Asian Americans → bigasianenergy.comBook: Big Asian Energy by John Wang

Stephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago. He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud. Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history. In this episode, Stephen Lee shares his journey from a shy kid to a high-stakes trial lawyer, dismantling the "quiet professional" stereotype along the way. He provides a masterclass in self-advocacy, the importance of building a niche personal brand, and the technical communication skills needed to command a room or a courtroom.Key Takeaways:Be Your Own Best Advocate: As a lawyer, you're trained to fight for your clients, but often forget to fight for yourself. Stephen emphasizes that doing "great work" isn't enough to reach senior levels; you must be intentional and vocal about your career goals.The Power of a Niche Brand: In a crowded field, specialization is key. Stephen explains how narrowing his focus to healthcare fraud and data analytics helped him stand out more effectively than being a generalist.Strategic Networking: Forget the cocktail parties. Real connections are built through collaborative work, such as organizing panels or volunteering for bar associations.Mastering Presence and Communication: Stephen shares the "sprinkler vs. sniper" technique and the importance of pacing and gestures in public speaking, skills he learned through high-stakes trial experience.Confidence Through Survival: True confidence isn't born from success, but from surviving rejection and failure.About Stephen LeeStephen Lee is the president of the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago. He was a federal prosecutor for 11 years and was a partner at a law firm, and he now has a solo practice where he primarily defends people who are accused of health care fraud. Before becoming a lawyer, he was a newspaper reporter, and he still writes in his spare time about topics including Asian American legal history. Connect with Stephen:AABA Chicago: https://aabaogc.wildapricot.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenchahnlee/Website: https://www.stephenleelaw.com/Asian American legal history written by Stephen: https://ourapaheritage.substack.com/The Portrait Project: https://www.apaportraitproject.org/ Love this episode? Share it with someone who’s ready to level up their career. And don't forget to grab your copy of Big Asian Energy, now available on Amazon and major bookstores!

In this episode, we dive into the "invisible weight" carried by many Asian adults, particularly those from immigrant families who grew up as the "competent ones" everyone turns to. We explore how early role responsibilities, such as translating at the doctor’s office or managing a parent’s emotional state, create a survival strategy that follows us into adulthood. Our conversation breaks down the concept of adultification, the difference between healthy high performance and anxious over-functioning, and how to move from reactive fixing to responsive choice. Notable Quotes: "Adultification happens when the parent-child hierarchy basically flips upside down... the child instead becomes a caregiver to the parent." "There’s a massive difference between healthy high performance and over-functioning... healthy high performance happens when you choose to excel because you’re genuinely excited. Over-functioning comes out of a sense of compulsion." "True maturity isn’t actually doing everything for everyone. It’s knowing what is actually yours to carry and allowing other people to do what they’re here to do." "Being a good child [often] means erasing your needs entirely or hiding them so that you’re not adding more inconvenience and burden to your parents' already heavy plates." Key Discussion Points: The Two Types of Adultification: Breaking down "Instrumental Adultification" (logistics and bills) versus the "sneakier" "Emotional Adultification" (becoming a parent’s therapist or marriage counselor). The Cultural Amplifier: How immigrant survival mode forces children to become cultural interpreters and emotional caretakers before they have a choice. Hyper-vigilance vs. Emotional Intelligence: Why being "good at reading the room" is often a nervous system adaptation learned to predict emotional outbursts in childhood. The 10-Second Pause: A practical tool to interrupt the autopilot "fixer" instinct and allow for self-regulation. Differentiation: Learning to build your own identity and value system while still remaining emotionally connected to your family.

In this episode of Big Asian Energy, John Wang sits down with Sheila Lirio Marcelo, co-founder of the Asian American Foundation and CEO of Ohai.ai. Sheila shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the US from the Philippines as a child to becoming a serial entrepreneur who built Care.com into a platform serving 45 million families. She opens up about transforming from a "tiger mom" leadership style to leading from the heart, and reveals how inner work and meditation helped her move from chasing approval to finding authentic power through love and service. What Sheila Lirio Marcelo Shares: How Asian Americans can break free from stereotypical leadership patterns by shifting from performing for approval to leading authentically from the heart The power of inner work practices like meditation, journaling, and Internal Family Systems to heal childhood imprints and transform limiting beliefs into sources of strength Why embracing our full identities—rather than hiding parts of ourselves—represents a fundamental shift from assimilation to integration, celebrating how our diverse backgrounds make us whole About Sheila Lirio Marcelo Sheila Lirio Marcelo is a serial entrepreneur and community leader who has built multiple platforms serving millions of families. She founded Care.com in 2006, scaled it to serve 45 million users, took it public in 2014, and exited in 2020 when it was acquired by IAC for $500 million. She is co-founder of the Asian American Foundation (TAAF), launched in 2021 to address Asian hate and promote belonging, safety, and prosperity for Asian Americans. Currently, she serves as co-founder and CEO of Ohai.ai, an AI-powered personal assistant platform helping families manage their mental load. A Harvard Law and Business School graduate who became a mother during college, Sheila has been recognized in Fortune's top 10 women entrepreneurs and Forbes' 50 over 50 list. She is a grandmother, mother of two, and dedicated advocate for caregivers and Asian American communities.

Vicky Tsai’s resume was flawless. Wellesley. Harvard Business School. Wall Street. Big brands like Procter & Gamble and Starbucks. But behind that picture-perfect career was the reality of quiet bias, vague feedback, and being told she did not have “leadership potential.” In this episode of Big Asian Energy, Vicky opens up about the toll of constantly feeling like she did not belong, and the moments that pushed her to rebuild her confidence, her voice, and her self-worth. She shares how she founded the global skincare brand Tatcha, sold it for $500M, stepped away, and then returned as CEO to lead it on her own terms with purpose and joy at the center. If you have ever felt stuck, sidelined, or like you had to shrink yourself to survive in corporate spaces, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to take your power back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How corporate systems quietly keep Asian employees “treading water,” or worse What it takes to truly reclaim your confidence, voice, and inner strength when you are in your deepest moments of uncertainty Why real leadership is not about perfectionism or power, but about purpose and calling About Vicky Tsai Vicky Tsai is the founder and current CEO of Tatcha, a luxury skincare brand inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals. After years in corporate America left her burned out and disillusioned, a trip to Kyoto sparked a new path. She built Tatcha from her savings, grew it into a global brand, and sold it to Unilever for $500M. After stepping away, she returned as CEO in 2021 to guide the company through a new chapter. Today, she mentors underrepresented entrepreneurs, serves on the board of Room to Read, and champions purpose-driven leadership. Resources Learn more about Tatcha: www.tatcha.comSupport Room to Read: www.roomtoread.org

After years of building, researching interviewing and writing and rewriting more times than I can count—it’s here. Big Asian Energy, my debut book, is officially out in the world. This episode is different. It’s just me—no guest, no script—sharing the real story behind the book. Where the idea came from, what it took to write, what I’ve never said publicly about the process, and why I almost didn’t do it at all. I made this episode because I know I would’ve wanted to hear it when I was starting out. And I made this book because I couldn’t find one that captured the full picture—not just the workplace challenges or the stereotypes, but the internal stuff no one talks about. In this episode, I talk about: The moment I knew this book needed to exist How my personal story (from awkward kid to coach) shaped everything What the research says about how Asian Americans are seen—and why that matters The “bamboo ceiling,” and what I learned from real clients at places like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft What nobody tells you about book deals, imposter syndrome, and the emotional crash after finishing Why this book isn’t for every Asian, but for the ones who feel unseen, under-recognized, or stuck What’s actually inside the book—from scripts to speak up to healing family patterns What’s inside the book Here’s just some of what I cover: Why Asian confidence hits different—and how to rebuild it from the inside out The 3 internal patterns that keep us quiet: the Achiever, the Fixer, and the Chameleon Self-sabotage in disguise: over-apologizing, minimizing your work, or rejecting yourself before anyone else can The “achievement treadmill”—when nothing ever feels good enough Scripts to speak up at work, call out microaggressions, and say no without guilt How to navigate family expectations with respect and boundaries How to find your voice—without letting go of your values If you take away one thingThis book isn’t trying to speak for all of us. That’s impossible. But if it helps you feel even a little more seen—or a little less alone—then it was worth writing. I hope it sparks conversation. I hope it starts something that goes far beyond me. And I hope, above all, it helps you show up—not as who the world expects you to be, but as who you already are. Grab Your Copy Buy the book:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742831/big-asian-energy-by-john-wang/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Asian-Energy-Unapologetic-Leadership/dp/0593475437 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-asian-energy-john-wang/1146224703 More resources: www.bigasianenergy.com Say hi! john@bigasianenergy.com | team@bigasianenergy.com

Why do so many high achievers, especially in Asian communities, struggle with burnout? For many, success is deeply tied to identity, self-worth, and cultural expectations—but at what cost? In this powerful episode of Big Asian Energy, we welcome Newton Cheng, Global Director of Health & Performance at Google, world champion powerlifter, and mental health advocate. Newton shares his personal experience with burnout, the pressure of achievement, and how he redefined success to prioritize his well-being. What You’ll Learn: Why high achievers—especially in Asian cultures—feel pressure to keep pushing, even at the cost of their well-being. How Newton confronted the “achievement monster” and reframed his relationship with success. What practical steps you can take to avoid burnout while still pursuing excellence. Connect with Georgianna! Website : https://www.newtoncheng.com/ Instagram : http://instagram.com/newtoncheng/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newtoncheng Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae Tune in now and take the first step toward self-acceptance and deeper connections!

Great melodies aren't enough to make it in today's competitive global music industry. It's about striking a chord with diverse cultures and tastes. Join us in today's enlightening episode as we delve into the captivating journey of Renee Chan, known by her stage name Nae Nae, a trailblazing musician who has made a significant mark in the hip hop music scene of Taiwan. In an industry often characterized by its cultural biases and rigid preferences, Nae Nae's experience stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and authenticity. Be inspired by her relentless pursuit of artistic expression! Connect with Renee! https://www.facebook.com/ReneeTakeOver https://www.instagram.com/reneetakeover/ https://twitter.com/ReneeTakeOver Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this! Check out my website: https://www.bigasianenergy.co Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae

Welcome to another episode of Big Asian Energy! In today's episode, we dive deep into the intersection of identity and work. We spend so much of our lives working, often more than we do with our own families. That's why it's crucial to explore how we bring our authentic selves to the workplace. Today's guest embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition that many immigrants bring to the shores of America. Hailing from Taiwan, he's not just an immigrant but a trailblazer in the e-commerce technology world. With over 15 years of experience, Dennis Yao Yu has been the backbone of startups and corporate giants alike. Today, he's championing entrepreneurs at Shopify as the Merchant Success Team Leader. Before this, he lent his expertise to the prestigious University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. And his leadership at Art.com led to a monumental exit from Walmart. Dennis shares how his diverse background gives a valuable perspective that others may not have, leading to innovative thinking and different approaches to revenue growth and cost savings. We'll also delve into the role that identity and culture play in how Asians perceive and perform at work. Dennis sheds light on his personal experiences as an Asian professional and the challenges and opportunities they've encountered along the way. Discover strategies for recognition and promotion, as well as the importance of mentorship and sponsorship within organizations. Tune in as we unpack the complexities of being "the other" in the workplace and the steps needed at a corporate and leadership level to ensure that all employees are seen, heard, and given equal opportunities. Tune in now! Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisyaoyu/ https://www.instagram.com/dennis_yao_yu/ Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more episodes like this! Check out my website: https://www.bigasianenergy.co Let’s connect on socials! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnwangofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwangofficial/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnwangbae