My Day Job

Nhu is the founder of Nhu Design Studio, where she helps mental health coaches, somatic healers, and wellness practitioners build brands rooted in real story. But before any of that made sense, she was a sixteen-year-old exchange student landing in California with a new American name, a fearless attitude, and zero plan beyond wanting to see a bigger world. Her path from there was anything but linear. From community college in San Jose with some twists and turns that made a pandemic-era logo challenge on Instagram into a business. In this episode, we talk about what it feels like when purpose arrives before you're ready for it, the loneliness of entrepreneurship nobody warns you about, why branding is really about listening, starting therapy as an Asian woman, and why she stopped going by Nina and reclaimed her Vietnamese name. We also get into what success actually means when you strip away the highlight reel. And for Nhu, it has nothing to do with designer bags.

What does it actually mean to be free to be yourself? Alan Yuarata grew up in a rural village in the Philippines, lost his father when he was young, and won a national writing award at 17. In 2010, he moved to Canada and started over. Today, he helps run one of Canada’s busiest airports and he’s also a published children’s book author. In this episode, Alan shares how moving to Canada gave him the space to build a life, embrace his identity as a gay man, and write something he once thought he’d never share.

In this episode of My Day Job, I sit down with Yat Li, a 2025 Business in Vancouver 40 under 40 recipient, award-winning disability advocate and Associate Director at Open Door Group, for a conversation we don’t have nearly enough at work (or in life really). We talk about disability, not as a checkbox or HR policy, but as something deeply human and personal. Yat shares what it was like growing up as a disabled Chinese Canadian, navigating stigma, silence, and the quiet calculations that come with deciding when (and whether) to disclose his disability to friends and coworkers. We unpack the emotional weight of self-advocacy, the fear of being seen differently, and the relief that can come when workplaces choose understanding over assumption. This conversation moves between personal story and practical reality. Yat reflects on the moments that shaped his path into advocacy, the people who made space for him when it mattered most, and the small changes that can make work feel safer and more accessible for everyone. We also get into what real inclusion actually looks like beyond the buzzwords, and the tangible steps employers and teams can take to create environments where people don’t have to hide parts of themselves just to belong. This episode is not just about disability, it’s also about dignity, representation, and the quiet courage it takes to show up fully as you are.

In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Jung - Founder, CEO, and Executive Producer of Cold Tea Collective. We talk about how she built a platform rooted in honest, community-driven storytelling and what it’s meant for her to create space for Asian diaspora voices in media. Natasha shares the early days of building the Collective, the life experiences that shaped her leadership, and why the power of storytelling and authenticity is so important. Together, we explore what it means to grow a career while staying connected to your own story, how definitions of success evolve over time, and why representation and community matter so deeply. It’s a warm, grounded conversation about creativity, identity, and discovering why everyone's story matters.

Ever feel like you’re living two lives, one at work and one everywhere else? In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach James Beng Lee to unpack his delicious metaphor: going from bento box (compartmentalized, fragmented) to bibimbap (integrated, whole). We dive into the costs of living divided lives, how unhealthy comparison creeps into our success metrics, and what it looks like to redefine success from the inside out. James also shares deeply personal turning points that led him to this work, and practical steps for anyone ready to show up as their authentic self in every space they occupy. About James Beng Lee: James is a coach and leadership advisor with over 25 years in corporate leadership. He helps high achievers move away from external validation and toward holistic human development. Learn more about James at https://liveholystic.com/

In this solo episode of My Day Job, I delve into the topic of identity and how we often let our job titles define who we are. I discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon, especially among the Asian diaspora and children of immigrants, and explore ways to separate self-worth from professional achievements. Learn about some of my personal experiences, red flags of over-identification with work, and actionable steps to explore one's true identity outside of their career. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that invites you to rediscover who you are beyond your job title, all while enjoying a tasty snack!

On this episode of My Day Job, I sit down with Diana Chan, a designer by day and food content creator by passion. Diana shares how a bootleg copy of Photoshop led her to a design career at Vancity Credit Union, how her food blog turned into an influencer brand, and how she juggles it all while raising two kids. We chat about: 👩🏻‍💻 How she landed her design job (without a formal design degree!) 🍕 The moment her food blog turned her into an influencer 👶🏻 Balancing motherhood, career, and content creation Listen in as we snack, chat, and laugh our way through this episode!

From scrubbing hubcaps to training technicians at head office, Andrew's journey through the automobile industry is nothing short of a thrill ride. In this episode, we dive into his love for cars, discovering his Filipino roots, and the surprising twists that took him from wielding a wrench to rocking a suit. Curious about how it all came together? Buckle up and start your engines—you won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Jiana for a deep dive into her fascinating world. From her days as a model and pageant contestant to her dynamic career in PR and Communications, Jiana’s story is anything but ordinary. We explore how growing up between the East and West has shaped her unique worldview and approach to life. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to thrive in PR or how pageantry can be more than just glitz and glam, this conversation is packed with insights and surprises. You’ll leave with a new perspective on ambition, adaptability, and how your roots can shape your success. Don’t miss it! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow us on IG @mydayjobpodcast Learn more about My Day Job at www.mydayjobpodcast.com

Often times the media glorifies jobs that can be quite demanding and volatile such as lawyers, traders, real estate agents, and well, working in media. How long does the novelty of a "cool" job last? What happens after? What about jobs that provide a stable 9-5 schedule that allows you to pursue passion projects? Why are those not talked about? In this episode, I chat with Lucas all about his journey from the ever demanding media space to finding stability in the world of insurance, and all the twists and turns in between. We learn about his creative venture, a podcast called "Have you made it yet?" and his YOLO year. This was such an enlightening conversation and his perspective is one that we don't often hear. Hope you enjoy this one! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out Lucas and Josh's podcast called "Have you made it yet?" at: https://open.spotify.com/show/5SC6FM1tPQ584FzfCeFpaY?si=04259ce126a24a1b Find us on IG at https://www.instagram.com/mydayjobpodcast

This is my FIRST EVER GUEST! We chat about Wilson's path to becoming an RMT and the importance of family. We also touch upon what massage means in different cultures and how that can pose as a challenge for his profession. Hope you'll enjoy this candid, unfiltered conversation between two good friends. Here are some useful links for you. Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia: www.rmtbc.ca Regulatory Body for Complementary Health Professionals of BC (including RMTs): www.cmtbc.ca West Coast College of Massage Therapy (where Wilson went to school and currently teaches): https://collegeofmassage.com/ We Massage Clinic (Wilson's massage clinic in Surrey, BC): https://www.wemassageclinic.com/ Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/mydayjobpodcast

It's the first episode of My Day Job, a podcast for Asians and allies who are curious about what people do for work and who they are outside of the 9-5. Join Vivian on her first time behind a mic as she shares the inspo behind this podcast, why she's doing this, and what to expect in future episodes. Hope you'll enjoy!