From Only to Many: AAPI Leaders Share Journeys of Empowerment and Belonging (Podcast)

Each panelist shared personal stories and professional insights on the importance of inclusive storytelling equitable hiring practices and the need for cultural intelligence in brand strategy Suzie Bao reflected on the cultural barriers she had to overcome as a firstgeneration immigrant in corporate spaces amp8220I had to learn to humble brag because itamp8217s so uncomfortable to selfpromote as an Asian personamp8221 she said amp8220And I learned how to respectfully go up against leadership and executives because I was taught to obey my eldersamp8221Bernice Chao highlighted the creative industryamp8217s persistent diversity gap and how her upbringing shaped her advocacy for representation amp8220The creative department is probably the least diverse of the verticalsamp8221 she explained amp8220The more of us that can go into these careers the more of our stories will be represented in the work we seeamp8221The conversation also turned to corporate initiatives driving DEIB forward Jinie Kwak praised her agencyamp8217s commitment beyond hiring practices amp8220We focus on a few key areas that include recruitment but go beyond recruitment to retention belonging and developmentamp8221 she shared amp8220To be successful you actually have to implement developmental programs and resources that help employees thrive within an organizationamp8221At Starcom Irene Kwak emphasized the tangible actions being taken to create lasting change amp8220We are launching new brand values to really cement inclusivity in our teams and their daily livesamp8221 she said amp8220To us itamp8217s about accountability innovation empathy and connectionamp8221David Lai underscored the importance of AAPI leadership visibility and breaking industry stereotypes amp8220Traditionally AAPI employees tend to work more technical backend jobsamp8221 he noted amp8220But seeing that we can be front and center in the boardrooms driving businesses thatamp8217s something Iamp8217ve had the privilege of being a part ofamp8221The group also discussed impactful campaigns that authentically captured AAPI experiences Bao recalled her work on McDonaldamp8217s Grandma McFlurry campaign which used AI technology to bridge language gaps between grandparents and grandchildren amp8220We made sure we had representation even amongst our segment and behind the camera we hired production companies and directors of AAPI descentamp8221 she said amp8220It was just a really proud momentamp8221Similarly Kwak pointed to a recent insurance campaign targeting underserved multicultural communities amp8220It was incredibly rewarding to focus on finding these hardtoreach audiences and helping provide them with the information they need to live healthier livesamp8221 she saidFrom community engagement to nonprofit advocacy the panelists showcased various ways their companies and personal efforts are creating a more inclusive industry amp8220Our agency is in service of our communityamp8221 Bao explained amp8220We take action donate our time and money and support events that uplift AAPI voicesamp8221Chao also touched on the power of mentorship through her nonprofit Asians in Advertising amp8220The idea that a couple of us felt so different was actually a really huge feeling for a lot of usamp8221 she said amp8220We provide mentorships scholarships and a safe space where we can be seen and heardamp8221As the conversation closed the leaders offered advice for the next generation of AAPI professionals Said Chao amp8220Stop shrinking in places youamp8217ve outgrown Leverage your voice own your wins uplift others and decide when itamp8217s okay to walk away Get LOUDamp8221With their combined efforts and insights this roundtable offered not just a celebration of heritage but a roadmap for a more inclusive future in media and advertising Watch the full conversation above on our YouTube channel or tune in on your favorite podcast platform by subscribing to the free MediaVillage Podcast NetworkClick 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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From Only to Many: AAPI Leaders Share Journeys of Empowerment and Belonging (Podcast)

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Juan Ayala

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From Only to Many: AAPI Leaders Share Journeys of Empowerment and Belonging (Podcast)

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