Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy
By Samorn Selim
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Category: Careers
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Episodes: 100
Description
I'm Samorn Selim. Welcome to the Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Podcast. I'm a lawyer turned career coach on a mission for us to take our careers from dread to joy. Growing up as the daughter of poor Lao refugees, I was the underdog. Against all odds, I made it to a top 10 law school and landed a job in Big Law. As an outsider, I was told that I was lucky to even be there and that I had to pay my dues. After coaching over 1,000 clients, I now realize that the idea that you have to pay your dues and work in a toxic place is a myth. We can face our challenges head on, do work we are passionate about, and work with good people to make a big impact. So even as we struggle, we can find a sense of belonging.
| Episode | Date |
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I Lost My Son to Suicide: What Every Parent Needs to Ask Their Child With Deep Lam (Ep. 202)
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Mar 28, 2026 |
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The Truth About Psychological Safety & Ethical AI For BIPOC | Dr. Janice Gassam Asare & Career Unicorns (Ep. 201)
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Mar 21, 2026 |
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How To Lead As An Asian First-Gen Professional Without Burnout - Zeien Cheung, Asians Are Strong (Ep. 200)
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Mar 11, 2026 |
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The Power of Enough: Choosing More Mommy Over More Money, Investing In Yourself, and Being A Leader In AI Ethics With Irene Liu (Ep. 199)
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Dec 17, 2025 |
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Rewiring Your Brain for Joy: Heal People-Pleasing, Overcome Imposter Syndrome & Own Your Voice with Susan Britton (Ep. 198)
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Dec 10, 2025 |
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Decolonizing Healing: Reclaiming Our Narrative, Resisting Erasure And Healing Trauma With Dr. Grace Poon (Ep. 197)
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Nov 19, 2025 |
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Breaking Free From Hustle Culture: How to Leave Prestige, Redefine Success, and Build Your Dream Career with Ann Sheu (Ep. 196)
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Nov 12, 2025 |
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The Mirror Effect: Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on Finding Your Voice, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Using Gratitude To Own Every Room You Walk Into (Ep. 195)
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Nov 05, 2025 |
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Navigating Systemic Bias and Finding Our Shared Humanity with Kori Carew (Ep. 194)
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Oct 29, 2025 |
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Gaslighting And Narcissists At Work: How To Leave A Toxic Job with Sarah Cottrell, Founder of Former Lawyer LLC (Ep. 193)
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Oct 22, 2025 |
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Reclaiming Your Power: How Trauma, Social Justice, And Systemic Gaslighting Impact Your Career And Self-Worth with Rosie Yeung (Ep. 192)
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Oct 15, 2025 |
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Beyond Survival: Dyanna Volek's Call for Collective Action Against Apathy and Anti-Asian Hate (Ep. 191)
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Oct 08, 2025 |
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From Sunday Scaries To Love Mondays: Ron Monteiro on How to Break Free from Systemic Barriers, Find Your Authentic Voice, and Create the Career You Love (Ep. 190)
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Oct 01, 2025 |
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Lessons from Bad Bosses: Navigating Workplace Bullying, Microaggressions & DEI With Mita Mallick, WSJ Bestselling Author & DEI Leader (Ep. 189)
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Sep 24, 2025 |
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How to get your first in-house job and advocate for DEI with Lisa Mak, Senior Employment Counsel at Flynn Group (Ep. 188)
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Sep 17, 2025 |
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Career Success & Visibility for Women of Color With Cynthia Pong, CEO Of Embrace Change (Ep. 187)
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Sep 10, 2025 |
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The Confidence Blueprint: Key Strategies for Women in Leadership with Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author (Ep. 186)
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Sep 03, 2025 |
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Thriving in corporate America as a Black man and first-generation college grad with Jaymon Ballew, Senior Counsel at The Major League Soccer (Ep. 185)
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Jun 06, 2025 |
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AANHPI Mental Wellness: Unpacking Workplace Microaggressions, Healing Racial Trauma, and Building Self Worth with Dr. Noel Ramirez, Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting (Ep. 184)
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May 28, 2025 |
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Protecting LGBTQ+ rights, marriage equality, and civil rights with Stuart Gaffney (Ep. 183)
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May 21, 2025 |
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Unlearning Silence: Effective strategies for women and BIPOC leaders to find their voice, negotiate healthy boundaries, and build inclusive workplaces with Elaine Lin Hering (Ep. 182)
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May 14, 2025 |
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Asian American Empowerment: Fighting anti-Asian hate, creating representation, and building community with Dave Lu, Taiwanese American Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, and Activist (Ep. 181)
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May 07, 2025 |
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Title: Secrets to thriving in a challenging job market with Tammy Dain, Founder of Rabble (Ep. 180)
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Apr 30, 2025 |
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Breaking the glass ceiling in finance and tech with Constance Sng, Chief of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at Alphemy Capital (Ep. 179)
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Apr 23, 2025 |
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America's Secret War in Laos: U.S. role in UXO contamination and responsibility for humanitarian aid with Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications at Legacies of War (Ep. 178)
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Apr 16, 2025 |
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Navigating Ethical Tech & Career Integrity With Jeanne Sheahan, Ex-Meta Senior Director of Global Legal Privacy Compliance and Executive Career Coach (Ep. 177)
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Apr 09, 2025 |
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Black Representation, Employment Discrimination, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Tiffany Obeng, Lawyer, Change-maker and Children's Book Author (Ep. 176)
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Apr 02, 2025 |
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Know your employment law rights: navigating layoffs, firings, and job insecurity with Bill Jhaveri-Weeks, Employment Lawyer and Founder of The Jhaveri-Weeks Firm, P.C. (Ep. 175)
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Mar 25, 2025 |
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Building Inclusive Democracy: Generational Trauma, Civil Rights & Legal Advocacy with Christopher Punongbayan, Executive Director of California ChangeLawyers (Ep. 174)
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Mar 18, 2025 |
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Embracing Afro-Latina identity and implementing effective DEI strategies with Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz, PhD, Founder of Mainstream Insight (Ep. 173)
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Mar 11, 2025 |
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Toxic workplace survival: Using DEI to combat gaslighting & betrayal with Jaya Mallik (Ep. 172)
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Mar 04, 2025 |
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Litigating for educational equity and civil rights with Antonio Ingram, Senior Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (Ep. 171)
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Feb 25, 2025 |
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From adversity to advocacy: A biracial Black and White adoptee's journey to social justice leadership with Luke Liss Pro Bono Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (Ep. 170)
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Feb 18, 2025 |
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Breaking Barriers: A Black & Vietnamese Woman's Journey to Chief Legal Counsel with Michelle Trong Perrin-Steinberg, Chief Legal Counsel of Export Control | Sanctions, Americas at SAP America (Ep. 169)
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Feb 11, 2025 |
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Universal Legal Representation: Fighting Poverty, Homelessness, & Injustice with Adrian Tirtanadi, Founder and Executive Director of Open Door Legal (Ep. 168)
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Feb 04, 2025 |
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Empowering Asian American voices through storytelling with Jerry Won, Founder & CEO of Just Like Media and Host of Dear Asian Americans Podcast (Ep. 167)
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Jan 28, 2025 |
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Finding purpose and passion: how to create work you love with Tammy Dain, Co-founder of Rabble (Ep. 166)
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Jan 21, 2025 |
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Balancing career, music, and motherhood with Stephanie Wu, Cellist and Marketing Leader (Ep. 165)
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Jan 14, 2025 |
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From descendant of slaves to lawyer fighting for social justice with Antonio Ingram II, Senior Counsel at NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (Ep. 164)
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Jan 07, 2025 |
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Happy Lao New year and connecting with our bodies to reduce anxiety and be calmer with Samorn Selim, Career Coach for BIPOC, women, and first generation professionals (Ep. 163)
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Dec 31, 2024 |
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How to make good decisions using logic and intuition with Michelle Florendo, Host of Ask A Decision Engineer Podcast (Ep. 162)
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Dec 24, 2024 |
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Managing the job search when you have mental health issues, been laid off, and struggle with applying consistently with Samorn Selim, Career Coach for BIPOC, women, and first generation professionals (Ep. 161)
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Dec 17, 2024 |
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Advocating for yourself as a Black woman and getting promoted into executive leadership with Kimyatta Holder, VP, Senior Associate General Counsel, Head of Compliance, and Privacy Officer at Modern Health (Ep. 160)
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Dec 10, 2024 |
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Landing your dream leadership role during a challenging job market with Lisa Heirtzler, Senior Director, GTM Strategy & Growth at NAVEX (Ep. 159)
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Dec 03, 2024 |
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Finding peace in the midst of chaos with Samorn Selim, Career coach for Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, and first generation professionals (Ep. 158)
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Nov 26, 2024 |
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From pro athlete to lawyer: overcoming depression, finding purpose, and becoming a managing partner with Adam Sloustcher (Ep. 157)
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Nov 19, 2024 |
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Finding Your Voice, navigating cultural expectations, and going after your dreams with Elaine Lou Cartas, trauma-informed & award-winning woman of color business coach (Ep. 156)
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Nov 12, 2024 |
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Healing trauma, managing burnout, and building a thriving career in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with Jaya Mallik, DEIB Expert (Ep. 155)
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Nov 05, 2024 |
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Building your dream career and getting promoted to the C-suite with Shana Simmons, Chief Legal Officer at Zendesk and formerly at Everlaw (Ep. 154)
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Oct 29, 2024 |
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Building a career in AI and ethical technology with Kathy Pham (Ep. 153)
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Oct 22, 2024 |
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Recovering from trauma, finding self-acceptance, and leading with compassion with Rosie Yeung, Founder of Changing Lenses and Certified Trauma Recovery Coach (Ep. 152)
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Oct 15, 2024 |
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Finding belonging at work: bringing your whole self to work and building your dream career with Michaela Cultrara, Product Marketing Manager at UtilityAPI (Ep. 151)
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Oct 08, 2024 |
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Thriving in corporate America as a Black man and first-generation college grad with Jaymon Ballew, Senior Counsel at The Major League Soccer (Ep. 150)
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Oct 01, 2024 |
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How to leave your toxic workplace with Sarah Cottrell, Founder of Former Lawyer (Ep. 149)
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Sep 24, 2024 |
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How to build a career in human rights with Lindsay Harris, Human Rights Law Professor (Ep. 148)
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Sep 17, 2024 |
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How to balance being a mom while building your dream career with Winter Wheeler, Founder of Winter Wheeler Mediation and Arbitration (Ep. 147)
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Sep 10, 2024 |
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How to use mindfulness to create a better life and career with Mona Tashroudian, Founding Partner of Tashroudian Law Group (Ep. 146)
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Sep 03, 2024 |
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Why self care and mental health is vital with Aya Miyashita, Co-Director to the UCLA Hub for Health Intervention (Ep. 145)
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Aug 27, 2024 |
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How to capture authentic moments with leading political figures with Jim Block, Bay Area Photographer capturing VP Kamala Harris and President Barack Obama (Ep. 144)
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Aug 20, 2024 |
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How to manage your mental health with Lauren Tetenbaum, Psychotherapist (Ep. 143)
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Aug 13, 2024 |
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How to find a fulfilling career, stop energy leaks, and shift from scarcity to abundance with Elena Deutsch, Founder and CEO of WILL (Ep. 142)
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Aug 06, 2024 |
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How to get promoted into leadership as a woman of color and not be trapped by the golden handcuffs with Christina Yang, General Counsel & Pro Bono Director at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Ep. 141)
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Jul 30, 2024 |
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How to put yourself out there and ask for the job you want even when it's uncomfortable with Rupa Bhandari, VP of Legal Operations at Silicon Legal Strategy (Ep. 140)
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Jul 23, 2024 |
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Fighting for marriage equality and having life unicorn adventures with Stuart Gaffney - marriage equality activist, filmmaker, and public health researcher (Ep. 139)
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Jul 16, 2024 |
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Managing the job search when you have been laid off, feel burnt out, or struggle with mental health with Samorn Selim, CEO of Career Unicorns - career coach for BIPOC, women, and first generation professionals (Ep. 138)
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Jul 09, 2024 |
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Happy Lao New year and connecting with our bodies to reduce anxiety and be more calm with Samorn Selim, Career Coach for BIPOC, women & first generation professionals (Ep. 137)
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Jul 02, 2024 |
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Being intentional with your career, making big career changes, and bouncing back from the techsession with Stephanie Kiman, Sr. Marketing Programs Manager at SAP (Ep. 136)
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Jun 25, 2024 |
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Healing generational trauma as a Cambodian-American and finding courage to pursue your passion with Chhunny Chhean, Supervisory Attorney at Federal Aviation Administration (Ep. 135)
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Jun 18, 2024 |
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Building your dream career in 90 days even when Corporate America wasn't designed for you with Adunola Adeshola, Career strategist and founder of employeeREDEFINED.com (Ep. 134)
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Jun 11, 2024 |
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Letting go of toxic narratives, healing generational trauma, and celebrating Asian women leaders with Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of The Tao of Self-Confidence (Ep. 133)
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Jun 04, 2024 |
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Finding Purpose and creating a nonprofit with Adrian Tirtanadi, Founder and Executive Director of Open Door Legal (Ep. 132)
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May 28, 2024 |
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Healing Generational Trauma, Embracing Your Story & Landing Your Dream Job with Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications at Legacies of War (Ep. 131)
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May 21, 2024 |
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Dr. Melissa Chan on Chinese Burmese American, Identity, Representation & Data-Driven Change (Ep. 130)
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May 14, 2024 |
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From Refugee to Founder: How Leang Chung Shifted Mindsets & Launched a Thriving Career (Ep. 129 Repost)
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May 07, 2024 |
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Ep. 128: Repost: How to bounce back from the pandemic and rebuild your dream career with Winnie Yee-Lakhani (Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque)
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Apr 30, 2024 |
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Ep. 127: Repost: From Trauma to Triumph: Building a Business & Healing as a Black Woman Lawyer & Entrepreneur with Danielle McMillian (Founder of Pretty Petsitting and Embody Vegan)
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Apr 23, 2024 |
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Ep 126: Repost: Reimagine Your Life: How to Embrace Possibility with Kate Sullivan (Emmy Award-Winning Journalist)
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Apr 16, 2024 |
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Episode 125: Repost: Network Your Way to Your Dream Job: Career Pivot Strategies with Heather Stevenson (General Counsel of Redcell Partners)
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Apr 09, 2024 |
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Ep. 124: Repost: Breaking into leadership while identifying as a Lao refugee, LGBTQIA2S+, and nonprofit professional of color with Matthew Rizzie (Executive Director at GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment)
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Apr 02, 2024 |
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Ep. 123: Repost: Daughter of Cambodian Refugees to Managing Counsel: Meyling Ly Ortiz on Finding Your Voice
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Mar 26, 2024 |
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Ep. 122: Repost: How knowing your self worth can accelerate your career growth with Jacqueline Lee (Vice President & General Counsel of Flynn Restaurant Group)
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Mar 19, 2024 |
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Ep. 121: Repost: Getting promoted to leadership and creating belonging with Komal Chokshi (UC Legal Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer and Principal Counsel)
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Mar 12, 2024 |
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Ep. 120: Repost: How to find a job you love after taking a year off to travel with Lisa Chin (Intellectual Property Leader & Lawyer at Fortune 500 Company)
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Mar 05, 2024 |
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Ep. 119: Repost: Making your own luck: growing up in Myanmar, getting a full scholarship to MIT, and co-founding the most popular service for gmail with Aye Moah (Co-founder and CEO of Boomerang).
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Feb 27, 2024 |
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Ep. 118: Repost: Making big career changes: driving Lyft, going to a bootcamp, and becoming a software engineer at a Fortune 50 company without a college degree with Vincent Robinson (Software Engineer at State Farm)
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Feb 20, 2024 |
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Ep. 117: Repost: Mental health for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, healing generational trauma and internalized racism, and shooting your shot with Dr. Stephanie J. Wong (Licensed clinical psychologist and Founder of Color of Success)
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Feb 13, 2024 |
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Ep. 116: Repost: Rebuilding your life and career after PTSD and standing out as a product manager with Bosky Mukherjee (Founder of PMDojo)
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Feb 06, 2024 |
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Ep. 115: Repost: Navigating uncertainty and creating your own career path with Martha Hernandez (Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Bank of the West)
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Jan 30, 2024 |
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Ep. 114: Repost: Rebuilding your confidence after rejection and having grit to find opportunities with Tyler Garvey (Vice President & Counsel at BNP Paribas)
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Jan 23, 2024 |
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Ep. 113: Repost: Being a box breaker and finding belonging with Neha Sampat (CEO of BelongLab)
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Jan 16, 2024 |
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Ep. 112: Repost: How to make good decisions with Michelle Florendo (Host of Ask A Decision Engineer Podcast)
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Jan 09, 2024 |
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Ep. 111: Repost: Finding belonging in Corporate America with Rasha Gerges Shields (Partner at Jones Day)
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Jan 02, 2024 |
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Ep. 110: Repost: Making career pivots and managing depression with Thomas Lee (Founder and CSO of Derapi)
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Dec 26, 2023 |
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Ep. 109: Repost: Embracing yourself and creating belonging with Valerie Jackson (SVP and Chief Diversity Officer at Zuora)
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Dec 19, 2023 |
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Episode 108: Repost: How intersectionality impacts our identities with Donna Vivar (Manager of Advising and Strategy + Training, UC Berkeley)
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Dec 12, 2023 |
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Episode 107: Repost: How to belong in a world that isn't made for you with Dr. Vicky Gomez (Assistant Professor at San Jose State)
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Dec 05, 2023 |
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Episode 106: Repost: How to build your network from scratch with Dyanna Volek (Government Affairs Executive featured on New York Times and CNN)
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Nov 28, 2023 |
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Episode 105: Repost: How choosing the untraditional path can lead to your dream career with Frankie Reed (Former ambassador of Fiji and the surrounding regions)
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Nov 21, 2023 |
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Episode 104: Being intentional with your career, making big career changes, and bouncing back from the techsession with Stephanie Kiman (Sr. Marketing Programs Manager at SAP)
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Nov 14, 2023 |
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Episode 103: Letting go of someone else's dream, finding your purpose, and creating an inclusive culture for Black women with Watchen Nyanue (Founder & CEO of I Choose The Ladder)
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Nov 07, 2023 |