Eric Chan’s Post

The Indispensable Human Edge in the #AI Era Amid the breathless hype surrounding AI's potential to reshape entire industries, a counterintuitive truth has emerged: Companies fostering a culture of constant learning and investing relentlessly in their human capital will enjoy an enduring competitive edge that AI alone cannot replicate. The statistics are compelling. A study by Accenture found that for every $1 invested in employee instruction, companies received $4.53 in return — nearly a 353% ROI manifested in higher productivity, better customer experiences, reduced turnover, and a more innovative workforce. However, U.S. training expenditure declined over 5% in 2020 as businesses succumbed to short-term pressures and the flawed notion that casual videos can adequately upskill workers. Make no mistake - skimping on formal training is managerial malpractice. Holistic development initiatives impart vital skills, but they also cultivate intangible assets no technology can match: the interpersonal relationships, cultural beliefs, and deep foundations of trust that allow teams to become exponentially greater than the sum of their parts. AI's brilliance notwithstanding, it cannot foster the unique elementals that stem from human ingenuity and diversity of perspective. Visionary leaders recognize this truth, championing continuous learning as an inviolable institutional ethos. From immersive onboarding to mentoring and university partnerships, they construct catalytic ecosystems that equip talent with the growth mindsets and cross-disciplinary fluencies to surmount any disruption. Most crucially, through personal commitment, executives breathe life into this ethos. When CEOs and their leadership teams engage as perpetual students, allocating resources toward employee empowerment, a mindset of constant improvement permeates every level. It becomes woven into the cultural fabric. AI is indeed an extraordinary tool, and its capabilities will only grow. But in an era of unrelenting change, it is our people who will determine whether organizations master these technological shifts or are rendered obsolete by them. Well-trained, growth-oriented human capital is the lone sustainable competitive advantage. The leaders who prioritize upskilling their people, who zealously nurture environments of continuous learning, will be those whose companies dominate the AI age. In contrast, those who ignore this human edge risk watching their homogeneous, robotic workforces swiftly outmaneuvered by more dynamic, adaptive competitors. In the era of AI's ascendance, the relentless cultivation of human potential is both an existential and strategic imperative for organizations to thrive.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and engagement from May. I've had some time to digest - here are more thoughts about culture and work. The Art of Cultural Integration as a New #Employee When joining a new company, you're not just taking on a new role – you're immersing yourself in a distinct new #culture. Navigating unfamiliar territory while staying true to your own values and background is a delicate balance, but one that can be achieved by embracing a Beginner's Mindset. The Importance of Cultural Intelligence Cultural intelligence – the ability to relate and work effectively across cultures – is a critical skill. A study by Harvard Business Review found that employees with high cultural intelligence were more likely to collaborate effectively, innovate, and make better decisions in multicultural environments. Seek Out Cultural Mentors Look for colleagues who are respected and well-versed in the organization's history, traditions, and unwritten rules. Gartner published research where employees with mentors are 25% more likely to be highly engaged and report higher job satisfaction levels. Mentors provide invaluable guidance on navigating cultural nuances, help you assimilate more seamlessly while preserving your own authentic identity. Some deploy a "buddy system" for new hires for their first 180 days for rapid assimilation. Observe and Adapt (Mindfully) Pay close attention to communication styles, decision-making processes, and the way projects are executed. Notice the implicit rules and cultural norms that govern the workplace, and consider how you can adapt your approach without compromising your core values. For instance, you may notice that collaboration and consensus-building are highly valued, even if your previous experiences favored a more individualistic approach. It's crucial to strike a balance between adaptation and authenticity. A Deloitte study found that employees who felt they could bring their authentic selves to work were 42% more likely to remain with their employer. Thoughtfully integrating aspects of your own cultural background can enrich the organizational culture and foster a more inclusive environment. Embrace Feedback and Continuous Learning Approach every interaction and task as an opportunity to learn and grow. Seek both formally and informal feedback, and use it to refine your approach continually. A study by Zenger Folkman found that employees who received frequent feedback were nearly three times more engaged than those who received little to no feedback. Furthermore, consider seeking out training or development opportunities that can enhance your cultural intelligence. By cultivating a beginner's mindset, seeking out cultural mentors, observing and adapting mindfully, and embracing continuous learning, you'll not only navigate the company's culture more adeptly but also position yourself as a valuable contributor – someone who can bridge cultural divides, foster inclusivity, and drive innovation.

Thanks for posting about this topic Dave Lu - Last month I wrote about this similar topic and to highlight the need for more discussions that can lead to change in this area.

1 in 5 immigrants that have come to the US are Asian. That's 10M+ people. The latest census counts 19M+ Asians in the US (~7% of the US population) Source: Visual Capitalist

Another #AAPI Heritage Month has come to a close. For the past month, I challenged myself to write a series of posts exploring different aspects of Asian culture and the immigrant experience in America. I ended up with 24 posts on LinkedIn. The topics spanned #food, festivals, #language, traditions, as well as addressing #stereotypes, academics, the family unit, and attitudes in the workplace. I aimed to share insights into the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. At the same time, I tried to highlight how many of these experiences resonate with other immigrant communities, as we all have the same destination in mind - success, belonging, and achievement in this nation of immigrants. Whether your family came from China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam or elsewhere across the vast Asian continent and Pacific islands, I hope these posts helped provide a window into the struggles and joys of our collective journeys. For those whose ancestors hailed from other lands, I hope the themes of maintaining cultural identity while embracing new horizons struck a familiar chord. Ultimately, while our goal is the same, it's the journey, stories and lessons learned that allow us a better understanding of ourselves and each other. This series was an enriching experience for me, as I learned so much researching the diverse histories, cultures, and modern experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The engagement from you all through comments, stories, and perspectives made it a shared journey of understanding. After all this, I find myself staying hungry - wanting to learn more, experience more, but also to write and teach more. This drove me to share these stories and will continue fueling me to keep exploring our rich tapestry of cultures. So thank you for joining me over this past month. As we move forward, I hope the conversations and connections continue.

Being Asian American and the Struggle with Praise For many Asian Americans, expressing praise or thanks doesn't come naturally - especially with family. Our cultural upbringing discouraging open compliments can have a profound impact lasting into adulthood. A study at University of California, Berkeley found that only 27% of Asian American students reported receiving parental praise for good grades, compared to 61% of white students. This lack of positive reinforcement can lead to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy that persist into adulthood. A survey by South Asian Therapists found that 65% of Asian American respondents struggled with difficulty accepting compliments from others due to the "don't boast" mentality ingrained from childhood. Jenn Fang, a prominent blogger at reappropriate.co recalls, "My parents basically trained me to never be satisfied. I was an honor student, but it was never enough. I never heard 'good job' or 'we're proud of you.'" Asian American often dismiss compliments and downplay their accomplishments. The absence of vocal encouragement from respected family members instills deep-rooted beliefs that one's efforts are never quite enough. Simple validation is rare growing up. Research by UCLA shows this humility taken to an extreme can manifest as higher rates of anxiety, perfectionism, fear of failure, and negative self-talk among Asian Americans compared to other demographics. Without experiencing ample praise, even great achievements may feel undeserved. Research in the Asian American Journal of Psychology found that Asian American parents who recall receiving little praise from their own parents were less likely to praise their own children, perpetuating the cycle. As Annie Nguyen, a Vietnamese American mother stated, "Data shows 73% of Asian American parents admit struggling to give authentic, effusive praise. But my daughter deserves to feel celebrated in a way I wasn't." The consequences of this praise deficiency can be damaging if left unaddressed. Many Asian Americans spend years anxiously chasing accolades, accomplishments, and respect that may still feel elusive even after achieving success. Without having a foundation of self-assurance from earnest praise and positive reinforcement, the relentless drive can become an obsessive, self-punishing pursuit that is never enough. By proactively chipping away at engrained emotional restraints, Asian Americans can learn to vocalize care, gratitude and authentic positive reinforcement more freely within their families and communities. It's how we'll empower one another to keep striving with confidence and conviction, rather than suffer in silence waiting for praise that may never come. Don't wait until it's too late to express how you feel. The warmest praise often has the most impact when it encourages someone amid their struggles or celebrates the journey, not just THE successful ending. #AAPI #AANHPI #AsianAmericanHeritageMonth

The Generational Burden That Follows Asians to Work Kai grew up watching his immigrant grandfather remain permanently stoic and closed off. Despite the old man's shadowy past fleeing war-torn Vietnam, he refused to openly process the traumas he experienced. His silence and repressed emotions became a palpable burden that weighed on the entire family. Until finally, at age 85, Kai's grandfather passed away. It was only after his death that Kai's father and uncles felt they could openly grieve, share memories, and discuss the childhood impacts of having such an emotionally unavailable patriarch, as explored in the book "The Latehomecomer" by Kao Kalia Yang. A generational shackle had finally been removed. For many Asian families, this intergenerational cycle of emotional restraint is deeply ingrained due to cultural values of avoiding "losing face." A belief persists that one must stay strong and avoid bringing shame on the family at all costs. Children learn by example that vulnerable feelings should be bottled up. This ancestral burden doesn't get checked at the office door. It follows Asians into the workplace and can severely impede their professional growth and effectiveness: + A study by Berdahl and Raver found only 23% of Asian Americans felt able to express disagreement with managers, compared to 40% of White employees. + Asian professionals were only half as likely to speak up in meetings compared to other groups. + While comprising 30% of the professional workforce, Asians represent just 8% of managers and 5% of executives, per EEOC data. The consequences are far-reaching. When Asian voices are restrained, it prevents fresh ideas and diversity of thought from surfacing. This lack of "cognitive diversity" stifles innovation and impacts the bottom line - a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) study linked it to up to 20% lower revenues. "Increasing diversity is a moral imperative, but it is also becoming a powerful business requirement. Organizations equipped with a range of voices and perspectives throughout the ranks are better able to innovate, take risks, solve problems creatively, bounce back from failures, and turn challenges into opportunities. But progress around the world, especially in leadership roles, has been lackluster." Many of us know competition will always be present, and companies must leverage any and all advantages to win. Unburdening employees that allow them to focus on achieve the best results is a win for all. #AAPI #AANHPI #AsianAmericanHeritageMonth

Love this from Asian Hustle Network - wrote a week's worth of LinkedIn posts talking about Asians and Food and how this can work to break down barriers for mutual understanding. Links in the comments.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as an Asian American Professional As an Asian American professional, have you ever felt like you don't truly belong or are a fraud despite your accomplishments? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome - an inability to internalize your successes and a persistent fear of being exposed as an imposter. Research shows this psychological phenomenon disproportionately impacts Asian Americans across various work settings. A study in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found 66% of Asian American college students reported frequent imposter feelings compared to 47% of their White peers. These feelings are often rooted in immense pressure to live up to the pervasive "model minority" stereotype of universal academic and professional excellence. As Professor Erin Khue Ninh explores, this myth is not just an outside expectation - many Asian immigrant families have internalized it, leading children to feel they must achieve at the highest levels, no matter the personal toll. Ninh argues this drive stems from a "neoliberal" mindset that economic success hinges on maximizing individual capacity and value within a free-market system. While enabling some to enter lucrative professions, it also funnels Asian Americans into a rigid value system where any perceived failure or deviation from the path is unacceptable. This underlying belief that there are no good alternatives can manifest in extreme cases like students brazenly faking college admissions. But more commonly, it breeds chronic self-doubt and imposter feelings. Across various situations and scenarios, harsh self-criticism, difficulty accepting praise, undermining abilities, and holding oneself to unrealistic standards are common. So how can Asian American professionals overcome these ingrained imposter feelings? + Recognize and reframe harsh self-talk. Identify overly critical thoughts as distortions you wouldn't apply to others. + Build community. Connecting with Asian employee groups or mentors normalizes the experience and provides support. + Adopt a growth mindset. Focus on continued learning over proving innate talents or abilities. + Document achievements. Recording successes, milestones and positive feedback helps counteract negative self-evaluations. + Lead with empathy. All groups experience insecurities around belonging. Self-compassion allows embracing our whole, authentic selves. Overcoming imposter thoughts is an ongoing process of unlearning and rejecting rigid stereotypes like the "model minority" myth. By questioning these systemic narratives and redefining our own standards for self-worth and belonging, Asian American professionals can escape the imposter cycle. #AAPI #AANHPI #AsianAmericanHeritageMonth #ImposterSyndrome

Breaking Bread and Barriers Through Global Entertainment As Americans fire up the grill for Memorial Day barbecues today, many will spend hours sharing good food, company, and inevitably, chatting about the latest binge-worthy foreign series that's captured viewers' fascination. Data shows U.S. audiences are increasingly exploring international shows and movies previously inaccessible. While we honor the fallen heroes who fought for freedom, it's also a chance to celebrate how unprecedented global entertainment is fostering greater cross-cultural connections. The music, movies, TV shows and viral videos we now share are shining lights into other cultures - shattering stereotypes and building mutual understanding. In today's times, families in Kansas can spend a lazy holiday weekend immersed in the gripping human stories of a Swedish drama. Best friends in Miami might demo choreography from the latest Indian music video between burger breaks. Over in Seattle, grandmothers may swap insights about a riveting Turkish period piece. • 60% of Netflix subscribers in the U.S. regularly watch non-English titles • Foreign language films like Parasite and Roma were among Netflix's most-viewed in America  • YouTube data shows 1 in 4 viral videos watched in the U.S. originated overseas The global reach of streaming services, music platforms and social media is providing illuminating windows into other nations' experiences, struggles, traditions, humor and daily realities once mysterious to outside viewers. These authentic, nuanced depictions of cultural norms, societal tensions, family dynamics and emotional arcs allow people to find shared humanity across nationalities in a way textbooks cannot. The skyrocketing popularity of non-English hits like Squid Game and RRR reveals our rising appreciation for diverse emotional storytelling. While tourism enables real-world immersion, media is making our world a little smaller and more understanding - all from the devices in our pockets. Between burger bites today, take a moment to celebrate the unifying, barrier-breaking power of global entertainment.