Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy: Recent Episodes

Samorn Selim

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.

"I didn't care about my job. I didn't care about my career. I cared about my son."

In this deeply personal and courageous episode, we sit down with Deep Lam to discuss the heartbreaking reality of losing her son to suicide. Deep shares the "unthinkable" experience of loss and reveals the subtle signs of isolation that can hide behind high achievement, good grades, and academic success.

If you are a parent, leader, or friend, this conversation is a must-watch to understand how to bridge the gap between "I'm fine" and the truth.

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Deep's Story: How I Lost My Son
04:15 - The Signs I Missed (And What To Look For)
12:30 - The One Question Every Parent Must Ask
18:45 - Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Workplace
25:00 - Advice for Leaders Supporting Grieving Employees
32:00 - How to Build a "Help Chain" at Home and Work

🆘 Mental Health Resources (Help is Available 24/7) * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | https://988lifeline.org/ * Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 | https://www.crisistextline.org/ * The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Deep Lam, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-lam-737aa321/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Recommended Books:

Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy: https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment: https://tinyurl.com/nnu8k5rd.
Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer: https://tinyurl.com/4z6erw7v

Career Coaching, Trainings & Keynotes

Schedule a free consult by sending a message at https://www.careerunicorns.com/.

How do we maintain our authenticity in a workplace that often demands conformity? In this episode, organizational psychologist Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D., joins us to discuss the strategies for fostering psychological safety, and ethical AI in the workplace.

From the weaponization of "professionalism" to the risks and opportunities of Ethical AI, Janice provides a roadmap for driving societal change while protecting your own well-being.

We dive deep into:

The Conformity Trap: How "professionalism" is often used against underrepresented groups.
Covert Equity: Practical advice for building effective equity strategies even when facing organizational pushback
AI & Equity: A look at the risks AI poses to marginalized groups and how to advocate for responsible tech.
Collective Action: Why community and patience are the secret ingredients to long-term activism.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Janice Gassam Asare, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd/ and instagram at janicejnice
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Books:

Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy: https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment: https://tinyurl.com/nnu8k5rd.
Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer: https://tinyurl.com/4z6erw7v

Career Coaching, Trainings & Keynotes

Schedule a free consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you an Asian first-gen professional tired of doing invisible labor and overfunctioning just to be noticed? In this week's Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy podcast, we sit down with the Zeien Cheung, Co-founder of Asians Are Strong and the visionary for Asian Women Are Strong Summit to discuss how to shift from worker bee to leader, heal from perfectionism, and build psychological safety in our communities.

We dive deep into:

How immigrant family dynamics shape your career
What we carry as first-gen professionals and navigating intergenerational expectations
Co-founding Asians Are Strong by turning pain into purpose
The silent impact of anti-Asian hate on career growth
The importance of building your own network & infrastructure for success
Why psychological safety is non-negotiable in community
How to create a culture of belonging at work
Redefining the "Asian American" identity
How to activate potential in others by activating potential
The #1 secret to scaling your organization
The link between belonging and high performance
How to stop overfunctioning & perfectionism
The top quality when hiring leaders
How to break out of analysis paralysis
Trauma, safety, and the perfectionism trap
Your worth is not your work:
Asian Women Are Strong: Join the Movement (March 7th)
When it's actually okay to say sorry (and when it's not)

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Zeien Cheung, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeien-cheung-3153924/ and https://asiansarestrong.org/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

What happens when a high-powered executive, responsible for scaling multi-billion dollar companies, is asked by her 10-year-old: "What does that money actually mean to us?"

In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Irene Liu, founder of Hypergrowth GC and former Chief Financial and Legal Officer at Hopin. Irene shares her journey from the Department of Justice to the front lines of the AI revolution, where she now advises the California Senate on AI safety.

We explore the "Politics of the C-Suite," the necessity of high EQ in leadership, and why Irene decided to step out of the "survival mode" of corporate life to define what "enough" looks like for her family.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Resilience born from crisis: how working in finance in Manhattan during 9/11 shaped Irene's mental fortitude.
Navigating layoffs with humanity: whether you are the one being let go, the one left with survivor's guilt, or the executive making the difficult calls.
The art of the pivot: effective strategies for transitioning from public service and government roles into the private sector.
The AI frontier: a sobering look at the "Empire of AI," the global race for innovation, and the urgent need for safeguards to protect children and vulnerable populations.
The path to the C-Suite: the two key qualities you need to transition from "just a lawyer" to a business leader.
"More Mommy" vs. "More Money": how to evaluate career choices through the lens of family values and the "seasons of life."
Owning your growth: Why you shouldn't let your employer drive your career, and the importance of self-investment and building a genuine community.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Irene Liu, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneliu1/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Disclaimer: Irene would like our listeners to know that her views expressed in this podcast are her own and do not represent those of any referenced organizations.

Are you ready to stop living for others and start living for you?

In this powerful episode, Susan Britton, Founder & President of the Academies for Neuroscience Coaching, Inc., explores how our brains hold onto old behaviors like people-pleasing and self-doubt. Susan has 25 years of leadership in coaching and coaching education, and has supported 1,000s of coaches across six continents to earn their ICF credential. She shares the neuro-informed strategies you need to embrace all of yourself, shift from the "Red Zone" (fight/flight) to inner peace, and start listening to your true voice to build your dream life and career.

We dive deep into:

How people-pleasing is a survival response, and the science behind changing it.
Leveraging neuroplasticity to rewrite old, self-limiting narratives that hold your career back.
Why embracing small, necessary pain (Hormesis!) is the key to massive growth and impact.
Giving voice to your "shadow energy" from a kind and compassionate place.
Recognizing the signs of burnout and strategies for a compassionate recovery.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Susan Britton, at https://www.theacademies.com/about/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachsusanbritton/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Get a copy of Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment at https://tinyurl.com/yc3dfk73.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Welcome back, Career Unicorns! This week, we are honored to host the incredible Dr. Grace Poon Ghaffari: a motherscholar practitioner, proud daughter of Chinese immigrants, and embodied healer. Grace is an Assistant Professor at San Jose State University, where she focuses on healing and harm among student survivors of sexual and relationship violence, examining how these experiences are intertwined with broader systems of oppression. In this deep and vital conversation, we discuss why the traditional justice system often fails to be a source of healing, the critical importance of naming violence as it truly is (especially anti-Asian women hate), and how to move toward decolonizing our own healing experiences. Grace shares her wisdom on tuning into ancestral knowledge, recognizing the validity of traditional wisdom, and finding sustainable ways to resist the exhausting cycles of systemic harm and microaggressions. Key Takeaways:

The Healing Gap: Why victims often don't find the justice system to be a source of healing, and the importance of acknowledging harm.
Revictimization: The harmful experience of unhelpful police and the dismissal of non-stereotypical victims of violence.
The Fight To Name Harm: Connecting the Atlanta spa shootings, anti-Asian women hate, and the necessity of uplifting marginalized narratives that are often wildly dismissed
Internalized Dismissal: How Asian women's experiences of violence are often minimized ("that just happens to Asian women"), and the role of purity culture in the Asian cultural context.
Decolonizing Healing: Recognizing the positives of Western medicine alongside the profound knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors, and how our relationship to the body and land are part of the healing ecosystem.
Ancestors As Researchers: Tuning into your own lineage and recognizing that your parents and community have been doing research all along, even if it wasn't recognized by traditional science.
The Tiring Nature of Resistance: The layers of trauma, microaggressions, and the importance of finding ways to be sustainable and be in the resistance for the long haul.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Dr. Grace Poon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpoonghaffari/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

As a former lawyer, business expert, and founder of Mpowered Families, Ann Sheu has gone through her own journey of achieving society's definition of success only to realize it wasn't her own. She uses her unique background to help high-achieving leaders move past the "hustle culture" and design a career and a life that is deeply rooted in personal alignment.

In this episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, we tackle the pressure to prioritize prestige and money over happiness.

Key Career Strategies You'll Learn:

How to Pivot: The steps to take when you realize the hustle culture you've been chasing is leading you to live someone else's definition of success.
The Value Test: A practical framework for defining your "no matter what values" to instantly guide your biggest career and life decisions.
Silence the Critics: Strategies for managing the pressure from professional networks who don't understand why you would leave a "prestigious" career for happiness.
Build Your Aligned Life: How to move past external expectations and successfully design a life and career that "feels good" and honors who you truly are.
Conflict Resolution: How to navigate friction when your professional and personal values clash, and gain the clarity needed for intentional decision-making.
The Power of No: How to gain the confidence and strategies needed to say "no" to opportunities and responsibilities that don't align with your values.
Two-Parent Balance: Essential insights into addressing parental responsibilities and career goals in two-parent working households, focusing on equitable solutions.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Ann Sheu at https://www.mpoweredjourney.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncsheu/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

As a physician, biotech CEO, and champion for women in leadership, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, MD, has spent her career breaking ceilings and teaching others how to do the same.

In this powerful episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, we dive deep into the real-world barriers—from childhood racism ("Indians Go Home") to professional microaggressions—and how she reframed the pain of shame and doubt.

We discuss:

The devastating impact of FIDS (Fear, Insecurity, Doubt, & Shame).
Why self-compassion is the key to silencing your inner critic.
Battle-tested strategies for addressing toxic behavior and gaslighting immediately.
How practicing gratitude is the ultimate superpower for career resilience.

You do not want to miss this essential masterclass in owning your power.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi at https://sheilagujrathimd.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Welcome, Career Unicorns! How do we lead with courage and heart when the system is stacked against us?

Join us for a deeply moving and vital conversation with Kori Carew, Chief Catalyst Officer and Founder of Bridge 68 LLC, lawyer, TedX speaker, and former Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer.

Kori challenges us to move beyond "a moment" to a true movement, urging us to reflect deeply on our values and courageously design the world we want to see.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Courageous Leadership: Discover how to show up as leaders in our ordinary daily lives when systemic biases are real.
Reclaiming Humanity: The impact of a racialized society stripping away our humanity and what we can do to reclaim our human dignity.
Power of Empathy: Learn how to practice empathy, especially when we're attacked, and remain hopeful in our capacity for good.
Creating Belonging: Practicing empathy with the understanding that we may all be in the same storm, but we're not in the same boat.
Embracing Rest: Recognizing why burnout is real, and what you can do to find joy while advocating for justice and change.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Kori Carew, at https://www.koricarew.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/koriscarewesq/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you in a toxic job, but feel stuck? Making great money but feel absolutely dead inside? If yes, then this episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy is for you.

Join us as we welcome Sarah Cottrell, founder of Former Lawyer LLC, who helps unhappy lawyers ditch soul-crushing jobs for fulfilling alternative careers. Sarah shares her expertise on the unique pain of leaving a high-prestige career.

We dive deep into how to recognize the signs of an abusive workplace and the importance of prioritizing your mental health.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why the prestige trap and sunk cost fallacy keep people in miserable, high-paying jobs.
How gaslighting and narcissistic behavior from bad bosses lead to workplace PTSD, GAD, and panic disorder.
Why leaving a toxic job is like leaving an abusive relationship, and how to start the necessary grieving process.
The critical role of calming your nervous system to do the deeper work of envisioning a sustainable career.
Why working with both a career coach and a therapist is the most efficient path to a successful transition.
The importance of reminding yourself that you are not crazy, and your feelings are real.
Key strategies for feeling less stuck and building a thriving career that aligns with your values.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Sarah Cottrell, at www.formerlawyer.com.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Ready to shatter the old-school corporate rules? In this powerful episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, host Samorn Selim welcomes back Rosie Yeung, a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, HR Leader, and Chartered Professional Accountant. Rosie, a Chinese-Canadian, immigrant, cis-het woman living with mental illness and recovering from cPTSD (complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), shares her deeply personal journey of navigating identity, assimilation, and complex trauma. In this episode, we dive deep into:

The ripple effects of trauma, including gender bias, systemic racism, psychological unsafety, and gaslighting that is often baked into the modern workplace.
How seemingly "good people" can perpetuate harmful systems and why traditional career advice often fails marginalized individuals.
Why the problem isn't you, but it's the system, and what you can do to protect your mental health.
How to anchor in your body, name your truth, and step into your worth, even when the corporate structure is working against you.
The Un-Executive Coaching™ approach, a practice that sits at the intersection of social justice, trauma, and career growth.
The importance of having the permission and power to name your truth.
The fact that you are never responsible for someone else's bad behaviors or the failings of a toxic system.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Rosie Yeung, at https://changinglenses.ca/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosieyeung/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Get ready for a profound and powerful conversation with the incredible Dyanna Volek, a quintessential "Career Unicorn" who is using her voice and influence to push for real change. As a first-generation college student and daughter of Filipino immigrants, Dyanna currently serves as the Manager of Government Affairs for the San Francisco International Airport. She’s also a licensed attorney and a dedicated community advocate, including serving on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood, Northern California.

In this episode, Dyanna issues a call for collective action, getting candid about the despair and apathy she sees in the current political climate and offering concrete ways we can use our spheres of influence to fight back.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of Luke Liss and the host, and do not represent the views of any referenced organizations.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

A guide on how to use local politics to effect positive change and tap into your spheres of influence.
The trauma, frustration, and emotional labor of dealing with Anti-Asian Hate and being a woman of color in leadership.
The urgent need to address systemic injustice and the breakdown of civility in public discourse.
Navigating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) during challenging political times and what you can do to create a culture of inclusion.
Key strategies on how to sustain your energy, set boundaries, and find what "fills your cup" so you can continue the fight for decency and justice without burning out.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Dyanna Volek, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyannavolek/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dyannaluna/ - @dyannaluna.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this inspiring and candid conversation, we sit down with Ron Monteiro, author of Love Mondays, to discuss his 20-year journey from a shy finance professional to a powerful public speaker and executive coach. Ron shares how he turned a perceived weakness in public speaking into his life's mission.

We dive into the challenges he faced as a person of color navigating corporate finance, offering a powerful perspective on how to tackle systemic barriers by focusing on what you can control: your daily growth, your commitment to learning, and the commitment to "put in the reps."

Whether you're struggling with toxic work, aiming for executive presence, or grieving a derailed career path, Ron's wisdom on self-investment and finding mentors will give you the tools and courage to move forward and, eventually, Love Mondays.

Key Takeaways

How to turn your weakness into your strength.
The importance of taking small, actionable steps to achieve your big goals.
The secret to building your confidence.
How to navigate systemic barriers and the power of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
What you can do to build executive presence and take up space in a room.
Why it’s important to acknowledge injustice and how to use it as fuel for driving change.
The power of Ikigai and why investing in yourself leads to more freedom.
Advice for those who feel lost and scared after an unexpected career change.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Ron Monteiro, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronmonteiro18/ and grab a copy of Love Mondays at https://tinyurl.com/2eed99yj.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

What if a childhood trauma followed you into the boardroom? In this powerful episode, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and DEI leader Mita Mallick shares the story of her long hair being burned as a “joke” when she was a little girl. She thought bullying ended on the playground, but learned the painful truth that bullies follow you into Corporate America.

Mita, a top LinkedIn Voice and contributor for Harvard Business Review, has built her brand by tackling tough topics head-on. She joins us to share insights from her two bestselling books, including her latest, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses.

Key Takeaways:

How to spot a toxic boss and understand their impact on your career.
The surprising link between being a bad boss and becoming a great leader.
How to handle microaggressions like having your name changed by colleagues and reclaim your identity.
Strategies for navigating pregnancy discrimination and theft of your ideas in the workplace.
The secret to building a culture of integrity and accountability.
Practical ways to recover from burnout and find work-life balance.

Connect with us:

Learn more about our guest, Mita Mallick, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/ and https://www.mitamallick.com/.
Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you looking to make a career pivot from private practice to your first legal in-house job?

But you’re struggling because most employers already want someone who has in-house experience?

Then this episode with Lisa Mak is for you. Lisa Mak shares her journey from how she went from a plaintiff-side litigator to landing her dream job as Senior Employment Counsel at Flynn Group, the largest restaurant franchise operator in the U.S., with a portfolio of brands including Applebee’s, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Panera. Lisa also serves as the Northern California Regional Governor for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and also served as the President of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area in 2022.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

The key strategies you can use to help you make a career pivot.
What you can do to cultivate a growth mindset to help you push through a challenging job market.
How you can get clarity about your values and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in challenging times.
What you can do to recover from burnout and have hope during dark times.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Lisa Mak on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapmak/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending Career Unicorns a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Join us for an empowering conversation with Cynthia Pong, the award-winning founder of Embrace Change. A Forbes contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice, Cynthia is a leading expert on career advancement for women of color. Her award-winning work has been featured in HBR, Forbes, The Atlantic, and on major networks like NBC, CBS, and NPR. Her book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, is a must-read for anyone seeking to advance their career.

In this episode, we dive deep into how to navigate systemic barriers, leverage your unique strengths, and build a career that truly empowers you.

Key Takeaways:

Navigating systemic racism and barriers women of color face.
Understanding how the "Model Minority" Myth to pit people of color against each other.
Managing economic realities in a world of tariffs and AI.
Creating visibility and a personal brand.
Having agency in your career by telling your story.
Setting healthy boundaries and protecting your energy to thrive in challenging times.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Cynthia Pong at http://embracechange.nyc/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/cynthiapong/, and https://www.embracechange.nyc/ec-collective.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sheena Yap Chan, a keynote speaker, an award-winning podcast host, and author of the Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of The Tao Of Self Confidence and Bridging The Confidence Gap. Sheena shares her personal journey, from overcoming a lack of representation as a young Filipino immigrant to becoming a best-selling author. This episode provides a powerful roadmap for any woman looking to build confidence and take on a leadership role.

Join us as we explore the blueprint to empowered leadership, including:

The power of representation and how it shapes our career paths and self-perception.
Overcoming imposter syndrome, a common struggle that affects a staggering number of women in the workplace.
The urgency for women in leadership and the systemic barriers we face today.
Why self-promotion is a vital tool, not a "tacky" one, for women seeking visibility and growth.
Taking bold action and saying "yes" to opportunities, even when you only feel 50% ready.
Navigating the unique burden and expectations placed on women of color in professional spaces.
Using your voice to create purpose and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Sheena Yap Chan on at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan/ and https://www.sheenayapchan.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

This week, I’m so excited to share a podcast with one of my former clients, Jaymon Ballew. Jaymon is Senior Counsel for The Major League Soccer and a first-generation college and professional graduate. He shares his experiences navigating corporate America as a Black man, the importance of understanding the unwritten rules of the professional world, and how our work together helped him get clarity and land his dream job in sports.

In this podcast, we do a deep dive into:

How to reconnect with your true passions when you feel lost.
How to build support networks and mentors who can provide guidance and validation and help you navigate the unwritten rules of corporate America.
Why preparing and doing mock interviews is critical to success.
How to transition from law firm practice to your first in-house role.
Why it’s important to have an open mindset to pursuing opportunities even if it means taking a different career path.
What you can do to confidently negotiate your worth.
How you can prepare to navigate predominantly White spaces when you’re a Black man.
The importance of prioritizing mental health and how to recover from burnout.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Jaymon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymonballew/ or instagram @thej.ball.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Noel Ramirez, Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an AAPI mental health resource center in Philadelphia. This episode delves into the unspoken realities of intergenerational trauma, racial microaggressions and macroaggressions, exploring the complex relationship between work, identity, and self-worth for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Dr. Ramirez shares powerful insights on how cultural narratives around labor and gratitude impact mental health, the struggle to find language for self-care and boundaries in Asian languages, and the vital importance of witnessing and validating shared experiences. Discover pathways to belonging, resilience, and finding harmony in a world that often questions our "enoughness."

Key topics covered:

Navigating racial microaggressions, betrayal trauma, and toxic workplace dynamics for AANHPI individuals and communities.
Dissecting the "good enough to work, but not good enough to cultivate" narrative for Asian Americans.
Understanding compulsive behaviors rooted in societal expectations and "toxic indebtedness" within AANHPI communities.
Examining the absence of self-care and boundary language in some Asian cultures and its impact on well-being.
Recognizing the critical impact of racial violence and the power of community healing for Asian Americans.
Challenging the "not Asian enough" or "not American enough" identity struggle and cultivating wholeness.
Addressing mental health disparities and the vital need for culturally sensitive mental healthcare.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Noel at https://mangotreecc.com/, via email at noel at mangotreecc.com, or Instagram @mangotree.counseling.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Join Stuart Gaffney, a leading activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, in an illuminating conversation that traces his journey into activism. This episode explores the vital intersection of education and advocacy, the enduring historical and contemporary significance of marriage equality, and the indispensable power of community solidarity in today's challenging political climate.

Stuart offers invaluable insights into the ongoing necessity of vigilance in protecting civil rights, highlighting how individual actions are the bedrock of monumental social change. Discover actionable strategies to cultivate resilience, find genuine hope amidst adversity, and understand how every person can become an "everyday hero" in the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone deeply invested in LGBTQ+ advocacy, civil rights, human rights, political activism, social justice movements, education reform, community organizing, and the future of marriage equality.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Stuart Gaffney's personal journey and impactful activism in LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Analyzing the profound impact of the current political climate on social justice and human rights.
The critical role of education and research in fueling and sustaining the fight for social justice.
Exploring the powerful parallel journeys of interracial marriage and LGBTQ+ marriage, and their shared fight for equality.
Understanding the broad implications of the current administration’s policies on fundamental Civil Rights and human rights.
In-depth reflections on the Supreme Court's role and the future of LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
Practical strategies for cultivating optimism and finding hope amidst fear and uncertainty in activism.
The undeniable power of community and collective action in advancing equality and justice.
Effective practices for grounding and maintaining resilience in demanding social justice advocacy.
How you can become an everyday hero and actively contribute to the fight for justice and equality.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Stuart at https://marriageequality.me/ and on social media.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Feeling unheard in the workplace? Join Elaine Lin Hering, a world renowned author, speaker, and coach for women and people of color in executive leadership within majority white spaces, as she unpacks the power of unlearning silence. Drawing on her extensive experience with organizations like Google, Nike, and Harvard Law School, Elaine delves into the crucial connection between communication, negotiation, and inclusive leadership. Discover practical strategies to find your voice, establish healthy boundaries, navigate power dynamics, and cultivate truly inclusive workplace cultures where everyone can thrive.

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into:

Practical strategies for setting boundaries and navigating power dynamics at work.
Why well-intentioned leaders may inadvertently silence their teams and how to foster open dialogue.
Cultivating critical thinking, clear decision-making, and reclaiming your agency at work.
Recognizing privilege, challenging the status quo, and questioning workplace assumptions.
The unique challenges faced by women of color when asserting themselves and actionable allyship strategies.
Why silence is not a safe strategy and the importance of speaking up for yourself and your values.
Building sustainable work practices, finding joy, and defining personal success.

Connect with us:

Follow Elaine on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainelinhering/ .
Preorder Elaine’s new book published by Penguin Random House at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720975/unlearning-silence-by-elaine-lin-hering/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we chat with the inspiring Dave Lu. Dave is a Taiwanese American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and activist. Dave shares his remarkable journey growing up as the child of Taiwanese immigrants to now being the Founder & Managing Partner at Hyphen Capital, Co-Founder & President of Expo, and Co-Founder, Stand with Asian Americans. From his experiences as a child of Taiwanese immigrants and a tech industry veteran to his powerful advocacy against anti-Asian hate, Dave's story is one of resilience and empowerment.

Dave recently produced the Emmy-winning documentary short 38 at the Garden about NBA player Jeremy Lin, which was acquired by HBO. Dave sits on the advisory board of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Asia Pacific Fund. Dave received his bachelor degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

How growing up as a Taiwanese American impacts your career and life choices.
The rise of anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, and the importance of telling our stories (as seen on the Wall Street Journal).
How the courage to speak up and organize led to the founding of Stand With Asian Americans.
The power of representation in sports and media, including Jeremy Lin’s story.
Challenges and opportunities for Asian American founders in venture capital and technology.
Strategies for building your own opportunities and taking control of your narrative.
The power of storytelling in fostering understanding and driving social change.
The importance of creating inclusive environments and supporting diverse founders, especially women founders.
Finding purpose and joy in the face of challenges.

Connect with us:

Connect with Dave Lu on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelu/ and on substack at https://substack.com/@davelu.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Tammy Dain has over 10+ years of experience in the talent acquisition and human resources space from the tech, legal and higher education industries. Tammy is the Co-Founder of a boutique staffing company. Prior to this, she was the Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant with Axiom Law, where she was for almost 7 years as their Director of Talent Acquisition in the West region.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Learning strategies for landing great job offers in the current challenging job market.
Understanding the foundational importance of work ethic in today's job market.
Negotiating effectively for an increase in salary and other compensation factors.
Examining the impact of AI in recruiting and ethical AI.
Prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in hiring practices even if your company has scaled back its programs.
Exploring strategies for re-entering the work-force after a long career break.

Connect with us:

Connect with Tammy Dain on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammydain/ and on https://www.rabblerecruiting.com/about.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Constance Sng, Chief of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at Alphemy Capital, as she shares her remarkable journey navigating the intersection of finance and technology.

Constance reveals how she successfully transitioned from traditional finance to the dynamic world of fintech and blockchain, built a thriving network after moving from Singapore to New York, and broke through the glass ceiling to achieve leadership success. Constance is the Chief of Capital Formation and Investor Relations at Alphemy Capital, and was the Global Head of Capital Formation at Abra, the Chief of Capital Strategy at Hudson Cove Capital, and the Head of Distribution and Executive Director of Credit Suisse Asset Management. She has been serving as the Chair of the Advisory Board for The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE) since 2020.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Successful career transitions: learn actionable strategies for leveraging your existing skills to make impactful career pivots into exciting new fields like fintech.
Navigating leadership as an Asian woman: gain valuable insights on how to challenge the status quo, advocate for yourself, and excel as an Asian woman in leadership roles.
The power of strategic networking: discover the secrets to building meaningful and mutually supportive professional communities, especially when navigating new environments.
Leveraging mentorship and sponsorship: understand how to identify, cultivate, and leverage mentorship and sponsorship relationships to accelerate your career growth.
Championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI): explore practical approaches to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within changing organizational structures.
Firsthand finance and tech insights: benefit from Constance's extensive experience and unique perspective as a leader thriving in both the finance and technology industries.
Building career resilience: recognize the critical role of resilience in overcoming obstacles and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace.

Connect with us:

Connect with Constance Sng on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/constance-sng/ and Telegram @ConstanceSng.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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In honor of Lao New year, we have a special episode featuring Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications at Legacies of War. Danae shares her journey as a Lao American and her work with Legacies of War to address the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos caused by the U.S.’s Secret War in Laos and its secret bombing campaign. Danae's family history as refugees from Laos deeply informs her advocacy for survivors and for greater U.S. responsibility in clearing UXO. The episode highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the secret bombing of Laos during the Vietnam War, the challenges posed by funding freezes, and the importance of remembering this history. This conversation emphasizes the importance of community led advocacy, historical awareness, and finding hope amidst the legacies of war in Southeast Asia.

Key Takeaways:

America’s Secret War in Laos and its secret bombing campaign dropping over 2 million tons of bombs on Laos between 1964 and 1973.
The U.S.’s moral obligation to clear unexploded ordinances left by its secret bombing campaign that’s killing innocent children today.
How U.S. Foreign Aid is provided and why America should be held accountable and take responsibility to right its past wrongs.
Legacies of War’s mission to support community led advocacy and engage elected officials to continue to support the clearing of UXOs.
The detrimental impact of funding freezes, including USAID, to local communities who are continuing to be harmed by the U.S.’s war campaign.
Historical commemorations and education to ensure that the legacies of war are not forgotten.

Connect with us:

Connect with Danae Hendrickson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-hendrickson/.
Connect with Legacies of War at https://www.legaciesofwar.org/, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacies-of-war/, or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/legaciesofwar/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Are you wrestling with ethical dilemmas in your job? Feeling misaligned with your company's values?

In this powerful episode, we speak with Jeanne Sheahan, the Founder of Jeanne Sheahan Executive Life Coaching and a former Senior Director of Global Legal Privacy Compliance at Meta. Jeanne shares her firsthand experience navigating complex ethical landscapes in big tech and provides actionable insights for making courageous career decisions rooted in your personal integrity.

As a former Meta executive who built and led a global privacy team, Jeanne understands the pressures and ethical challenges within the tech world. Now, she leverages her extensive experience coaching seasoned executives and rising stars at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to help you take control of your career and build a more fulfilling, values-driven professional life. Jeanne also shares her inspiring journey as a first-generation college student who rose to the highest levels of the tech industry, offering valuable lessons on navigating corporate culture and advocating for change.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

Identify your core ethical values and ensure they align with your workplace.
Recognize red flags and navigate ethically challenging situations in tech.
Understand how creating a fear based work environment leads to breakdown in trust and mental and physical health issues.
Develop the courage to prioritize your integrity, even if it means making difficult career choices.
Strategically plan your exit if your current role compromises your values.
Build a career that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.
Overcome bias and imposter syndrome on your path to leadership.
Advocate for more ethical and inclusive workplaces.
Set healthy boundaries to protect your well-being and values.
Find and cultivate supportive communities within the tech industry.
Become a more authentic and impactful leader.
The critical role of male allies in fostering inclusion and sharing power.

Connect with us:

Connect with Jeanne Sheahan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanne-sheahan-20b0523/ and website at https://www.jeannesheahan.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Disclaimer: Tiffany Obeng would like our listeners to know that the views expressed in this podcast are her own and my own views, and not that of any referenced organizations. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship, and you should consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Tiffany Obeng is a lawyer, a change-maker, and a children's book author on a mission to tackle diversity in the workplace. Seeing the daunting statistics highlighting the lack of diversity in law, particularly for Black women, inspired Tiffany to spend nearly 15 years fighting for equality in the workplace, from the trenches of employment law to providing strategic advice in higher education. But she realized the fight needed to start earlier. Now, she's using the power of storytelling to write children’s books to shape a future where diversity isn't just a buzzword, it's a reality.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding employment law & discrimination: learn about the difficulties of proving discrimination, the importance of knowing your employment rights, and special protections you have as a government employee.
Black representation matters: discover how diverse children's books can inspire career exploration and foster inclusivity.
Combating toxic work environments: gain strategies for recognizing and addressing toxic workplaces and advocating for change.
Navigating job insecurity: receive practical advice for navigating job insecurity in today's economy.
The power of storytelling: explore how literature can drive social movements, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and empower future generations.
Corporate responsibility & diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI): understand how corporate responses to social movements impact workplace equality.

Connect with us:

Connect with Tiffany Obeng at https://www.sugarcookiebooks.com/, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sugarcookiebooks/, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SugarCookieBooks, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyobeng/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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William (“Bill”) Jhaveri-Weeks is the founder of The Jhaveri-Weeks Firm, P.C., a law firm in San Francisco that focuses on representing employees in employment disputes. The firm handles both individual cases and class actions, including harassment and discrimination. Bill is a member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Labor & Employment Section, was a partner at a class action firm, practiced in Big Law, and clerked for a federal Court of Appeals judge. Bill graduated with honors from Yale College and NYU Law School.

In this podcast, Bill and Samorn share advice for professionals navigating today's challenging job market. They dive deep into:

Employment law: understanding your legal rights during layoffs, firings, and severance negotiations.
Career advice: strategies for career change and job satisfaction and fulfillment.
Job market: navigating the current tough job market.
Lawyer happiness: aligning with your personal values, striving for well-being, and achieving work-life harmony.
Networking: building essential connections leading to mentorship and job opportunities.
Legal advice: practical guidance for employees facing job insecurity and legal remedies to employers wrongly accusing you of poor performance.

Connect with us:

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhaveri-weeks/ and https://www.jhaveriweeks.com/attorneys-jhaveri-weeks.html.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Join us for a profound conversation with Christopher Punongbayan, Executive Director of California ChangeLawyers, as he shares his compelling journey from navigating generational trauma and Asian American history to spearheading efforts for social justice and civil rights. Discover how ChangeLawyers is empowering the next generation of public interest lawyers, fostering community empowerment, and addressing critical issues such as defending DEI initiatives and striving for an inclusive democracy. This episode delves into the essential role of resilience, mindfulness, and overcoming self-doubt in driving lasting systemic change. Learn how to effectively invest in change makers and create a meaningful legacy by understanding your own narrative and committing to a more equitable future.

Key Takeaways:

Generational trauma: breaking the cycle and becoming good ancestors to those who follow us.
Civil rights & immigration: fighting for civil rights to protect diverse and marginalized communities.
Inclusive Democracy: working to create a more equitable justice system through grants, scholarships, and advocacy.
DEI advocacy: using strong advocacy to overcome the current attacks on DEI.
Taking action: recognizing the power of individual actions to drive social change.
Resilience and growth: Embracing resilience and mindfulness as an antidote to despair.
Overcoming self-doubt: strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and internalized racism.
Legacy and impact: creating a positive legacy for future generations.

Connect with us:

Connect with Christopher Punongbayan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-punongbayan415/ and https://changelawyers.org/.
Buy your tickets to California ChangeLawyer’s 35th anniversary celebration on April 10, 2025 at https://changelawyers.org/events/raise-the-bar-2025/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz, a leading workplace culture strategist and expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), shares her insightful experiences as an Afro-Latina woman navigating complex professional landscapes. Dr. Pertuz delves into the nuances of her identity, discussing the impact of colorism, intersectionality, and the ongoing struggles for representation. We explore the challenges faced by women of color in toxic work environments, emphasizing the critical importance of mental health, boundary setting, and self-care. Dr. Pertuz provides actionable strategies for career development, fostering supportive networks, and recognizing personal achievements. This conversation is essential for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of DEI, navigate workplace challenges, and cultivate a culture of empowerment.

Key topics covered:

Afro-Latina identity: understanding the complexities of race, ethnicity, and representation.
Workplace DEI: addressing pushback, systemic issues, and the ongoing need for organizational transformation.
Colorism & intersectionality: examining the impact of these factors on personal and professional experiences.
Toxic work environments: strategies for navigating disrespect, setting boundaries, and creating escape plans.
Mental health & self-care: prioritizing well-being, managing burnout, and the importance of rest.
Career development: empowering women of color, recognizing achievements, and building supportive networks.

Connect with us:

Connect with Dr. Sofia B. Pertuz at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofiabautistapertuz/ and https://www.mainstreaminsight.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Given the mass layoffs and firings by both the government and corporations, we speak with Jaya Mallik, the founder of Jaya Mallik Coaching & Consulting and. She formerly led DEI efforts at Meta, Amazon, and Tandem Diabetes Care and provides actionable insights on using Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles to navigate and heal from toxic workplace environments. We explore the devastating impacts of corporate betrayal, gaslighting, and systemic discrimination, particularly for women of color. We also discuss the importance of leveraging DEI as a tool for knowing your self-worth, setting boundaries, and finding community support.

Key takeaways:

Combatting toxic workplaces: Learn to identify and counteract gaslighting, manipulation, and discriminatory behaviors using DEI frameworks.
Healing from betrayal: Strategies for processing the emotional fallout of layoffs, corporate betrayals, and workplace trauma.
Setting powerful boundaries: Practical techniques for establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries to protect your self-worth and mental health.
DEI as a protective tool: How to utilize DEI principles to advocate for yourself and others in hostile work environments.
Building resilient communities: The importance of finding and fostering supportive communities to combat isolation and promote collective healing.
Ethical consumerism: How to align your spending with your values and hold corporations accountable for their actions.
Mental wellness & resistance: Strategies for prioritizing mental health and finding joy as a form of resistance against systemic oppression.
Navigating job market instability: Actionable steps for finding values-aligned employment and thriving in challenging economic times.
Values driven living: Discover how to live a life that is in alignment with your personal values.
Joy as resistance: Understand that joy and rest are essential acts of resistance against oppressive systems.

Connect with us:

Connect with Jaya on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayamallik/ and at https://www.jmallikconsulting.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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In honor of Black History Month, we speak with Antonio Lavalle Ingram II, Senior Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and descendant of enslaved African Americans. Antonio's work focuses on vital educational equity cases. He shares his inspiring journey from a working-class background to Yale, Berkeley Law, and prestigious clerkships, including for Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory. His Fulbright in Malawi further shaped his global perspective.

This compelling conversation explores:

Black history in action: Antonio's family history and its impact on his dedication to justice.
Educational equity: The ongoing fight against systemic barriers and current legal challenges.
Navigating legal spaces: Experiences in predominantly white environments and the power of mentorship.
Generational trauma and resilience: Understanding its effects and finding hope amidst adversity.
Key civil rights cases: Insights into litigation, judicial bias, and protecting vulnerable communities.
Activism and self-care: Strategies for sustainable activism and overcoming imposter syndrome.
The importance of belonging: Creating spaces for marginalized individuals.

Antonio's story exemplifies the strength and perseverance of Black Americans in the pursuit of equality. Join us to celebrate Black History Month and learn about the crucial work being done to advance civil rights.

Connect with us:

Connect with Antonio on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-l-ingram-ii-esq-473b6930/ and Twitter @antonioingram https://x.com/antonioingram.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of Luke Liss and the host, and do not represent the views of any referenced organizations.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Luke Liss, Pro Bono Partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, as he shares his inspiring journey from adversity to advocacy. Episode 170 delves into Luke's personal experiences as a biracial (Black and White) adoptee, his path to becoming a social justice leader, and his vision for pro bono work.

Luke opens up about the impact of his unique background on his sense of belonging and purpose. He recounts his challenges, including almost dropping out of high school, and how he overcame them to graduate from Stanford Law School. He emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship in his success and shares insights on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace that goes beyond mere compliance.

This episode explores:

Overcoming adversity: Luke's story of resilience and how he transformed challenges into motivation.
The impact of adoption and racial identity: Luke's reflections on his personal journey as a biracial adoptee and its influence on his advocacy work.
The power of mentorship: How early mentorship shaped his path to success and the importance of finding mentors.
Pro bono and social justice leadership: Luke's journey to becoming Pro Bono Partner at a top Am Law 50 law firm and his passion for social justice.
Career development and leadership: Tips for positioning yourself for leadership roles and confidently asking for what you deserve.

Tune in to hear Luke's remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and advocacy, and gain valuable insights on making a difference in the world.

Connect with us:

Connect with Luke at https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-liss-a461907/ and https://www.wsgr.com/en/people/luke-a-liss.html.
Follow Luke's work on Instagram at @wsgives or https://www.instagram.com/wsgives/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/wsgives/posts/?feedView=all.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michelle Trong Perrin-Steinberg, Chief Legal Counsel of Export Control | Sanctions, Americas at SAP America. Michelle shares her remarkable journey as a Black and Vietnamese woman navigating the legal field, from her early experiences to her current leadership role.

Before SAP, Michelle honed her expertise at Deloitte's Global Trade Advisory Practice Group and major aerospace and defense companies like Boeing. She's deeply committed to fostering inclusion and serves on the Advisory Board of Women, Influence, Power and the Law, and the Executive Board of the Syracuse University Law Alumni Association Board. As a founding member of the Syracuse University College of Law Inclusion Network, she champions law students of color, especially first-generation students, through mentorship and skills training.

In this episode, Michelle opens up about:

Breaking the Mold: The unique challenges and triumphs of being a "first" in her department.
Navigating Career Transitions: Strategies for building a successful career in the specialized field of Export Control and Sanctions.
Leading with Purpose: How prioritizing the greater good can fuel career advancement.
Building Your Tribe: The power of authentic connection, mentorship, and creating supportive communities.
Speaking Up & Doing Right: Repairing past missteps and fostering a culture of accountability.
Values-Driven Leadership: Staying true to your principles and building inclusive environments.
"Kindly, Michelle": The story behind Michelle's book and the valuable lessons she shares about her path to leadership. (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers.)

Tune in to hear Michelle's powerful story of resilience, leadership, and the importance of creating a more inclusive legal world.

Connect with us:

Connect with Michelle at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-perrin-steinberg/ and https://www.michelletrongperrinsteinberg.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Join us for a powerful conversation with Adrian Tirtanadi, Founder and Executive Director of Open Door Legal, as we explore the transformative impact of universal legal representation on poverty, homelessness, and immigration. Inspired by a deep commitment to systemic change, Adrian founded Open Door Legal, which has achieved remarkable results, securing over $50 million in direct assets for low-income communities of color and preventing homelessness for one person every 2.4 days.

In this episode, we delve into:

The Inspiration Behind Open Door Legal: Hear Adrian's personal journey and the driving force behind his mission to provide universal access to legal aid.
Understanding Universal Legal Access: We discuss what it means to ensure everyone, regardless of income, has access to legal representation and why it's a game-changer for marginalized communities.
Protecting Immigrant Rights: We examine the current challenges facing immigrants and explore how legal representation can safeguard their rights in the face of systemic attacks.
Addressing the Root Causes of Homelessness: Discover the crucial link between lack of legal representation and the cycle of homelessness, and how legal aid can break that cycle.
The Importance of Mental Health for Legal Aid Attorneys: Adrian emphasizes the critical need for legal aid attorneys to prioritize their mental well-being and seek support.
Making a Difference Through Donations: Learn how your contributions can directly support Open Door Legal's vital work and empower vulnerable communities.
Finding Hope in Challenging Times: We discuss strategies for combating despair and cultivating hope in the face of social injustice and adversity.

Adrian's story is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the power of justice. Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can be part of the solution.

Connect with us:

Learn more about Open Door Legal at https://opendoorlegal.org/ and connect with Adrian Tirtanadi at adrian@opendoorlegal.org.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Jerry is the Founder & CEO of Just Like Media, an innovative storytelling company home to the award winning Dear Asian Americans Podcast, whose guests include Vice President Kamala Harris, the Asian Creator Awards, and more. He is also the Founder & CEO of World Class Speakers, a speaker coaching and training company that educates and empowers speakers to elevate their influence, impact, and income. His speaking partners include JPMorgan, Harvard Business School, SXSW, Google, Pepsi, Meta, and more. In May of 2023, he was invited by The White House to host a conversation with Vice President Harris at The White House Forum for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. He has been featured for his expertise in Forbes, Business Insider, LinkedIn, and more. Jerry earned his B.S. from USC Marshall & MBA from Michigan Ross, He lives in Southern California with his wife Kyunghwa and children.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

The history of the Asian American diaspora.
Challenging the model minority myth.
What you can do to advocate for positive change during the current administration.
How you can use storytelling to empower your community.
How privilege can blind individuals to the struggle of others, and why it’s a good thing to understand folks who have different life experiences.
The importance of hope and optimism to sustain ourselves during challenging times.

Connect with us:

Connect with Jerry Won at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrywon/ and https://www.jerrywon.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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The pandemic forced many of us to confront our life's purpose. In this episode, we're joined by Tammy Dain, Co-founder of Rabble, to explore how to continue doing the work you love, even amidst global challenges.

Tammy Dain has over 10+ years of experience in the talent acquisition and human resources space from the tech, legal and higher education industries. Today she wears multiple hats, including Co-Founder of a boutique staffing company, Rabble, and as Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant with Axiom Law, where she was for almost 7 years as their Director of Talent Acquisition in the West region. Rabble provides embedded recruiters to help talent acquisition teams scale quickly, so that companies can hire faster and gain a competitive advantage in this tight talent market.

Key Takeaways:

Navigating uncertainty: discover how to thrive in a world of constant change and find fulfillment in your work despite global challenges.
Risk appetite and success: learn how your willingness to take risks directly impacts your professional and personal achievements.
Compassion-driven impact: explore how to create meaningful work that helps others while fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Connect with us:

Connect with Tammy at www.rabblerecruiting.com and linkedin.com/in/tammydain.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Do you struggle to balance your passions with your career and life? In this episode, we dive deep with Stephanie Wu where she shares her inspiring journey:

From Youtube Symphony to Google: How her passion for music led to incredible opportunities, including performing at the Sydney Opera House and landing her dream job at Google.
The Power of Choice: Why she made the bold decision to turn down a lifetime opportunity at Juilliard to pursue a Master's in cello performance from the Royal Northern College of Music.
Balancing Act: How she successfully navigates the demands of motherhood, a demanding career, and her role as a principal assistant cellist for the Berkeley Symphony.

Key Takeaways:

Discover how cultivating passions can unlock unexpected career paths and result in career growth and leadership opportunities.
Learn how to make bold career choices that align with your values and passion projects.
Gain insights into effective time management strategies for juggling multiple roles and have work-life balance.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Stephanie Wu on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/stephaniewu2 or watch her Ted Talk at youtube/s3VkOywR3as.
Follow Samorn Selim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Antonio L. Ingram II is Senior Counsel at the NAACP LDF. He is a graduate of Yale College and UC Berkeley School of Law. He served as a law clerk for the honorable Ivan L. Lemelle in the Eastern District of Louisiana and for Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Antonio also completed a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he did anti-corruption work.

Talking to Antonio Ingram II, someone I met when he was a first year law student and I was the Director of Employer Outreach and Career Counselor, left me feeling inspired to focus on doing social justice work sustainably.

In this episode with Antonio, we discuss:

How his background growing up as a Black American in Oakland instills his passion for justice and drives his purpose to make the world better than what he inherited.
Why as the descendants of slaves, he believes it’s important to clerk for two Black federal judges and change the laws that once held his ancestors in bondage to now protect marginalized communities.
What it felt like to be the only non-White law clerk out of 20 law clerks even when clerking in very diverse states, and why it’s important to diversify clerkships.
What we can do to improve the education system, and make public schools a place of integration and learning.
What you can do to have hope, especially during dark times like the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, by focusing on the progress we’ve made.
How growing up poor makes us afraid of poverty and keeps us as indentured servants in corporate America, and what we can do to let go of that fear and focus on finding happiness.
How to overcome what seems like insurmountable obstacles by sustaining yourself with wonder and gratitude.
What we learn from Black men who were the first to go to high profile jobs like Goldman Sachs dying prematurely compared to their peers.
How to make the world a better place and not be a martyr and succumb to powers literally trying to take you out and force you to overwork yourself to prove yourself.
How completing a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he did anti-corruption work allowed him to get away from White Supremacy and grow in a way that was life empowering.
How to maintain perspective, and know that where you grow up and where you come from does not have to be your entire world, and your world can be boundless.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with on Twitter @antonioingram and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-l-ingram-ii-esq-473b6930/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Happy New Year.

During the holidays, we can become more stressed, anxious, and sometimes depressed. Perhaps there’s too much work and you’re struggling to find balance. Perhaps a loved one passed away and you are mourning their loss. Perhaps you’re already feeling stretched so thin and traveling to see family is putting you on edge.

So instead of the usual interview with guests, this episode is dedicated to reconnecting with our bodies and our breath.

The meditation itself is less than 6 minutes (0.1 billable hours).
If you want to skip straight to the meditation, it starts at 3:16.
If you can't do the full meditation, then do 5 deep breaths (in through the nose, and out through the mouth) first thing in the morning, right before bed, and anytime you're feeling anxious.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Michelle at www.michelleflorendo.com or www.askadecisionengineer.com.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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As we come to the end of the year, it’s a time where many of us are reflective on what happened in the past year and what we hope for in the new year.

Studies show that 1 out of 4 people quit their New Year's resolution within the first week of setting them. And most people quit before the end of January.

So to help you make better decisions and stay consistent with your goals, we chat with Michelle Florendo, a decision engineer and coach for Type-A professionals. Michelle has a BS in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Michelle uses a blend of decision engineering, design thinking, and lean startup principles to help her clients map their path forward.

She has led workshops at various conferences and has guest-taught on career decision making in Stanford's famous Design Your Life course. She served on the inaugural coaching team for Seth Godin's altMBA, was a founding member of the Forbes Coaches Council, was a Senior Coach for Management Leadership for Tomorrow. She teaches a decision making course for Stanford Continuing Studies and hosts the podcast, Ask A Decision Engineer.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

How the intersectionality of our identities, such as being a woman and being Asian, impact our career decisions.
The 3 part framework to making any decision, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Why you always have the power to make a decision, even if you feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
How to consistently make good decisions using not just logic but also your emotions as guidance.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Michelle at www.michelleflorendo.com or www.askadecisionengineer.com.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Have you been struggling with your job search? And you want to stop feeling stuck and frustrated, and land your dream job in the next 3 months? In this episode, Samorn shares:

Answers to the most commonly asked questions from working with over 1,000 clients.
Why mental health is the most important thing to having a fulfilling life and career.
What you can do to rebuild your life when it has been upended because of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
How you can manage your emotions and job search after a layoff.
The number one strategy that makes the difference between a client who has a successful job search versus who isn’t.
How you can stay consistent with your job search even when you’re dealing with fear, rejection, and burnout.
Whether you should disclose your mental illness.
How to network effectively to build a community.

How to connect with Samorn

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.
To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/ykzkd949.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

Kimyatta Holder is VP, Senior Associate General Counsel, Head of Compliance, and Privacy Officer at Modern Health, where she is responsible for the regulatory, product, and privacy legal functions, as well as the design, implementation, oversight, and management of Modern Health's global compliance program. Prior to joining Modern Health, Kimyatta was the Head of Internal Investigations and Regulatory Counsel at a Fortune 10 corporation and was a Big Law attorney at Alston & Bird.

In this conversation, we dive deep into:

The intersectionality of our identities and navigating the complexities of race, gender, and mental health in the workplace.
The impact of having a military family background impacts our career choices.
The systemic barriers and challenges a Black woman faces in the legal field, and what you can do to thrive in your career.
The importance of knowing your self-worth and being your own advocate.
How having a supportive network and your own “board of directors” where you can have candid conversations can help you accelerate your career growth.
How workplace trauma is real, and how you can get support to heal.
The 90 day rule that can help you make career decisions quickly, and leave a toxic job.
What you can do as a leader to create a culture that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
What qualities leaders look for when they are thinking of sponsoring proteges, and how to build meaningful relationships in the workplace.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Kimyatta Holder on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lheirtzler/ or Instagram @kmholder_esq.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/2dk5hr2f.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

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Lisa is a growth strategy leader with deep expertise in empowering small businesses to succeed. With over 15 years of experience in the software industry, she has successfully navigated both enterprise and start-up environments, with a focus on crafting strategies that help small businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Currently, Lisa is the Senior Director, GTM Strategy & Growth at NAVEX. Previously, she led the global GTM launch of QuickBooks Self-Employed at Intuit, empowering millions of entrepreneurs, and freelancers to simplify their business management.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Aligning one’s environment with your personal energy.
How our family background can instill values of autonomy and resourcefulness and impact our careers.
How hiring a career coach can help you find clarity in your career, expedite your job search, and get an offer from your dream job.
Why self worth is foundational to negotiating, and what you can do as a woman to negotiate confidently to increase your salary.
How cultivating a culture of gratitude as a leader can lead to increased happiness and engagement.
Why grieving doesn't have a timeline, and how you can support colleagues who have lost loved ones.
How to develop mentors organically and the importance of recognizing that it requires mutual investment.
How trusting your gut can prevent future regrets in decision-making.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Lisa Heirtzler on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lheirtzler/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

The 2024 election results have left many of us feeling lost and devastated. During these challenging times, it’s easy to consume negative information and spiral into doom and gloom. So for this week’s podcast, we’re doing a short meditation. We hope that this mindfulness exercise will help you come back to yourself, recenter, and get grounded again.

Want to connect with us?

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.
Looking for a career coach: send a message on www.careerunicorns.com to schedule a free 30-minute consult.

Adam Sloustcher is the regional managing partner of Fisher Phillips’ Dallas office and is the Co-Chair of his firm’s Sports Team. In addition to advising sports employers, Adam’s practice also focuses on guiding in-house counsel, business owners, and management through all workplace issues and litigation. He has been named for numerous consecutive years in San Diego Super Lawyers, SD Metro Magazine, and the SD Business Journal for his work in labor and employment law. Adam’s drive to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients stems from his competitive athletic background where he was a member of the Under-17 and Under-18 U.S. Youth National Soccer teams, received a full athletic scholarship in college, and then played professional soccer with the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

Feeling lost and depressed, and the steps taken to find your purpose again.
The importance of taking care of your mental and physical health.
Why you can’t be perfect or 100% at everything, and how to build work-life harmony.
How to know when enough is enough.
The importance or prioritizing and knowing what to say no to.
What you can do to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to your firm, and create win-win for everyone involved.
How to nurture relationships that lead to successful business development.
The #1 strategy used to onboard 900 new clients.

How to connect with us:

Connect with Adam on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsloustcher/ and learn more about him at https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/people/adam-f-sloustcher.html.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this episode, we dive deep with Elaine Lou Cartas, a trauma-informed and award-winning woman of color business coach.

Elaine Lou Cartas is a trauma-informed and award-winning woman of color business coach, a certified executive coach, and a speaker for women of color and allies. In the past 6 years, Elaine has worked with 7,000+ clients in 58 different countries. Elaine is recognized as the #1 thought leader by LA Weekly, best leadership and executive coach by MSN, a top 5 business coach by Apple News, and a top career coach for women by Life Coach Magazine. Elaine offers a trauma-informed certified space to acknowledge your experiences and that your definition of happiness in work and life can continuously evolve. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner, and loves Muay Thai and Hot Yoga in her down time.

We explore:

The challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a first-generation Filipino immigrant, including the impact of cultural expectations on career choices.
The importance of self-awareness, recognizing the distinction between being a "human doing" and a "human being.”
How to prioritize mental health in the face of toxic work environments.
How to manage burnout, getting fired, getting laid off, and the healing power of therapy.
Key strategies for making successful career pivots, negotiating effectively, and redefining success on your own terms.
The dangers of vanity metrics.
How to redefine success by embracing “enoughness.”
The importance of work-life balance, and the power of play and inner child healing.

How to connect with us:

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaineloucartas/, her website at https://elainelou.com/, or podcast at https://elainelou.com/podcast/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

It’s Election Day. There are so many feelings of uncertainty and chaos.

We hope this conversation today with Jaya Mallik, founder of Jaya Mallik Coaching & Consulting, where she focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will leave you hopeful.

Before Jaya started her own company, she worked as a teacher and led DEI efforts at Meta, Amazon, and Tandem Diabetes Care.

In this episode, we do a deep dive into:

3:01 - Introduction to Jaya Mallik and her journey as 3rd culture person.
5:51 - Finding joy in DEIB work even with all the backlash we’re experiencing.
8:59 - The importance of balancing individualism and collectivism, and how to find harmony.
11:59 - Key strategies for transitioning from teaching to tech.
21:00 - Challenges and insights from working in big tech.
29:43 - How to handle racism and micro aggressions in the workplace.
36:50 - Why it’s important to find community and support, especially when you’re navigating challenging workplaces.
41:52 - How to show up with authenticity in the workplace.
49:28 - The importance of embracing vulnerability and normalizing conversations about toxic workplaces and mental health.

Want to connect with us?

Connect with Jaya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayamallik/ and at https://www.jmallikconsulting.com/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to get promoted into leadership. But you’re not sure what to how to get there?

In this episode with Shana Simmons (Chief Legal Officer of Zendesk and formerly of Everlaw), we discuss:

What it means to grow up poor with very little access to resources and how it impacts the way you navigate the world.
What the spirit of community and generosity means despite being poor, and how that helps you have empathy and compassion as a leader.
How to get promoted into leadership, and be part of the C-suite.
How having access to privilege can be a double edged sword giving us access to resources while making us feel othered and less than.
The impact of laws and ordinances that prevented our families from building generational wealth, and the importance of changing that for future generations.
The significance of having a seat at the table and how to leverage your privilege to create more inclusion and belonging.
Why striving for perfection is a setup for failure, and how returning to base camp in your life and career can help accelerate your career growth.
Why mental health is important and what you can do to get support for depression.

How to connect with us:

Follow Shana on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-simmons/.
Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this week’s episode, we chat with the Kathy Pham. She just received the AnitaB.org Technical Leadership Abie Award for being a pioneer, visionary, and bridge builder in government, tech, venture capital, nonprofit, and academia. Kathy is the Vice President of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Workday, an inaugural board member of Blue Tulip Ventures focused on funding responsible AI companies, a faculty for Product Management at Harvard University, and was the former Executive Director of the National AI Advisory Committee.

In this episode, we do a deep dive into:

How growing up with Vietnamese refugee parents shaped her beliefs and career choices.
What organizations can do to support high performing employees who also have caretaking responsibilities.
The importance of creating a supportive community for both your personal and professional growth.
Why imposter syndrome is common and a normal part of career growth.
How setting your intentions and letting people know your interests can lead to career opportunities and career success.
The number 1 mistake people make when interviewing, and what they can do instead to land an offer.
Why taking care of your physical health and your relationships is crucial to well being and success.
Recognizing that careers are non-linear, and it's okay to explore different paths and embrace new opportunities.
The importance of building ethical technology and how to land job opportunities in AI.

How to connect with us:

Learn more about Kathy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathytpham/.
Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.
Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you wondering how to navigate the complexities of cultural identity, personal and systemic challenges, and trauma? In this episode with Rosie Yeung, Founder of Changing Lenses and the Un-Executive Coaching Methond and a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, we discuss the challenges that marginalized communities face and how this plays out in mental health and workplace dynamics. We do a deep dive into:

The importance of understanding trauma and its impact on behavior and performance.
The critical need for self-compassion, self-validation, and self-acceptance.
How “executive presence” is often defined by outdated standards.
Why cultural identity plays a significant role in personal and professional experiences.
How trauma can be intergenerational and deeply rooted in family history.
Why mental health stigma persists, especially in immigrant communities, and what you can do to overcome these barriers.
What to do when you face racist behaviors.
How “Unexecutive Coaching” focuses on uncovering and recovering from trauma.
Why systemic discrimination affects perceptions of performance and capability.

Connect with Rosie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosieyeung/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you feeling lost in your job search? This episode with one of my former clients, Michaela Cultrara, Product Marketing Manager at UtilityAPI, is for you. Michaela shares how she went from getting laid off, helping her mom clean homes to make ends meet, and how she successfully transitioned from public interest to tech. In this episode with Michaela, we dive deep into: - Culture & Career: Learn how your background shapes your work style and ideal work environment. - The Power of Mentorship: Discover how mentors can accelerate your professional development. - Conquer Networking: Get actionable strategies to build a robust professional network. - Master the Interview: Learn how positive energy and a strong impression can win you the job. - Boundaries & Wellbeing: Set healthy boundaries to have work-life balance and avoid compromising your identity and getting burnout. - Find Your Dream Job: Align your career with your values and passions. - Trust Your Journey: Focus on personal growth and don't be swayed by others' opinions. - Invest in Yourself: The value of hiring a career coach and how that can transform your life and career. Connect with Michaela at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelacee/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

This week, I’m so excited to share a podcast with one of my former clients, Jaymon Ballew. Jaymon is Senior Counsel for The Major League Soccer and a first-generation college and professional graduate. He shares his experiences navigating corporate America as a Black man, the importance of understanding the unwritten rules of the professional world, and how our work together helped him get clarity and land his dream job in sports. In this podcast, we do a deep dive into: - How to reconnect with your true passions when you feel lost. - How to build support networks and mentors who can provide guidance and validation and help you navigate the unwritten rules of corporate America. - Why preparing and doing mock interviews is critical to success. - How to transition from law firm practice to your first in-house role. - Why it’s important to have an open mindset to pursuing opportunities even if it means taking a different career path. - What you can do to confidently negotiate your worth. - How you can prepare to navigate predominantly White spaces when you’re a Black man. - The importance of prioritizing mental health and how to recover from burnout. Connect with Jaymon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymonballew/ or instagram @thej.ball. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you working at a toxic job? But you’re afraid to leave? In this episode with Sarah Cottrell, founder of Former Lawyer, we do a deep dive into:

How to pay off your student loans after leaving your job. - How you can work on building your dream career while working your full time job. - How narcissism is built into workplaces. - The strategies you can use to leave a toxic work environment. Connect with Sarah at www.formerlawyer.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to build a career in human rights, but you don’t know where to even begin? In this episode, we dive deep into: - How to build a career in human rights. - How to create trauma informed training for students and practitioners and why it’s important to take care of our mental health. - How to find your own voice and give yourself grace when others don’t like what you have to say. Connect with Lindsay at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-m-harris-4737474/ on Twitter @Prof_LMHarris. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you a parent and you’re struggling to balance work and life? Winter shares: - What you can put in place to start a business during the pandemic while being a parent. - What practices you can put in place to get through the tough times. - What snapping at her son made her realize about managing her work and life. - The importance of advocating for yourself, especially as a mom and parent. - Why we should stop buying into moms being martyrs complex. - How the secret to building a successful career and business is helping people feel that their feelings and be heard. Connect with Winter at www.linkedin.com/in/winterwheeler. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel overwhelmed? You know you need to make a change, but you’re not sure where to start? We do a deep dive into: - How mindfulness can help you find calm in chaos. - How mindfulness can help you better serve your clients and better prepare your clients for high stakes situations. - How the pandemic has affected employment laws, and what employees and employers can do given new regulations. - How to let go of comparing yourself to others, and live a good life. Connect with Mona at www.tashlawgroup.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you or someone you know struggle with mental health? In this episode, we do a deep dive on:

How having a mental illness like bipolar requires you to prioritize her mental and physical wellbeing.
How to manage final exams and licensing exams while being pregnant and after having a baby.
How having a mental illness deepens your compassion and enables you to better support your clients.
How even when you’re in a dark place, there are little angels along the way helping you with your life and career transitions. Connect with Aya luskin.ucla.edu/person/ayako-miyashita-ochoa. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you wondering how you can prepare to meet with the most powerful leaders in the world? Jim shares: - How to be true to yourself and find your vocation when the world tells you it’s not possible to do what you love. - How he captures authentic moments photographing people like President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris. - How to establish trust with people who don’t know or trust you yet. Connect with Jim at www.jimblock.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

The job search can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. In this episode with Lauren Tetenbaum (Psychotherapist and Lawyer), we dive deep into:

How you can give yourself more grace. - How to find the right therapist for you. - Why there’s power in you sharing your story. Connect with Lauren at www.latcounseling.com or on instagram @thecounselaur. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you feeling lost in your career? And you want to find a fulfilling career again? In this episode, we do a deep dive into:

How loss can redirect us to find purpose.
What to do when your body feels flight, fright, or freeze.
The steps it takes to transform from having a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset.
What in our daily lives are leading to energy leaks, and how to stop them to recoup our time and energy.
The importance of tuning into your body, quieting, noise, and saying yes to what’s most important to you.
How to figure out what you really want in your career.

Mention this podcast and connect with Elena at www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to quit your high paying job? But you’re afraid you won’t be able to make ends meet? Christina shares: - How to manage graduating during a challenging economy and job market. - What you can do to manage your finances and not be beholden to the golden handcuffs at a job. - How to transition from entry level employee to leadership and management. - How to ask for help graciously and recognize that you can’t do it all. - How you can fight for social justice and stop AAPI hate. Connect with Christina at Advancingjustice-La.org or linkedin.com/in/christina-y-709a7412. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you know that you’re supposed to ask your network to help you? But you don’t want to feel icky doing it? In this episode, we do a deep dive with Rupa on: - How to share you're interested in a role even when it is uncomfortable. - How informational interviews can lead you to your dream role. - How to graciously ask your network to help you get introductions that can lead to job interviews. - How to make an impact even when your department is under-resourced. - How going to therapy can help you manage your new job and life changes. Connect with Rupa at linkedin.com/in/rupabhandari. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

The Supreme Court rulings against the LGBTQAI2+ community is heartbreaking. During these dark times, it’s important to remind ourselves that we still have a voice and can fight for social justice. In this episode with my lovely neighbor, Stuart Gaffney, we discuss: - Creating life unicorn adventures by quitting your jobs and traveling with your partner for 365 days without social media.

Growing up biracial and LGBTQ and the parallels between the movement for marriage equality for same-sex couples and that for interracial couples.
How to navigate being a named plaintiff in a high profile case like the California Marriage Equality Act, and what you can do in the face of darkness when popular opinion is against who you are as a person.
How vulnerable it feels to literally put your lives on the line, and how thinking “there are not enemies, only future allies” helped him maintain optimism.
Why the recent Supreme Court rulings are wrong, and what you can do to continue to fight for justice and advocate for positive change.
How to fight for justice while balancing having wonder and joy in life. Learn more about Stuart at https://marriageequality.me/ and on social media. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you been struggling with your job search? And you want to stop feeling stuck and frustrated, and land your dream job in the next 3 months? In this episode, Samorn shares: - Answers to the most commonly asked questions from working with over 1,000 clients. - Why mental health is the most important thing to having a fulfilling life and career. - What you can do to rebuild your life when it has been upended because of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, and bipolar. - How you can manage your emotions and job search after a layoff. - The number one strategy that makes the difference between a client who has a successful job search versus who isn’t. - How you can stay consistent with your job search even when you’re dealing with fear, rejection, and burnout. - Whether you should disclose your mental illness. - How to network effectively to build a community. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Sabai dee pii mai - Happy Lao New Year. I've been hearing from friends and clients that they're feeling more stressed, anxious, and sometimes depressed.

Given what's going on in the world, it's not a surprise. So instead of the usual interview with guests, this episode is dedicated to reconnecting with our bodies and our breath. - The meditation itself is less than 6 minutes (0.1 billable hours). - If you want to skip straight to the meditation, it starts at 3:16. - If you can't do the full meditation, then do 5 deep breaths (in through the nose, and out through the mouth) first thing in the morning, right before bed, and anytime you're feeling anxious. I promise you'll start to notice a huge difference. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this episode, we’re doing a deep dive with Stephanie Kiman (Sr. Marketing Programs Manager at SAP). We discuss: - Why winging it in your career can work for a while, but ultimately will not lead to happiness or fulfillment. - How the “techsession” led to unexpected layoffs and how to bounce back. - Why making agreements with yourself ahead of time can help with making big career changes like moving to another city, changing to a different industry, and pivoting to a new specialization. - How growing up with refugee parents from Cambodia created the pressure to make safe decisions. - The importance of therapy in healing generational trauma and enjoying the luxury of taking calculated risks and going for your dreams. - How to build an entirely new network when you move to a different city and industry. - How working with a career coach can help you find your “why,” get clarity, and take action to achieve your dreams faster.

Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-kiman-1a90b17/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to be happy? But you’re afraid of making career changes? In this episode, we discuss: - How to find happiness even in a career that is known to be soul sucking like law. - What cooking can do to help us process generational trauma, including genocide by the Khmer Rouge. - Discover the importance of embracing the complexities of your identities; Chhunny discusses the unique challenges and privileges faced by refugees and how to navigate them. - How we come from refugee backgrounds but have different types of privileges. - What we can do to process unexpected family deaths. - How to take a leap of faith and make big career changes to pursue our passion and find happiness. Mention this podcast and connect with Chhunny at www.linkedin.com/in/chhunny-chhean-a78473159. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you identify as BIPOC, and feel like the odds are stacked against you in Corporate America? In this episode with Adunola Adeshola, we discuss: - What to do when your dream job becomes your nightmare. - How to build your dream career and thrive when Corporate America isn’t designed for you. - What to do if you’re the only Black, indigenous, or person of color in your office. - How to let go of “vanity metrics” and define what happiness means for you. - What you can do to take the driver seat in your career, especially when things feel out of your control. - How to get clarity and land your dream job in 90 days. Learn more about Adunola on Instagram at @adunolaadeshola, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adunolaadeshola/ or at employeeredefined.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Did you grow up wishing you looked different? Because there was a lack of representation in leadership and in the media. In this episode with Sheena Yap Chan, we discuss: - Why she is an Asian woman but wanted to have blonde hair and blue eyes, and what was the one small thing that allowed her to change. - How sometimes you don’t know where we’re going, and why it’s important to keep taking one small action that will lead to a big change overall. - What you can do to create the change you want to see, and build your personal brand. - Why it’s important to share your struggles because your identities, voices, and unique stories matter. - How you can create a podcast that has over 1 million downloads and get a paid publishing deal with one of the top 5 publishers in the world. - How you can let go of toxic narratives that you should be a certain way, and start advocating for yourself and setting healthy boundaries. - How you can be aware of generational trauma and shame, and embrace who you are and forge your own path. Connect with Sheena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan/. Get a copy of Sheen’s Wallstreet Journal Bestselling book “The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within" at https://www.sheenayapchan.com/thetaoofselfconfidence. Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you looking for your purpose? Or you’ve found it, but you’re not sure how to pursue it? In this episode, we discuss: - How to create conditions so that the only path forward is to follow your purpose. - What it’s like to confront our own privilege and leverage it to do good in the world. - How to build a sustainable nonprofit by learning skills, including fundraising from $35K to $6M, building a team with a 95% employer net promoter score, and scaling to create universal legal access. - Why it’s important to take care of your mental health, especially when you’re dealing with extreme stress and high uncertainty. - How to recognize that your biggest strength can also become your biggest weakness, and what you can do to work through that. Mention this podcast and connect with Adrian at www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-tirtanadi-85892b56 or https://opendoorlegal.org/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Many grapple with generational trauma and mental health challenges, impacting career paths. This episode explores:

Lao American Identity & Trauma: The U.S. "Secret War" in Laos and its lasting effects.
Healing from Generational Trauma: How past experiences shape choices and steps to move forward.
Embracing Your Origin Story: Finding purpose, connection, and belonging through heritage exploration.
Mental Health in AAPI Communities: Breaking stigmas around depression, anxiety, and seeking help.
Social Media for Career Pivots: Leveraging platforms like Instagram for learning, networking, and career shifts.
Turning "Beginner" into Strength: Framing perceived weaknesses as assets during job interviews.
Healing Through Community: The power of connecting with others from your cultural background.
Laotian History Resources: Podcasts (Thip Khao Talk), educational platforms (Khao Niew's Classroom), and Legacies Library.
Self-Compassion for New Parents: Balancing self-discovery, motherhood, and teaching children about their roots. Learn more about Danae at www.linkedin.com/in/danae-hendrickson and learn more about Legacies of War on Instagram @legaciesofwar. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you identify as Asian American? And you’re finding it challenging to figure out what parts make you whole? Melissa shares: - Feeling Culturally Misunderstood? Dr. Melissa Chan, PhD (East Asian Languages & Cultures), shares her unique experience growing up Chinese Burmese American. - Beyond the Model Minority Myth: Discover how economic disparities and racism shaped Melissa's childhood. - Culture in the Digital Age: How can we leverage human connection during times of isolation? - Why Diverse Representation Matters: Explore the impact of Asian visibility in American media on inclusion and belonging. - Data-Driven Solutions for Corporate America: Learn how data can drive meaningful change for Asian American professionals.

Learn more about Leang at www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-chan-phd-47651448. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Learn how Leang Chung, a former Khmer refugee and founder of Pelora Stack, overcame limiting beliefs and built a fulfilling career path. This episode is packed with actionable tips for:

Making a Major Career Change: Explore Leang's journey, including transitioning to first-time management, entrepreneurship, or solopreneurship.
Breaking Free from Scarcity Thinking: Discover how to cultivate an abundance mindset that empowers your career goals.
Navigating Family Dynamics: Learn strategies for having open conversations with family, even when they don't support your career choices.
Building Your Network and Personal Brand: Get practical tips to connect with others and establish yourself in your desired field.
Taking Your Place at the Table: We all deserve a seat - Leang shares how to confidently claim your space and achieve success.

Learn more about Leang at www.linkedin.com/in/leang-chung or www.pelorastack.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Struggling to find purpose after the pandemic's disruptions? You're not alone. In this episode, Winnie Yee-Lakhani, Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque, shares her inspiring story of resilience and reinvention.

What You'll Learn:

Overcoming the difficulty of laying off employees. - Channeling passion into a new dream career. - Building a thriving business despite online negativity. - Organic social media marketing strategies for success. - Plus, hear how Winnie landed features on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The New York Times, and Eater LA – without a PR team!

Connect with Winnie: - Website: www.smokequeenbbq.com (SEO: Smoke Queen BBQ) - Instagram: @smokequeenbbq (SEO: Smoke Queen BBQ Instagram) - Bonus: Catch Winnie on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, which premiered on Monday, May 9, 2022! (SEO: BBQ Brawl Food Network) Connect with Samorn: - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. - Book: “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. - Weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. - 1:1 coaching: Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you dream of being your own boss, but fear holding you back? In this inspiring episode, lawyer and entrepreneur Danielle McMillian shares her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and building a life of purpose.

We delve into:

How a furry feline friend sparked the creation of her successful pet sitting business, Pretty Petsitting. - The challenges of navigating life as a Black woman with bipolar disorder and complex PTSD. - Practical steps to rebuild your life after facing mental health struggles and trauma. - The power of vulnerability and how sharing your story can break the cycle of stigma and shame. - Proven strategies for organic brand building as a new entrepreneur, including how Danielle became a top 5 finalist in her industry. - How healing from trauma can lead to unexpected opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose, exemplified by Danielle's vegan initiative, Embody Vegan. Danielle McMillian's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of pursuing your dreams. Tune in for actionable advice, insightful conversation, and a dose of inspiration! Mention this podcast and connect with Danielle on IG @embodyvegan or at info@bodyvegan.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Feeling stuck and unsure of your next step? You're not alone. In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring Kate Sullivan, a 4x Emmy award-winning journalist and host of PBS's "To Dine For." Kate shares her powerful insights on how to reinvent yourself and pursue your dreams, even when fear holds you back.

Here's what you'll learn:

How to identify the whispers of your true calling and keep moving forward. - Why a "no" doesn't mean the end - it's a stepping stone to new possibilities. - The power of reframing rejection as a necessary part of success. - How to cultivate an optimistic mindset that fuels your journey.

Kate's story is a testament to the transformative power of believing in yourself and embracing change. Join us and discover how you too can rewrite your narrative and create a life filled with purpose.

This episode is perfect for you if:

You feel stuck in a career or life path that doesn't fulfill you. - You're afraid to take risks and chase your dreams. - You struggle with rejection and self-doubt. - You're looking for inspiration and practical steps to reinvent yourself. Connect with Kate on Instagram @ToDineForTV. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Feeling stuck in your career? Want to make a pivot but lack the "perfect" experience?

This episode is for YOU! Join us as we chat with Heather Stevenson, General Counsel at Redcell Partners and former Deputy General Counsel of the Boston Globe Media Partners. Heather's career journey is an inspiring example of leveraging your network to land your dream role, even with a non-traditional path.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Actionable Networking Tips: Discover how to strategically leverage your network to open doors for career pivots, even if the jobs require different experiences.
Transferable Skills Magic: Learn how to showcase the transferable skills from your past experiences and translate them into value for your desired field.
Lawyer to Entrepreneur (and Back Again!): Hear Heather's unique perspective on transitioning from a legal career to entrepreneurship and the steps she took to return to practicing law.
Hired for Your Potential: Find out how to confidently demonstrate your value and secure your dream job, even without direct experience.
Timeless Career Advice: Heather shares a powerful nugget of wisdom for her younger self (and for YOU!) that can be applied at any stage of your career journey. Connect with Heather at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlstevenson/ or Twitter @HL_Stevenson. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you feel your passion is to make the world a better place? But you’re unsure of how to build a career out of it? In this episode, we discuss:

How the intersectionality of our identities impact our career and life choices.
The differences between Ally Wong’s “Jungle Asians” versus “Fancy Asians.”
How teachers make an impact, and can change our life path.
Steps you can take to turn your passion of making the world a better place into your career.
How to build your career in philanthropy, making a big impact, and also make a good living to support your life goals and needs.
How to use your personal lived experience and professional work experience to provide culturally competent service.
What nonprofits can do to increase representation, specifically people of color, in leadership.
Why it’s important to enjoy the journey. Learn more about Matthew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rizzie-3139403/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you struggle to speak up at work? Meyling Ly Ortiz, Managing Counsel at Toyota, found her authentic voice and used it to propel her career. In this episode, we discuss

How finding your authentic voice can accelerate your career.
How being the daughter of refugees of the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields in Cambodia fuels her passion and purpose.
How going to therapy journey of self-discovery, setting boundaries, and achieving success.
Why she co-founded the Podium, a non-profit focused on amplifying the voices of Asian American women lawyers. Connect with Mey at linkedin.com/in/meybe or TheMeybe.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Do you want to be promoted, but you’re not sure how?

This week, I'm thrilled to celebrate Jacqueline Lee's well-deserved promotion to General Counsel role at Flynn Group!

Jacqueline's journey is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to advance their career. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into:

The power of self-worth: How Jacqueline's belief in her value led her to set healthy boundaries and advocate for herself.
The sponsor advantage: Why finding a mentor early on can be a game-changer.
Qualities that attract sponsors: Discover the characteristics that make someone a standout protege.
Privilege and its impact: Jacqueline openly discusses how passing as white has influenced her career.
Achieving work-life balance: Learn when to ask for support and prioritize your well-being.

Ready to unlock your own career potential? Tune in to the podcast episode now!

Connect with Jacqeline on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lee-a138154/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you want to feel like you belong at work? But you haven’t been invited to the table and have been passed over for promotions? Komal shares: - How she successfully advocated for her leadership role as Chief DEI officer. - What she learned about her self worth when only the white guys were being asked out. - Why organizations need to stop blaming POC for leaving and look at changing their cultures. - How she and her team created diversity report cards for outside counsel. - How finding a mentor is like going on a blind date. Connect with Komal at www.linkedin.com/in/komalchokshi/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you feel burnt out and need time off? But you’re afraid employers will see it as a red flag? Lisa Chin (Intellectual Property Leader & Lawyer at Fortune 500 Company) shares:

Why she took a year off to travel and explore what she really wanted from her career. - How being candid about why she took time off resulted in her getting an offer. - How she realized her specialty was not a good fit for her, and pivoted into another area. Connect with Lisa on linkedin.com/in/lisajchin and instagram @Iampandathedog. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you want to make a big career change? But you haven’t taken action because you’re afraid of failing?

In this episode, we discuss: - How to make a big career change going from dropping out of college and driving Lyft to becoming a software engineer at a Fortune 50 company. - How growing up as a Black man in a single parent household impacted his life and career decisions, and made him have the grit to keep going forward to achieve his dreams. - What you learn from living paycheck to paycheck, and the mindset shifts you need to make to get out of the hustle mentality. - Why it’s important to know that you are also interviewing the company, and how to build confidence in yourself. - How working with a career coach helped him make his story shine through, and helped him land his first offer. - What you can do to turn what you think is your weakness into your X factor, and make employers want to hire you and mentor you. Learn more about Aye on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/ayemoah, Twitter @ayemoah, and https://www.boomeranggmail.com/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you want to make a big career change? But you haven’t taken action because you’re afraid of failing?

In this episode, we discuss:

How to make a big career change going from dropping out of college and driving Lyft to becoming a software engineer at a Fortune 50 company. - How growing up as a Black man in a single parent household impacted his life and career decisions, and made him have the grit to keep going forward to achieve his dreams. - What you learn from living paycheck to paycheck, and the mindset shifts you need to make to get out of the hustle mentality. - Why it’s important to know that you are also interviewing the company, and how to build confidence in yourself. - How working with a career coach helped him make his story shine through, and helped him land his first offer. - What you can do to turn what you think is your weakness into your X factor, and make employers want to hire you and mentor you. Learn more about Vincent on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentarobinson/. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to celebrate love than going to therapy to heal generational trauma?

In this episode with Dr. Stephanie J. Wong, we discuss:

Why therapy is important, especially in Asian American Pacific Islander communities where it’s often considered taboo.
How there’s been an increased need for mental health support because of 45’s presidency that has emboldened White Supremacists.
How generational trauma and internalized racism has impacted Asian American Pacific Islander communities, many of these were a direct result of the United State’s involvement in war and colonialism.
With the rise in Anti-Asian hate, what factors to consider for risk, cost, benefit analysis when making decisions, such as going to community events.
How to make therapy more inclusive, especially when the industry is predominantly White, by using lived experiences and cultural humility, not just cultural competency.
The importance of being shameless about shooting your shot and letting go of the humble Asian mentality.
What Dr. Stephanie did to connect with folks like Margaret Cho and the cast from the Partner Track and Bling Empire for her podcast, Color of Success.

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie J. Wong at www.drstephaniejwong.com and www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Do you have a physical or mental illness that is debilitating? And you had to figure out how to get help to recover and rebuild your life and career? In this episode, we discuss:

How being a workaholic in tech and ascending into leadership led to her burnout. - How she had PTSD that was so bad she could barely walk or eat and could not sleep at night. - How her son asking her why she was loving him less was the turning point for her getting help. - What she did to overcome the stigma in Asian communities to get therapy and help. - What she learned about giving yourself grace and compassion as part of recovery. - Why she started PMDojo to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in tech. - What it means to find peace and happiness and have harmony in life. Connect with Bosky at www.linkedin.com/in/bosky or www.pmdojo.me. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com. Want to work with Samorn? Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

Are you feeling uncertain about the world? And you’re trying to figure out how to ground yourself? Martha shares: - How she navigated the uncertainty of the DACA process to renew her work permit every 2 years. - What she learned from being undocumented and how she leverages it to create more inclusion in corporate America. - How she landed a job in finance, marketing, and product development without experience. - What she did during a conference to network her way to get an interview and job offer. - Why she decided to leave California for Ohio to start a new life and career. Connect with Martha at www.linkedin.com/in/marthajhernandez. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you experienced failure in your career? And you’re struggling with how to pick yourself up? Tyler shares:

How he navigated corporate America as a Black man growing up with Caribbean culture in Brooklyn. - What he did as a father during the pandemic to support his wife and children. - How he overcame the odds of landing a Big Law job after graduation when he received a “no offer” after his 2L summer internship. - Why crying helped him work through feeling depressed from his career setback and how he picked himself back up. - How his motto of when the door closes, find a window that’s open helped him to land new opportunities. - What getting rejected taught him about being proactive in getting feedback, finding mentors, and being kind to those who work for him. - What he did to put himself in a position to land his first in-house role and how he made career pivots. - Why it’s OK to not be OK, and the importance of asking for help. Mention this podcast and connect with Tyler at www.linkedin.com/in/tylergarvey. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel like you’re being marginalized or othered? And you’re stuck between different cultures and generations? Neha shares how to: - Break the box and no longer leaving parts of yourself out just to get in the door. - Come to terms with being othered and marginalized. - Navigate patriarchy in Indian and American cultures. - Manage the minefield of unwritten rules in corporate America. - Overcome betrayal from a mentor. - Change the game and change the rules instead of assimilating, flying under radar, and telling people what they want to hear. - Understand the power dynamics and the importance of timing. - Respond when people ask you to work for free. - Know your value, own your value, and ask for what you deserve. Connect with Neha at www.linkedin.com/in/nsampat and www.belonglab.com. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Studies show that one out of four people quit their New Year's resolution within the first week of setting them. And most people quit before the end of January. To help you make better decisions, we’re resharing this episode with Michelle Florendo, a decision engineer and coach for Type-A professionals and the host of Ask A Decision Engineer Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss: - How the intersectionality of our identities, such as being a woman and being Asian, impact our career decisions. - The 3 part framework to making any decision, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed. - Why you always have the power to make a decision, even if you feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. - How to consistently make good decisions using not just logic but also your emotions as guidance. Connect with Michelle at www.michelleflorendo.com or www.askadecisionengineer.com. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you have imposter syndrome? And you’re wondering if it’ll ever go away? Rasha shares: - Why she believes imposter syndrome is not just internal doubt, but part of external factors like microaggressions. - How she found a sense of belonging in Big Law. - How to balance being a working mom and a leader at the workplace during the pandemic. - Why mentors and sponsors can make a huge difference in your career. - Why you shouldn’t opt out of positions of power. Connect with Rasha at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashagergesshields. Rasha would like our listeners to know that the views expressed in this podcast are her own and not that of any referenced organizations. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to make a career change? But you’re not sure how to do it? Thomas shares: - How he made multiple career pivots from government to tech to VC. - What qualities to look for when founding a startup. - Why having a vision will help you with rejections. - How he manages his depression and suicidal ideation since age 8. - Why it’s important to not struggle in silence, and how to find support. - Why life is too short to work with a sucky team. Since the recording, Thomas has now transitioned to be Founder and CSO of Derapi. Connect with Thomas on twitter @thomastlee and at https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomastlee. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel like you’re the only (insert blank) person in the room? And you feel a sense of otherness? Valerie shares: - How getting burnt out taught her to take care of herself and embrace herself. - How she survived Big Law, is a recovering lawyer, and is now using those experiences to create inclusion and belonging. - How she understands that feeling othered is sometimes by design and sometimes by default, and how to intentionally and strategically make changes that have the greatest impact. - Why she created Black Girl Magic groups at her workplaces to uplift and embrace Black women in the company. - Why it’s important when you’re in a role where you give to others to remind yourself to give yourself love and compassion first. - The importance of taking care of your mental wellness to be able to live a good life and do good work. Connect with Valerie at on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadjackson/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you wonder what intersectionality means and how to embrace it in your life and career? In this episode with Donna Vivar (Manager of Advising and Strategy + Training, UC Berkeley), we discuss: - How to bring all of your identities to your life and work. - How racism and colonialism impacts our identity. - How to navigate strategic change at large institutions. Follow Donna on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvivar/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you been told that you don’t belong? In this episode with Dr. Gomez shares (Assistant Professor at San Jose State): - How she continued her doctorate program even though several professors told her she didn’t belong. - How one professor believing in her changed the course of her life. - How to trust yourself in a world that dehumanizes you. Follow Dr. Gomez on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-gomez-8a4a2615/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you a first generation professional who wants to build a great reputation and strong network? In this episode with Dyanna Volek (Government Affairs Manager featured on New York Times and CNN), we discuss: - How to build a stellar reputation and get featured on The New York Times and CNN. - How passion planning can help you reach your goals, like finding your soulmate. - How we can say no graciously, so we can focus on our goals. Follow Dyanna on Instagram @dyannaluna. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you know you have a dream in mind, but have been told it’s not possible? In this episode with Frankie Reed (former Ambassador of Fiji and the surrounding region and career member of the U.S. Foreign Service), we discuss: - How she forged her own path into human rights and being appointed to ambassador even though she was told it won’t happen. - How she turned a crisis turned into an opportunity that accelerated her career. - What she believes it the future of democracy, especially given what’s going on in Ukraine. Follow Frankie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankie-reed-07b0865b.

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

It’s Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy podcast 2 year anniversary.

For this special occasion, we’re doing a deep dive with one of Samorn’s clients, Stephanie Kiman (Sr. Marketing Programs Manager at SAP). We discuss: - Why winging it in your career can work for a while, but ultimately will not lead to happiness or fulfillment. - How the “techsession” led to unexpected layoffs and how to bounce back. - Why making agreements with yourself ahead of time can help with making big career changes like moving to another city, changing to a different industry, and pivoting to a new specialization. - How growing up with refugee parents from Cambodia created the pressure to make safe decisions. - The importance of therapy in healing generational trauma and enjoying the luxury of taking calculated risks and going for your dreams. - How to build an entirely new network when you move to a different city and industry. - How working with a career coach can help you find your “why,” get clarity, and take action to achieve your dreams faster. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-kiman-1a90b17/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you living someone else’s dream? And you’re not sure how to find your own path? In this episode with Watchen Nyanue (Founder & CEO of I Choose The Ladder), we discuss: - How growing up as a refugee from Liberia helped her to move fearlessly through the world. - What you can do to always look for the upside. - How going to therapy every week can help you heal traumas and show up as the best version of you. - What to do when you realize you’re living someone else’s dream, and how to find your purpose. - How to use your rage against systemic discrimination to fight for justice and make a better world instead of letting it turn you into someone who you don’t want to be. - What you can do to hire and retain Black women and create an inclusive space where they feel seen, heard, and valued. Follow Watchen on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/watchen/ or Instagram @icuwatchen and learn more about her work on https://www.choosetheladder.com/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you wondering when is the right time to make a career move? And what if the next role isn't exactly a promotion? What do you do? In this episode with Shana Simmosn (Chief Legal Officer of Everlaw, we discuss: - What it means to grow up poor with very little access to resources and how it impacts the way you navigate the world. - What the spirit of community and generosity means despite being poor, and how that helps you have empathy and compassion as a leader. - How having access to privilege can be a double edged sword giving us access to resources while making us feel othered and less than. - The impact of laws and ordinances that prevented our families from building generational wealth, and the importance of changing that for future generations. - The significance of having a seat at the table and how to leverage your privilege to create more inclusion and belonging. - Why striving for perfection is a setup for failure, and how returning to base camp in your life and career can help accelerate your career growth. - Why mental health is important and what you can do to get support for depression. Follow Shana on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-simmons/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

How many of us have been told to suffer in silence because we shouldn’t burn bridges? But that silence is violence and trauma. In this episode with Elaine Lin Hering, we discuss: - AAPIs in American and how to navigate executive leadership in majority White spaces. - What happens when people of color are minoritized, racialized, and tokenized, and what we can do instead to support people of color in their careers. - What it means to “play” the game versus pushing the boundaries to move forward. - The burden of being the “only” in leadership, and how no one person should be carrying that weight alone. - How workplace abuse and trauma can lead to both physical and mental illness. - Why we shouldn’t only endure, and how to go from surviving to thriving. - What it takes to set healthy boundaries and prioritize your wellness. Follow Elaine on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainelinhering/. Preorder Elaine’s new book published by Penguin Random House at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720975/unlearning-silence-by-elaine-lin-hering/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to embrace the intersectionality of your identities and build your dream career? But you’re not sure where to start? In this episode with Janice, we discuss: - How she built her DEI business during the pandemic. - Why optimizing rest and scheduling time for self care and sleep is important to success. - How to learn to be your no. 1 fan. - What having a horrible first client taught her about managing her business. - How to set healthy boundaries and handle pick your brain requests. - Why self publishing is important for writers from underrepresented backgrounds because publishers are still very white. Follow Janice on Instagram @janicejnice and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

The pandemic and the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes has been devastating for AAPI communities. How do we heal ourselves from individual, institutional, and systemic traumas? In this episode with Dr. Noel Ramirez (Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an AAPI mental health group mental health resource center, we discuss: - How reading my memoir, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” transformed him and gave him the courage to change his life and career. - How being a dancer at a gay Asian night club informed his work as a social worker and therapist. - How he learned that confronting shame and vulnerability is part of the healing journey. - Why mental health is taboo in the AAPI communities, and why it’s important to break this stigma. - What you can do to get and/or provide mental health support that is culturally competent. Connect with Noel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelbramirez/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

If you’re looking for resources on how to create inclusion, order Mita’s book (out today!) “Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace” on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Inclusion-Debunking-Transform-Workplace/dp/1394177097 - currently #1 bestseller in HR category). Some of her myths include: - "I am all for diverse talent. As long as they are good." - "Our ad wasn’t racist. It was simply a mistake." - "These DEI efforts don’t benefit me. My voice as white man doesn’t count anymore." Each myth opens with a powerful story and then she leaves us with practical and actionable advice and tips on how to show up differently to work. It's a must have resource for anyone invested in building more inclusive cultures. In this episode with Mita Mallick, we discuss: - The vivid memories of her hair being burned by White boys in high school, and what she’s done to heal that trauma. - What do you do with the trauma of being bullied and othered? - How having one person who is an ally can make a huge difference when you’re being bullied. - What you can do when the bullies from school follow you to Corporate America and the system protects those bullies. - Why it’s OK to quit a toxic work environment and create your escape plan. - The true price that toxic leaders cost organizations, and why it’s the right thing to manage out the bullies. - Why change doesn’t start at conference room tables, but it starts at our kitchen room tables. - How to have courageous conversations and build a culture of inclusion. - How to find the strength to keep writing and get a deal to publish your book even when you've been rejected for 4+ years. Follow Mita on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace

September is suicide prevention month. I know firsthand how tough it is to have suicidal ideation, and I hope anyone who is experiencing this knows that they are not alone. They can get help and get better. In this episode with Rohan Kallicharan, we discuss: - What it’s like to have a serious mental illness like bipolar disorder. - How he has made several suicide attempts and how he survived. - How getting support for his mental health enabled him to become better. - How after being diagnosed and getting help, he had to relearn to do the basics like holding down a job. - What he learned from living with bipolar, and how it inspired him to become an advocate for mental health. - How he used what he learned from his mental illness to successfully build his career from nothing to being a leader. Connect with Rohan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakallicharan/, https://run-with-perseverance.co.uk/, and Twitter @ro_jito. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you struggled with addiction? And you know this is how you want to live, but you’re not sure how to make a change? Leigh Steinberg (real-life inspiration for Oscar-winning Jerry McGuire & Chairman of Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment Holdings) shares: - How being a dorm counselor of a football rookie led to him representing the first pick of the NFL draft when he was a new lawyer. - What allowed him to have a meteoric rise as a sports agent and lawyer. - How he rebuilt his life and career after addiction going from being a star to losing everything and having to move in with his parents. - What his dad said to him that made him realize he needed to change his behaviors. - How he uses his experience to support young athletes to prioritize their mental wellness. - How he negotiates with integrity and teaches this to younger generations of sports agents through his educational courses at Steinbergsports.com. - Why it’s important to be present, and how doing so will bring you happiness and success. Follow Leigh on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesteinberg/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you in a career that is a bad fit with your skills? But you’re not sure how to transition to something that is a better fit? In this episode with Alex Su, we discuss:

How he used out of the box strategies to get into a top 14 law school with a GPA lower than 2.9.
How he decided to leave the practice of law to start over in tech sales.
How he went against conventional wisdom and leveraged LinkedIn and TikTok to build his reputation and land his current role.
How to build your dream career even when it doesn't exist yet.
What you can do to find motivation to keep going when things get tough.

Connect with Alex at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-su/ or https://www.alexofftherecord.com/.Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

We often hear that we should be “authentic.” But how do you do that when you know you’ll be attacked when you’re the victim or you have to keep your job to pay the bills despite toxic leadership? After being attacked at the park for simply being me: Asian and woman, I felt firsthand how victims are repeatedly shut down. Victims are met with attacks, interrogations, and minimization. I found my conversation with Jill Wesley healing. In this episode, we discuss: - What it’s like to be the only Black woman or person of color in the room. - What is code switching and why we do it. - How you can find your authentic voice even when the world is demanding silence and conformity. - When and how to speak up, especially when having difficult conversations. - What to do you if you know that speaking up is unsafe, and how to protect yourself. - Jill’s 5-step framework and be prepared to make your voice heard. Follow Jill on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillwesleyprospeaker/ and https://www.sciencesoulspeaking.com/. Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

The recent Supreme Court rulings against affirmative action are huge setbacks for marginalized communities and communities of color.

During these challenging times, it’s easy to lose hope. And it’s even more important to surround ourselves with good people and things that are life sustaining.

Talking to Antonio Ingram II, someone I met when he was a first year law student and I was the Director of Employer Outreach and Career Counselor, left me feeling inspired to focus on doing social justice work sustainably.

In this episode with Antonio, we discuss:

How his background growing up as a Black American in Oakland instills his passion for justice and drives his purpose to make the world better than what he inherited.
Why as the descendants of slaves, he believes it’s important to clerk for two Black federal judges and change the laws that once held his ancestors in bondage to now protect marginalized communities.
What it felt like to be the only non-White law clerk out of 20 law clerks even when clerking in very diverse states, and why it’s important to diversify clerkships.
What we can do to improve the education system, and make public schools a place of integration and learning.
What you can do to have hope, especially during dark times like the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, by focusing on the progress we’ve made.
How growing up poor makes us afraid of poverty and keeps us as indentured servants in corporate America, and what we can do to let go of that fear and focus on finding happiness.
How to overcome what seems like insurmountable obstacles by sustaining yourself with wonder and gratitude.
What we learn from Black men who were the first to go to high profile jobs like Goldman Sachs dying prematurely compared to their peers.
How to make the world a better place and not be a martyr and succumb to powers literally trying to take you out and force you to overwork yourself to prove yourself.
How completing a Fulbright Public Policy Fellowship in Malawi where he did anti-corruption work allowed him to get away from White Supremacy and grow in a way that was life empowering.
How to maintain perspective, and know that where you grow up and where you come from does not have to be your entire world, and your world can be boundless.

Follow Antonio on Twitter @antonioingram and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-l-ingram-ii-esq-473b6930/.

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

The recent Supreme Court rulings against the LGBTQAI2+ community is heartbreaking. Sometimes, I feel hopeless during these dark times.

And in these times, it’s even more important for us to surround ourselves with good people and remind us of the good things in life and what we can do in our small corner of the universe to make things better.

In this episode with my lovely neighbor, Stuart Gaffney, we discuss:

Creating life unicorn adventures by quitting your jobs and traveling with your partner for 365 days without social media.
Growing up biracial and LGBTQ and the parallels between the movement for marriage equality for same-sex couples and that for interracial couples.
How to navigate being a named plaintiff in a high profiled case like the California Marriage Equality Act, and what you can do in the face of darkness when popular opinion is against who you are as a person.
How vulnerable it feels to literally put your lives on the line, and how thinking “there are not enemies, only future allies” helped him maintain optimism.
Why the recent Supreme Court rulings are wrong, and what you can do to continue to fight for justice and advocate for positive change.
How to fight for justice while balancing having wonder and joy in life.

Learn more about Stuart at https://marriageequality.me/ and social media.

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel your passion is to make the world a better place? But you’re unsure of how to build a career out of it?

In this episode, we discuss:

How the intersectionality of our identities impact our career and life choices.
The differences between Ally Wong’s “Jungle Asians” versus “Fancy Asians.”
How teachers make an impact, and can change our life path.
Steps you can take to turn your passion of making the world a better place into your career.
How to build your career in philanthropy, making a big impact, and also make a good living to support your life goals and needs.
How to use your personal lived experience and professional work experience to provide culturally competent service.
What nonprofits can do to increase representation, specifically people of color, in leadership.
Why it’s important to enjoy the journey.

Learn more about Matthew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rizzie-3139403/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

As some of you may know, I was attacked by a man walking in my neighborhood park around 9:45 am. The man made no attempt to steal anything; his only goal was to hurt me by tackling me like a football player.

You can read the full story here: https://sfstandard.com/2023/08/03/asian-female-attorney-hate-crime-speak-up/.

The latest crime data shows that 11% of assault victims citywide in San Francisco are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
25% of the elder abuse victims are AAPI, the highest among all the racial groups.
I grew up in a poor neighborhood where there gang fights, drive by shootings, and other issues that come with growing up in poverty.
-But I have never been viciously attacked outside like this. This is a park where children are playing nearby; it should be the safest place on earth.

So instead of the usual interview with guests, this episode is dedicated to reconnecting with our bodies and our breath.
- The meditation itself is less than 6 minutes (0.1 billable hours).
- If you want to skip straight to the meditation, it starts at 3:16.
- If you can't do the full meditation, then do 5 deep breaths (in through the nose, and out through the mouth) first thing in the morning, right before bed, and anytime you're feeling anxious.

Follow Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

As some of you may know, I was attacked by a White man walking in the park around 9:45 am. This is a park where they hold summer camps and many kids were around. I bring my kids here on the weekends and celebrated one of their birthdays there just this past May.

The latest crime data shows that 11% of assault victims citywide in San Francisco are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

25% of the elder abuse victims are AAPI, the highest among all the racial groups.

As a victim, you keep replaying in your mind what you could have done differently. And what can you do now to protect yourself and your communities.

So I am reposting this episode with Lisa Mak, where we discuss:

Why there is a rise in anti-Asian hate.
How discrimination can cause you to lose your sense of self.
What you can do to fight anti-Asian hate.
How choosing to speak up can help our communities.
Why you should light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.
How we still have the ability to choose joy even during these difficult times.

Connect with Lisa https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapmak/ and www.minamitamaki.com.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to make a big career change? But you haven’t taken action because you’re afraid of failing?

In this episode, we discuss:

How to make a big career change going from dropping out of college and driving Lyft to becoming a software engineer at a Fortune 50 company.
How growing up as a Black man in a single parent household impacted his life and career decisions, and made him have the grit to keep going forward to achieve his dreams.
What you learn from living paycheck to paycheck, and the mindset shifts you need to make to get out of the hustle mentality.
Why it’s important to know that you are also interviewing the company, and how to build confidence in yourself.
How working with a career coach helped him make his story shine through, and helped him land his first offer.
What you can do to turn what you think is your weakness into your X factor, and make employers want to hire you and mentor you.

Learn more about Vincent on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentarobinson/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

This episode was recorded before the Supreme Court made its decision to gut affirmative action. Knowing the make up of the Justices, we had a bad feeling about the ruling. Unfortunately, we were right.

But even so, my conversation with Yusuf left me feeling hopeful about what we can do as individuals, communities, and organizations to create belonging in our personal lives and professional lives.

In this episode, we discuss:

What you can do to make big career changes, and break the glass ceiling to the C-suite as a person of color.
How your life can feel like a series of accidents, and what you can do to make sense of it and be more intentional about it.
How laws banning affirmative action have real devastating consequences, and what you can do as individuals and communities to curb its negative effects.
What you can do to create clear frameworks to support DEIB initiatives and get buy-in from leaders to create effective programs.
Why the NALP reports from today and from 10 years ago show similar statistics and a lack of diversity, and how organizations can identify the gaps and close those gaps.
How you can identify whether folks are leaving because they want to or because they’re not set up for success, and the systemic changes you can make to retain and promote diverse talent.
Why it’s important to intentionally create a mechanical sponsor program in the workplace instead of relying on it to work organically, and how that supports diverse talent to get into leadership roles.
What you can learn from Barber Ranen, and what leaders can do and what organizations can do at the systemic level to not make the same mistakes.
How you can’t leave diversity work at work because your identities are a part of your lives, and what you can do to protect yourself from burnout.

Learn more about Yusuf on on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusuf-z-zakir-57188243/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our career advice newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this episode with Na Eng, we discuss:

How being born in the killing fields in Cambodia shaped her entire identity.
How the generosity of strangers helped her beat the odds.
What inspired her to be a journalist, and how her background as a refugee helps her to share stories of people dealing with incredibly challenging circumstances.
Why the model minority myth became one of the dominant narratives around accomplishments, and what we can learn from it.
How you can use storytelling to share a person’s humanity and change the world.
Why there’s a shaming of families on public assistance, and how we can reframe the narrative to see that public assistance is given not just to individuals who are struggling, but major corporations and others.
How she won an Emmy for sharing how regressive state taxes benefit the rich and make the poor even more vulnerable.
How generational trauma can lead to genetic alterations, and what we can do to heal them.
Why it’s important to give your younger self more hugs, empathy, and love.

Connect with Na at https://www.linkedin.com/in/naeng/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you feeling stuck in your life and career? But you’re not sure what to do?

In this episode, Samorn shares:

Answers to the most commonly asked questions from working with over 1,000 clients.
Why mental health is the most important thing to having a fulfilling life and career.
What you can do to rebuild your life when it has been upended because of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
How you can manage your emotions and job search after a layoff.
The number one strategy that makes the difference between a client who has a successful job search versus who isn’t.
How you can stay consistent with your job search even when you’re dealing with fear, rejection, and burnout.
Whether you should disclose your mental illness.
Why you should job search during the holidays and use the holiday season to your advantage.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you still remember what you were doing when you heard about George Floyd? And you’re wondering how to make sense of the world after that?

In this episode with Kori Carew, we discuss:

How growing up in diverse family backgrounds (countries, cultures, and religions) impacts your life and career decisions.
What you can do to identify what energizes you and what depletes you, and how to use that information to build your career.
Why George Floyd changed all of us, and what we can learn from it.
How the pandemic changed the way you work and lead, and what you can do to support your employees who are struggling.
What you can do to find your calling and make big career transitions, such as moving to a new city, starting a new job, or quitting your stable job to start your own business.
How to shut down questions if racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination are real, and how to start having real conversations about race and systemic oppression.
What you can do to get buy-in from leaders to make changes to create a more inclusive company.
How we can choose courage even in the face of fear.

Connect with Kori at https://www.linkedin.com/in/koriscarewesq/.

Check out Kori’s work at https://www.koricarew.com/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Did you grow up wishing you looked different? Because there was a lack of representation in leadership and in the media.

In this episode with Sheena Yap Chan, we discuss:

Why she is an Asian woman but wanted to have blonde hair and blue eyes, and what was the one small thing that allowed her to change.
How sometimes you don’t know where we’re going, and why it’s important to keep taking one small action that will lead to a big change overall.
What you can do to create the change you want to see, and build your personal brand.
Why it’s important to share your struggles because your identities, voices, and unique stories matter.
How you can create a podcast that has over 1 million downloads and get a paid publishing deal with one of the top 5 publishers in the world.
How you can let go of toxic narratives that you should be a certain way, and start advocating for yourself and setting healthy boundaries.
How you can be aware of generational trauma and shame, and embrace who you are and forge your own path.

Connect with Sheena at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheenayapchan/.

Get a copy of Sheen’s Wallstreet Journal Bestselling book “The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within" at https://www.sheenayapchan.com/thetaoofselfconfidence.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to make big career changes? But you feel like you don ‘t know where to start? In this episode with Jennifer Franklin, we discuss:

How growing up as a Black woman with parents who didn’t graduate from high school shaped her life.
What she changed to go from a high school dropout to assistant dean of career services at a law school.
Why it’s important to be aware of your beliefs and mindset, and how to change it from scarcity to abundance.
How to say no gracefully when you’re asked to do free work.
Why you shouldn’t let shame, guilt, and manipulation pushing you into what you don’t want to do
Why you shouldn’t let the idea of rejection stop you from applying to your dream jobs; someone is being paid to tell you no, let that person earn their money.
The importance or recognizing when you’re running away from a job versus when you’re running towards something.
What you can do to network with anyone and get them to be part of your community.

Connect with Jennifer at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdfranklin/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

In this episode with Cynthia Pong, we discuss:

The model minority myth, and how it pits marginalized communities against each other.
The importance of recognizing the differences in AAPI communities, and recognizing our unique history, including Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian groups.
How Black, Indigenous, and people of color can get the money, power, and respect you deserve.
Why divesting yourself from a career path takes time and why it’s important to have compassion with yourself.
How to recover after your soul dies from oppression, discrimination, and White supremacy.
What individuals and employers can do to create environments that are psychologically safe.
How to respond when people say hateful things like you’re a sell out.
Why it’s important to ask for help.

Connect with Cynthia at https://www.embracechange.nyc/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/embracechangenyc/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

What do you do with the trauma of being bullied and othered? In this episode with Mita Mallick, we discuss:

The vivid memories of her hair being burned by White boys in high school, and what she’s done to heal that trauma.
How having one person who is an ally can make a huge difference when you’re being bullied.
What you can do when the bullies from school follow you to Corporate America and the system protects those bullies.
Why it’s OK to quit a toxic work environment and create your escape plan.
The true price that toxic leaders cost organizations, and why it’s the right thing to manage out the bullies.
Why change doesn’t start at conference room tables, but it starts at our kitchen room tables.
How to have courageous conversations and build a culture of inclusion. - How to find the strength to keep writing and get a deal to publish your book even when you've been rejected for 4+ years. Connect with Mita on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/.

If you’re looking for resources on how to create inclusion, pre-order Mita’s book “Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace” on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Reimagine-Inclusion-Debunking-Transform-Workplace/dp/1394177097 - currently #1 bestseller in HR category).

Some of her myths include: "I am all for diverse talent. As long as they are good." and "Our ad wasn’t racist. It was simply a mistake" and "These DEI efforts don’t benefit me. My voice as white man doesn’t count anymore." Each myth opens with a powerful story and then she leaves us with practical and actionable advice and tips on how to show up differently to work. It's a must have resource for anyone invested in building more inclusive cultures. Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Transform Your Workplace

There’s a stereotype that Asian American women are supposed to be quiet and submissive. But that doesn’t have to be the case, and you can set boundaries and live a good life.

In this episode with Christine, we discuss:

How imposter syndrome is real for Asian Americans and women, and what you can do to let go of it and have confidence that you deserve a seat at the table.
Why being aggressive may work for mentors who are White men, but may not work for you, and what you can do to find your own style.
How to handle “adult tantrums and set healthy boundaries when clients, opposing counsel, or others are behaving in disrespectful ways.
What leaders can do to step up and create safety for your employees.
What are key factors to look for when trying to find a company that is a good fit for you.
Why it’s important to not only work hard to make a living, but to also invest what you earn to build financial and generational wealth. Learn more about Christine at https://hooverkrepelka.com/attorney/christine-pham/.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Did you grow up feeling like you didn’t belong? And you want to find a sense of community? In this episode with Ny Derry, we discuss:

What it means to feel like a “throwaway” because our families are refugees from Laos.
How our cultural backgrounds make us “workaholics” and how managing so many identities (employee, mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, and more) can lead us to abandon ourselves.
Why it’s important to acknowledge mental health issues like postpartum depression, and ask for help.
What you need to say during difficult conversations with your family (partner, parents, children) to make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
How the lack of language can make it hard for us to express our feelings to our parents, and how to bridge the gap for intergenerational conversations with language.
Why it’s important to create a place for the community to come together and find a sense of belonging, and what you can do if you feel inspired to create something new for your community. Learn more about Ny on www.linkedin.com/in/nyderry and www.laohelpinglao.com. Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Ep. 77: Embracing the intersectionality of our identities, building our dream careers, and creating a culture of inclusion with Jaya Saxena (Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Spencer Stuart)

Did you grow up with multiple identities? And you wondered where you fit in and belonged?

In this episode with Jaya Saxena, we discuss:

The importance of embracing our multiple identities and how they intersect.
How the intersectionality of our identities impact our life and career decisions and how we show up every day, and what it means to be a Zennial.
The importance of recognizing the diversity in AAPI communities, and the need to understand our history of hundreds of years of oppression and discrimination.
How to show up as an ally as individuals and organizations by showing empathy, courage, curiosity, trust, and psychological safety.
How to redesign a system that was meant to exclude people with inclusion and everyone in mind, and practical tips on how to bring an inclusive lens to the entire life cycle of employees, including recruiting, hiring, training, and retention.
Key strategies for what to do when someone says something offensive or harmful.
What to do to address diversity fatigue and burnout, and how to build healthy boundaries for yourself while doing good work.

Learn more about Jaya on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jayasaxena2010 and Twitter @being_jaya.

Connect with Samorn on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our advice column at www.careerunicorns.com.

Did you grow up with the odds stacked against you? But you didn’t let that stop you from trying to achieve your wildest dreams? In this episode with Lily Chan, we discuss:

How growing up with refugee parents from Vietnam and Cambodia while being ethnic Chinese in the tenderloin impacts our life and career decisions.
The importance of listening to the signs around us, and how that led Lily to make a different big life decision.
What it’s like to live in survival mode all your life, and how to make the transition from surviving to thriving.
What you can do to work through your fears, and end up in a place that’s beyond your wildest dreams.
How to let go of what you founded, and grieve the loss of what you created and the people you created it with.
Why it’s important to own and tell our stories in a way that inspires ourselves and others.

Learn more about Lily on Instagram @pathsintersect or Lily at Andmakers dot co.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Sabai dee pii mai - Happy Lao New Year. I've been hearing from friends and clients that they're feeling more stressed, anxious, and sometimes depressed.

Given what's going on the world, it's not a surprise. Wars. Gun shootings. Political upheaval. Police brutality. It's a lot.

So instead of the usual interview with guests, this episode is dedicated to reconnecting with our bodies and our breath.

The meditation itself is less than 6 minutes (0.1 billable hours).

If you want to skip straight to the meditation, it starts at 3:16. If you can't do the full meditation, then do 5 deep breaths (in through the nose, and out through the mouth) first thing in the morning, right before bed, and anytime you're feeling anxious. I promise you'll start to notice a huge difference.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Sabai dee pii mai - Happy Lao New Year. I've been hearing from friends and clients that they're feeling more stressed, anxious, and sometimes depressed.

Given what's going on the world, it's not a surprise. Wars. Gun shootings. Political upheaval. Police brutality. It's a lot.

So instead of the usual interview with guests, this episode is dedicated to reconnecting with our bodies and our breath.

The meditation itself is less than 6 minutes (0.1 billable hours).

If you can't do the full meditation, then do 5 deep breaths (in through the nose, and out through the mouth) first thing in the morning, right before bed, and anytime you're feeling anxious. I promise you'll start to notice a huge difference.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to make a big career change? But your fears are stopping you from taking that leap of faith ? In this episode with Leang Chung, we discuss: - How you can make a transition into a new career for the first time, such as becoming a first time manager, early-stage founder, or solopreneur.

How our family history, such as being a Khmer refugee, can impact your beliefs and career choices.
What you can do to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset.
How to have hard conversations with your family when they don’t necessarily support your career choices.
What you can do to network and build your personal brand.
Why we all earned our place at the table, and how to take up space when you’re there.

Learn more about Leang at www.linkedin.com/in/leang-chung or www.pelorastack.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you a first-generation American who has generational trauma and is struggling with mental illness? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we discuss:

How Hmong Americans have generational trauma because the CIA covertly recruited Hmong soldiers for its Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam War.
Why pretending like nothing happened won’t stop trauma from affecting us.
Why you are not your depression or anxiety; but rather, these negative and ruminating thoughts are part of the symptoms of the illness.
The importance of having the vocabulary to talk about what’s going on for recovery.
Strategies you can use to manage your mental illness, live a good life, and build your dream career.
How Dani is using her platform as Miss Minnesota Global USA to talk about depression, domestic violence, and mental health in the AAPI communities, and specifically, Hmong American communities. Learn more about Dani on Instagram @daniadele_official or on Facebook. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Many of us experience generational trauma and mental health issues, and they impact our life and career choices. In this episode, we discuss

What it means to be Lao American and how the United State’s “Secret War” in Laos left a legacy of trauma.
How generational trauma impacts your decisions, and what you can do to heal and move forward.
How embracing your origin story and acknowledging where you came from can help you heal, find a sense of purpose, and reconnect with your community for a sense of belonging.
Why mental health is considered taboo in Asian American Pacific Islander communities, and how to destigmatize and normalize conversations about depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses.
Why it’s easier to tell everyone else to go to therapy rather than do the work ourselves, and what you can do as a first step to getting help.
How you can use social media like Instagram to learn, connect, and make a career pivot.
What you can do to pitch a perceived weakness like being a beginner as a strength in your job interview.
Why spending time with people from your own community can be healing.
How you can learn about Lao history from the Thip Khao Talk Podcast, the Khao Niew’s Classroom, and the Legacies Library.
The importance of giving yourself grace, especially as a new parent and working mom who is trying to learn about your roots and teach it to your children.

Learn more about Danae at www.linkedin.com/in/danae-hendrickson and learn more about Legacies of War on Instagram @legaciesofwar. Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim. To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you been struggling with your job search? And you want to stop feeling stuck and frustrated, and land your dream job in the next 3 months? In this episode, Samorn shares:

Answers to the most commonly asked questions from working with over 1,000 clients.
Why mental health is the most important thing to having a fulfilling life and career.
What you can do to rebuild your life when it has been upended because of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
How you can manage your emotions and job search after a layoff.
The number one strategy that makes the difference between a client who has a successful job search versus who isn’t.
How you can stay consistent with your job search even when you’re dealing with fear, rejection, and burnout.
Whether you should disclose your mental illness.
How to network effectively to build a community.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

If you feel burnt out, here's how to use mindfulness to reconnect with yourself and set healthy boundaries. In this episode with Jeena, we discuss:

How pausing can allow us to reconnect with ourselves and find clarity.
What we can do to allow things to unfold at a natural pace and give us clues on the next steps to take in our lives and career.
Why having a mindfulness practice can allow us to have a more expansive view of our lives.
How we can honor the grieving process of life and career changes with tenderness.
What we can do to be intentional about our priorities and set healthy boundaries.
What we can do to stay grounded when facing historical trauma, generational trauma, personal trauma, and collective trauma like racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination.
How you can live with integrity and raise your voice even when the system is built against you.

Connect with Jeena at jeenacho.com or www.linkedin.com/in/jeenacho.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

David Wang is the Chief Innovation Officer at Wilson Sonsini, and is the only person of color and Asian American on the management team.

According to a Yale Law School report published in November 2022, Asian Americans are the largest minority group at major law firms, but continue to have the lowest ratio of partners to associates (only 4.3% are equity partners).

So how does one break the bamboo ceiling? In this episode, we discuss:

Difficult conversations about how you can break the bamboo ceiling.
How a serendipitous meeting can change the course of your career and lead you on a career path you never thought of.
Why fortune favors the prepared, and what you can do to make sure that when the opportunity arises, you can capitalize on it.
How what may be perceived as a weakness can be your X factor that leads to your unique value.
How to create small wins, so that you can get buy-in even from those who are skeptical.
What you can do as a leader to give your team a sense of belonging and to change policies that help to dismantle systemic discrimination.

Connect with David on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/david-y-wang.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you wonder how some people can get so lucky? And you want to create your own luck? In this episode, we discuss:

How you can get accepted to a top university like MIT with a full scholarship when you’re an international student with limited internet access and know nothing about American universities.
What you can do to create your own luck so that when the opportunity comes, you’re able to take advantage of it.
What it means when you don’t feel a sense of belonging where you grew up, and how you can find it later in life.
What you can do to land a job in a different sector when you don’t have the education or experience.
The key factors to look for in co-founders and co-workers, so that you can have alignment and harmony.
What you can do when you feel burnout, so that you can live sustainably.
How to manage decision fatigue, especially when the buck stops with you.

Connect with Aye on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/ayemoah, Twitter @ayemoah, and https://www.boomeranggmail.com/

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are your parents refugees, and you struggled with generational trauma and the unwritten rules of Corporate America? In this episode with Sam Lam, Senior Legal Counsel at Skybound (the company behind The Walking Dead, Invincible, and other IPs), we discuss:

How our parents’ generational trauma impacts our life by making us people pleasers, in survival mode catastrophizing everything, and ignoring our needs and desires.
What it feels like to be parentification children where we play parental roles for our refugee parents, and how that informs our view of the world.
The importance of normalizing therapy in Asian American communities, especially for those who come from generations of trauma, including war and genocide.
How to think strategically about going to law school, including post-graduate job opportunities and limiting student loans.
How to make career pivots from engineering to Big Law to in-house.
Why it’s important to reevaluate our dreams and leave our dream job for something even better.
What you can do to overcome imposter syndrome, and use it to your advantage.

Connect with Sam on Instagram @samtlam, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/samtlam, and email at slam at skybound dot com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you identify as BIPOC, and feel like the odds are stacked against you in Corporate America? In this episode with Adunola Adeshola, we discuss

What to do when your dream job becomes your nightmare.
How to build your dream career and thrive when Corporate America isn’t designed for you.
What to do if you’re the only Black, indigenous, or person of color in your office.
How to let go of “vanity metrics” and define what happiness means for you.
What you can do to take the driver seat in your career, especially when things feel out of your control.
How to get clarity and land your dream job in 90 days.

Learn more about Adunola on Instagram at @adunolaadeshola, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adunolaadeshola/ or at employeeredefined.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day! What better way to celebrate love than going to therapy to heal generational trauma?

In this episode with Dr. Stephanie J. Wong, we discuss:

Why therapy is important, especially in Asian American Pacific Islander communities where it’s often considered taboo.
How there’s been an increased need for mental health support because of 45’s presidency that has emboldened White Supremacists.
How generational trauma and internalized racism has impacted Asian American Pacific Islander communities, many of these were a direct result of the United State’s involvement in war and colonialism.
With the rise in Anti-Asian hate, what factors to consider for risk, cost, benefit analysis when making decisions, such as going to community events.
How to make therapy more inclusive, especially when the industry is predominantly White, by using lived experiences and cultural humility, not just cultural competency.
The importance of being shameless about shooting your shot and letting go of the humble Asian mentality.
What Dr. Stephanie did to connect with folks like Margaret Cho and the cast from the Partner Track and Bling Empire for her podcast, Color of Success.

Learn more about Dr. Stephanie J. Wong at www.drstephaniejwong.com and www.colorofsuccesspodcast.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you experienced workplace abuse and harassment that resulted in you being blackballed? And you’re trying to pick up the pieces in your life and career? In this episode, we discuss:

Why women need to stop waiting to be invited to the table and take the seat at the table.
The real and devastating effects that workplace abuse has on your life, career, and mental health.
The unchecked power that judges have over newly graduated law clerks.
The fact that those who face abuse by judges have no recourse, and how this needs to change.
How women who are supposed to be our ally can be part of the problem, and what to do when you face this.
Why we need to stop telling victims to stay silent, and the power of telling our stories.
What Aliza and the Legal Accountability Project are doing to create transparency and change.

Learn more about judicial accountability from Aliza’s written testimony from the March 2022 House Judiciary subcommittee hearing and at www.legalaccountabilityproject.org.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you dream of starting your own business, but you’re afraid to make that leap? In this episode with Danielle McMillian, we discuss:

How a cat adversely possessing her bedroom led her to building her dream petsitting business, Pretty Petsitting.
What it feels like to grow up as a Black woman with bipolar and complex PTSD in America.
How to rebuild your life after bipolar, depression, and sexual abuse.
The power of breaking stigma, shame, silence by sharing our stories.
What you can do as a new entrepreneur to organically build your brand and be nominated as the top 5 finalists for your industry.
How healing trauma can lead to growth and a new purpose like Embody Vegan.

Mention this podcast and connect with Danielle at https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcmillian-84927a4/.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Studies show that one out of four people quit their New Year's resolution within the first week of setting them. And most people quit before the end of January.

To help you make better decisions, we’re resharing this episode with Michelle Florendo, a decision engineer and coach for Type-A professionals and the host of Ask A Decision Engineer Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss:

How the intersectionality of our identities, such as being a woman and being Asian, impact our career decisions.
The 3 part framework to making any decision, so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Why you always have the power to make a decision, even if you feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.
How to consistently make good decisions using not just logic but also your emotions as guidance.

Connect with Michelle at www.michelleflorendo.com or www.askadecisionengineer.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you feeling burnout? And you want to find energy for yourself again? In this episode, we discuss:

How loss can redirect us to find purpose.
What to do when your body feels flight, fright, or freeze.
The steps it takes to transform from having a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset.
What in our daily lives are leading to energy leaks, and how to stop them to recoup our time and energy.
The importance of tuning into your body, quieting, noise, and saying yes to what’s most important to you.
How to figure out what you really want in your career.

Mention this podcast and connect with Elena at www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you looking for your purpose? Or you’ve found it, but you’re not sure how to pursue it? In this episode, we discuss:

How to create conditions so that the only path forward is to follow your purpose.
What it’s like to confront our own privilege and leverage it to do good in the world.
How to build a sustainable nonprofit by learning skills, including fundraising from $35K to $6M, building a team with a 95% employer net promoter score, and scaling to create universal legal access.
Why it’s important to take care of your mental health, especially when you’re dealing with extreme stress and high uncertainty.
How to recognize that your biggest strength can also become your biggest weakness, and what you can do to work through that.

Mention this podcast and connect with Adrian at www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-tirtanadi-85892b56 or https://opendoorlegal.org/.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to be happy? But you’re afraid of making career changes? In this episode, we discuss:

How to find happiness even in a career that is known to be soul sucking like law.
What cooking can do to help us process generational trauma, including genocide by the Khmer Rouge.
Why it’s important for us to embrace the intersectionality of our identities.
How we come from refugee backgrounds but have different types of privileges.
What we can do to process unexpected family deaths.
How to take a leap of faith and make big career changes to pursue our passion and find happiness.

Mention this podcast and connect with Richard at www.linkedin.com/in/richard-guo-1b4132a.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel like the odds are stacked against you? And you’re struggling to figure out a path forward? In this episode, we discuss:

How to build belief in yourself when you’re told at birth that you will never amount to anything because of a rare congenital birth defect.
What you can do to get into a top 10 law school even when you dropped out of high school.
Why it’s important to provide emotional support to your partner when you have young kids.
How to make career pivots into different industries, markets, and locations, including going from being a lawyer to a product manager and moving from Asia to the US.
The importance of being intentional about your career adding value to you and not staying too long.

Since the podcast was recorded, Michael has transitioned from VP of Dapper Labs to Chief Legal Officer at Aalyria.

Mention this podcast and connect with Michael at www.linkedin.com/in/priorart.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you wondering how you can make a change in your career? And you’re wondering how to get started? Richard shares:

What helped him to make big career changes from being an engineer to being a lawyer and then working in-house with Pixar, Lucasfilms, and Disney.
How he managed life as a working dad with two young kids during the pandemic.
The importance of balancing risk factors when there’s no clear answer, and how to counsel non-attorney clients.
His #1 advice for people who want to make career transitions by leveraging their networks.
What it’s like to work on films that are inclusive of Asian American stories, including Turning Red.
How to turn your failures into teachable moments.

Mention this podcast and connect with Richard at www.linkedin.com/in/richard-guo-1b4132a.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Have you experienced failure in your career? And you’re struggling with how to pick yourself up? Tyler shares:

How he navigated corporate America as a Black man growing up with Caribbean culture in Brooklyn.
What he did as a father during the pandemic to support his wife and children.
How he overcame the odds of landing a Big Law job after graduation when he received a “no offer” after his 2L summer internship.
Why crying helped him work through feeling depressed from his career setback and how he picked himself back up.
How his motto of when the door closes, find a window that’s open helped him to land new opportunities.
What getting rejected taught him about being proactive in getting feedback, finding mentors, and being kind to those who work for him.
What he did to put himself in a position to land his first in-house role and how he made career pivots.
Why it’s OK to not be OK, and the importance of asking for help.

Mention this podcast and connect with Tyler at www.linkedin.com/in/tylergarvey.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you feeling uncertain about the world? And you’re trying to figure out how to ground yourself? Martha shares:

How she navigated the uncertainty of the DACA process to renew her work permit every 2 years.
What she learned from being undocumented and how she leverages it to create more inclusion in corporate America.
How she landed a job in finance, marketing, and product development without experience.
What she did during a conference to network her way to get an interview and job offer.
Why she decided to leave California for Ohio to start a new life and career.

Connect with Martha at www.linkedin.com/in/marthajhernandez.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you a mom who is running your own business? And you’re struggling to balance work and life? Winter shares:

How she started her business during the pandemic.
What she did to get through the tough times.
What snapping at her son made her realize about managing her work and life.
The importance of advocating for yourself, especially as a mom.
Why we should stop buying into moms being martyrs complex.
How the secret to her success as a mediator is helping people feel their feelings and be heard.

Connect with Winter at www.linkedin.com/in/winterwheeler.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel like you’re being marginalized or othered? And you’re stuck between different cultures and generations? Neha shares how to:

Break the box and no longer leaving parts of yourself out just to get in the door.
Come to terms with being othered and marginalized.
Navigate patriarchy in Indian and American cultures.
Manage the minefield of unwritten rules in corporate America.
Overcome betrayal from a mentor.
Change the game and change the rules instead of assimilating, flying under radar, and telling people what they want to hear.
Understand the power dynamics and the importance of timing.
Respond when people ask you to work for free.
Know your value, own your value, and ask for what you deserve.

Connect with Neha at www.linkedin.com/in/nsampat and www.belonglab.com.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Are you feeling stuck in your life and career? But you’re not sure what to do? In this episode, Samorn shares:

Answers to the most commonly asked questions from working with over 1,000 clients.
Why mental health is the most important thing to having a fulfilling life and career.
What you can do to rebuild your life when it has been upended because of a mental illness like anxiety, depression, and bipolar.
How you can manage your emotions and job search after a layoff.
The number one strategy that makes the difference between a client who has a successful job search versus who isn’t.
How you can stay consistent with your job search even when you’re dealing with fear, rejection, and burnout.
Whether you should disclose your mental illness.
Why you should job search during the holidays and use the holiday season to your advantage.

Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues? And you’re wondering what are some things you can do to get better? Claire shares:

How she manages her anxiety and depression by using meditation and mindfulness.
Why it’s important to acknowledge suffering with compassion.
How she had to check her drinking during the pandemic.
How she struggled with postpartum depression and how children teach us to have more compassion and grace.
How making herself a priority led to her being a better person, mom, wife, lawyer, and friend.

Connect with Claire at www.linkedin.com/in/claireeparsons.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you have a physical or mental illness that is debilitating? And you had to figure out how to get help to recover and rebuild your life and career? Bosky shares:

How being a workaholic in tech and ascending into leadership led to her burnout.
How she had PTSD that was so bad she could barely walk or eat and could not sleep at night.
How her son asking her why she was loving him less was the turning point for her getting help.
What she did to overcome the stigma in Asian communities to get therapy and help.
What she learned about giving yourself grace and compassion as part of recovery.
Why she started PMDojo to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in tech.
What it means to find peace and happiness and have harmony in life.

Connect with Bosky at www.linkedin.com/in/bosky or www.pmdojo.me.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you a working mom who is burnt out from the pandemic? And you want resources? Jamie shares:

How she’s able to manage her work while being a mom.
Why she’s a self proclaimed constitutional law, tax law, and administrative law nerd.
What it was like to be at NASDAQ during the 2018 financial crisis.
The importance of having representative government reflecting actual constituencies that make up the community, especially during a pandemic.
How to deal with the pink tax and mom penalty.
What to do when you don’t have a village, and how to create a supportive mom community.
The importance of believing in your worth and negotiating for the value you bring.

Connect with Jamie at www.linkedin.com/in/jamieszal.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel like you’re the only (insert blank) person in the room? And you feel a sense of otherness? Valerie shares:

How getting burnt out taught her to take care of herself and embrace herself.
How she survived Big Law, is a recovering lawyer, and is now using those experiences to create inclusion and belonging.
How she understands that feeling othered is sometimes by design and sometimes by default, and how to intentionally and strategically make changes that have the greatest impact.
Why she created Black Girl Magic groups at her workplaces to uplift and embrace Black women in the company.
Why it’s important when you’re in a role where you give to others to remind yourself to give yourself love and compassion first.
The importance of taking care of your mental wellness to be able to live a good life and do good work.

Connect with Valerie at www.linkedin.com/in/vadjackson.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you wanting to make a career change? But you are afraid of it being too risky? Charlotte shares:

How she left her stable job to build her own business.
What she put in place to make sure that she can manage the risks of building a business during the pandemic.
What she did to get comfortable with selling without being predatory or icky.
Why toxic work environments can lead to physical and mental illness.
How she helps clients who think they have no options to make difficult decisions to make changes.

Connect with Charlotte at www.linkedin.com/in/charlottesmithlawyercoach.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Are you Asian American? And you feel stuck in the middle? Melissa shares:

What it’s like to grow up with parents who are Chinese Burmese.
How economic gaps cause insecurities during childhood.
The impact of being targeted by white racists had on her.
What culture means in terms of human connection during covid when connecting digitally.
Why Asian representation in American media is important to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Why it’s important to use a data driven approach to make changes in corporate America.

Connect with Melissa at www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-chan-phd-47651448.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you have debt? And you’re ashamed about it? Jen Lee shares:

How to overcome feelings of shame in debt and bankruptcy.
Why money shouldn’t be a taboo topic.
If you are struggling with money, you are not alone.
The importance of learning financial literacy to stay out of debt.
Why student loans are the hardest debt to get rid of.
How to deal with unexpected deaths.

Connect with Jen on www.linkedin.com/in/jenleelaw or listen to Debt Therapy podcast.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to become a DEI consultant? But you’re not sure what qualifications you need? Janice shares:

How she built her DEI business during the pandemic.
Why optimizing rest and scheduling time for self care and sleep is important to success.
How to learn to be your no. 1 fan.
What having a horrible first client taught her about managing her business.
How to set healthy boundaries and handle pick your brain requests.
Why self publishing is important for writers from underrepresented backgrounds because publishers are still very white.

Connect with Janice on Instagram @janicejnice and at www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to make a career change? But you’re not sure how to do it? Thomas shares:

How he made multiple career pivots from government to tech to VC.
What qualities to look for when founding a startup.
Why having a vision will help you with rejections.
How he manages his depression and suicidal ideation since age 8.
Why it’s important to not struggle in silence, and how to find support.
Why life is too short to work with a sucky team.

Since the recording, Thomas has now transitioned to be Co-founder and CSO of Derapi. Connect with Thomas on twitter @thomastlee and at linkedin.com/in/thomastlee.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you have imposter syndrome? And you’re wondering if it’ll ever go away? Rasha shares:

Why she believes imposter syndrome is not just internal doubt, but part of external factors like microaggressions.
How she found a sense of belonging in Big Law.
How to balance being a working mom and a leader at the workplace during the pandemic.
Why mentors and sponsors can make a huge difference in your career.
Why you shouldn’t opt out of positions of power.

Connect with Rasha at www.linkedin.com/in/rashagergesshields. Rasha would like our listeners to know that the views expressed in this podcast are her own and not that of any referenced organizations.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you know what you want? But you’re afraid to do it because it’s not the traditional path? Jacqueline shares:

Why she left her Big Law career for love.
What she did to allow herself to leave her lucrative legal career to pursue her startup.
How she managed rejections to build an award winning startup.
How the lessons she learned from performing with a band helped her to be a better CEO.

Connect with Jackie at www.linkedin.com/in/jackieschafer.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you know you need to prioritize your mental health? But work gets in the way? Bomani shares:

Why taking care of his mental health is his top priority.
What he was willing to sacrifice, including living on his friend’s couch.
What it’s like to be a Black founder fundraising for his startup.

Connect with Bomani at www.linkedin.com/in/bomanimintzjohnson.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to feel like you belong at work? But you haven’t been invited to the table and have been passed over for promotions? Komal shares:

How she successfully advocated for her leadership role as Chief DEI officer.
What she learned about her self worth when only the white guys were being asked out.
Why organizations need to stop blaming POC for leaving and look at changing their cultures.
How she and her team created diversity report cards for outside counsel.
How finding a mentor is like going on a blind date.

Connect with Komal at www.linkedin.com/in/komalchokshi/.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you feel drained every day? Jamie shares how to:

Set healthy boundaries.
Get clear on your values.
Build a life you want where your career is a part of it.
Decide what to do, delegate, and delete.

Connect with Jamie at www.jamiespanhake.com and www.linkedin.com/in/jamiespannhake.

To get weekly career tips, sign-up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.

Do you want to do what you love, but you’re afraid of disappointing your parents? Annalyn shares:

How she remained true to what she loves instead of what her parents expected.
How to let go of the “golden handcuffs” of security.
How to have brave conversations around sexual harassment.
How career freedom is totally possible.

Connect with Annalyn at groundedinwisdom.co.

Do you know that you’re supposed to ask your network to help you? But you don’t want to feel icky doing it? Rupa shares:

How she shared that she was interested in a role even though it was uncomfortable.
How her informational interviews led her to her dream role.
How she graciously asked her network to help get her introductions that led to job interviews.
How to make an impact even when your department is under-resourced.
How going to therapy helped her to manage her new job and life changes.

Connect with Rupa at linkedin.com/in/rupabhandari.

Are you wondering how to turn your passion into more than just a side hustle? Ruky shares:

How she found her passion for protecting intellectual property rights because she believes it’s also a form of civil rights.
Why it’s important to build generational wealth and how do you have (sometimes painful) conversations with family around finances.
How she scaled her business to over 130 clients and $500k.
How to let go of survivor’s guilt and think past surviving to thriving.

Connect with Ruky at linkedin.com/in/rukayatutijani or firmfortheculture.com.

Do you want to start your own business? But you’re scared and not sure where to start? Annie shares:

How she had an idea for her business for 7 years before getting started.
Why it’s important to have your finances in order, so that you can build a business out of inspiration and not desperation.
How she manages ADHD and postpartum depression while running her business.
How therapy has changed her life for the better and helps her show up as her best self.

Connect with Annie on TheJDNation.com or linkedin.com/in/littleannie.

Do you want to quit your high paying job? But you’re afraid you won’t be able to make ends meet? Christina shares:

How graduating during the great recession changed her career path from Big Law to social justice.
How she planned for her life to not be trapped by golden handcuffs, and moved in with her parents to save money and pay off student loans.
How she transitioned from staff to leadership and is now General Counsel.
Why asking for help from your family and coworkers is critical to career success.
How her work focuses on helping with anti-Asian hate efforts.

Connect at Advancingjustice-La.org or linkedin.com/in/christina-y-709a7412.

Did you take a break from your career? And you’re not sure how to reenter the workforce? Alice shares:

How she picked herself back up after being told she has no relevant skills because she took 15 years off to be a mom.
How creating two failed startups helped her land her dream job.
How our dreams will change, and it’s OK to acknowledge that.
How she was able to find sponsors and get reclassified and promoted from being a staff member to a professor.

Connect with Alice on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/alicearmitage.

Do you know you need to practice self care? But you’re not sure how? Aya shares:

How having bipolar made her prioritize her mental and physical wellbeing.
How she managed taking final exams while having contractions and the bar exam right after having a baby.
How having a mental illness enables her to better support her clients.
How little angels along the way helped her with her career transitions.

Connect with Aya luskin.ucla.edu/person/ayako-miyashita-ochoa.

Are you wondering how to be authentic when everyone seems to be living perfect lives on Instagram? Jim shares:

How to be true to yourself and find your vocation when the world tells you it’s not possible to do what you love.
How he captures authentic moments photographing people like President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.
How to establish trust with people who don’t know or trust you yet.

Connect with Jim at jimblock.com.

Do you feel overwhelmed? You know you need to make a change, but you’re not sure where to start? Mona (Founding Partner of Tashroudian Law Group) shares:

How mindfulness has helped her find calm in chaos.
How she uses mindfulness to serve her clients, so they’re better prepared for mediation and litigation.
How the pandemic has affected employment laws, and what employees and employers can do given new regulations.
How to let go of comparing yourself to others, and live a good life.

Connect with Mona at www.tashlawgroup.com.

Do you feel afraid to speak what’s on your mind? Do you want to find your authentic voice but you’re not sure how? Meyling “Mey” Ly Ortiz (Managing Counsel of Employment & Labor at Toyota Motor North America, Inc.) shares:

How she found her authentic voice, which helped her accelerate her career and start her blog, TheMeybe.com.
How being the daughter of refugees of the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields in Cambodia shaped her.
How going to therapy helped her to understand her needs and boundaries.
Why she co-founded the Podium, a non-profit focused on amplifying the voices of Asian American women lawyers.

Connect with Mey at linkedin.com/in/meybe or TheMeybe.com.

Do you feel like you need more passion in your life? Stephanie Wu (Senior Manager, Global Enterprise Marketing Campaigns at Coursera ) shares:

How her passion for music led to her being selected as 1 of 101 musicians for the Youtube Symphony at the Sydney Opera House and her dream job at Google.
Why she turned down a lifetime opportunity at Juilliard to pursue a Master's in cello performance from the Royal Northern College of Music.
How she manages her time as mom of 2, an assistant principal cellist for the Berkeley Symphony, and a senior manager at Coursera.

Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/stephaniewu2 or watch her Ted Talk at youtube/s3VkOywR3as.

Are you feeling stuck in your career? Do you want to be promoted, but you’re not sure how? Jacqueline Lee (Vice President & General Counsel of Flynn Restaurant Group) shares:

How knowing her worth that she deserves to be valued and respected has given her courage to set healthy boundaries.
Why finding a sponsor early on in her career accelerated her career growth.
What qualities she had as a protege that made sponsors give her opportunities.
How she recognizes her privilege of passing as white has helped her life and career.
When to ask for support so that you can find work-life harmony.

Connect with Jacqeline on LinkedIn at .linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-lee-a138154.

During the pandemic, did you struggle with what your life’s purpose is? Did you have to make hard decisions, and think you couldn’t recover? Winnie Yee-Lakhani (Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque) shares:

How she made the hard decision to layoff 50 employees during the pandemic.
How she bounced back and started Smoke Queen Barbeque combining her passion for smoking with her Asian heritage.
How she handles haters who tell her she doesn’t know what she’s doing because she’s a woman and/or smoking using Asian style is wrong.
How she got featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The New York Times, and Eater LA organically with Instagram and TikTok without a PR team.

Connect with Winnie at www.smokequeenbbq.com or on Instagram @smokequeenbbq.

PS - Winnie is also on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl, which premiered on Monday, May 9, 2022.

Do you have a feeling that you don’t belong? And you’re not sure what to do with your different identities? Dr. Noel Ramirez (Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an AAPI mental health group mental health resource center, shares:

How reading a memoir transformed him and gave him the courage to change his life and career.
How being a dancer at a gay Asian night club informed his work as a social worker and therapist.
How he learned that confronting shame and vulnerability is part of the healing journey.

Connect with Noel on Instagram @Dr.noel.mango.tree and www.mangotreecc.com.

Have you struggled with addiction? And you know this is how you want to live, but you’re not sure how to make a change? Leigh Steinberg (real-life inspiration for Oscar-winning Jerry McGuire & Chairman of Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment Holdings) shares:

How being a dorm counselor of a football rookie led to him representing the first pick of the NFL draft when he was a new lawyer.
How he rebuilt his life and career after addiction and how he uses his experience to support young athletes to prioritize their mental wellness.
How he negotiates with integrity and teaches this to younger generations of sports agents through his educational courses at Steinbergsports.com.

Connect with Leigh at linkedin.com/in/lesteinberg and steinbergsports.com.

Do you feel burnt out and need time off? But you’re afraid employers will see it as a red flag? Lisa Chin (Intellectual Property Leader & Lawyer at Fortune 500 Company) shares:

Why she took a year off to travel and explore what she really wanted from her career.
How being candid about why she took time off resulted in her getting an offer.
How she realized her specialty was not a good fit for her, and pivoted into another area.

Connect with Lisa on linkedin.com/in/lisajchin and instagram @Iampandathedog.

Do you have a mental illness and you’re afraid it’s ruined your life? Rohan Kallicharan (Director of People & Talent of Carbon Clean) shares:

How he has bipolar disorder, survived multiple suicide attempts, and became an advocate for mental health.
How after being diagnosed and getting help, he had to relearn to do the basics like holding down a job.
How he used what he learned from his mental illness to successfully built his career from nothing to being a leader.

Connect with Rohan at linkedin.com/in/rakallicharan, run-with-perseverance.co.uk, and Twitter @ro_jito.

Do you know what you’re doing is not the right fit for you? But you’re afraid to leave? Sarah Cottrell, founder of Former Lawyer, shares:

How she paid off her student loans and left the practice of law.
How she had a dream to build her business for 8 years, and why she finally did it.
How narcissism is built into workplaces, and how you can spot and leave a toxic work environment.

Connect with Sarah at formerlawyer.com.

Are you in a career that is a bad fit with your skills? But you’re not sure how to transition to something that is a better fit? Alex Su shares:

How he used out of the box strategies to get into a top 14 law school with a GPA lower than 2.9.
How he decided to leave the practice of law to start over in tech sales.
How he went against conventional wisdom and leveraged LinkedIn and TikTok to build his reputation and land his current role.

Connect with Alex at linkedin.com/in/alexander-su or alexofftherecord.com.

Are you wondering how you can be happy in your life and career? Don De Leon shares:

Why it’s important to take care of your own mental health and be your own advocate.
How the death of his coworker changed the course of his life and career.
How pursuing his hobbies keeps him grounded.

Connect with Don on linkedin.com/in/don-de-leon-2b01a34.

Do you want to create a more inclusive environment but you don’t know how to start? Amy Bartow-Melia shares:

Why the first step to creating a more inclusive environment is listening to the community.
How assessing and implementing new hiring practices and office guidelines can attract more diverse candidates.
How to evaluate whose stories are told in art and museums to ensure that there is representation from diverse communities.

Connect with Amy at linkedin.com/in/bartowmelia or on Instagram @bartowmelia.

Do you want to build a career in human rights, but you don’t know where to even begin? Lindsay Harris shares:

How she built her career in human rights focused on supporting refugees, including those from Afghanistan.
How to create trauma informed training for students and practitioners and why it’s important to take care of our mental health.
How she found her own voice and gives herself grace when others don’t like what she has to say.

Connect with Lindsay at linkedin.com/in/lindsay-m-harris-4737474 on Twitter @Prof_LMHarris.

Do you know you have a dream in mind, but have been told it’s not possible? Frankie Reed (former Ambassador of Fiji and the surrounding region and career member of the U.S. Foreign Service) shares:

How she forged her own path into human rights and being appointed to ambassador even though she was told it won’t happen.
How she turned a crisis turned into an opportunity that accelerated her career.
What she believes it the future of democracy, especially given what’s going on in Ukraine.

Connect with Frankie on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/frankie-reed-07b0865b.

Do you wonder what intersectionality means and how to embrace it in your life and career? Donna Vivar shares:

How to bring all of your identities to your life and work.
How racism and colonialism impacts our identity.
How to navigate strategic change at large institutions.

Connect with Donna at linkedin.com/in/dvivar.

Do you know that you’re meant for something else, but you’re afraid to take that next step? Kate Sullivan shares:

How to keep going for your dreams by telling new stories.
Why the idea of “no hope” is a lie; instead dwell on possibilities.
How to accept that rejection is part of success.

Connect with Kate on Instagram @ToDineForTV.

Are you feeling burnt out, but you’re not sure what to do about it? Kony Kim shares:

Why she decided to take a break from therapy school.
How her break helped her heal from past trauma.
What she learned from her break.

After her break, Kony recently joined an Oakland-based nonprofit called The Ahimsa Collective, where she works with some of her former clients as teammates. Connect with Kony at linkedin.com/in/konykim.

Have you been told that you don’t belong? Dr. Gomez shares:

How she continued her doctorate program even though several professors told her she didn’t belong.
How one professor believing in her changed the course of her life.
How to trust yourself in a world that dehumanizes you.

Connect with Dr. Gomez at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-gomez-8a4a2615/.

Are you or someone you know struggling with your mental health? And you don’t know where to start to get help.

Lauren Tetenbaum (Psychotherapist and Lawyer) shares:

How you can give yourself more grace.
How to find the right therapist for you.
Why there’s power in you sharing your story.

Connect with Lauren at www.latcounseling.com or on instagram @thecounselaur.

Are you a first generation professional who wants to build a great reputation and strong network?

Dyanna Volek shares:

How to build a stellar reputation and get featured on The New York Times and CNN and get referrals to jobs you love.
How passion planning can help you reach your goals, like finding your soulmate.
How we can say no graciously, so we can focus on our goals.

Connect with at Dyannaluna.wordpress.com and Instagram @dyannaluna.

Do you want to make a career pivot, but you struggle with how to get started? Heather Stevenson of the Boston Globe Media Partner shares:

How to leverage your network to get an introduction for new jobs.
How to show that your past work experience in a different industry is transferable to the role you desire.
How to show your value and get hired for your dream role.

Connect with Heather at linkedin.com/in/heatherlstevenson or Twitter @HL_Stevenson.

Are you afraid that you don’t have what it takes to build your dream career?

Olga Mack, who came to the US as an immigrant, shares:

-Why you need to let go of perfectionism and embrace your authentic typos.

-How technology is a very sharp knife that can be used to kill or cure.

-What women can do to build community and propel each other forward.

Connect with Olga at www.linkedin.com/in/olgamack.

Are the holidays bringing up past traumas?

Angela Han shares:

How to recognize your trauma response.
How to accept both the parts you like and don't like about yourself.
How to forgive yourself.

Connect with Angela at www.angela-han.com or www.linkedin.com/in/itsangelahan.

Did the pandemic make you rethink your life’s purpose?

Tammy Dain (Co-founder of Rabble) shares:

How to continue to do the work you love not in spite of (but because of) all the challenging things going on in the world.
Why your appetite for risk determines your success.
How to help people with compassion.

Connect with Tammy at www.rabblerecruiting.com and linkedin.com/in/tammydain.

Do you struggle to make decisions?

Michelle Florendo (Host of Ask A Decision Engineer Podcast) shares:

The 3 part framework to making any decision.
Why you always have the power to make a decision.
How to consistently make good decisions.

Connect with Michelle at www.michelleflorendo.com or www.askadecisionengineer.com.

Are you feeling hopeless because of race relations in America?

Antonio Ingram (Assistant Counsel at the NAACP LDF) discusses how:

To have hope, especially after the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.
As the descendants of slaves, he is able to clerk for two Black federal judges and make law and policy.
To escape being an indentured servant in corporate America by not being afraid of poverty, and focusing on happiness.

Connect with Antonio on Twitter @antonioingram and LinkedIn.

Have you ever wondered how can you still maintain hope when you’re facing insurmountable discrimination and hate?

Lisa Mak (Attorney at Minami Tamaki and incoming President the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area) shares how:

Discrimination can cause you to lose your sense of self.
To fight anti-Asian hate by choosing to speak up.
During this pandemic, we have the ability to choose joy.

Connect with Lisa at linkedin.com/in/lisapmak and minamitamaki.com.

Have you ever wondered whether you should speak up?

Jill Wesley addresses:

Why we code switch.
How we can find our authentic voice.
When and how to speak up.

You’ll walk away with Jill’s 5-step framework and be prepared to make your voice heard.

Connect with Jill at www.sciencesoulspeaking.com or www.linkedin.com/in/jillwesleyprospeaker.