I had a fascinating week. I had dialogs around diversity with 3 intelligent and successful employees, each needing support on how to be successful in Silicon Valley. One conversation was with a non-American white male employee regarding his polite soft-spoken style that doesn't come aggressive enough in Silicon Valley. Another with a female employee regarding how she can be perceived as intimidating because she's a strong successful leader. And another with an Asian female employee who asked me to mentor her so she can show up as a confident leader in Silicon Valley.
As I reflect on my week, I wonder if these are common dialogs in the workplace or I happen to draw more of these conversations because I'm a minority in the workplace. I remember when High Tech companies decided to engage in offshore software development, a lot of attention was given to cultural diversity. We openly discussed it, recognized the differences and worked through them. 20+ years later, high tech industry is a lot more diverse not only because of the extensive global workforce, but also because Silicon Valley itself has more diversity. It gives a perception that we're past diversity issues. The truth is, we now work with people from diverse background but not always appreciate or incorporate the differences. Instead, we expect people from diverse background to adopt what success looks like in Silicon Valley.
The truth is, I don't think I've got this down perfectly either. What I learned is that success comes from awareness and working through them. I leverage my strength, overcome my weakness and tailor them to the 'audience' around me. When we do formal presentations, we often say that we should know our audience and present our ideas appropriately. This is my rule of thumb, whether I'm doing a presentation or interfacing with colleagues. Because I'm an Asian Female, I have certain traits and tendencies which I leverage or tone down based on my environment. For example, I let my natural tendency to be humble when I'm interfacing Asian colleagues. Where there's success, we know that there's a strong team behind it without explicitly calling them out. If I have an opinion, I don't need to assert myself because someone will ask for my input. As I started my career in the U.S., I realized that this style didn't help me or the team because we'll just get unrecognized. I adjusted so that the teams are explicitly recognized with business success. I also learned to speak my mind openly and clearly. Meanwhile, I learned to solicit input from my Asian or female colleagues who may not share their opinion unless they're asked. One of the women I mentored last year, shared that she's now more respected by her colleagues and manager because she is now expressing her opinions instead of holding them back. Imagine the great ideas that could have been suppressed or talent being wasted because of the cultural differences. We can't afford diversity to hold us back. We need every valuable idea on the table for economic growth.
On a personal level, I truly love the diverse workforce in which I work. I pick up on great attributes that come with each person I interface: keeping my zen during the time of stress, ensuring I value my friends and family instead of getting too focused on work, or keeping a great sense of humor (especially the British humour!). Diversity makes my life so much more interesting and makes me a better person.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Sunday, July 26, 2015
The courage to be unique
I had a fabulous deep tissue massage therapy yesterday. It ended up being a deep dialog too as my massage therapist talked about his dream of one day owning his business. He's so good at body work, that I asked him what's stopping him. I gasped when he shared the challenges he faces as an African American male getting into the massage industry. His family opposed to his career and the industry isn't kind to him. He is another person who takes the courage to be unique to pursue one's passion.
And then I reflected on how I never thought about his challenges and strengths, even though I'm his repeat customer. Shame on me because as an Asian female working in Silicon Valley, I face a good dose of stereotypes too. When I go to technology industry events, I'm usually asked if I'm in sales or communication. I was reminded that it's hard to see the world through someone else's lens without the same experience. The best we can do is seek to understand and take steps to promote diversity.
So here's one perspective as an Asian female executive in Silicon Valley. Breaking through stereotypes and pursing one's own career is hard enough in the U.S. It's harder in other countries, which matters greatly because many of us work with global teams. Over the years, many female engineers shared that I'm the only female leader they've ever had, and such opportunity doesn't exist in their country. I'm impressed by the courage and strength these women have, for entering into a male dominated engineering field knowing their career advancement may be limited unless they really pushed to break through these barriers. And pushing isn't easy. When I asked one female engineer about an article I read, that 30% of the women are raped in her country, she responded "at least". She educated me that there are too many undocumented incidents that don't show up in statistics. I've had female engineers tell me that their female relatives were burned to death in 'kitchen accidents' for not following social obedience. Pursuing careers can be a life or death decision for some of these women.
Regardless of gender, colour or national origin, it's these courageous people taking bold steps that get us towards diversity. I have male colleagues who were refugees and female colleagues who risked their lives to be where they are today. They bring great perspective in life and dedication to their work. I truly believe that this type of diversity in the workplace reflects the true world we live in, make our products better and ultimately grow our business.
I hope this blog gives some perspective to people who may not have thought about the courage many people take to pursue their passion. We don't want special treatment. We just want to be treated equally. And for those of us taking these bold steps, please keep going. Know that you're not alone and that you're helping us get to a diverse workplace.
I look forward to a day when people ask me what I do instead of assuming what I do. And for my massage therapist to have his own successful business.
And then I reflected on how I never thought about his challenges and strengths, even though I'm his repeat customer. Shame on me because as an Asian female working in Silicon Valley, I face a good dose of stereotypes too. When I go to technology industry events, I'm usually asked if I'm in sales or communication. I was reminded that it's hard to see the world through someone else's lens without the same experience. The best we can do is seek to understand and take steps to promote diversity.
So here's one perspective as an Asian female executive in Silicon Valley. Breaking through stereotypes and pursing one's own career is hard enough in the U.S. It's harder in other countries, which matters greatly because many of us work with global teams. Over the years, many female engineers shared that I'm the only female leader they've ever had, and such opportunity doesn't exist in their country. I'm impressed by the courage and strength these women have, for entering into a male dominated engineering field knowing their career advancement may be limited unless they really pushed to break through these barriers. And pushing isn't easy. When I asked one female engineer about an article I read, that 30% of the women are raped in her country, she responded "at least". She educated me that there are too many undocumented incidents that don't show up in statistics. I've had female engineers tell me that their female relatives were burned to death in 'kitchen accidents' for not following social obedience. Pursuing careers can be a life or death decision for some of these women.
Regardless of gender, colour or national origin, it's these courageous people taking bold steps that get us towards diversity. I have male colleagues who were refugees and female colleagues who risked their lives to be where they are today. They bring great perspective in life and dedication to their work. I truly believe that this type of diversity in the workplace reflects the true world we live in, make our products better and ultimately grow our business.
I hope this blog gives some perspective to people who may not have thought about the courage many people take to pursue their passion. We don't want special treatment. We just want to be treated equally. And for those of us taking these bold steps, please keep going. Know that you're not alone and that you're helping us get to a diverse workplace.
I look forward to a day when people ask me what I do instead of assuming what I do. And for my massage therapist to have his own successful business.
Friday, July 17, 2015
The courage to promote and embrace diversity
I had mixed feelings about this article that came out last week.
http://thediplomat.com/2015/07/poll-japanese-women-dont-want-to-lead/
Given its declining population, the Japanese government is trying to encourage more diversity in the workplace. Finally! But there’s deep rooted culture that is getting in the way.
Growing up in a traditional Japanese household, I was constantly reminded to “behave like a girl”. My mother bought me dolls and pretty dresses but they collected dust. She genuinely thought I’d like them but I preferred being on my bike. I never had interest in fashion. It was only a few years ago that a friend said “there are clothing stores outside of REI (outdoor activity store)”. I never got into hair and make up. The only reason we have a hair dryer in our house is because one of our guests asked for one. Instead, I loved reading Encyclopedia (remember those?) and loved technology! After all, I come from a country that invented Washlet, which is “the world’s most sophisticated toilet” according to the Guinness World Records. So, I turned out to be a jeans and gadget loving tomboy. I still ride my bike, don’t know how to do my hair, have more male friends than female friends and work in a male dominated Silicon Valley. This tomboy doesn’t look good in a kimono and it’s OK.
Compared to Japan, U.S. promotes more gender equality but we still apply gender sterotypes. And this starts at an early age. But what if we each take one step to unleash each child’s potential, regardless of gender? What if we gave legos to girls, just like we do to boys? Perhaps these girls may turn into architects or engineers. One of my friends takes his daughter out on off road jeep rides. She works on her jeep herself. Perhaps she will end up being a mechanical or electrical engineer.
I once heard that children’s brains are like sponges, so the worst thing we can do is to limit their potential. I think we should give them the same opportunities to explore and find solutions. These analytical and problem solving skills are valuable regardless of their future career. And certainly helps in STEM.
Next time my niece asks for a necklace as a gift, I’m going to suggest something else she might like. Perhaps a perfume making kit where we can explore chemistry together?
http://thediplomat.com/2015/07/poll-japanese-women-dont-want-to-lead/
Given its declining population, the Japanese government is trying to encourage more diversity in the workplace. Finally! But there’s deep rooted culture that is getting in the way.
Growing up in a traditional Japanese household, I was constantly reminded to “behave like a girl”. My mother bought me dolls and pretty dresses but they collected dust. She genuinely thought I’d like them but I preferred being on my bike. I never had interest in fashion. It was only a few years ago that a friend said “there are clothing stores outside of REI (outdoor activity store)”. I never got into hair and make up. The only reason we have a hair dryer in our house is because one of our guests asked for one. Instead, I loved reading Encyclopedia (remember those?) and loved technology! After all, I come from a country that invented Washlet, which is “the world’s most sophisticated toilet” according to the Guinness World Records. So, I turned out to be a jeans and gadget loving tomboy. I still ride my bike, don’t know how to do my hair, have more male friends than female friends and work in a male dominated Silicon Valley. This tomboy doesn’t look good in a kimono and it’s OK.
Compared to Japan, U.S. promotes more gender equality but we still apply gender sterotypes. And this starts at an early age. But what if we each take one step to unleash each child’s potential, regardless of gender? What if we gave legos to girls, just like we do to boys? Perhaps these girls may turn into architects or engineers. One of my friends takes his daughter out on off road jeep rides. She works on her jeep herself. Perhaps she will end up being a mechanical or electrical engineer.
I once heard that children’s brains are like sponges, so the worst thing we can do is to limit their potential. I think we should give them the same opportunities to explore and find solutions. These analytical and problem solving skills are valuable regardless of their future career. And certainly helps in STEM.
Next time my niece asks for a necklace as a gift, I’m going to suggest something else she might like. Perhaps a perfume making kit where we can explore chemistry together?
The courage to define our own success
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting interns exploring a career in technology. Their energy was infectious and I really enjoyed our conversations. But it was disappointing to hear several of the female interns mention I was the only female leader they met in an Engineering discipline …. I decided to share my story if it can help another female entering into a professional world. My hope is that with enough women helping each other, we can make a difference.
I am a native of Japan and grew up with very traditional values. My mother was a homemaker and my father was a business man. During our meals, my mother would serve him. He used to say men didn’t belong in the kitchen and send me to help my mom with cooking and cleaning, but my brother was spared because he was a boy. I love my parents dearly, but it used to bother me to no end that my brother and I were differentiated due to gender.
Twenty years ago, Japanese women’s success was measured by the success of the husband they married. Some women got a job but most jobs were limited to secretarial jobs. There was an expectation that they would get married and quit their jobs in their 20s. While it is perfectly admirable to be a homemaker, it wasn’t a path I wanted to take. So I decided to move to the U.S. to attend a University and pursue my career. Initially, my friends and family were supportive of my career. As I got into my late 20s and into my 30s, they started to worry and pressure me to get married. They would ask why I needed to work, and why I wasn’t married to a nice man who would take care of me. Several times, my parents suggested that I return back home to Japan so they can help me find a nice husband.
I think women have so much cultural pressure to overcome. Many of us come from traditional family values that can conflict with having a career. This is in addition to the social pressure to be young and beautiful. I had one female executive tell me that I should take care of my grey hair. “Grey on men is distinguished. But on women, it shows you can’t take care of yourself.” This cultural pressure was the hardest to overcome in my career. It challenged my core identity.
My biggest lesson learned was to define my own success, and be comfortable with it. I hope that many of our up and coming talent will not be held back by cultural pressure and build their own success.
I am a native of Japan and grew up with very traditional values. My mother was a homemaker and my father was a business man. During our meals, my mother would serve him. He used to say men didn’t belong in the kitchen and send me to help my mom with cooking and cleaning, but my brother was spared because he was a boy. I love my parents dearly, but it used to bother me to no end that my brother and I were differentiated due to gender.
Twenty years ago, Japanese women’s success was measured by the success of the husband they married. Some women got a job but most jobs were limited to secretarial jobs. There was an expectation that they would get married and quit their jobs in their 20s. While it is perfectly admirable to be a homemaker, it wasn’t a path I wanted to take. So I decided to move to the U.S. to attend a University and pursue my career. Initially, my friends and family were supportive of my career. As I got into my late 20s and into my 30s, they started to worry and pressure me to get married. They would ask why I needed to work, and why I wasn’t married to a nice man who would take care of me. Several times, my parents suggested that I return back home to Japan so they can help me find a nice husband.
I think women have so much cultural pressure to overcome. Many of us come from traditional family values that can conflict with having a career. This is in addition to the social pressure to be young and beautiful. I had one female executive tell me that I should take care of my grey hair. “Grey on men is distinguished. But on women, it shows you can’t take care of yourself.” This cultural pressure was the hardest to overcome in my career. It challenged my core identity.
My biggest lesson learned was to define my own success, and be comfortable with it. I hope that many of our up and coming talent will not be held back by cultural pressure and build their own success.
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