Jeanny Chai is an entrepreneur, coach, and cancer survivor. She’s inspired hundreds of women to break free from unfulfilling jobs and relationships. But she wasn’t always this way. In this exclusive interview she talks about how she went from a scared loner kid to a powerful leadership coach. 

Childhood Pressures and Shaping of Mindset

Growing up, Jeanny was always under pressure to achieve. Sound familiar? In episode 3 of her podcast, Asians Breaking Ceilings, she shares the expectations her parents placed on her.  “Oh, you’re going to be a doctor.” 

She lived under constant pressure to be perfect. “I was called careless when I missed math problems and my parents were displeased. I got disapproval and felt like a burden whenever I made mistakes, like spilling milk or getting sick. I felt like I had to be perfect to avoid anyone getting mad at me.”

You don’t need anyone’s permission, apology, validation, or approval for you to make the transition from unfulfilled to living your leadership potential.

Jeanny Chai

Her Battle with Cancer and Path to Transformation

As an adult she was free from her parents but then cancer got her. Her doctor told her that she had 3 tumors, stress-induced. Her reaction? “ashamed, scared, angry and then finally hopeful.” Despite cancer being a shitty experience, she had HOPE. How? 

Hope came when she realized that she was allowed to ask for help. It wasn’t her job to suffer alone in silence. She had managed to handle all the other stressors in her life alone, but this one was too much for her – and that was okay. For the first time ever, Jeanny learned asking for help was not a sign of failure or weakness. This theme would return later on.

A Glimmer of Hope in Solitude

Cancer threw Jeanny’s life and routine out the window. Yet the hardest part wasn’t the physical pain – it was the overwhelming sense of loneliness she experienced. Unable to have visitors, she was profoundly isolated, physically and emotionally. She shares, “When you are under so much medication, your days and nights mesh together and you get lost in your own thoughts,”

But in that time of sadness, Jeanny felt a glimmer of hope. One day, she heard a loud voice that declared, “You are already good enough.” The unexpected declaration left her in a state of awe. 

Jeanny had never entertained such a notion about herself before; this was a pivotal moment.  She kept repeating this idea to herself for the next few years, and that’s when she started to feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of her life. This also marked the starting point of her business, Bamboo Myth.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

After casually beating cancer, Jeanny embarked on a five-year journey of self-discovery.

“When I got sick, I was no longer focused on becoming the next Elon Musk or landing a job at the next unicorn start-up in Silicon Valley. Instead, I bought myself an electric piano and an acoustic guitar.  Later I bought a saxophone and ukulele and I gave myself voice lessons. I bought myself a baby rabbit, who was my bedside companion during my chemotherapy treatment. I remembered that I loved music, singing, and animals and learned to create my own happiness,” she shared.

With cancer showing her that life was short, Jeanny decided to leave the corporate world and start her own business, pursuing purpose instead of promotions. 

“Asians Breaking Ceilings” Podcast

Fast forward a few years and her business is thriving. She speaks about the Bamboo Ceiling at Fortune 500 companies and major conferences. 

She also runs a 12-week coaching program called “Live Your Leadership Potential,” and has coached over 300 Asian women, bringing “life-changing” results. Her program centers on 2 core principles that help women regain confidence, energy, and agency.

She teaches that what’s needed isn’t communication strategies, but permission to speak without guilt or shame. Once women overcome this barrier, their natural leadership abilities and newfound confidence are allowed to shine.

The best part? Jeanny emphasizes that this mindshift set doesn’t require years of therapy or yoga; all it takes is a focused approach to transform from burnout to happiness.

Now she is making these cultural-specific leadership strategies available to everyone,  through her podcast. In it, she shares a powerful new definition of success. 

“Confidence, assertiveness, and happiness are an inside job. So my new definition of success is this: Being able to decide, create, and ask for what you want in your career and life. And my podcast is designed exactly to do just that,” Jeanny shared.

Advice for Those with Similar Struggles

Did you resonate with any of this? Jeanny has the the following advice for individuals who struggle with people-pleasing, fear, or lack of self-compassion:

First, you must stop stuffing your feelings and coping by working harder and harder. Realize that you don’t need anyone’s permission, apology, validation, or approval for you to make the transition from unfulfilled to living your leadership potential.  

Stop getting more certifications and degrees to fill that feeling of “not being enough.”

Listen to my podcast! Start with Episode 1 and let yourself feel again. Many of us have numbed out our emotions so we can handle and cope with all the stress but this is the opposite of what we need to do to begin the transformation. 

Find a safe person (therapist, coach) and tell them your story. As Brene Brown says, shame thrives in silence. That’s why I’m paving the way by speaking up so others can speak up and be transformed for good.

And take this FREE assessment that I’ve created just for Asian Americans. It helps you identify in just under 5 minutes what is your biggest roadblock to success:

https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/5daf9bbeb77a6e0014e41210

There is personal advice emailed to you based on your quiz results. 

CONNECT WITH JEANNY CHAI

Instagram: @jeannychai

Linkedin: Jeanny Chai

Twitter: @bamboomyth

Facebook: Bamboo Myth

Website (Bamboo Myth): bamboomyth.com

Website (Podcast): asiansbreakingceilings.com

In the world of entrepreneurship, age knows no boundaries, and Oliver Noe (age 13) and Archer Noe (age 9) are perfect examples of this.

Sons of John Noe, CEO of Yobo Soju, these young talents are crafting their own path to success. We have previously featured John Noe and Yobo Soju in one of our articles titled “This Grape-Based Soju Brand Is Here To Empower Asian-American Spirits.”

Today, we turn our attention to the promising endeavors of Oliver and Archer as they share their inspiring journey in bringing the Maine Catch card game to life.

Finding Inspiration in Lobsters and Art

When asked about the source of their inspiration, the brothers responded with youthful exuberance, “We’re just two young, lobster-obsessed kids hoping to make our game a reality.” 

Their spark of creativity was ignited during a visit to Maine, where they stumbled upon a lobster shack that introduced them to the captivating world of rare lobsters and lobster collecting. Merging these newfound passions with their love for art, the concept of Maine Catch was born.

Navigating Challenges and Staying on Course

Like many creative minds, Oliver and Archer faced challenges on their journey. They openly admitted, “We often get sidetracked.”

Distractions can be a hurdle for entrepreneurs of any age, and learning to stay focused is a valuable skill they are honing.

“Our mission is to create a card game that people can enjoy. This achievement wouldn’t just be ours; it would inspire Asian children worldwide who dream of becoming entrepreneurs.”

Oliver and Archer Noe

Celebrating Artistic Achievements

Despite their age and the challenge of getting sidetracked, these young entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable milestones.

They take immense pride in the fact that all the art featured in Maine Catch is hand-drawn, meticulously refined on the computer, and masterfully shaded in. They have designed and created over 20 unique cards for the game.

Balancing School and Chores with Entrepreneurship

Beyond their entrepreneurial pursuits, Oliver and Archer are just like any other kids their age. While they are blazing a trail in the world of entrepreneurship, these young entrepreneurs still embrace their roles as students and household chore-doers.

Introducing Maine Catch

Oliver and Archer’s passion for game creation has been a lifelong journey, encompassing both imaginary adventures and tangible projects. Lately, their focus has shifted towards card games, with Maine Catch being their most ambitious and promising endeavor yet. It’s evident that their dedication to refining their skills is paying off with this exciting project.

Empowering Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked about their mission and vision for Maine Catch, the young entrepreneurs shared, “Our mission is to create a card game that people can enjoy. This achievement wouldn’t just be ours; it would inspire Asian children worldwide who dream of becoming entrepreneurs.” 

Their aspirations extend beyond their own success as they aim to empower the Asian community and inspire young minds to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.

Oliver and Archer Noe are setting a remarkable example of youthful determination and creativity in the world of entrepreneurship. Their journey from lobster shacks to designing a unique card game, Maine Catch, is an inspiring testament to the power of imagination and passion.

As they continue to grow and develop their entrepreneurial skills, they are not only achieving their dreams but also paving the way for aspiring young Asian entrepreneurs worldwide. We look forward to seeing Maine Catch make waves in the gaming world and the positive impact these young talents will have on their community.

SUPPORT OLIVER AND ARCHER

Website: mainecatchgame.com

Taufeek Shah, the Founder and CEO of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, embodies a story that celebrates both multiculturalism and the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next.

Taufeek’s unique background, growing up with a Filipino mother and a Pakistani father who were immigrants, provided him with a rich tapestry of cultural influences. This upbringing laid the foundation for his culinary journey.

Taufeek’s parents arrived in the U.S. with dreams of a better life, despite limited resources. His father served in the military, while his mother established a medical practice in rural Northeast Iowa. Technically raised in small-town Iowa, Taufeek’s life was deeply influenced by three distinct cultures—Filipino, Pakistani, and American.

They aptly named their business “Lola’s,” a heartfelt tribute to Taufeek’s mother and a nod to the Tagalog term for grandmother.

Delightful Blend of Flavors

Taufeek’s culinary adventure was inspired by the delicious meals he savored at home. The fusion of Filipino and Pakistani flavors, combined with the locally grown peppers from Iowa farmers, crafted a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience. This delightful blend of flavors ignited Taufeek’s vision to share these flavors with the world by bottling them.

A Humble Beginning

Taufeek’s venture into the business world began during his career in the financial services sector. He introduced his mother’s homemade hot sauce at office gatherings, and it became an immediate sensation. Encouraged by the enthusiastic feedback, he persuaded his mother to join him in sharing their family’s hot sauce with a broader audience.

Their entrepreneurial journey commenced with humble beginnings, starting at pop-up locations and farmer’s markets. As their loyal customer base expanded, Taufeek’s confidence in building a successful enterprise grew. They aptly named their business “Lola’s,” a heartfelt tribute to Taufeek’s mother and a nod to the Tagalog term for grandmother.

The Recipe for Success

The secret to Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce’s success was their dedication to preserving the original recipe. Taufeek took on multiple roles, from investor to CEO, marketer, and even delivery driver, to propel their brand forward. They started by supplying restaurants and gradually expanded into retail outlets, gaining a foothold across the nation.

Today, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce is available in over 14,000 locations, a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and taste.

First-Ever National Asian-Filipino-Owned Hot Sauce Brand

The mission of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce is to provide a truly unique hot sauce for everyone to enjoy. Their hot sauce is made from the freshest ingredients and includes a blend of the world’s most unique peppers for a delectable experience. Their sauces are meant to enhance your dishes with delightful flavor, not just intense heat.

Their recent milestone of landing in over 3,600 Walgreens stores across the country makes them the first-ever national Asian-Filipino-owned hot sauce brand in the United States.

The legacy of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce extends far beyond being a mere condiment. It serves as a symbol of family heritage, the fusion of diverse cultures, and the realization of the American dream.

CONNECT WITH LOLA’S FINE HOT SAUCE

Instagram: @LolasFineHotSauce 

Website: lolasfinehotsauce.com