Eric Toda shares his experiences with discrimination and violence, the pressure of parental expectations, struggles with identity in a predominantly white town, discovering purpose and family legacy, awakening to advocacy, embracing identity and overcoming doubts, the power of being helpful and having an abundant mindset, supporting diverse communities and the evolution of American businesses, and the reach and impact of their work and the importance of finding support.
Advocating for your community and standing against hate are crucial in professional circles.
Unity and collective action among minority communities can bridge understanding and combat discrimination.
Embracing an abundance mindset and promoting diversity lead to success and progress in corporate settings.
Deep dives
Eric Toda's Journey and Advocacy for the AAPI Community
Eric Toda, an executive at Meta and a vocal advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, shares his personal journey and experiences with discrimination and parental expectations. He discusses the impact of his grandfather's involvement in the US Army during World War II and how it inspired him to speak up for his community. Toda also highlights the importance of education and understanding shared histories to foster unity among different ethnic communities. His courage in speaking out has led to the launch of Metaprosper, an organization supporting AAPI small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Power of Unity and Collective Action
Toda emphasizes the importance of unity and collective action among minority communities, particularly in the face of discrimination and racism. He acknowledges the unfortunate instances of violence committed against Asian Americans by members of the black community, but highlights the need for education and shared history to bridge understanding and foster collaboration. Toda believes that celebrating the diverse experiences and contributions of different ethnic communities enriches the fabric of American society.
Overcoming Scarcity Mindset and Embracing Abundance
Toda reflects on the scarcity mindset that can sometimes lead to conflicts between different minority communities and expresses the need for embracing an abundance mindset. He believes that success and progress can be achieved through collaboration and support, rather than competition. Toda also underscores the importance of representation and diversity in corporate settings and sees it as a business imperative for companies to embrace inclusivity.
The Power of Helping Others and Being Proud of Identity
Toda shares his belief in the transformative power of helping others and being proud of one's identity. He encourages individuals to utilize their platforms and voices to advocate for their communities and create positive change. Toda's personal motto of 'How can I help you be better?' reflects his commitment to making a difference and leaving a positive impact on others.
The Power of Being Helpful and in Service to Others
One of the main insights from the podcast is the importance of being helpful and having a mindset of service. The speaker emphasizes that by facilitating and building relationships with others, you can create equity and a strong network where people will turn to you for help. This value of being in service draws people to you and brings incredible value to both individuals and organizations. The speaker highlights that a leader's role is no longer about themselves, but about supporting and bringing out the best in their team.
Navigating Challenges and Advocating for Yourself
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the importance of navigating challenges and advocating for oneself. The speaker shares personal experiences of facing criticism and opposition, particularly around self-promotion and breaking societal expectations. Despite the difficulties faced, the speaker remains committed to being proud of their achievements and advocating for themselves, especially to create a more inclusive environment for underrepresented communities. They encourage others to embrace vulnerability, prioritize empathy, and find a balance between pushing for excellence and giving themselves grace in their professional and personal journeys.
This special episode features Eric Toda, Global Head of Social Marketing and Executive Director of Meta Prosper. Eric joins hosts Greg and Faith to discuss the importance of advocating for your community in professional circles and standing against hate. Eric speaks candidly about the struggle to find his voice and represent the Asian American and Pacific Islander community as well as the complex reactions he received at a pivotal moment in his career. Our hosts and Eric also discuss how inclusive business practices are beneficial to the health and financial stability of organizations.
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