E26: The Visibility Mindset for AAPI Leaders with Bernice Chao & Jessalin Lam

Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam are the co-authors of The Visibility Mindset, a book that explores a variety of stereotypes and barriers faced by Asian professionals, including the bamboo ceiling and the model minority myth.
Their book provides straightforward and real-life leadership examples to help AAPI and allies navigate pitfalls and challenges as we move forward in growing our visibility, careers, and businesses.

“I always give the comparison of the very American idiom of “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. I was taught “the loudest duck gets shot.” I was taught “the loudest bamboo gets cut” and “the tallest nail gets hammered down … so, the Visibility Mindset is really understanding: ‘Yes, we get you. We get that this is hard. We know that this isn't just you. And you're not alone.’” 


We discussed:

[01:46] The story of how their collaboration emerged

[06:23] Tips to create deep connections through (virtual) coffee chats

[10:09] The Visibility Mindset and the unique challenges that AAPI face

[17:37] Leveraging allies, asking for help, and being vulnerable

[25:39] Advice for younger Bernice and Jessalin

[30:23] The process of birthing a book out into the world

[34:17] Jessalin and Bernice’s big dreamy vision for the future

To read a full transcript, visit: LUMOS MARKETING

Resources from this episode

Find out more about Bernice and Jessalin’s nonprofit Asians in Advertising and all its fantastic work at asiansinadvertising.com

Get your copy of The Visibility Mindset here.

Practicing Inclusion on Purpose with Ruchika Tulshyan - Episode 17 of the Campfire Circle - Listen or read here.

Click here to get your first episode of the Thought Leadership Clarity Course, for free!

Connect with Bernice Chao:
Website: bernicechao.com
LinkedIn: Bernice Chao

Connect with Jesslin Lam:
Website: joyofjessalin.com
LinkedIn: Jessalin Lam 

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Connect with Tania Bhattacharyya:
LinkedIn: Tania Bhattacharyya
Instagram: @taniabhat
Website: lumosmarketing.co

Produced by Ideablossoms