What shapes a founder beyond the metrics, the milestones, and the story on paper?

In this episode of The Next Mountain Podcast, Dao Jensen opens up about her journey from arriving in the United States as a Vietnamese immigrant to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur and CEO. She talks about the challenges she faced, the mentors who changed her trajectory, and the personal loss that forced her to rethink what success really means.

We explore what it looks like to build a career that aligns with your values, how vulnerability can deepen relationships, and why community, food, and shared experiences create the strongest foundations for support. Dao also reflects on her future aspirations and the impact she hopes to make through her speaking work and new projects.

✨ Key Themes in This Conversation

Resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity
The role of mentorship in shaping career paths
How personal loss can reshape purpose and priorities
Aligning work with personal values and cultural fit
Community, connection, and the courage to be vulnerable

Learn More About Dao

From Resilience to Redefining Success: Dao Jensen on Mentorship, Community and Courage