Episode 17 features trailblazer Anna Mok — the first Chinese American woman promoted to Partner at Deloitte and the visionary co-founder of Ascend, North America's largest network for Pan-Asian business professionals.

From growing up in San Francisco and working in her family’s Chinese restaurant as a little girl to becoming a prominent global business leader, Anna shares how her immigrant roots, cultural identity, and deep belief in community shaped her path. We talk about breaking the bamboo ceiling, navigating leadership as an Asian American woman, and why redefining success on your own terms matters more than ever. Anna opens up about bringing vulnerability into the workplace, how she manages motherhood and her career, and the power of building inclusive spaces for future generations of Asian leaders. Lastly, we explore how her cultural background shaped her leadership, the challenges Asian Americans face in corporate spaces, and why empathy, community, and giving back are central to her mission.

Tune in for the end to hear Anna share five powerful leadership lessons that will inspire you to lead with authenticity, empathy, and purpose—wisdom you don’t want to miss.

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💡Key Takeaways:

Embrace where you come from — your identity is your strongest leadership strength.

Let vulnerability in; real connection begins when you take off the mask.

Success doesn’t have one path; allow yourself to wander and follow the opportunities that align with who you are.

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Connect with Anna:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-mok-2a91b72/

Website: https://www.ascendleadership.org/

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