Born and raised in Taiwan, I’m the first in my family to go to college and study an advanced degree in the US. After 15+ years in corporate America, with a successful track record and career progression as an engineering manager in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve decided to leave my comfort zone and pursue a vastly different career choice: career coaching for people who have a track records of success, but somehow feeling stuck and wanting more fulfillment in their life.
Is this it? What's More to My Life?
The decision did not just land on me overnight; the pursuit of my second career is not without stumbles and blunders. As a first-generation immigrant to the United States, I had to overcome the initial culture differences and language barriers in order to stand out among my peers. As I climbed up the corporate ladder, my introverted personality has frequently thrown me self-doubt whether I can be an “effective” leader. One challenge after another, followed by promotions and raises, I continued to progress in this ultra-competitive tech industry. Nevertheless, I felt something was not clicking. I was deeply unfulfilled and unhappy, and started to wonder if there is more to my life.
Discovering and Mastering Coaching
Amid this most desperate period, after trying various techniques of soul searching, I discovered coaching. I first approached coaching with a dubious pair of eyes, but I’ve promised myself to examine this new experience with an open mind. I then worked with my coach for the following 10 sessions, not only to explore my values and beliefs, but also to challenge my fears and misconceived notions. At the end of our 10 sessions, I was able to make a decision that I did not dare to: quit my job and traveled for a year.
This sabbatical year has turned out to be a pivotal point of my life. During this time, I have explored different opportunities and personal interests, starting from a key question: “If I am not an engineering manager, what would I do and what would make me happy?” Little by little, I have increasing clarity of my calling: coaching. I’ve seen its magic in transforming my life, and now I want to share this magic with the world.
After my sabbatical, I’ve decided to pursue a robust, one year accredited coaching program with iPEC, and have become a certified professional coach. Although my day job remains as an engineering manager, I now have a totally different intention, supported by my core leadership values: authenticity, fairness, connection, growth and purpose. I lead my team with these core values, and I feel fulfilled watching my team grow, achieve their goals and deliver results.
I employ the same core values as a coach. Overall years I have enjoyed helping my clients go through the transformation journey – challenge the status quo, gain clarity in life, reach goals, and be successful in their own definition. If you also want to experience such transformation, I am here to help you.