Only 9% of senior vice presidents and 5% of C-suite executives at large U.S. organizations are Asian American (McKinsey, 400 companies surveyed)
Getting ahead as an Asian American professional is NOT about:
✕ Putting in more hours than everyone else (you already do that)
✕ Waiting for your work to speak for itself (it won't — not in this system)
✕ Saying yes to every project nobody else wants
✕ Learning to self-promote like someone you're not
We're not quiet. We have high standards for when we speak. There's a difference.
The rules for leadership were written without us in mind. The path forward isn't performing by someone else's playbook. It's understanding the one you were handed — and rewriting it on your terms.
Hard work gets results. Visible work gets recognition.
What Becomes Possible for You
→ Speak up in leadership meetings without overthinking or self-doubt
→ Confidently hold your ground when someone pushes back and not spiral about it for days
→ Be recognized for your contributions because you know what you're worth
→ Have your manager say "you showed up differently this quarter", even if they can't name what changed
→ Ask for what you want; the role, the comp, the timeline, without apologizing for it
→ Watch your title and compensation finally match the weight you've been carrying
Work with Me
Programs
Own the Room — Learn to communicate with confidence, set boundaries without guilt, and speak with authority in the rooms that matter. A program designed for Asian American professionals ready to close the gap between what they know they're capable of and what others see.
Bring John to Your Organization
Keynotes, workshops, and team trainings built around the ACE Framework — a research-backed system for understanding why high-performing Asian employees get overlooked for leadership, and giving them (and their managers) the tools to close that gap. Culturally informed. Practical. Different from any DEI talk your team has heard.
Leadership Coaching
For senior professionals ready for a private, intensive partnership.We go beyond communication tactics to the cultural and generational patterns underneath — so the shifts you make are real, lasting, and visible to the people around you.
Creating Transformations
"I reached out because I'm a fan. I wish you could've been my coach 25 years ago.
My career would have been easier. I'm recommending this book to everybody. It's so well researched. It's written with so much heart and so much positive intention. It's easy for people to talk about the problems."
- Vicky Tsai, Founder and CEO of Tatcha
"Absolutely LOVING this book! Required reading for AAPI
and anyone who feels like they want to be more effective and confident."
- Vicky Nguyen, NBC News Anchor & Correspondent, Author of Boat Baby
"John’s ability to dive deep and offer actually tangible, easy-to-use advice
while sharing deep and relatable stories makes Big Asian Energy such an essential read. If you’ve ever felt tired about being asked ‘Why are you so quiet?’ this is the book for you.
— Vivian Tu, author of the New York Times bestseller Rich AF and CEO of Your Rich BFF
"This is the book I wish I had for navigating my career and life.
John does a masterful job helping Asians like myself navigate the pitfalls of culture so we can step into our personal greatness. I recommend this to every Asian trying to make it in the West.”
- Dan Go, CEO of High Performance Founder, fitness coach to entrepreneurs
I help high-performing Asian professionals get recognized for the work they've always done — without becoming someone else to do it.
Work With Me
"Absolutely LOVING this book! Required reading for AAPI and anyone who feels like they want to be more effective and confident."
— Vicky Nguyen, NBC News Anchor & Correspondent, Author of Boat Baby
Most Listened-to Episodes
Lessons on Living Beyond Asian Fetishization with Kaila Yu
In this episode of Big Asian Energy, we sit down with author, musician, and former pin-up model Kaila Yu to uncover the truth about fetishization, representation, and reclaiming identity. Kaila opens up about her journey through rebellion and survival, why she wrote her memoir Fetishized.
Leadership Lessons from Building a $500M Global Skincare Brand with Vicky Tsai
In this episode of Big Asian Energy, Vicky shares how she founded the global skincare brand Tatcha, sold it for $500M, stepped away, and then returned as CEO to lead it on her own terms with purpose and joy at the center.
How to Build Power and Influence on Our Own Terms with Hyphen Capital Founder Dave Lu
In this episode, John sits down with Dave Lu,a serial entrpreneur, Emmy-winning producer, and founder of Hyphen Capital. Dave dives into the "hoop-jumping" mentality that traps many Asian American professionals.
Join the Big Asian Energy
Email List
Get weekly insights and tools to help you navigate the the imposter syndrome and build your leadership, confidence so you get the recognition you deserve.
