The Claudia Kishi Club

This week was a bit nostalgic for me. I was invited to participate in events from one of my previous positions and I got to see people I have not seen in quite some time. In what feels like a previous life, I was the founding Director of a Global Executive Doctor of Education program. In this program I got to develop everything from the ground up, travel all over the world, and get to know and experience people and places I had only seen on TV. When I was asked in one of my graduate courses, where I saw myself in 10 years, I would have never thought that I would have my dream job only a few years later. So why did I leave? It became hard to travel so often and I allowed that position to take over my life. Instead of trying to figure out ways that I could make the job more manageable, I changed positions because I thought it would afford me more work-life balance. I don’t want to say that I made a mistake by leaving that position, but the memories I have from that role, people I met, and skills I learned will always stay with me. I have to say that in my professional career, my website and blog are one of the few things I have achieved that have brought me as much joy and sense of accomplishment as that position. I am forever grateful for the colleagues, people, and memories I was afforded in that role.

Meghan Markle Update

I was truly inspired by the speech Meghan Markle’s gave @girlupcampaign Leadership Summit. Girl Up was founded by the United National Foundation in 2010 and gives girls the resources and platform to start a movement for social change wherever they are. Meghan was one of many keynote speakers at this year’s free virtual conference. Here are some of my favorite quotes from her address:

“Speak out for others who struggle to be heard.”

“Use your voices courageously.”

“Don’t underestimate your ability to push through the fear.”

“The hardest part is to chase your convictions with action.”

Meghan continues to inspire me to do my work and bring a voice to biracial women.

Netflix Documentary-The Claudia Kishi Club

There is a document on Netflix called the Claudia Kishi Club and I loved it! The documentary discusses how Claudia broke through the stereotypes associated with Asian American girls and was a source of inspiration to girls through her creativity, art, and fashion. It was an amazing to see other grown women identified with Claudia as much as I did growing up. This documentary inspired me and got me to thinking if I can create a documentary/series of videos about how Meghan Markle has inspired women all over the world. Maybe a goal for 2021?

Recommendation-How I Built This Podcast

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is How I Built this This, hosted by Guy Raz. I initially heard about this podcast when I wanted to hear the interview with John Foley, the Founder of Peloton. This show features innovators, entrepreneurs, and the stories behind the companies and movements they built. If you are interested to know how your favorite products, brand, or platform was created you will find it on this podcast.

Final Thoughts

I cannot express how much taking a few minutes for myself each day has helped me through the pandemic. I have done things like doing a 5 minute gratitude practice, doing my nails, reading a book for fun, or trying to do a 5 minute meditation. I think it is so important to have a few moments just for you and to do something that you enjoy daily. I don’t consider this time selfish as it allows me to be a better wife, daughter, friend and colleague.

Stay safe and healthy!

XOXO!

Nadine