Maeley Tom, California State Legislature Extraordinaire and Founding Co-Chair of AAAIM "I'm Not Who You Think I Am…"

Our guest for today's podcast is Maeley Tom, California State Legislature Extraordinaire and Founding Co-Chair of AAAIM.  I stepped aside for this podcast and asked Gordon Liao, AAAIM Board Vice-Chair and ELI Committee Chair, to conduct this interview given their long history and friendship.  In listening to Maeley's story, I have to admit that a few (happy) tears came to my eyes, after hearing about her upbringing.

 

Maeley touches upon many important topics including being on her own from the age of 16, how she developed the grit to be successful, her views on the current Stop AAPI Hate Movement, how the idea for AAAIM was conceived, her personal journey in mustering up the courage to ask for the top job to become the Chief Administrative Officer of the California State Assembly, and the rationale for writing her book to inspire the next generation of leaders.

 

Atypical of Asian tendencies of "being humble, not speaking up, not being the nail that stands out, not talking about your achievements; Maeley shares why being the opposite was key for her success in a Western culture society".  Be prepared to be inspired.

 

Without further ado, please enjoy Gordon's conversation with Maeley Tom.