In this episode, we unpack what “meaningful work” really means while discussing our first jobs. Eccho recalls engineering oil‑and‑well designs and later learning the ropes at Microsoft. Duoc reflects on the fun and growth he found at McDonald’s and Best Buy. Jenny remembers AMC Theatres, where the perks, especially the free movies, made the job shine. Together, we explore the importance of finding joy in work, how much identity we tie to our jobs, and what it means to build a life beyond the paycheck.

Meaningful Work: Punching In, Growing Up

In this episode, we journey through the landscape of burnout—moving from overwork to exhaustion and self‑doubt, and ultimately returning home with clearer boundaries, renewed meaning, and a wiser sense of what’s worth carrying. From Eccho’s six‑year grind of full‑time work plus a PhD, to Jenny’s constant vigilance while working in Colombia, to Duoc’s weekend‑work relapses fueled by poor management, we explore how burnout takes shape in different lives. Together, we unpack the role of boundaries, self‑care, and reframing work, and why meaningful leadership matters more than ever. Tune in for an honest, warm, and slightly spicy conversation about finding your way back to balance.

There and Back Again: A Burnout Story by Three Psychologists

In the first episode of 2026, we dive into the wonderfully awkward world of bragging at work, inspired by Peggy Klaus’s book Brag: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn. We unpack whether the backlash we fear is real—or just the stories we tell ourselves—especially for Asian professionals navigating cultural expectations. Along the way, we trade personal tales, geek out on objective data, and laugh about how team dynamics can make or break your brag. Tune in for a fun, honest, and slightly spicy conversation!

Bragging While Asian: Crazy Rich Backlash or the Anxiety We Invent?

We're tackling the age-old question: “Whether ’tis nobler to suffer in the mind or take up arms against our troubles!” Just kidding—we hosted another book club! This time, we’re reviewing "Brag: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It" by Peggy Klaus. We explore the concept of bragging, its role in the corporate world, and the cultural nuances of self-promotion. Tune in to hear how we can talk about our accomplishments in a genuine and balanced way, reflect on our internal soliloquy around bragging, and apply the advice shared by Peggy.



To Brag or Not to Brag? That is the Question

In this episode, we explore the evolving impact of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) on the workforce, with a focus on how GAI can affect Asian American professionals. Drawing from recent research, we highlight how tasks requiring human agency—such as interpersonal communication and organizing—are gaining value, while roles centered on data processing and analysis face increasing automation. Tune in for strategies on up-skilling and re-skilling,  plus a few  alter ego career pivots as we imagine our lives beyond AI.

Link to article [https://arxiv.org/pdf/2506.06576] about GAI. 

Guess Who’s Getting a New Career? How Generative AI Is Reshaping the Workforce

We're back from our summer break! In this episode, we are joined by Tyng Kam, a certified career coach with thousands of hours of coaching experience. Tyng shares insights from what she refers to as a "non-linear" career journey, which spanned multinational corporations, startups, and educational institutions across the U.S., Germany, and Malaysia. Tyng highlights her involvement with the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) and the value of mentorship and leadership development. Tune in to learn about the strategies she uses to help Asian professionals overcome cultural challenges and recognize potential in others.

Mentorship, Leadership, and Cultural Growth with Tyng Kam

In this episode, Jenny and Eccho welcome Dr. Lea Lynn Yen to explore Asian American perspectives on affirmative action and corporate DEI initiatives. Dr. Yen shares insights from her research on the model minority stereotype and colorblind racial ideology as they relate to affirmative action. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of racial dynamics and the importance of cross-racial solidarity in fostering better workplace 

Real Talk with Leaders in the Field: Cross racial solidarity with Lea Lynn Yen 

In this episode, we examine recent executive orders affecting DEI, including EO 14173 and EO 14174. We then discuss setbacks, organizational responses, and strategies for resilience.

Resources for the nerds:

Article [https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/65884] about the paradox of meritocracy in organizations and how this can actually fuel bias favoring men compared to equally high-performing women.

The Society of Industrial Organizational Psychology's response [https://www.siop.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Title-VII-and-Job-Relevant-Employment-Practices.pdf] related to Title VII and Job-Relevant Employment Practices



Old McDon had reforms, E-O, E-O, oh?!

In this episode, we bring Jenny and our audience up to speed on Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology 2025. Eccho and Duoc share the insights they gained from this year's conference. Together, we discuss the prevalence of AI, the impact of current executive orders and how it impacts the work on DEI research, and talks on the perceptions of East vs. South Asians in the workplace.

SIOP 2025 Recap & Insights

We’re back with a very special guest, Dr. Caryn Block, Professor of Psychology and Education and Chair for the Department of Organization and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University! You may have heard us talk about Caryn numerous times throughout the podcast. That’s because the three of us met in Caryn’s research group 10+ years ago. Caryn  encouraged and supported us to study dynamics unique to Asians, and she is also one of the inspirations behind this podcast! Join us as we chat with Caryn about what good allyship and mentorship can look like and inspire.

Real Talk with Leaders in the Field: Fireside chat with Caryn Block

We are three organizational psychologists - Duoc, Eccho, and Jenny -  here to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly on all things Asian in the workplace. Each episode will break down a specific topic, such as how stereotypes play into pay negotiation, what professional development looks like for Asian employees, and what forms of bias, stereotypes, and microaggressions Asian professionals have to navigate, and so much more. We draw from current events  and from the organizational behavior and psychological research (because we are nerds) to share tips and advice on how best to navigate tricky organizational dynamics. We invite anyone - whether you’re a practitioner working in this space or a casual listener -  with an interest  in this topic to tune in so that we as a community can all play an active role in shaping a more inclusive workplace!

If there's a topic you'd like us to explore, questions regarding what we discussed, or you wanna drop us a line to let us know what you'd like us to do more or less of, you can reach us at: hiddeninplainsight855@gmail.com.




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