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The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers
Explore the challenges faced by Asian professionals and how to overcome them.
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER
A NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER
"A must-read if you're ready to unlock your full potential!"
--Tiffany Pham, Founder and CEO, Mogul
Find your voice, own your story, and elevate your professional life. In The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers, Chao and Lam deliver an engaging and enlightening treatment of how Asian American professional leaders have powered through the obstacles in their way. Exploring a variety of myths, stereotypes, and problems faced by Asian American professionals, this book will empower you to overcome many of these issues.
The Visibility Mindset offers straightforward exercises and strategies, alongside many real-life leadership examples from various industries, to help you succeed as you move forward in your careers. The book explores how to work with others effectively and how to handle microaggressions, how to leverage the power of networking, and how to manage and mentor others while seeking out mentorship for yourself. An indispensable resource for Asian professionals, The Visibility Mindset also deserves a place in the hands of allies of Asian American professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their friends and colleagues.
A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER
A NEW ENGLAND BOOK FESTIVAL AWARD WINNER
"A must-read if you're ready to unlock your full potential!"
--Tiffany Pham, Founder and CEO, Mogul
Find your voice, own your story, and elevate your professional life. In The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers, Chao and Lam deliver an engaging and enlightening treatment of how Asian American professional leaders have powered through the obstacles in their way. Exploring a variety of myths, stereotypes, and problems faced by Asian American professionals, this book will empower you to overcome many of these issues.
The Visibility Mindset offers straightforward exercises and strategies, alongside many real-life leadership examples from various industries, to help you succeed as you move forward in your careers. The book explores how to work with others effectively and how to handle microaggressions, how to leverage the power of networking, and how to manage and mentor others while seeking out mentorship for yourself. An indispensable resource for Asian professionals, The Visibility Mindset also deserves a place in the hands of allies of Asian American professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their friends and colleagues.
- GenresBusiness
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2022
27 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 2, 2023
Overall thoughts:
The benefit of this book depends on where you are in your career. I will recommend this book to my mentees as I think this will save them years of conversations and tribulations to have all these thoughts/solutions collected into a single place. But it's not something I'm recommending to my peers who are all stranded at mid/high level management positions and trying to figure out how we break the next barrier of proving we have "executive presence," "gravitas," "look experienced" (older), etc.
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Detailed thoughts:
I would have loved this book 5 years ago but for myself today, I did not find this book very helpful. I do not blame the writers at all. I think it's simply a discrepancy between how this book is branded (as a book on breaking through the "bamboo ceiling" into executive positions) vs. what it actually is (qualities and actions that successful individuals do). A few specific thoughts on this:
1) Any Asian American who has worked more than 5 years (especially in a city after 2020) has spent significant time thinking about this issue already. I did not think this book offered a revelation that an individual couldn't naturally reach on their own just by observing the differences between how they have been able to move through the corporate world vs. others.
2) This book is not as tailored to Asian Americans as I thought it would be. All the advice on what to do was something that every successful employee should be doing.
3) My main qualm was that after pointing out a statistic or cultural norm that shows the differences between Asian Americans and other demographics, the series of solutions was often something that implied that Asian Americans needed to bridge the gap to be successful. While I don't disagree that it's important for us to be chameleons who can understand how to speak/act/engage with others in their way of speaking/acting/engaging, it felt like that was the only/best solution... and that's exhausting to do. I wish there had been more discussion on the complexities between codeswitching our way of being to fit into these settings and how tiring that can be (although necessary) along with maybe some discussion on how each generation has the power to change environment a little bit for the next generation.
The benefit of this book depends on where you are in your career. I will recommend this book to my mentees as I think this will save them years of conversations and tribulations to have all these thoughts/solutions collected into a single place. But it's not something I'm recommending to my peers who are all stranded at mid/high level management positions and trying to figure out how we break the next barrier of proving we have "executive presence," "gravitas," "look experienced" (older), etc.
-----
Detailed thoughts:
I would have loved this book 5 years ago but for myself today, I did not find this book very helpful. I do not blame the writers at all. I think it's simply a discrepancy between how this book is branded (as a book on breaking through the "bamboo ceiling" into executive positions) vs. what it actually is (qualities and actions that successful individuals do). A few specific thoughts on this:
1) Any Asian American who has worked more than 5 years (especially in a city after 2020) has spent significant time thinking about this issue already. I did not think this book offered a revelation that an individual couldn't naturally reach on their own just by observing the differences between how they have been able to move through the corporate world vs. others.
2) This book is not as tailored to Asian Americans as I thought it would be. All the advice on what to do was something that every successful employee should be doing.
3) My main qualm was that after pointing out a statistic or cultural norm that shows the differences between Asian Americans and other demographics, the series of solutions was often something that implied that Asian Americans needed to bridge the gap to be successful. While I don't disagree that it's important for us to be chameleons who can understand how to speak/act/engage with others in their way of speaking/acting/engaging, it felt like that was the only/best solution... and that's exhausting to do. I wish there had been more discussion on the complexities between codeswitching our way of being to fit into these settings and how tiring that can be (although necessary) along with maybe some discussion on how each generation has the power to change environment a little bit for the next generation.
May 29, 2023
In “The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers,” authors Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam offer an authentic portrayal of Asian Americans, their leaders, and the significant impact they have on their communities. Drawing from their personal experiences and acquired wisdom, Chao and Lam present a balanced perspective, acknowledging both their Asian and American identities and exploring how minority status can either empower or hinder individuals.
The book begins with an engaging introduction that effectively dispels common stereotypes, myths, and misrepresentations of Asian Americans in the United States. This enlightening section sets the stage for the reader to fully appreciate the book’s content.
Structured into three parts, “The Visibility Mindset” covers a range of topics that are both informative and well-presented. Part one delves into self-improvement, encouraging self-reflection through the authors’ personal stories. It inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace personal growth by building their brand, recognizing their worth, and prioritizing mental health.
Part two focuses on cultivating social connections and enhancing interpersonal skills. Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive chapter on networking, in which Jessalin Lam offers valuable insights from both an Asian and mainstream American perspective. Key takeaways include the importance of claiming one’s space and honing communication abilities.
The book’s final section serves as a call to action for corporations and organizations, addressing the challenges faced by Asian Americans in professional settings. Topics such as inclusion, diversity, and equality are discussed with a positive tone, providing practical suggestions for individuals to excel in the workplace.
As prominent leaders in the Asian American community, Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam have assembled a wealth of information in this useful book. The firsthand accounts provide an accurate depiction of the current situation and offer potential solutions for improvement. Although the primary focus is on the Asian American community, the book resonates with many minority groups, allowing them to feel acknowledged and understood.
“The Visibility Mindset” is an insightful and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.
The book begins with an engaging introduction that effectively dispels common stereotypes, myths, and misrepresentations of Asian Americans in the United States. This enlightening section sets the stage for the reader to fully appreciate the book’s content.
Structured into three parts, “The Visibility Mindset” covers a range of topics that are both informative and well-presented. Part one delves into self-improvement, encouraging self-reflection through the authors’ personal stories. It inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace personal growth by building their brand, recognizing their worth, and prioritizing mental health.
Part two focuses on cultivating social connections and enhancing interpersonal skills. Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive chapter on networking, in which Jessalin Lam offers valuable insights from both an Asian and mainstream American perspective. Key takeaways include the importance of claiming one’s space and honing communication abilities.
The book’s final section serves as a call to action for corporations and organizations, addressing the challenges faced by Asian Americans in professional settings. Topics such as inclusion, diversity, and equality are discussed with a positive tone, providing practical suggestions for individuals to excel in the workplace.
As prominent leaders in the Asian American community, Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam have assembled a wealth of information in this useful book. The firsthand accounts provide an accurate depiction of the current situation and offer potential solutions for improvement. Although the primary focus is on the Asian American community, the book resonates with many minority groups, allowing them to feel acknowledged and understood.
“The Visibility Mindset” is an insightful and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.
May 21, 2023
AAPI Month read.
I think this is a generally helpful book for any Asian American who is very early in their career and is looking to have a short collection of general thoughts, goals, and ideas that they should carry so that they can achieve what they want to in their career. I do not think necessarily that this book offered any life-changing advice or honestly any advice that I hadn't heard of before. However, it was packaged very nicely in an engaging format, and I found it to be a quick and easy read. Overall, I don't think it's really going to change how I conduct myself all that much, but it offered some good reminders on what I should be keeping in mind. This is also very much specifically targeted at the individual and how a person can take responsibility for themselves. With all this in mind, I think that a person who fits into this audience can enjoy this book.
And I'm out.
I think this is a generally helpful book for any Asian American who is very early in their career and is looking to have a short collection of general thoughts, goals, and ideas that they should carry so that they can achieve what they want to in their career. I do not think necessarily that this book offered any life-changing advice or honestly any advice that I hadn't heard of before. However, it was packaged very nicely in an engaging format, and I found it to be a quick and easy read. Overall, I don't think it's really going to change how I conduct myself all that much, but it offered some good reminders on what I should be keeping in mind. This is also very much specifically targeted at the individual and how a person can take responsibility for themselves. With all this in mind, I think that a person who fits into this audience can enjoy this book.
And I'm out.
August 21, 2024
practical information to apply to work environment + personal growth. Early in my career but the main frameworks are useful plus all the other reading recommendations in here, podcasts and questions to ask yourself
Main takeaways:
FEEDBACK
1. Aim to assist
2. Actionable
3. Appreciate
4. Accept or discard
*Netflix no rules rules feedback model vs 2x2 - something to think about further
5 kinds of mentors everyone needs:
1. Master of Craft
2. Champion of your cause - advocates of opportunity
3. Copilot / work with and knows what you’re going through. Collaborate and accountability
4. Anchor - friends and family. Voice of reason. Keeps you grounded
5. Reverse mentor - mentee with a fresh perspective and feedback
Main takeaways:
FEEDBACK
1. Aim to assist
2. Actionable
3. Appreciate
4. Accept or discard
*Netflix no rules rules feedback model vs 2x2 - something to think about further
5 kinds of mentors everyone needs:
1. Master of Craft
2. Champion of your cause - advocates of opportunity
3. Copilot / work with and knows what you’re going through. Collaborate and accountability
4. Anchor - friends and family. Voice of reason. Keeps you grounded
5. Reverse mentor - mentee with a fresh perspective and feedback
January 2, 2023
Even though this book is written with the AAPI community in mind, it is a great read for really anyone trying to navigate the corporate world. Chao and Lam keep a very casual and direct tone throughout, which made this book read like a conversation or a small masterclass.
Not only was it a relaxing read, but each chapter introduces a unique perspective and then provides very pragmatic advice on how to actually implement a change. This would be a wonderful book for a recent graduate to read as they enter the workforce and anyone who might be feeling "stuck" -- particularly if they are Asian American
Not only was it a relaxing read, but each chapter introduces a unique perspective and then provides very pragmatic advice on how to actually implement a change. This would be a wonderful book for a recent graduate to read as they enter the workforce and anyone who might be feeling "stuck" -- particularly if they are Asian American
November 7, 2025
The book starts of really well focusing on how Asians can make a better impact in the USA by learning cultural traits and understanding the biases. However the book falls flat as it carries on with force fitted topics like diversity and generic personal development (which are largely extracts of other books)
Overall good but not great
Overall good but not great
June 29, 2024
Love how the personal journeys and learnings on knowing and understanding your worth can be such a life lesson! Also super helpful tips on showing up, bringing your voice to every occasion - no matter how big or small. Highly recommended! -Lindsay Hua
December 13, 2022
I love how this book advocates not only for better workplace environments for AAPI workers, but for healthier workplace environments for everyone.
A more detailed review is to come!
A more detailed review is to come!
June 13, 2023
Nothing too groundbreaking, but the research and topics are well organized into a nice format that includes leadership interviews and clear assessments or exercises that can be revisited over time.
May 10, 2024
I feel like I haven’t learned anything from this book. Yes, I did relate to the Asian experiences and stories that were described, but that’s about it. Very disappointing.
May 4, 2023
A great book for Asian Americans and allies in the workplace (especially corporate settings)!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews