Chinese Americans quickly learn that there are cultural differences between the Eastern and Western business worlds. Today's guest is our bridge between the two.

In this podcast episode, Philip Chao interviews Joy Chen, CEO of the Multicultural Leadership Institute. They discuss the importance of cross-cultural communication and the impact of cultural differences on leadership success. Joy shares her personal journey and how she developed cultural fluency through immersion in Western business cultures. From this personal story, Chen and Chao explore the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants in Western companies and the need to understand the unwritten rules of the game. From schooling to overcoming accent biases, they explore the shallow understanding of diversity and the need to focus on cultural diversity rather than just race. 

From today's episode, you'll hear these key takeaways: 
- What are "WEIRD" cultures (Western Educated Industrialized Rich Democracies)
- Grades are important, but they are not the sole determinant of success. Cultural and social skills are equally important.
- Accent bias exists in American society, but it can be overcome by developing relationships and showcasing one's value.
- Building relationships and venturing out of one's comfort zone is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- Diversity should be understood in terms of cultural diversity, not just race.

DISCLOSURE: Views expressed in the Tao of Chao podcasts are individual opinions and they do not represent the employers of each guest or the firm with which each guest is associated. Our podcasts are for educational and informational purposes only and should not be deemed or viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Please consult your personal financial advisor, investment expert, or investment fiduciary before taking any actions about your plan and investments.