Move with Power – Details, episodes & analysis

In this week's episode, we learn all about how our special guest, Crystalina Guo, grew from a quiet middle child in high school to Class President of Wellesley College 2020, and later into the Chief of Staff at both Equi and Capital One. 

Crystalina shares how her early years impacted her passion for building supportive communities, how she found her voice and confidence, and how these personal values translate to the workplace in a central role such as the Chief of Staff. 

We break down what the Chief of Staff role really is, how it differs from the “bottom up” nature of business operations, and how those who hold it can effectively define the role for themselves. We also discuss the importance of “soft skills” — how empathic relationship building became central to her success.

Today, Crystalina enters her next chapter by pursuing an MBA at Wharton to progress her career from operator to investor, with long-term sights on entrepreneurship. We close with reflections on leadership, mental health, and the importance and pathways to creating space for others to rise.

#PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Women #Workplace #Careers 

In this candid conversation, Carol Wang joins Esther and Shirley to reflect on the winding road of her 20s—from a global upbringing across Asia to a career in real estate investing. Raised between Shenzhen, Singapore, and Vancouver, Carol shares how her multicultural background shaped her independence and resilience. She opens up about working in real estate investing, finding her voice in a high-pressure industry, and learning to balance ambition with joy through grounding hobbies like ballet and book club.

What makes this episode especially powerful is Carol’s honesty about walking away from a toxic relationship and navigating the emotional aftermath. Through therapy, journaling, and wisdom from voices like Mel Robbins and Jay Shetty, Carol began rebuilding her confidence, identifying dealbreakers, and learning how to choose peace over chaos.

Whether you’re recovering from burnout, ending a relationship, or simply learning how to show up for yourself again, Carol’s story reminds us that healing is not linear—and you're not alone. She also shares favorite resources like the “Let Them” theory, offering practical tools and emotional truth for anyone ready to start over, stronger.

#LifeInYour20s #HealingJourney #ToxicRelationshipRecovery #MelRobbins #JayShettyWisdom #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #RealTalk #PowerfulWomen #Boundaries #SelfLove #MoveWithPower

In this special episode of Move with Power, Esther and Shirley sit down with one of our most interesting guests yet – national chess master, poker player, Harvard College Debating Union debater and former head coach, Harvard Law student, and now class action attorney at Lieff Cabraser, Jake Miller. Jake also happens to be Shirley’s fiancé!

We explore Jake’s professional path, lessons, and takeaways on navigating mental health. Jake opens up about the strategic skills he honed growing up with chess, and how his evolving self discovery journey shaped his career choices.

We also dive into Shirley’s and Jake’s personal story, and how their relationship has evolved alongside their demanding professional lives and how they’ve each helped create work life balance for the other – offering insights on how to build a thriving relationship while pursuing ambitious goals.

This episode provides a unique blend of career advice, personal reflection, and a celebration of love, offering listeners a glimpse into the power of partnership in all its forms.

Tune in for a candid, heartfelt conversation!

#Poker #Law #ClassAction #Leadership #Mentorship #Careers #MentalHealth #Chess

In this episode of Move with Power, Shirley and Esther sit down with Amy Wang, Youtube content creator entrepreneur with 400k+ subscribers, podcast host of “Your A+ Life,” and soon-to-be student at MIT Sloan. Amy shares her remarkable journey from her engineering roots at Caltech, through her experiences in consulting, to launching her channel and digital products as now a creator entrepreneur.

As she reflects on her upbringing, Amy discusses how her family influences initially pointed her to engineering, but how her self-discovery and passion fueled her path to corporate life then entrepreneurship.

Amy opens up about her transition to full-time content creation, revealing how she went viral and how she maintained that rocket growth. We dive into how she stays motivated and consistent with her content, applying some of the same lessons she developed in school and shares with her audience. Throughout the conversation, Amy emphasizes the importance of balancing ambition with mental well-being, sharing her insights on managing stress and achieving sustainable lifestyles.

For young professionals looking to enter content creation or start their own businesses, Amy offers valuable advice on the critical skills and traits needed for success. She shares her thoughts on building a loyal community on YouTube, reflects on what she might have done differently in her journey, and recommends resources for those just starting out. 

Tune in to hear Amy’s inspiring story and gain insights for pursuing your passions!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, follow us on TikTok (@powermoveorg), and join our ever-growing community at ⁠⁠www.powermove.org⁠⁠ to stay connected with all the latest from Power Move!

Subscribe to Amy on her Youtube Channel, ‘Your A+ Life’ at @wamyy5. Find her on socials:

Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wamyy5

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wamyy5

#Entrepreneurship #ContentCreator #MentalHealth #Leadership #YouTube #TikTok #MBAJourney

In this week's special Mandarin episode, Esther and Aria Wang engage in a powerful conversation with Patricia Wang and Lyn Zhang, the visionary founder of Girls Who Impact. Together, they explore Patricia and Lyn's remarkable journey to entrepreneurship and their unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment. We dive into the key lessons they’ve learned throughout their journey, from the challenges of starting with a small team to expanding their organization to over 1,500 members. They also share the story behind their first in-person conference in New York and how it became a pivotal moment for their organization.

Additionally, Patricia and Lyn introduce their exciting new city chapter program, where students can join local chapters, connect with like-minded, inspiring women in their region, and further the mission of Girls Who Impact. We also discuss the importance of mental health practices, stress reduction, and finding a balance between work and life.

This episode is the second in our Mandarin series, reflecting our commitment to embracing diversity and expanding the languages and voices featured on our podcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, follow us on TikTok (@powermoveorg), and join our ever-growing community at ⁠⁠www.powermove.org⁠⁠ to stay connected with all the latest from Power Move!

#WomenEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #GirlsWhoImpact #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #MandarinPodcast #DiversityAndInclusion #PowerMove #Inspiration #Leadership #FemaleFounders

In this special episode, Shirley and Esther share their journey of presenting their TED Talk in Vancouver, Canada, called "How to Find Your Voice: The Art of Continued Personal Discovery."

We dive deep into their experiences and insights on how they found the opportunity to sponsor and speak at TEDx and the key topics they covered. From the challenges of finding one’s voice to the art of self-discovery, this episode explores the personal stories and lessons that shaped their presentation.

We share insights on the preparation and planning process leading up to formulating our topic, drawing inspiration from our guests and reflections from this podcast, "Move with Power." We talk about what it was like to take the stage and how you may be able to start your own TEDx as well.

Whether you’re navigating personal growth or professional development, this episode offers valuable takeaways from our TEDx talk on embracing fearlessness, speaking your truth, and leaning into your community. Tune in to hear how we turned our own journeys into a powerful message and find inspiration to discover and amplify your own voice.

#TEDx #TEDTalk #PersonalDiscovery #SelfDiscovery #PublicSpeaking

In this episode, we explored the incredible journey Nicolas Coleman undertook, leaving behind a high-powered career in investment banking to follow his true calling as a full-time painter. He shared the courageous decisions and defining moments that propelled this life-altering transition, inspiring anyone considering a leap into the unknown to pursue their passion.
Nicolas illuminated his vision for his art career, revealing how artists have influenced his distinctive style through dedication and exploration. His work, rich with thematic depth and creative expression, stands as a testament to the power of staying true to one's artistic voice.
His everyday encounters, as well as travels around the globe, have influenced his art. Nicolas spoke passionately about the cultural encounters and diverse landscapes that have enriched his creative process. Exhibiting his work internationally, he has connected with audiences in meaningful ways, proving that art transcends boundaries.
Mental health, an integral part of Nicolas's journey, was candidly discussed as he shared his personal strategies for maintaining balance and resilience. His openness about the challenges and triumphs in managing well-being provides a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.
Looking to the future, Nicolas's aspirations are as inspiring as his journey. He envisions exciting new projects and endeavors that continue to push the boundaries of his creativity. His story is a powerful reminder that following one's passion can lead to profound personal and professional fulfillment, encouraging all of us to embrace our dreams with courage and determination.
For young professionals eager to leave a mark in the world of art or any creative domain, Nicolas is the beacon of inspiration you’ve been seeking! This episode brims with insights and motivation, perfect for anyone ready to carve out a successful career and follow their dreams—don't miss out!

#Art #Career #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneur #MentalHealth

In this episode, Shirley and Esther sit down with Annie Chen, the founder of Central Bark, a premium pet care service, and former consultant, recruiting specialist, and president of the MIT Poker Club. We explore Annie’s first-time journey as an entrepreneur, as well as how her Type 2, natural people coach, and social butterfly tendencies have helped her in her self-discovery and career growth journeys and enabled her to mentor others through her efforts to give back to the women professionals circles and Asian communities, like the Apex Youth organization.

Annie shares her fascinating background, including her path to Wellesley, her leadership role in the MIT Poker Club, and her career in consulting and finance before opening Central Bark. We delve into her childhood and the key moments that shaped her interests and self-identity today.

As we discuss her career, Annie reveals her approach to early career formulation and how her experiences in high school and college led her to discover her unique personal superpowers of people connection and support. She also reflects on her mental health, sharing how her ADHD diagnosis has empowered her to tap into her strengths and her biggest lessons through listening to self inquiry podcasts while training for marathons. 

Tune in to hear about Annie's entrepreneurial journey with Central Bark, her passion for the pet industry, mentorship, and poker, and the insights she's gained along the way. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate their career and personal growth.

#Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #PetCare #Consulting #MITPokerClub #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealth 

In this episode, Esther sits down with Amy Jin, a Wellesley alumnae, influential Instagram personality with 12.7k followers, and talented product designer. Amy shares her unique journey from growing up immersed in the world of golf to pursuing a career in product design with a mission to solve real-world problems.

We delve into Amy's early experiences on the golf course and the influences that shaped her passion for both the sport and design. Dedicated to making golf more accessible and inclusive for women, Amy discusses her efforts to empower women to take up the sport and break through traditional barriers.

Throughout our conversation, Amy provides valuable insights into product design, recounting pivotal moments in her career and sharing lessons learned along the way. She also discusses her passion for golf, her influencer journey, the evolving dynamics of the sport, and her aspirations for greater diversity on the course.

Balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being is a crucial aspect of Amy’s journey. She opens up about her strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, adapting to the challenges of her dual passions, and staying motivated.

For young professionals aspiring to make their mark in sports or design, Amy is the mentor and inspiration you need! This episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to navigate a successful career and pursue their passions—tune in now!

#ProductDesign #Golf #WomenEmpowerment #Diversity #SelfCare #Influencer #Instagram #PurposeDriven

In this episode, Esther and Mengtian, one of our Power Move Society interns, sit down with Ellen Touchstone, the inaugural Associate Dean for Responsible and Sustainable Business Education at the International Business School Suzhou (XJTLU). We delve into Ellen's passion for sustainability, her journey from the United States to China to trace her grandparents' footsteps from a century ago, and her adaptability to new cultures and environments.

Ellen is a recognized thought leader in inclusive banking, with her research on the linguistic servicescape and multilingual advertising published in the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Consumer Research. She initiated the carbon reduction project, "Fifteen Ways in Fifteen Weeks," with the Sustainable Future Talents student group, winning the AMBA BGA Best CSR Sustainability Initiative in 2022. In March 2022, she was honored as a “China Super Woman” by Shanghai-based Green Initiatives for her contributions to environmental and gender equity in the Yangtze River Delta.

Ellen shares the factors that led to her life-changing decision to move to China in the early 2010s and reflects on the remarkable growth China has experienced over the past decades. She also discusses her sustainable initiatives and offers insights on how corporations can play a more responsible role in the industry.

Additionally, Ellen provides her interpretation of gender equity and discusses how China’s favorable national policies support women's advancement in academia.

We wrap up the discussion with a deep dive into Ellen’s personal growth and her approach to managing mental health. We also touch on various documentaries and TED Talks featuring Ellen Touchstone. If you are curious about sustainability in academia and Ellen’s inspiring journey, tune in now!

Links to Ellen’s TED Talk and Documentary:

• Ellen Touchstone: Passion

• A documentary about Professor Touchstone and her ties to Suzhou

#BusinessSchool #Academia #SustainableBusiness #SelfCare #GenderEquity #Innovation #PurposeDriven #Empowerment