Sometimes we do things for a clear reason. And sometimes it’s an intuition. Sitting across from me, the librarian commented on how lucky I was to be able to borrow the dusty leather-bound book she was processing. I said I liked old books and mentioned that the borrowing date above mine was from 1965. She looked up, wide-eyed, and said: that’s my year of birth.  I smiled as I leafed through and pulled out a little leaflet from 1953 celebrating St. Gertrude. I gave it to her and said: I think...

Many years ago, a mentor told me that I’d always have opportunities. He explained that if a boss wanted something done, they’d want an ‘exotic, hard working woman’ because we were seen to have the right work ethic… I had mixed feelings but I knew he meant it positively. Recently, I came across a concept related to this: the Model Minority Myth. It was coined to described the stereotype of the hard-working American Asian. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being perceived as reliable and...

If you’re the most interesting person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. That’s what my coach would say back in the day. And it occurred to me that this could apply to any quality: If you’re the most caring person in the room… If you’re the most self-aware… You’re in the wrong room. Why? Because you also need care. And you also need to expand your awareness. Etc. It’s like why hairdressers don’t do their own hair: they can’t see the back of their head. In other words, you can’t see your...