In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with John Wang—award-winning author of Big Asian Energy, keynote speaker, podcast host, and educator—whose mission is to help people break through inner blocks and be fully seen for their genius.
John shares his journey as an immigrant and Asian-Canadian entrepreneur navigating assimilation, self-promotion, and the pressure to “blend in.” What started as burnout and even a health scare led him to redefine what belonging and authenticity mean in business.
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or the fear of standing out, this episode will give you a framework for showing up unapologetically.
From Assimilation to Authenticity in Business
John unpacks the difference between assimilation and integration, and why hiding cultural identity comes at the cost of creativity, confidence, and long-term success.
Why Belonging is a Business Strategy
Belonging isn’t just something we seek—it’s something we create. John explains how building spaces of belonging can transform the way we market, lead, and connect with our communities.
How Shame and “Shoulds” Sabotage Growth
Shame often hides in subtle habits like “mitigating language” (“I’m just…” or “I only…”). John reveals how these unconscious patterns keep entrepreneurs small and how a simple “mitigation audit” can shift you into assertiveness.
Tools and Practices to Build Confidence and Visibility
- The “I will finally be enough when…” exercise to uncover limiting beliefs
- A Mitigation Audit for spotting apologetic language in your emails and pitches
- Gloria’s CPR Method (Credibility, Point of View, Relevance) to craft clear, authentic PR messaging
Final Takeaway
Your business cannot thrive if you don’t believe you deserve to be seen. Whether you’re an immigrant, woman of color, neurodivergent founder, or simply someone who has felt “not enough,” this episode reminds you that your story is your superpower.
From burnout to Big Asian Energy—John’s journey shows it’s possible for you, too.
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.