School of Self-Worth

110: {YCC Alumni Series} Bouncing Back After the Layoff: The Path to Self-Worth and Personal Power with Cecilia Lei

• Nicole Tsong • Episode 110

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Are you an Asian-American woman dreaming of feeling worthy and successful no matter what setbacks crop up? Have you ever wondered how some women manage to pivot from challenges by making fast, powerful decisions that make them happy?

In this YCC Alumni Series, I sit down with the remarkable Cecilia Lei, who not only bounced back from burnout, a layoff and divorce, she is now crafting the life she always dreamed of having.

Cecilia shares how she went from feeling pressure to get a full-time job to make everyone else around her happy, to giving herself permission to do the things that made her happy. 

She shares what it was like to hit pause, rest, and realize she was craving purpose and clarity in her life. Cecilia opens up about what it took to identify and get in touch with what SHE wants, versus what’s expected of her.

She shares about how she learned to prioritize her own needs and desires (instead of managing others’ emotions) and how that allowed her to invite in so much more grace, kindness, and even fun into her life. And how that also gave her permission to want MORE in her life —like community, a loving partnership, and a vibrant, joyful life.

You do not want to miss this expansive episode! 

THE TOP LEARNINGS FROM THIS EPISODE:  

  • Distinguishing external validation from true purpose [00:06:47]
  • Recovering from burnout and redefining productivity [00:04:45]
  • The power of making authentic choices—above or below the line [00:11:52]
  • Recognizing and reversing cultural conditioning [00:15:42]
  • Letting go of responsibility for others’ emotions  [00:19:50]
  • Allowing joy and fun to guide decision-making [00:32:14]

Cecilia Lei is an audio and live events host/producer and reporter based in the Bay Area. She enjoys using impactful storytelling to help people engage more meaningfully with the communities around them. Before pivoting to journalism, Cecilia led a decade-long career in marketing and audience development. She is passionate about covering Asian American stories, destigmatizing mental health and discovering a purpose-driven life that isn't defined by professional achievements.

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories, and tag @nicoletsong and @cee-lei so we can give you a shout-out and thank you for your support! 

Asian Visibility System: Want to permanently reverse cultural conditioning and step into a life where you feel purposeful and thrive? Grab the Asian Visibility System: go.nicoletsong.com/visible.

Do you struggle with boundaries? Discover the blind spots holding you back and take the Boundary Tendencies Quiz: nicoletsong.com/quiz

Learn More About Cecilia Lei:  

Catch up with Nicole: 


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Nicole Tsong

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