You Were Never Meant to Rise Alone: Leadership, Identity, and Empowerment for Asian Women with Kexin Xu

Some conversations stay with you because they put words to experiences you’ve quietly carried for years.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Kexin Xu, Founder of RISE2GETHER, for a grounding conversation about leadership, identity, and trusting yourself when the path ahead feels unclear.

Kexin shares her journey navigating career growth, cultural expectations, and self-doubt as an Asian woman in corporate spaces, and how uncertainty became an invitation to lead more authentically. Together, they explore how imposter syndrome often shows up not because we are incapable, but because we care deeply about our work and impact.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Reframing imposter syndrome as awareness and care, not failure
• How cultural narratives shape confidence and leadership
• The quiet strength of asking for help
• Leading with integrity while honoring your identity
• Why growth feels lighter when you don’t do it alone

This conversation is a reminder that leadership doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence, honesty, and the willingness to rise as you are.

Meet the Guest

Kexin Xu is the Founder of RISE2GETHER, a nonprofit empowering Asian women to grow with confidence in their careers and lives. With a background in data science and product leadership at Microsoft and Dropbox, she creates spaces where women feel supported and confident leading as their authentic selves.

Follow Kexin Xu on LinkedIn.

RISE2GETHER began as simple conversations and has grown into a nonprofit community that helps Asian women step into leadership with clarity and self-trust. Through mentorship and shared experience, RISE2GETHER encourages women to lead without shrinking who they are.

To know more about RISE2GETHER, visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram.

If this episode sparked a desire for clarity or confidence, Heather’s 1:1 Reset & Rise coaching program supports women in rebuilding confidence and navigating career transitions with intention.

If you’re in sales or considering a pivot into sales, Heather also offers a Sales Career Strategy Consultation Call to help you clarify your strengths and create a grounded, values-aligned plan.

Follow Heather online:

• LinkedIn: Heather J.
• Instagram: BeAboutItCoach
• Website: Beaboutithealth.com
• If you’re eager to start a rewarding sales career but don’t know where to begin, Heather’s Sales Job Finder video is exactly what you need.
• Subscribe to her Newsletter if you’re looking for strategies, tools, and tips to help you feel energized, peaceful, and aligned.

Additional resources from Heather:

• Resume Revamp Course
• Sales Skills Checklist
• The first 90-day survival guide
• Sales Career Strategy Consultation Call