Soul Searching with Elaine Chang: Embracing Work Life Integration with Grace

Our guest this week leads Conversational AI product development at Microsoft, is a D&I leader and speaker, founder of the Asian Leadership conference and chair of the Asian employee resource group and mother of 2. She offers insight from soul searching during the pandemic, “I was so exhausted. I gave myself time to ponder what is essential for me and what changes I’m willing to make. I had a mindset shift from struggling with work life balance to embracing work life integration with grace.”

Self acceptance “It’s ok if a project, homework or housework aren’t done. I’m good enough here and now.”
Gain wisdom from connections “My international customer actually appreciated the good mood that started our meeting when my daughter just showed up. I also learned the power of analogies that works well with kids helps explain concepts to customers.” At minute 14 she shares “I learn tons from my kids: a great analogy of how trying to keep a beachball underwater is like suppressing unwanted feelings.” She now joins her daughters in their online art class and draws along with them to get a few moments of quality time and creativity.
Manage energy “I think of energy as my measurement instead of managing time. I consciously seek those positive tiny moments throughout the day to regenerate my energy.”

Her practical wisdom: “Prioritize yourself. Live in the moment. Focus on finding your “me” mindset+energy so you will have a strategy for resilience and live a more meaningful life.”

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