Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy

Hosted by Samorn Selim

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100

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Mar 2026

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About the show

I'm Samorn Selim. Welcome to the Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Podcast. I'm a lawyer turned career coach on a mission for us to take our careers from dread to joy. Growing up as the daughter of poor Lao refugees, I was the underdog. Against all odds, I made it to a top 10 law school and landed a job in Big Law. As an outsider, I was told that I was lucky to even be there and that I had to pay my dues. After coaching over 1,000 clients, I now realize that the idea that you have to pay your dues and work in a toxic place is a myth. We can face our challenges head on, do work we are passionate about, and work with good people to make a big impact. So even as we struggle, we can find a sense of belonging.

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March 28, 2026Episode 20246 min

I Lost My Son to Suicide: What Every Parent Needs to Ask Their Child With Deep Lam (Ep. 202)

"I didn't care about my job. I didn't care about my career. I cared about my son." In this deeply personal and courageous episode, we sit down with Deep Lam to discuss the heartbreaking reality of losing her son to suicide. Deep shares the "unthinkable" experience of loss and reveals the subtle signs of isolation that can hide behind high achievement, good grades, and academic success. If you are a parent, leader, or friend, this conversation is a must-watch to understand how to bridge the gap between "I'm fine" and the truth. Key Chapters: 00:00 - Deep's Story: How I Lost My Son 04:15 - The Signs I Missed (And What To Look For) 12:30 - The One Question Every Parent Must Ask 18:45 - Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the Workplace 25:00 - Advice for Leaders Supporting Grieving Employees 32:00 - How to Build a "Help Chain" at Home and Work 🆘 Mental Health Resources (Help is Available 24/7) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | https://988lifeline.org/ Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 | https://www.crisistextline.org/ The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Deep Lam, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deep-lam-737aa321/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Recommended Books: Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy: https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment: https://tinyurl.com/nnu8k5rd. Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer: https://tinyurl.com/4z6erw7v Career Coaching, Trainings & Keynotes Schedule a free consult by sending a message at https://www.careerunicorns.com/.

March 21, 2026Episode 20138 min

The Truth About Psychological Safety & Ethical AI For BIPOC | Dr. Janice Gassam Asare & Career Unicorns (Ep. 201)

How do we maintain our authenticity in a workplace that often demands conformity? In this episode, organizational psychologist Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D., joins us to discuss the strategies for fostering psychological safety, and ethical AI in the workplace. From the weaponization of "professionalism" to the risks and opportunities of Ethical AI, Janice provides a roadmap for driving societal change while protecting your own well-being. We dive deep into: The Conformity Trap: How "professionalism" is often used against underrepresented groups. Covert Equity: Practical advice for building effective equity strategies even when facing organizational pushback AI & Equity: A look at the risks AI poses to marginalized groups and how to advocate for responsible tech. Collective Action: Why community and patience are the secret ingredients to long-term activism. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Janice Gassam Asare, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegassamphd/ and instagram at janicejnice Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Books: Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy: https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment: https://tinyurl.com/nnu8k5rd. Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer: https://tinyurl.com/4z6erw7v Career Coaching, Trainings & Keynotes Schedule a free consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

March 11, 2026Episode 20034 min

How To Lead As An Asian First-Gen Professional Without Burnout - Zeien Cheung, Asians Are Strong (Ep. 200)

Are you an Asian first-gen professional tired of doing invisible labor and overfunctioning just to be noticed? In this week's Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy podcast, we sit down with the Zeien Cheung, Co-founder of Asians Are Strong and the visionary for Asian Women Are Strong Summit to discuss how to shift from worker bee to leader, heal from perfectionism, and build psychological safety in our communities. We dive deep into: How immigrant family dynamics shape your career What we carry as first-gen professionals and navigating intergenerational expectations Co-founding Asians Are Strong by turning pain into purpose The silent impact of anti-Asian hate on career growth The importance of building your own network & infrastructure for success Why psychological safety is non-negotiable in community How to create a culture of belonging at work Redefining the "Asian American" identity How to activate potential in others by activating potential The #1 secret to scaling your organization The link between belonging and high performance How to stop overfunctioning & perfectionism The top quality when hiring leaders How to break out of analysis paralysis Trauma, safety, and the perfectionism trap Your worth is not your work: Asian Women Are Strong: Join the Movement (March 7th) When it's actually okay to say sorry (and when it's not) Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Zeien Cheung, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeien-cheung-3153924/ and https://asiansarestrong.org/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

December 17, 2025Episode 19948 min

The Power of Enough: Choosing More Mommy Over More Money, Investing In Yourself, and Being A Leader In AI Ethics With Irene Liu (Ep. 199)

What happens when a high-powered executive, responsible for scaling multi-billion dollar companies, is asked by her 10-year-old: "What does that money actually mean to us?" In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Irene Liu, founder of Hypergrowth GC and former Chief Financial and Legal Officer at Hopin. Irene shares her journey from the Department of Justice to the front lines of the AI revolution, where she now advises the California Senate on AI safety. We explore the "Politics of the C-Suite," the necessity of high EQ in leadership, and why Irene decided to step out of the "survival mode" of corporate life to define what "enough" looks like for her family. In this episode, we dive deep into: Resilience born from crisis: how working in finance in Manhattan during 9/11 shaped Irene's mental fortitude. Navigating layoffs with humanity: whether you are the one being let go, the one left with survivor's guilt, or the executive making the difficult calls. The art of the pivot: effective strategies for transitioning from public service and government roles into the private sector. The AI frontier: a sobering look at the "Empire of AI," the global race for innovation, and the urgent need for safeguards to protect children and vulnerable populations. The path to the C-Suite: the two key qualities you need to transition from "just a lawyer" to a business leader. "More Mommy" vs. "More Money": how to evaluate career choices through the lens of family values and the "seasons of life." Owning your growth: Why you shouldn't let your employer drive your career, and the importance of self-investment and building a genuine community. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Irene Liu, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ireneliu1/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com. Disclaimer: Irene would like our listeners to know that her views expressed in this podcast are her own and do not represent those of any referenced organizations.

December 10, 2025Episode 19850 min

Rewiring Your Brain for Joy: Heal People-Pleasing, Overcome Imposter Syndrome & Own Your Voice with Susan Britton (Ep. 198)

Are you ready to stop living for others and start living for you? In this powerful episode, Susan Britton, Founder & President of the Academies for Neuroscience Coaching, Inc., explores how our brains hold onto old behaviors like people-pleasing and self-doubt. Susan has 25 years of leadership in coaching and coaching education, and has supported 1,000s of coaches across six continents to earn their ICF credential. She shares the neuro-informed strategies you need to embrace all of yourself, shift from the "Red Zone" (fight/flight) to inner peace, and start listening to your true voice to build your dream life and career. We dive deep into: How people-pleasing is a survival response, and the science behind changing it. Leveraging neuroplasticity to rewrite old, self-limiting narratives that hold your career back. Why embracing small, necessary pain (Hormesis!) is the key to massive growth and impact. Giving voice to your "shadow energy" from a kind and compassionate place. Recognizing the signs of burnout and strategies for a compassionate recovery. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Susan Britton, at https://www.theacademies.com/about/ or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachsusanbritton/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Get a copy of Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Self-Reflection Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Find Career Clarity, Purpose & Fulfillment at https://tinyurl.com/yc3dfk73. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

November 19, 2025Episode 19745 min

Decolonizing Healing: Reclaiming Our Narrative, Resisting Erasure And Healing Trauma With Dr. Grace Poon (Ep. 197)

Welcome back, Career Unicorns! This week, we are honored to host the incredible Dr. Grace Poon Ghaffari: a motherscholar practitioner, proud daughter of Chinese immigrants, and embodied healer. Grace is an Assistant Professor at San Jose State University, where she focuses on healing and harm among student survivors of sexual and relationship violence, examining how these experiences are intertwined with broader systems of oppression. In this deep and vital conversation, we discuss why the traditional justice system often fails to be a source of healing, the critical importance of naming violence as it truly is (especially anti-Asian women hate), and how to move toward decolonizing our own healing experiences. Grace shares her wisdom on tuning into ancestral knowledge, recognizing the validity of traditional wisdom, and finding sustainable ways to resist the exhausting cycles of systemic harm and microaggressions. Key Takeaways: The Healing Gap: Why victims often don't find the justice system to be a source of healing, and the importance of acknowledging harm. Revictimization: The harmful experience of unhelpful police and the dismissal of non-stereotypical victims of violence. The Fight To Name Harm: Connecting the Atlanta spa shootings, anti-Asian women hate, and the necessity of uplifting marginalized narratives that are often wildly dismissed Internalized Dismissal: How Asian women's experiences of violence are often minimized ("that just happens to Asian women"), and the role of purity culture in the Asian cultural context. Decolonizing Healing: Recognizing the positives of Western medicine alongside the profound knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors, and how our relationship to the body and land are part of the healing ecosystem. Ancestors As Researchers: Tuning into your own lineage and recognizing that your parents and community have been doing research all along, even if it wasn't recognized by traditional science. The Tiring Nature of Resistance: The layers of trauma, microaggressions, and the importance of finding ways to be sustainable and be in the resistance for the long haul. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Dr. Grace Poon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gpoonghaffari/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

November 12, 2025Episode 19647 min

Breaking Free From Hustle Culture: How to Leave Prestige, Redefine Success, and Build Your Dream Career with Ann Sheu (Ep. 196)

As a former lawyer, business expert, and founder of Mpowered Families, Ann Sheu has gone through her own journey of achieving society's definition of success only to realize it wasn't her own. She uses her unique background to help high-achieving leaders move past the "hustle culture" and design a career and a life that is deeply rooted in personal alignment. In this episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, we tackle the pressure to prioritize prestige and money over happiness. Key Career Strategies You'll Learn: How to Pivot: The steps to take when you realize the hustle culture you've been chasing is leading you to live someone else's definition of success. The Value Test: A practical framework for defining your "no matter what values" to instantly guide your biggest career and life decisions. Silence the Critics: Strategies for managing the pressure from professional networks who don't understand why you would leave a "prestigious" career for happiness. Build Your Aligned Life: How to move past external expectations and successfully design a life and career that "feels good" and honors who you truly are. Conflict Resolution: How to navigate friction when your professional and personal values clash, and gain the clarity needed for intentional decision-making. The Power of No: How to gain the confidence and strategies needed to say "no" to opportunities and responsibilities that don't align with your values. Two-Parent Balance: Essential insights into addressing parental responsibilities and career goals in two-parent working households, focusing on equitable solutions. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Ann Sheu at https://www.mpoweredjourney.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncsheu/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

November 5, 2025Episode 19557 min

The Mirror Effect: Dr. Sheila Gujrathi on Finding Your Voice, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and Using Gratitude To Own Every Room You Walk Into (Ep. 195)

As a physician, biotech CEO, and champion for women in leadership, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi, MD, has spent her career breaking ceilings and teaching others how to do the same. In this powerful episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, we dive deep into the real-world barriers—from childhood racism ("Indians Go Home") to professional microaggressions—and how she reframed the pain of shame and doubt. We discuss: The devastating impact of FIDS (Fear, Insecurity, Doubt, & Shame). Why self-compassion is the key to silencing your inner critic. Battle-tested strategies for addressing toxic behavior and gaslighting immediately. How practicing gratitude is the ultimate superpower for career resilience. You do not want to miss this essential masterclass in owning your power. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi at https://sheilagujrathimd.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-gujrathi-md/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

October 29, 2025Episode 19446 min

Navigating Systemic Bias and Finding Our Shared Humanity with Kori Carew (Ep. 194)

Welcome, Career Unicorns! How do we lead with courage and heart when the system is stacked against us? Join us for a deeply moving and vital conversation with Kori Carew, Chief Catalyst Officer and Founder of Bridge 68 LLC, lawyer, TedX speaker, and former Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. Kori challenges us to move beyond "a moment" to a true movement, urging us to reflect deeply on our values and courageously design the world we want to see. In this episode, we dive deep into: Courageous Leadership: Discover how to show up as leaders in our ordinary daily lives when systemic biases are real. Reclaiming Humanity: The impact of a racialized society stripping away our humanity and what we can do to reclaim our human dignity. Power of Empathy: Learn how to practice empathy, especially when we're attacked, and remain hopeful in our capacity for good. Creating Belonging: Practicing empathy with the understanding that we may all be in the same storm, but we're not in the same boat. Embracing Rest: Recognizing why burnout is real, and what you can do to find joy while advocating for justice and change. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Kori Carew, at https://www.koricarew.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/koriscarewesq/. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.

October 22, 2025Episode 19353 min

Gaslighting And Narcissists At Work: How To Leave A Toxic Job with Sarah Cottrell, Founder of Former Lawyer LLC (Ep. 193)

Are you in a toxic job, but feel stuck? Making great money but feel absolutely dead inside? If yes, then this episode of Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy is for you. Join us as we welcome Sarah Cottrell, founder of Former Lawyer LLC, who helps unhappy lawyers ditch soul-crushing jobs for fulfilling alternative careers. Sarah shares her expertise on the unique pain of leaving a high-prestige career. We dive deep into how to recognize the signs of an abusive workplace and the importance of prioritizing your mental health. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the prestige trap and sunk cost fallacy keep people in miserable, high-paying jobs. How gaslighting and narcissistic behavior from bad bosses lead to workplace PTSD, GAD, and panic disorder. Why leaving a toxic job is like leaving an abusive relationship, and how to start the necessary grieving process. The critical role of calming your nervous system to do the deeper work of envisioning a sustainable career. Why working with both a career coach and a therapist is the most efficient path to a successful transition. The importance of reminding yourself that you are not crazy, and your feelings are real. Key strategies for feeling less stuck and building a thriving career that aligns with your values. Connect with us: Learn more about our guest, Sarah Cottrell, at www.formerlawyer.com. Follow our host, Samorn Selim, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim/. Get a copy of Samorn's book, Career Unicorns™ 90-Day 5-Minute Gratitude Journal: An Easy & Proven Way To Cultivate Mindfulness, Beat Burnout & Find Career Joy, at https://tinyurl.com/49xdxrz8. Ready for a career change? Schedule a free 30-minute build your dream career consult by sending a message at www.careerunicorns.com.