Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy

Hosted by Samorn Selim

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Oct 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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October 16, 2026Episode 20541 min

The Hidden Cost of Success: Burnout, Trauma, and Healing | Jane Marie Chen Author of Like A Wave We Break (Ep. 205)

Jane Marie Chen, co-founder and former CEO of Embrace Global and author of Like A Wave We Break, helped save over one million premature babies. But behind her success was a hidden battle with trauma, burnout, and complex PTSD. In this powerful conversation on Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy, Jane shares how childhood adversity drove her high achievement, what happened when her business hit a breaking point, and how she learned to rebuild resilience through self-compassion, somatic body awareness, and internal family systems (parts work). Whether you're a high achiever struggling with burnout, navigating a career transition, or learning to heal from trauma-driven ambition, this episode offers practical, compassionate frameworks for recovery. ⏱️ Key Timestamps ▪️(00:00) Burnout, collapse, and the lesson of slowing down ▪️(02:56) From high achievement to global health impact ▪️(04:46) AAPI culture, childhood trauma, and breaking the silence ▪️(10:24) Company shutdown: Hitting rock bottom & panic attacks ▪️(12:07) Redefining resilience: Why grit isn't enough ▪️(15:46) Somatic signals: Body awareness as a burnout early warning system ▪️(18:26) The "Whole Body Yes" framework for aligned decision-making ▪️(24:32) Surfing, impermanence, and the art of surrender ▪️(28:18) Trauma-driven achievement vs. purpose-driven ambition ▪️(30:23) Internal Family Systems (Parts Work) for self-compassion ▪️(37:16) Psychological safety & values-based leadership Key Takeaways & Frameworks ▪️Body Awareness: How to catch early fatigue and physical signals before reaching full burnout. ▪️Whole Body Yes: A decision-making tool that checks for alignment across your head, heart, and gut. ▪️Parts Work (IFS): How to speak to your inner child or critical parts with compassion instead of judgment. ▪️Trauma-Driven vs. Purpose-Driven: Moving away from achievement rooted in self-worth validation toward healthy ambition. Connect & Resources ▪️Connect with Jane Marie Chen at https://www.janemariechen.com/ and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemariechen/ ▪️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/ .

October 7, 2026Episode 20446 min

Why First-Gen Professionals Get Trapped At Work And What To Do Instead To Get Promoted With Rachel Lee, President & General Counsel of Stand With Asian Americans (Ep. 204)

Why working harder won't get you promoted—and what first-gen professionals need to do instead. Big Law and corporate America often reward overworking, staying quiet, and trying to fit into circles that were never built for you. In this episode, Rachel Lee (President and General Counsel of Stand with Asian Americans) joins host Samorn Selim (BigLaw attorney turned career coach) to pull back the curtain on the unwritten rules of corporate advancement. Rachel shares her journey as a first-generation immigrant, working student, and Big Law attorney who often carried double the workload. Together, they unpack the hidden costs of sponsorship gaps, how to escape the "worker bee" trap, and why true career success should never require self-erasure. If you've ever felt like you had to work twice as hard just to be seen, this conversation gives you the practical blueprint to build real power and strategic influence. In This Episode, We Cover: Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Why mentorship isn't enough without sponsors advocating for you behind closed doors. Tolerated vs. Welcomed: How to recognize when a workplace is merely tolerating you, and how to create your own circle. The "Worker Bee" Trap: Why overworking traps first-gen professionals on the grinder path instead of leadership. Affinity Groups as Launchpads: How community-building and voluntary leadership create real influence before you even have the title. Transitioning with Purpose: How Rachel moved from Big Law into nonprofit advocacy while staying true to her values. Workplace Justice & Rights: Understanding protected classes, assessing workplace discrimination, and how Stand with Asian Americans provides legal education, mental health resources, and bystander support. Timestamps & Chapters: 00:52 – Meet Rachel Lee 01:59 – Growing up first-generation and becoming an advocate 05:25 – The unwritten rules of corporate America 06:08 – Financial pressure and choosing Big Law 08:27 – Mentors, allies, and finding meaningful work 10:13 – The "worker bee" track and unequal expectations 12:28 – Why sponsorship matters for career growth 14:00 – Finding or creating your own circle 17:36 – Building leadership through an affinity group 20:07 – Turning identity into a career strength 22:08 – What truly makes someone a leader 22:36 – Why Rachel left Big Law for nonprofit advocacy 26:01 – Workplace justice, DEI, and community support 31:16 – Understanding workplace discrimination 33:03 – Beyond legal answers: holistic community support 35:04 – Immigrant rights and preparing to help 37:13 – Bystander guidance: safety assessment and documentation 39:11 – Activism, service, and self-care 41:21 – Protecting your energy as a first-gen professional 42:15 – Connect with Rachel Lee 43:54 – Trusting your instincts and recognizing your strengths Connect & Resources: Connect with Rachel Lee On LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsaranglee/ and Instagram @rachelsaranglee ▪️Learn more about our guest, Rachel Lee, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsaranglee/ and Instagram @rachelsaranglee ▪️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/ .

September 29, 2026Episode 20344 min

The Secret To Success For First-Gen Professionals With Dr. Latonya Rees-Miles & Career Unicorns (Ep. 203)

Are you the first in your family to navigate the corporate world? For many first-gen professionals, it feels like everyone else was handed a "secret playbook" that you never received. You're told to "work hard and you'll be rewarded," but what happens when meritocracy is a myth? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Latonya Rees-Miles, a champion for the first-generation community and founder of the Black First-Gen Collective. We're breaking down the "First-Gen Cheat Sheet"—the unspoken rules of professionalism, the danger of generic career advice, and how to reclaim your joy in a system that wasn't built for you. In This Episode, We Cover: The Meritocracy Myth: Why hard work isn't always enough and how to quantify your actual impact. The "Safety Net" Gap: Why general career advice is dangerous for first-gen professionals and what to do instead. Negotiating Beyond the Baseline: How to overcome the "salary guilt" of making more than your parents. Rewriting the Script: Moving from "surviving" to "thriving" and finding ordinary joy. The Hidden Rules: Navigating corporate America, and the systemic barriers that first-gens face. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: The First-Gen Identity 03:32 – Common Myths & The "Model Minority" Trap 04:44 – Debunking the Myth of Meritocracy 07:11 – Why Dr. Latonya Founded the Black First-Gen Collective 13:25 – Why Generic Advice is Dangerous for Us 15:39 – Expanding the Table: Power vs. Representation 23:49 – Mental Health, Stability, and the Value of "Ordinary Joy" 27:19 – The Hidden Rules of Professionalism 29:14 – Why Your Ancestors Already Paid Your Debt 41:39 – Final Thoughts: Choosing Rest and Resilience Connect with us: ▪️Learn more about our guest, Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles, at https://www.latonyareasemiles.com/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonyareasemiles/ , or https://www.smartgirlbook.com/ . ▪️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 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 .