Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emporia Meng. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Emporia, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My journey to finding purpose began at 14, when I moved 8,000 miles away from home. That experience taught me resilience and independence, and it laid the foundation for understanding myself and my place in the world. Life’s challenges, including moments of loss, helped me embrace the impermanence of life and sharpened my focus on what truly matters. I’ve come to realize that the only constant in life is me, and with that awareness, I’m committed to using my energy and resources to make a meaningful impact on others.
This sense of purpose drives everything I do. Through ventures like EMPI DREAM, which helps people explore their subconscious for personal growth, and Sense of Agency, where I work with brands to amplify authentic stories, I aim to create spaces where people can connect more deeply with themselves and others. I’m also deeply involved in volunteering with Malaysian and Chinese NGOs focused on cultural and philosophical preservation, mentoring students through government and university programs, and serving on committees for international organizations. These experiences allow me to contribute to youth development, cultural preservation, and global dialogue.
As a 77th-generation descendant of the Chinese philosopher Mencius, I grew up with a strong focus on self-cultivation through service. Mencius believed in the innate goodness of people and that personal growth isn’t something you achieve once—it’s a lifelong practice. But it’s not just about reflecting inward; it’s about putting that growth into action by helping others. My parents really lived by those values, using their work to promote sustainability, education, and cultural preservation. They showed me that true purpose comes from aligning your ambitions with making a positive impact on the world around you.
How do your ventures reflect your personal philosophy?
EMPI DREAM is a platform designed to help individuals take greater autonomy over their dream experiences. By turning dreams into tools for self-discovery and emotional well-being, we aim to make dream exploration a key part of personal growth. Our innovative approach connects users with their subconscious, enabling them to unlock their potential and lead more intentional, fulfilling lives. As Sigmund Freud said, “Every dream will reveal itself as a psychological structure, full of significance, and one which may be assigned to a specific place in the psychic activities of the waking state.”
Sense of Agency is a marketing firm focused on storytelling. We help brands craft messages that resonate on a human level, connecting deeply with audiences through narratives that inspire reflection and understanding. Our goal is to amplify the power of authentic stories that foster connection and self-expression, allowing people to communicate their unique vision to the world.
Both ventures reflect my belief in aligning personal growth with the impact I can make on others. Whether through self-exploration or storytelling, my work is grounded in helping people connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them.
What values or principles guide you in your work and life??
For me, everything starts with intentionality. There’s this Confucian idea that even the smallest action—like drinking tea—can carry meaning when done mindfully. Whether I’m brainstorming, exploring new ideas, or simply reflecting, I aim to be fully present. Growth, as Mencius taught, is a continual process. It’s less about perfection and more about showing up consistently with purpose.
Adaptability is another value I hold closely. Life rarely follows a linear path, and I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected. Freud spoke about the tension between what we desire and what reality offers, and I’ve found that tension can be a catalyst for creativity. EMPI DREAM and Sense of Agency wouldn’t be what they are without moments of recalibration and experimentation. Change has taught me to stay curious and open to new possibilities.
Finally, collaboration fuels much of what I do. There’s a kind of magic in working with others—the way different perspectives can come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brilliant minds across various fields, from neuroscience to business. These experiences have shown me that true progress isn’t a solo endeavor; it’s about what we can build together. That mindset has been a constant in my life, thanks to the values instilled by my parents.
Before we go, what advice would you give to those starting their own journey?
What I’ve learned is that the most meaningful parts of our journey often come from the unplanned moments—the detours, the unexpected challenges, and the things that push us to grow. It’s easy to get caught up in following a set path, but true growth happens when we embrace the unknown. And while it’s easy to feel lost during those uncertain times, the people we surround ourselves with—the ones who challenge, support, and inspire us—are often the ones who help us navigate through it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support system I’ve had along the way.
My dad often quoted Confucius: ‘When three people walk together, one of them can be my teacher.’ It’s a reminder to value every relationship and perspective, even when they challenge our comfort zones.
So, my advice? Lean into the uncertainty. I spent a lot of time trying to plan everything, but when things didn’t go as expected, I felt completely lost. Now, I’ve learned that those moments of feeling like nothing is going right often lead to the most profound self-discovery. Some of the best things in life are born from the very moments we fear the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://emporiameng.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sense.of.agency
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/emporiameng/
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