Meet Sura Siu

We were lucky to catch up with Sura Siu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sura, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Honestly, I don’t see being the only person in the room who looks like me as a disadvantage. If anything, I’ve learned to harness it as my superpower. It’s not a weakness—it’s an opportunity. Being in that position allows me to stand out, bring a fresh perspective, and show up authentically as myself.

Rather than feeling the pressure to blend in, I’ve embraced the fact that my voice and experiences are different, and that’s where my strength lies. Over time, I’ve realized that authenticity isn’t just about being true to myself—it’s also about creating space for others to recognize the value of diverse viewpoints.

It’s not always easy, but I remind myself that being “the only one” in the room is an opportunity to challenge assumptions, open minds, and lead by example. It’s a chance to show that what makes us different is often what makes us impactful.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a multi-nominated, award-winning audiobook narrator, voice actress, and Audie Award nominee. My work spans diverse genres and audiences, and I’ve had the privilege of narrating books by incredible authors like Kazuo Ishiguro, Roshani Chokshi, Olivie Blake, and Christina Soontornvat. As a second-generation Asian American with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese heritage, I draw deeply from my multicultural roots to bring authenticity and emotion to every story I tell.

My voice can also be heard in video games, collaborating with companies like Kuro Games, YoStar, Tencent, and Hi Rez Studios, as well as animations for Disney, Netflix, and Cartoon Network. For me, storytelling is about creating immersive, meaningful journeys that connect with listeners. I’m excited to keep exploring and amplifying diverse narratives in everything I do. Outside the sound booth, I love gaming, traveling, hiking, and enjoying home-cooked meals with my family. And of course, petting all the dogs and cats I come across. I love animals!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and cultivating a deep sense of empathy. These areas not only shaped my voiceover career but also continue to guide my work in amplifying diverse and marginalized stories.

Adaptability: Working across genres—be it audiobooks, video games, or commercial projects—requires the ability to adjust tone, style, and approach. Early on, I embraced versatility by training in various formats, from medical narration to animation. My advice? Step outside your comfort zone and seek opportunities to challenge yourself. Flexibility is key in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

Continuous Learning: I dedicated myself to honing my craft, training with coaches in different genres and working with sound engineers to build a professional-grade home studio. Even as a working professional, I still prioritize coaching and training to refine my craft. Whether it’s improving my character work for video games or enhancing my commercial reads, there’s always something to learn. For those starting out, invest in training—take classes, learn from experienced coaches, and stay curious. The more knowledge you gain, the more confidence you’ll bring to your work.

Empathy: Bringing authentic emotion to a performance requires tapping into empathy. My multicultural background taught me to embrace nuance, it has shaped my ability to see the world through different lenses, allowing me to connect deeply with characters and stories. Bringing authentic emotion to a performance requires tapping into empathy on multiple levels. For me, empathy begins with understanding the emotional and cultural truths of a character or story, which allows me to create a genuine connection with the material. This sensitivity to cultural and emotional diversity enables me to convey authentic voices and narratives that resonate deeply.

To develop empathy, I encourage immersing yourself in diverse perspectives and experiences. Read widely across genres, explore stories from cultures and communities outside your own, and take time to truly listen to others’ lived experiences. Travel, explore. Empathy grows when we approach the world with curiosity and an open mind. In voiceover, this translates into performances that feel real, layered, and emotionally impactful. Focus on understanding different perspectives and narratives, especially those outside your lived experience.

For anyone starting out, I’d emphasize patience and persistence. Break your goals into smaller, actionable steps—whether it’s taking classes, attending workshops, or setting up a basic recording space. Consistency is what turns aspirations into reality. And most importantly, trust in your unique voice—there’s always, ALWAYS room for authenticity.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was connect me to my cultural heritage. As a second-generation Asian American, it’s increasingly difficult to feel rooted in your identity when there’s often a pressure to ‘fit in’ and be more American. But my parents gave me the gift of permission—permission to embrace my diversity fully.

We spoke Thai at home, and every summer, they sent me to Thailand to spend time with my family in Bangkok. That immersion not only connected me deeply to my roots but also allowed me to see life from a broader perspective. It helped me embrace being both Asian and American, rather than feeling like I had to choose. I am both and that makes me unique. It also gave me the gift of being multilingual, which has been so impactful in my personal and professional life. It’s a part of me I treasure and hope to pass on to my children.

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Image Credits

Miho Grant Photography

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