We’re excited to introduce you to the interesting and insightful Bryan Dosono. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bryan below.
Bryan, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
In my twenties, I completed my dissertation on identity work in online communities, and articulated how algorithmic configurations within sociotechnical systems reaffirm existing hegemonic values. I found that moderators of Asian subreddits develop collective resilience within their online communities by reclaiming space to confront digital invasions, recording collective memory to circumvent systemic erasure, and revising cultural narratives to deconstruct colonial mentalities. This scholarly undertaking stretched my understanding of my cultural heritage as a Filipino American and inspired me to go through my own journey of decolonization rooted in culture, community, and conviction.
After completing my PhD, I began training at the Legacy Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) School in the Bay Area. On my first day of class, Master Joseph Bautista placed the weight of worn, bladed weapons from ancestors of the diaspora directly into the palm of my hands. At that moment, I felt a powerful surge of pride, and I was viscerally hooked on learning more about kinesthetic movements rooted in culture. As the oldest American-born son of Filipino immigrants who grew up not speaking the language of my parents, I finally found an aspect of my heritage that resonated with me. In attending seminars from instructors of different styles invited by the Legacy FMA School, I learned how FMA survived centuries of colonization via movement embedded in folk dances, how migrant farm workers doubled agricultural tools as makeshift weapons, how indigenous tattoos embodied a warrior ethos, and how Hollywood fight choreography emerged art as one of the Philippines’ most widely seen—yet often misattributed—cultural exports. In absorbing this collective knowledge, I have become a bridge between previous generations of culture bearers and those that will proceed me.
This year, I joined the ranks of the Guro team at the Legacy Filipino Martial Arts School. As the term ‘Guro’ translates to ‘teacher,’ knowing how to distill complex concepts to meet the diverse learning needs of students is a core expectation of sharing the art. Some of my favorite moments in training came alive through showcases of mastery where my peers and I promoted the art through community demonstrations, college campus gatherings, neighborhood festivals, and ad hoc filming opportunities. In these instances that were rooted in community, I reified the philosophy of how we “teach to learn and learn to teach” in the ways we socialized and educated our local community. As leading role models, Guros create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and respected. Along those lines, I belong to a tribe that fosters acceptance through shared understanding, and I intend to play my part in developing future Guros in the years to come.
The process of becoming a Guro amplified my inner strength of persistence. I began my FMA journey three months before the United States mandated a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, and even an event of that magnitude did not deter me from continuing to train. At a period of time when Anti-Asian hate crimes became part of the mainstream discourse in American media, I felt a heightened consciousness and increased imperative to know how to protect myself in any situation. When I left San Francisco for a career opportunity in New York City, I was grateful for the accessibility of learning through live Zoom video sessions. Not wanting to quit the Legacy FMA School, I committed to going the distance with routine bicoastal travel as an added investment to my training. In adapting to precarious economic conditions and ever-changing environments (parking lots, public parks, community gardens), I’ve learned to make the most out of my time by retaining haptic feedback from every in-person visit. Rooted in conviction, I am bestowing a new precedent for modernizing how martial arts can be taught in a post-lockdown world.
Roots enable the absorption of nutrients for growth, and FMA gave me the flexibility to dig deep and wander wide in absorbing approaches that work best for me. What started out as an after-work fitness regimen soon evolved into a more humbling praxis that enriched me with a greater love for my Filipino heritage, a closer connection to the Bay Area, and a keener sense of my abilities. Among the divergent, branched lineages from which my training originated, my roots anchored at the Legacy FMA School form a solid foundation for resilient self-defense grounded in culture, community, and conviction.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
One of my highlights this year has been visiting the Philippines with my family. A homecoming trip for my mother, it’s challenging to underscore how impactful the experience was for me in reuniting with family members I haven’t seen since I first visited in 1998—more than a quarter of a century ago. The last time I was in the Philippines, I was just a kid in the third grade. Returning to my parents’ hometowns from an adult’s perspective raised a heightened sense of my own Americanness and yearning to learn more about life in the nation of over 7,000 islands.
When I returned to the United States, I was moved to share my experience with audiences of Filipino youth who were eager to listen. Beyond my day job as an industry research leader in big tech, I also deliver speaking engagements that contextualize the lived experiences of marginalized communities. I was recently invited to keynote at the Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Association of Northern California’s 34th Anniversary and Coronation—a charitable pageant that raised funds for nourishing twelve public elementary schools in the Philippines. Through visual and culinary storytelling, I shared how our heritage functions as a compass that guides us, reminding us of our roots while propelling us forward—a tapestry woven with threads of survival, resilience, and joy. Our culture, with its vibrant festivals, intricate dances, and savory flavors, reminds us that our identity is a treasure to be cherished. Just as our elders navigated uncharted waters to build new lives across continents, we are charting our course in a constantly evolving world.
I also speak to advocate for expanding talent pipelines across Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) employee resource groups. This past summer, the National Association of Asian American Professionals flew me to Boston to speak at their Leadership Conference on a panel for navigating complex business landscapes. As we rise to become leaders in our workplaces, it can be challenging to maneuver through unspoken social expectations as a member of the APIDA community. I talked through everyday pressures that the APIDA community faces in the corporate workplace and provided strategies on how we can uplift fellow APIDA peers when we are in positions of leadership.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Here’s advice I recently shared with Filipino American youth who were looking to make an impact on their community.
In addition to the sights and sounds of the Philippines, I’ll never forget how rich and flavorful the food was abroad—especially a hearty bowl of ‘sinanglaw,’ which is a flavorful stew that comprises aromatic vegetables for nutrients, a hearty combination of meats, and a potent combination of bitter beef bile with sour tang from calamansi (also known as the Philippine lime) for taste. Just like that dish whose bowl is filled to the brim, life is about combining the different elements in harmony. And so is leadership. The Philippines taught me that like the various ingredients in sinanglaw, leadership is about embracing the richness of individual ingredients within our community, letting them simmer, and creating a culinary experience that represents our collective heritage.
Like many dishes, preparing a bowl of sinanglaw first starts with browning a base of vegetables, like the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies that give Sinanglaw a delicious aroma. They’re also great for building immunity. Commonly found in any Filipino kitchen, these spicy vegetables are a reminder that even amid success, a touch of humility is essential. It’s a call to remember where you came from and to never lose sight of the journey that brought you here. In leadership, humility is your secret ingredient. It keeps you grounded, approachable, and open to growth.
Now, let’s talk about the meaty heart of sinanglaw: the beef brisket, tendons, and tripe that add texture to the meal. It reminds me of the cultural heritage of the Filipino American community, a cornerstone that gives us strength and identity. Texture is important because it anchors us in a certain consistency that feels familiar. Our texture is our tradition, and embracing our textures helps us celebrate our uniqueness in society. Just as sinanglaw connects you to the essence of Filipino cuisine, your culture connects you to your community’s identity.
Next, think about the bittersweetness of beef bile in sinanglaw, a taste that can be pretty overpowering if not balanced. In our leadership roles, we often face bitter challenges that could easily overshadow the positive. But remember, just like sinanglaw, these challenges can be transformed into opportunities to enhance the flavor of your journey. In America, it’s not always easy being Filipino. Embrace the bitterness, let it motivate you to strive for more resilient outcomes, and turn setbacks into stepping stones.
Lastly, we add the tart and sour tang of sinanglaw—the splash of calamansi that brings a punch of flavor. The citrus from the calamansi brings out the power of our perspective. Strong leadership means being vocal about sharing your point of view. Dare to be great. Even if you don’t get along with everyone you meet, you’ll at least be remembered for leaving a strong impression.
Just as sinanglaw brings together a medley of flavors to create an unforgettable dish, your leadership brings together the varied voices and experiences of the Filipino American community. Remember, like the best recipes, leadership is a blend of humility, culture, resilience, and a generous pinch of boldness. The Philippines has shown me that just as this dish has its roots in tradition and its eyes on innovation, you, too can lead with a deep appreciation for your heritage and a forward-looking vision for your community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bdosono.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdosono/
