We recently connected with Nancy Luong and have shared our conversation below.
Nancy, 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?
My parents. My mom and dad are immigrants and escaped the Vietnam War, they came to America with nothing and started life over after risking their life to give me a better one. I saw them struggle time after time growing up. They never complained, they just kept going and trying their best. They never compared their selves to our other family members that were doing well, they had an end goal and stayed focus. Seeing my parents never give up and be so resilient has me become this way. When I am faced with an obstacle, I know that I will overcome it and gain resilience from the experience.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a multi-layered woman. In my day job, I work in tech, and one aspect I cherish is my involvement in Asiapacforce, a Salesforce Equality Group. Serving on its Global Board allows me to amplify Asian Pacific voices, a cause close to my heart. I LOVE empowering and supporting others, particularly women, in their journeys toward success. My approach is rooted in love, joy, and intention, and I strive to spread positivity wherever I go.
Mental health is a priority for me, and I advocate for self-love, self-care, and pursuing one’s passions. I firmly believe that we can break free from societal boxes and occupy any space we desire. I am passionate about learning and listening to people’s stories, a passion that culminated in my #1 Bestselling book, ‘How We Got Here,’ a guided journal designed to prompt meaningful conversations with loved ones about our shared history.
Additionally, I am deeply involved with California State University, Long Beach, my alma mater, where I mentor students to equip them for success.
Every day, I intentionally prioritize kindness in my interactions with others while also nurturing my own well-being. I really believe that genuine joy stems from within and pursuing our passions, rather than seeking external validation or factors. Lastly, I find joy in cultivating gratitude, a daily focus of mine.
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?
Gratitude: I know that every opportunity, every amazing space I get to be in, every part of my life has been created through gratitude. I didn’t grow up with a lot and so I am very very thankful for everything in my life. Expressing gratitude is so important because not only am I able to focus on the positive but those I interact with appreciate MY appreciation! Focusing and being grateful for what we have while working for something we want is advice I would give others. Don’t compare yourself with others, it is the thief of joy.
Compassion: Having compassion and understanding towards others is a valuable skill. It requires self-awareness to take a step back and empathize with their perspectives. Recognizing that we are all unique individuals and accepting people for who they are, from a place of understanding, fosters patience, improves communication, and brings peace of mind.
BE YOURSELF: I have realized that every ‘flaw’ I thought I had was actually every superpower I have. I learned that being my authentic, genuine self is BEAUTIFUL. Energy is also very important to me and I have many sides of myself. I will express parts of me based on the energy around me: people, event, place. Embracing the weirdness of who you are, that makes you YOU.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy is a book that has changed my life. It is a book about how our subconscious mind is related to all aspects of life -money, relationships, jobs, happiness – and how you can apply and direct its power to achieve your goals and dreams. It is about all the thoughts and beliefs we have accumulated through our life, stored in the subconscious mind and how this part of your brain really affects our beliefs and outcomes. We may want to change something in our conscious mind but have thoughts that contradict this in our subconscious mind which holds us back from that change. This book has changed my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: nancyluong17
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyluong17/
- Other: Tiktok: @fi.nance_hacks
Image Credits
Group shot with 8 people: Photo: Chloe Jackman Photography
