Leadership Starts with People

Reflections on culture, connection, and community

Last week, I was honored to receive the NCCBA Distinguished Leadership Award at the North Carolina Chinese Business Association’s Lunar New Year Celebration. I’m truly grateful for the recognition, but what stood out to me most was not the award itself. It was the reason behind the evening.

During her keynote speech, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall shared a line that has stayed with me ever since:

“Most economic and academic collaboration begins with cultural and people-to-people connections.”

Lunar New Year celebrations are more than just traditions. It creates an opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds to come together and build understanding, trust, and lasting relationships, reminding us that international collaboration is built on culture and human connection, not only on policy or trade.

As I learned from my work over the years, any progress and team collaboration starts with understanding and trust. It happens when people feel seen, respected, and connected, and cultural exchange is the foundation for meaningful international partnerships.

To me, leadership is more than just titles or recognition; it starts with people. It means being present, listening closely, offering support, and helping people grow and the community thrive. Leaders lead change by building supportive environments and making people feel valued, empowered, and included, so everyone can contribute and grow together.

I’ve always been interested in people and connecting with people. For years, I’ve kept a journal, writing down times when helping someone actually changed how I think and act (it helps me). Those reflections led me to join NCCBA in June 2024.

NCCBA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that connects professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to strengthen business relationships, promote cultural exchange, support leadership development, and serve the broader North Carolina community.

What started as a wish to help became a deeper commitment to serve the community. Now, I support the group through fundraising and public relations, but I’ve learned much more than any job description could cover.

Since joining, I’ve learned a lot from NCCBA’s leaders. More importantly, I’ve witnessed how important community support is. When we spend our time and energy organizing events, fundraising, mentoring, bringing people together, and working for shared goals, we build resilience and momentum that goes far beyond any one event or group. As we move forward, I hope to keep building these connections, creating lasting bridges, and helping each other make a positive impact.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall with sponsors, community leaders, and part of the NCCBA executive team.

I am thankful to NCCBA, our partners, supporters, and leaders like Secretary Marshall, who remind us that people come first and leadership is not a final goal, but a responsibility that expands with each new opportunity. It is about bringing cultures together, connecting people, and leading with purpose, especially during uncertain times or change.

In my professional community, I joined the Professional Development Committee of the American Phytopathological Society, collaborating with a team of volunteers to support our society members' professional and personal growth as scientists and leaders in plant pathology. When I help and lift others, the process also helps me grow and thrive.

Ziglar’s quote is my guiding principle: give, help, and share generously.

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar

Looking ahead, I remain committed to strengthening community connections, supporting the development of future leaders, and building bridges to shared progress and lasting impact.

What’s one small way you’re supporting someone or your community today?

#Leadership #Community #Cultural Exchange #People First #Personal Reflection