On a vibrant evening in May, during AAPI Heritage Month, the historic walls of NeueHouse New York resonated with the voices of influential Asian-American leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The event, aptly titled “Breaking Barriers,” was a platform for these trailblazers to share their stories, challenges, and visions for the future. Moderated by Elliot Lum, EVP of Growth at the Association of National Advertisers, and hosted by Lan Phan, author of *Do This Daily*, the panel featured luminaries such as Tiffany Pham, Founder of Mogul; Brian Wong, Founder of BW Growth Ventures; and Priti Ohri, Co-Founder of Advertible Inc. This gathering was more than just a discussion; it was a call to action for AAPI leaders to take their rightful place on the larger stages of industry and influence.
The Journey to Entrepreneurship
The panel commenced with each speaker recounting their early experiences in entrepreneurship, a segment that set the tone for the evening’s discourse. Brian Wong, who began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19 by co-founding the Mar-tech mobile rewards platform Kiip, spoke with clarity and conviction about the challenges he faced. Wong’s reflections on the early days of building Kiip were not just anecdotes but lessons in resilience and strategic thinking.
Wong highlighted the importance of understanding the market landscape and the necessity of rapid adaptation. “In the early stages of Kiip, we were constantly iterating, constantly refining our approach,” he recalled. “The ability to pivot quickly and efficiently was critical to our survival and eventual success.” This insight resonated with many in the audience, particularly those at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys, who could relate to the daunting task of navigating a volatile market.
Wong’s transition from being an entrepreneur to founding BW Growth Ventures marked a significant shift in his career, and he shared the motivations behind this move with the audience. “I wanted to take the lessons I learned from building a company and apply them to helping other entrepreneurs succeed,” Wong explained. His firm’s focus on investing in web3 and fintech companies reflects his forward-thinking approach and his commitment to driving innovation within the AAPI community.
The Sacrifices of Scaling
The conversation then shifted to the sacrifices inherent in scaling a business, a topic that elicited thoughtful responses from the panelists. Brian Wong, drawing from his experience with Kiip, spoke candidly about the personal and professional challenges that come with growth. “Scaling a company is not just about increasing revenue or market share,” Wong noted. “It’s about managing the complexities that come with a larger organization—hiring the right people, maintaining the company culture, and staying true to your vision.”
Wong’s reflections on the sacrifices he made during Kiip’s growth phase were particularly poignant. “There were times when the demands of the business took precedence over everything else,” he admitted. “But those sacrifices were necessary to build something enduring.” His honesty and transparency struck a chord with the audience, many of whom were likely grappling with similar challenges in their own ventures.
The Power of Investment
As the discussion moved towards the topic of investment, Brian Wong took the opportunity to delve into his philosophy as a venture capitalist. Wong’s approach to investment is deeply rooted in his experiences as an entrepreneur, and he emphasized the importance of not just financial backing, but also strategic guidance. “Investment is not just about providing capital; it’s about offering the support and resources that entrepreneurs need to succeed,” Wong asserted.
He spoke passionately about the role of investment in empowering the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs, particularly within the AAPI community. “There is immense potential within the AAPI entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Wong said. “By providing the right kind of investment—both financial and strategic—we can help unlock that potential and drive significant growth.” His words served as both inspiration and a challenge to the audience, encouraging them to think beyond traditional metrics of success and to consider the broader impact of their ventures.
Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
One of the most impactful moments of the evening came when the panelists were asked to share the lessons they had learned from their respective journeys. Brian Wong’s response was reflective and insightful, drawing on the experiences he had accumulated over the years. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of persistence,” Wong shared. “Success doesn’t come overnight. It requires a relentless focus on your goals and the resilience to overcome setbacks.”
Wong also touched on the importance of personal branding and public speaking, topics he has written about extensively. He emphasized that these skills are not just about self-promotion, but about effectively communicating one’s vision and values. “Public speaking is not just about delivering a message; it’s about connecting with your audience on a deeper level,” Wong explained. “It’s a critical skill for any leader, particularly in today’s digital age, where communication is more important than ever.”
Bridging the Leadership Gap
As the panel drew to a close, the conversation turned to the broader issue of AAPI representation in leadership roles, particularly in the C-suite. Brian Wong was unequivocal in his belief that AAPI leaders deserve more prominent platforms to share their stories and insights. “There is a leadership gap when it comes to AAPI representation in the highest echelons of business,” Wong stated. “We have the talent, the drive, and the vision. What we need now are the platforms to amplify our voices.”
Wong’s call for greater visibility and recognition for AAPI leaders was a fitting conclusion to an evening that had been as much about inspiration as it was about action. He stressed that by sharing their stories, AAPI leaders can begin to shift the narrative and bring more awareness to the contributions they are making in every sector of the economy. “With our stories, we can change perceptions and create new opportunities for future generations of AAPI leaders,” Wong concluded.
A Call to Action
The “Breaking Barriers” panel at NeueHouse was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the need for continued advocacy within the AAPI community. The insights shared by the panelists, and particularly by Brian Wong, were not just reflections on past achievements but a roadmap for future success. Wong’s emphasis on the importance of visibility, investment, and storytelling resonated deeply with the audience, leaving them with much to consider as they move forward in their own careers.
As the event came to a close, it was clear that the conversation had only just begun. The leadership gap Wong spoke of is real, but so too is the potential to bridge it. Through events like this, where AAPI leaders can share their experiences and insights, the community can continue to build momentum and ensure that the next generation of leaders has the support and recognition they deserve. Brian Wong’s contributions to this dialogue were invaluable, and his call to action will undoubtedly inspire many to take up the mantle and continue the work of breaking barriers.