In this episode, we sit down with Kaan Basaran, Tufts University and McKinsey alum and now co-founder of Maker’s Edge, which brings advanced AI to enterprise manufacturers to deliver data-driven workflows on the factory floor.
We explore how Kaan’s entrepreneurial upbringing shaped his drive—and how he balanced his ambition to build a company with his desire to learn management from top corporations through consulting. After studying econometrics, quantitative economics, and math at Tufts, Kaan earned his MBA from NYU Stern and spent five years at McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in strategy and operations. Today, Kaan is channeling that same analytical mindset into building his startup that reshapes traditional manufacturing.
We also dive into the origin story of Maker’s Edge, how he formed his founding team with close friends and the unique skill sets that each member brings, which have been critical to the startup's success thus far. Finally, we look ahead at what’s next—Kaan’s vision for the future of manufacturing, the mindset shifts that come with being a founder, and how he’s redefining balance and purpose along the way.
#Startups #Entrepreneur #Consulting #Tech #Manufacturing
In this week's episode, we learn all about how our special guest, Crystalina Guo, grew from a quiet middle child in high school to Class President of Wellesley College 2020, and later into the Chief of Staff at both Equi and Capital One.
Crystalina shares how her early years impacted her passion for building supportive communities, how she found her voice and confidence, and how these personal values translate to the workplace in a central role such as the Chief of Staff.
We break down what the Chief of Staff role really is, how it differs from the “bottom up” nature of business operations, and how those who hold it can effectively define the role for themselves. We also discuss the importance of “soft skills” — how empathic relationship building became central to her success.
Today, Crystalina enters her next chapter by pursuing an MBA at Wharton to progress her career from operator to investor, with long-term sights on entrepreneurship. We close with reflections on leadership, mental health, and the importance and pathways to creating space for others to rise.
#PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Women #Workplace #Careers
In this candid conversation, Carol Wang joins Esther and Shirley to reflect on the winding road of her 20s—from a global upbringing across Asia to a career in real estate investing. Raised between Shenzhen, Singapore, and Vancouver, Carol shares how her multicultural background shaped her independence and resilience. She opens up about working in real estate investing, finding her voice in a high-pressure industry, and learning to balance ambition with joy through grounding hobbies like ballet and book club.
What makes this episode especially powerful is Carol’s honesty about walking away from a toxic relationship and navigating the emotional aftermath. Through therapy, journaling, and wisdom from voices like Mel Robbins and Jay Shetty, Carol began rebuilding her confidence, identifying dealbreakers, and learning how to choose peace over chaos.
Whether you’re recovering from burnout, ending a relationship, or simply learning how to show up for yourself again, Carol’s story reminds us that healing is not linear—and you're not alone. She also shares favorite resources like the “Let Them” theory, offering practical tools and emotional truth for anyone ready to start over, stronger.
#LifeInYour20s #HealingJourney #ToxicRelationshipRecovery #MelRobbins #JayShettyWisdom #MentalHealthMatters #PersonalGrowth #RealTalk #PowerfulWomen #Boundaries #SelfLove #MoveWithPower
In this candid catch‑up episode, Shirley and Esther dive into the twists, turns, and milestones of life in our late 20s. Esther shares stories from her travels through South America, and talks about her next big chapter—moving to London for graduate school. Shirley opens up about the joy of her engagement and her gradual shift toward living more in the moment: embracing spontaneity, slowing down, making space for her hobbies, and finding a better balance between time with friends and time for herself.
We wrap things up with a lively rapid‑fire Q&A, swapping spontaneous questions that took us from lighthearted laughs to deeper reflections. Whether you’re navigating big life changes yourself or just love listening to friends talk about love, travel, and the pursuit of dreams, this episode will feel like joining us at the table.
#LifeInYour20s #EngagementStories #PodcastCatchUp #FriendshipGoals #TravelAndLife #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #RapidFireQuestions
In our very first Q&A episode, we're diving into some of the big, messy, and meaningful questions about life and career. We’re opening up about our own journeys—navigating job transitions, dealing with doubts around success, and figuring out how to define it on our own terms. On the personal side, we explore what it means to juggle multiple identities and how to handle that creeping feeling of falling behind when everyone around us seems to be hitting milestones. It’s honest, real, and a little bit vulnerable—don’t miss this special conversation!
#PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth #Careers #PersonalGrowth
In this episode of Move with Power, we sit down with Daffy Hristova, a seasoned digital artist whose work has brought some of the most visually stunning films to life—including Disney’s The Jungle Book, Gladiator II, and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Born in Bulgaria, Daffy moved to London to chase her dream in visual and digital arts. Over the years, she’s contributed to world-class production teams, mastering the craft of digital sculpting, SubD modeling, texturing, lighting, and more.
But we’re not catching her in a studio—we’re speaking with her while she’s on a creative sabbatical in Thailand, part of a global journey that’s taken her from South America to Southeast Asia. In this episode, Daffy shares why she pressed pause on her career to explore the world, how travel is reshaping her creativity, and what this break means for her long-term artistic vision.
We also dive into her thoughts on burnout, finding renewal, the future of visual effects, and what it really means to build a career—and a life—with power and intention.
🎧 Tune in for a grounded, inspiring conversation about art, ambition, and rediscovery.
#VFXArtist #WomenInFilm #DigitalArt #CreativeSabbatical #CareerPivot #BehindTheScenes #AvatarTheWayOfWater #MoveWithPower #VisualStorytelling #CreativeJourney #CGIndustry #DigitalNomadLife
In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Lee — former climate tech product manager and now founder of the Climate Action Club — to explore her journey from the high-speed world of consulting and startups to the purpose-driven nonprofit space.
Danielle opens up about the cultural stigmas she had to confront around activism and nonprofit work, and how she redefined “impact” beyond the traditional lens of tech and investing. We dive into why climate tech innovation, while important, isn’t enough on its own — and why building spaces for community, conversation, and collective care is a critical yet often overlooked piece of the climate puzzle.
Danielle shares how fostering community not only empowers people to act but also helps combat climate anxiety and existential dread. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she runs her nonprofit, the intention behind her biweekly meetups, and how she creates content that connects.
Whether you're navigating climate anxiety yourself or rethinking what climate action looks like, this conversation offers a deeply human and hopeful perspective.
#ClimateAction #Sustainability #NonProfit #CommunityAction #MentalHealth #ClimateTech
In this episode, Esther and Shirley sit down with Rosa Shi, a multilingual storyteller and cultural connector whose unconventional journey has taken her from corporate Beijing to the decks of a Japanese NGO's global voyage.
Born in Quanzhou, Fujian, Rosa studied Spanish at Sun Yat-sen University, where a transformative exchange year in Mexico City expanded her worldview. After completing her Master’s in Arts & Cultural Management from King’s College London during the pandemic, she began her career as a Brand Specialist in tech. But craving deeper purpose, Rosa stepped away from the corporate world to join Peace Boat, a Japan-based NGO that promotes peace, sustainability, and human rights through educational global voyages.
As a volunteer interpreter, Rosa sailed across five continents—Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America—visiting 15 countries and crossing the equator four times. Her role as a language bridge helped Mandarin-speaking passengers connect with global communities and cultures, from city ports to remote villages.
In our conversation, Rosa shares the inspiration behind her leap of faith, the cultural lessons learned onboard, and the emotional highs and lows of traveling with a diverse international crew. She reflects on identity, growth, and mental resilience—and how leaving behind convention helped her discover a new sense of self.
We also talk about her upcoming move to Shenzhen, and how her global journey has reshaped her career aspirations and approach to life.
If you're curious about cross-cultural exchange, redefining success, and the power of human connection on the open sea—tune in to hear Rosa’s story.
#PeaceBoat #GlobalCitizenship #CulturalExchange #MentalHealth #SustainableTravel #CareerPivot #MoveWithPower
In this episode, we sit down with Quinn Underwood — serial entrepreneur, University of Toronto grad, and founder of Autumn, a groundbreaking mental health startup acquired by Qualtrics. Quinn shares his journey from growing up around small business owners to becoming a tech founder. Today, he's helping organizations rethink how they measure mental health, detect early signs of burnout, and proactively strengthen team dynamics.
We explore how he pivoted from early interests in medicine and law to launching Autumn, and how he and his team built proprietary AI models that redefined employee wellness — shifting the focus from outdated surveys to behavioral and communication-based insights. Quinn also shares what it was like transitioning from running a tight-knit startup to joining a 6,000+ person company at Qualtrics, and the key differences in strategy, execution, and leadership.
As both an entrepreneur and angel investor, Quinn dives into what makes a great founder, the anatomy of high-performing teams, and the critical role of autonomy, trust, and psychological safety in preventing burnout and unlocking peak performance.
Follow us on Spotify to never miss an episode.
#WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealth #EmployeeWellness #BurnoutPrevention #TeamDynamics #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship
In this special episode of Move with Power, Esther and Shirley sit down with one of our most multifaceted guests yet—Chloe Wang, a Senior Product Manager at Roo, whose career bridges UX design and machine learning.
Chloe shares her journey from Shanghai to Ohio and eventually to Wellesley College, discussing the cultural transitions and personal growth she experienced along the way. She delves into her path toward product management, highlighting her experiences exploring career options through internships, scaling startups, and leveraging AI in her professional endeavors.
We explore Chloe’s professional path, lessons, and takeaways on navigating mental health. She opens up about the challenges of overcoming tough situations and the importance of thinking outside the box when seeking internships. Chloe emphasizes that it's okay not to have everything figured out and shares strategies for building resilience and finding one's path.
A key theme in our conversation is Chloe's deep curiosity about understanding people. She discusses her interest in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and how it has helped her bridge connections between individuals with different personalities. Chloe also reflects on her personal growth, transitioning from always agreeing and being nice to embracing the importance of saying the right thing, even when it leads to short-term discomfort.
This episode provides a unique blend of career advice, personal reflection, and insights into personal development, offering listeners a glimpse into the power of embracing one's unique journey.
Tune in for a candid, heartfelt conversation!
#ProductManagement #Careers #UXDesign #PersonalGrowth
In this special episode of Move with Power, Shirley and Esther break down four years of post-college work experience, sharing the real, unfiltered truth about life in banking, investing, consulting, and more. What’s real, and what’s not? We’ll clear up common misconceptions and provide a fresh perspective on what it’s actually like to work in these industries, while sharing our biggest lessons learned.
In addition to career insights, we explore how we managed our mental health during some of the most stressful times. With high-pressure environments often testing your limits, we’ll discuss the strategies we used to stay balanced and build resilience, even during challenging moments.
Whether you're navigating your first job or figuring out your next steps, this episode offers candid reflections on career realities, personal growth, and managing mental wellness along the way.
Tune in for an insightful conversation about careers, overcoming challenges, and prioritizing mental health.
#Banking #Investing #Consulting #Careers #MentalHealth #StressManagement #LessonsLearned
In this special episode of Move with Power, Esther and Shirley sit down with one of our most interesting guests yet – national chess master, poker player, Harvard College Debating Union debater and former head coach, Harvard Law student, and now class action attorney at Lieff Cabraser, Jake Miller. Jake also happens to be Shirley’s fiancé!
We explore Jake’s professional path, lessons, and takeaways on navigating mental health. Jake opens up about the strategic skills he honed growing up with chess, and how his evolving self discovery journey shaped his career choices.
We also dive into Shirley’s and Jake’s personal story, and how their relationship has evolved alongside their demanding professional lives and how they’ve each helped create work life balance for the other – offering insights on how to build a thriving relationship while pursuing ambitious goals.
This episode provides a unique blend of career advice, personal reflection, and a celebration of love, offering listeners a glimpse into the power of partnership in all its forms.
Tune in for a candid, heartfelt conversation!
#Poker #Law #ClassAction #Leadership #Mentorship #Careers #MentalHealth #Chess
In this episode of Move with Power, Shirley and Esther sit down with Amy Wang, Youtube content creator entrepreneur with 400k+ subscribers, podcast host of “Your A+ Life,” and soon-to-be student at MIT Sloan. Amy shares her remarkable journey from her engineering roots at Caltech, through her experiences in consulting, to launching her channel and digital products as now a creator entrepreneur.
As she reflects on her upbringing, Amy discusses how her family influences initially pointed her to engineering, but how her self-discovery and passion fueled her path to corporate life then entrepreneurship.
Amy opens up about her transition to full-time content creation, revealing how she went viral and how she maintained that rocket growth. We dive into how she stays motivated and consistent with her content, applying some of the same lessons she developed in school and shares with her audience. Throughout the conversation, Amy emphasizes the importance of balancing ambition with mental well-being, sharing her insights on managing stress and achieving sustainable lifestyles.
For young professionals looking to enter content creation or start their own businesses, Amy offers valuable advice on the critical skills and traits needed for success. She shares her thoughts on building a loyal community on YouTube, reflects on what she might have done differently in her journey, and recommends resources for those just starting out.
Tune in to hear Amy’s inspiring story and gain insights for pursuing your passions!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, follow us on TikTok (@powermoveorg), and join our ever-growing community at www.powermove.org to stay connected with all the latest from Power Move!
Subscribe to Amy on her Youtube Channel, ‘Your A+ Life’ at @wamyy5. Find her on socials:
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wamyy5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wamyy5
#Entrepreneurship #ContentCreator #MentalHealth #Leadership #YouTube #TikTok #MBAJourney
In this week's special Mandarin episode, Esther and Aria Wang engage in a powerful conversation with Patricia Wang and Lyn Zhang, the visionary founder of Girls Who Impact. Together, they explore Patricia and Lyn's remarkable journey to entrepreneurship and their unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment. We dive into the key lessons they’ve learned throughout their journey, from the challenges of starting with a small team to expanding their organization to over 1,500 members. They also share the story behind their first in-person conference in New York and how it became a pivotal moment for their organization.
Additionally, Patricia and Lyn introduce their exciting new city chapter program, where students can join local chapters, connect with like-minded, inspiring women in their region, and further the mission of Girls Who Impact. We also discuss the importance of mental health practices, stress reduction, and finding a balance between work and life.
This episode is the second in our Mandarin series, reflecting our commitment to embracing diversity and expanding the languages and voices featured on our podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify, follow us on TikTok (@powermoveorg), and join our ever-growing community at www.powermove.org to stay connected with all the latest from Power Move!
#WomenEmpowerment #Entrepreneurship #GirlsWhoImpact #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #MandarinPodcast #DiversityAndInclusion #PowerMove #Inspiration #Leadership #FemaleFounders
In this special episode, Shirley and Esther share their journey of presenting their TED Talk in Vancouver, Canada, called "How to Find Your Voice: The Art of Continued Personal Discovery."
We dive deep into their experiences and insights on how they found the opportunity to sponsor and speak at TEDx and the key topics they covered. From the challenges of finding one’s voice to the art of self-discovery, this episode explores the personal stories and lessons that shaped their presentation.
We share insights on the preparation and planning process leading up to formulating our topic, drawing inspiration from our guests and reflections from this podcast, "Move with Power." We talk about what it was like to take the stage and how you may be able to start your own TEDx as well.
Whether you’re navigating personal growth or professional development, this episode offers valuable takeaways from our TEDx talk on embracing fearlessness, speaking your truth, and leaning into your community. Tune in to hear how we turned our own journeys into a powerful message and find inspiration to discover and amplify your own voice.
#TEDx #TEDTalk #PersonalDiscovery #SelfDiscovery #PublicSpeaking
In this episode, we explored the incredible journey Nicolas Coleman undertook, leaving behind a high-powered career in investment banking to follow his true calling as a full-time painter. He shared the courageous decisions and defining moments that propelled this life-altering transition, inspiring anyone considering a leap into the unknown to pursue their passion.
Nicolas illuminated his vision for his art career, revealing how artists have influenced his distinctive style through dedication and exploration. His work, rich with thematic depth and creative expression, stands as a testament to the power of staying true to one's artistic voice.
His everyday encounters, as well as travels around the globe, have influenced his art. Nicolas spoke passionately about the cultural encounters and diverse landscapes that have enriched his creative process. Exhibiting his work internationally, he has connected with audiences in meaningful ways, proving that art transcends boundaries.
Mental health, an integral part of Nicolas's journey, was candidly discussed as he shared his personal strategies for maintaining balance and resilience. His openness about the challenges and triumphs in managing well-being provides a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths.
Looking to the future, Nicolas's aspirations are as inspiring as his journey. He envisions exciting new projects and endeavors that continue to push the boundaries of his creativity. His story is a powerful reminder that following one's passion can lead to profound personal and professional fulfillment, encouraging all of us to embrace our dreams with courage and determination.
For young professionals eager to leave a mark in the world of art or any creative domain, Nicolas is the beacon of inspiration you’ve been seeking! This episode brims with insights and motivation, perfect for anyone ready to carve out a successful career and follow their dreams—don't miss out!
#Art #Career #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneur #MentalHealth
In this episode, Shirley and Esther sit down with Annie Chen, the founder of Central Bark, a premium pet care service, and former consultant, recruiting specialist, and president of the MIT Poker Club. We explore Annie’s first-time journey as an entrepreneur, as well as how her Type 2, natural people coach, and social butterfly tendencies have helped her in her self-discovery and career growth journeys and enabled her to mentor others through her efforts to give back to the women professionals circles and Asian communities, like the Apex Youth organization.
Annie shares her fascinating background, including her path to Wellesley, her leadership role in the MIT Poker Club, and her career in consulting and finance before opening Central Bark. We delve into her childhood and the key moments that shaped her interests and self-identity today.
As we discuss her career, Annie reveals her approach to early career formulation and how her experiences in high school and college led her to discover her unique personal superpowers of people connection and support. She also reflects on her mental health, sharing how her ADHD diagnosis has empowered her to tap into her strengths and her biggest lessons through listening to self inquiry podcasts while training for marathons.
Tune in to hear about Annie's entrepreneurial journey with Central Bark, her passion for the pet industry, mentorship, and poker, and the insights she's gained along the way. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate their career and personal growth.
#Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #PetCare #Consulting #MITPokerClub #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealth
In this episode, Esther sits down with Amy Jin, a Wellesley alumnae, influential Instagram personality with 12.7k followers, and talented product designer. Amy shares her unique journey from growing up immersed in the world of golf to pursuing a career in product design with a mission to solve real-world problems.
We delve into Amy's early experiences on the golf course and the influences that shaped her passion for both the sport and design. Dedicated to making golf more accessible and inclusive for women, Amy discusses her efforts to empower women to take up the sport and break through traditional barriers.
Throughout our conversation, Amy provides valuable insights into product design, recounting pivotal moments in her career and sharing lessons learned along the way. She also discusses her passion for golf, her influencer journey, the evolving dynamics of the sport, and her aspirations for greater diversity on the course.
Balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being is a crucial aspect of Amy’s journey. She opens up about her strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, adapting to the challenges of her dual passions, and staying motivated.
For young professionals aspiring to make their mark in sports or design, Amy is the mentor and inspiration you need! This episode is packed with insights and encouragement for anyone looking to navigate a successful career and pursue their passions—tune in now!
#ProductDesign #Golf #WomenEmpowerment #Diversity #SelfCare #Influencer #Instagram #PurposeDriven
In this episode, Esther and Mengtian, one of our Power Move Society interns, sit down with Ellen Touchstone, the inaugural Associate Dean for Responsible and Sustainable Business Education at the International Business School Suzhou (XJTLU). We delve into Ellen's passion for sustainability, her journey from the United States to China to trace her grandparents' footsteps from a century ago, and her adaptability to new cultures and environments.
Ellen is a recognized thought leader in inclusive banking, with her research on the linguistic servicescape and multilingual advertising published in the Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Consumer Research. She initiated the carbon reduction project, "Fifteen Ways in Fifteen Weeks," with the Sustainable Future Talents student group, winning the AMBA BGA Best CSR Sustainability Initiative in 2022. In March 2022, she was honored as a “China Super Woman” by Shanghai-based Green Initiatives for her contributions to environmental and gender equity in the Yangtze River Delta.
Ellen shares the factors that led to her life-changing decision to move to China in the early 2010s and reflects on the remarkable growth China has experienced over the past decades. She also discusses her sustainable initiatives and offers insights on how corporations can play a more responsible role in the industry.
Additionally, Ellen provides her interpretation of gender equity and discusses how China’s favorable national policies support women's advancement in academia.
We wrap up the discussion with a deep dive into Ellen’s personal growth and her approach to managing mental health. We also touch on various documentaries and TED Talks featuring Ellen Touchstone. If you are curious about sustainability in academia and Ellen’s inspiring journey, tune in now!
Links to Ellen’s TED Talk and Documentary:
#BusinessSchool #Academia #SustainableBusiness #SelfCare #GenderEquity #Innovation #PurposeDriven #Empowerment
In this episode, Shirley and Esther sit down with Erica Lee, a seasoned product management leader with an impressive career spanning roles at Visa, Blend, Better, and now Flow -- a residential rental real-estate company. Flow was founded in 2022 by the former CEO of WeWork, Adam Neumann, and funded by the VC a16z.
Erica, who holds a business degree from Berkeley, shares her journey through the dynamic world of tech and product management. We dive into Erica's upbringing and early influences that shaped her career ambitions, as well as her diverse experiences across startups and large enterprises.
Erica provides insight into the characteristics that define roles in different company environments and recounts pivotal moments in her career, offering invaluable lessons for building a career in tech as a product leader.
Erica also discusses what drew her to her current role leading product on the Flow resident app, and her aspirations for Flow's future.
Balancing career ambition with mental well-being is a crucial topic in our conversation. Erica shares strategies for adapting to the tech industry's fluctuations and maintaining a healthy balance between professional goals, personal growth, and mental health.
For all young professionals aspiring to break into product management, Erica is the big sister we wish we had! This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to navigate a successful career in tech -- tune in now!
#ProductManagement #Tech #CareerGrowth #MentalWellBeing #Startups #Enterprises #Leadership #Innovation #PersonalGrowth #MoveWithPower
