Videos and Articles | Maya Hu-Chan

Can I Be Brutally Honest About Working Alone?

Can I be honest with you? Working remotely or building a business can feel incredibly lonely sometimes. You wake up excited about your ideas, but by lunch, you're sitting there wondering if anyone even cares about what you're building. No coworkers to bounce ideas...

FOMO Is a Scam— Why you’re NOT Missing Out

Can We Talk About FOMO – Fear of missing out? Okay, picture this: It's Friday afternoon, you're absolutely drained from the week, and your coworker slides into your DMs like, "Hey, we're all hitting happy hour. You coming?" And you're sitting there thinking... "I am...

2000 Hours at Work – Make Them Count

Hey there! I'm Coach Maya. Let me ask you something. How much time do you spend at work? If you're like most people, it's probably around 2,000 hours a year. That's more time than you spend with your family. More time than you spend sleeping. So here's the...

Storytelling Wins: Data Alone Doesn’t Sell

Hey there! I'm Coach Maya. Picture this - you walk into that big meeting. Your slides look perfect. Your data is solid. But halfway through your presentation, you notice something is off. People are checking their phones. Someone's doodling. Ugh, right? I've been...

The Truth Behind the Marshmallow Test

I want to talk to you about something that might sound crazy – I tell my clients to eat marshmallows. Before you think I've lost it, let me explain. Hey there! I'm Coach Maya. Tell me if this sounds familiar: "I'll take that vacation after this project," or "I'll...

The 4 Habits of Resilient People

Whether you're a seasoned leader who's been through it all or a young professional just starting your journey, today's topic is really close to my heart – resilience. And I want to share a different perspective on what that actually means. Growing up in Taiwan, I...

Office Politics: Why Good Work Isn’t Enough

Hey friend! Coach Maya here. After coaching thousands of highly successful leaders globally, I've noticed a pattern. Today, I'm going to share something that might make you uncomfortable, but could completely change your career trajectory. Let me tell you about...

The Confidence Hack: Crushing Imposter Syndrome Once and for All

Hi Rockstars, Coach Maya here! 👋 Today we're tackling the real talk about Imposter Syndrome—that sneaky voice that says you're not good enough… even when all the evidence says otherwise. 💡 Did you know 71% of high achievers struggle with this? That...

4 Power Moves to Master Your Relationship with Your Boss

Are you tired of having your ideas overlooked? It’s time to break free from the ordinary and make a significant impact in your career. I’m Maya Hu-Chan, an executive coach and best-selling author, and I have four powerful strategies to help you influence your boss,...

Stop Kissing Up: 4 Power Moves to Real Influence

Feeling like your ideas are falling on deaf ears? Do you ever wonder why your hard work isn’t translating into recognition or opportunities? I’m Maya Hu-Chan, executive coach and bestselling author, and I want to share a truth with you: kissing up doesn’t work. Real...

How to Build Your Leadership Brand (FAST)

Your leadership brand speaks before you do. Whether you’re just starting out or leading teams at the highest level, you already have a personal brand—whether you realize it or not. The real question is: Is it the brand you want? In this video, I break down 3 simple...

Saying NO Like a Pro

Saying “no” doesn’t make you difficult—it makes you a leader. Hey everyone, it’s Coach Maya here! Let's get real about something you probably deal with every single day: saying "no." Whether you're a young professional hustling to make a name for yourself or a...

Why Belonging Matters: Stop Losing Your Best People

Did you know 51% of people quit because they don’t feel they belong? On global teams, that number skyrockets! Hey there, Coach Maya here 👋. Belonging isn’t just middle school cafeteria politics—it’s a fundamental human need. It’s about feeling valued for who...

Daily Questions

3 Minutes a Day That Can Transform Your Life Hey there! Coach Maya here. Feel like you're drowning in responsibilities? I've been there. Career in full swing, constant travel, three teenagers at home, and completely running on empty. Let me ask you something: What if...

Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?

You know that feeling? When work is amazing, time flies by... but when things get tough, every day feels like a week? That's the career rollercoaster we're all riding. Hey there! Coach Maya here. So I was chatting with some friends the other day about this whole work...

Building Psychological Safety By Honoring Face

Ever wonder why your brilliant international team members go completely silent in meetings? That silence might be costing your company millions. Hey everyone! Coach Maya here, and today I'm pulling back the curtain on a leadership secret that transformed how I work...

What My Autistic Children Taught Me About Leadership

Hello! I'm Coach Maya, a mom of triplets, where two of my kids, Savannah and Ethan, are autistic and nonverbal. We struggled with communication until we discovered an app that allows them to express themselves by typing. After months of slow progress, I decided to use...

Remote or Irrelevant? How to Stand Out in a Hybrid World

Been in your job for two years and still haven't met your boss in person? Welcome to the club! Hi friends. Coach Maya here. I am so glad you are here. Being remote doesn't mean being invisible. Here are 7 ways for you to shine from behind that screen: Turn your camera...

Your Career’s Secret Weapon: Who’s in Your Corner?

Ever wonder why some people climb the career ladder while others stall? Spoiler alert: Nobody achieves success alone. Hi friends! Coach Maya here. Consider your career success as building a dream team—not just your work bestie, but four key people you need: Mentor:...

Saving Face: How to Turn Embarrassment Into Empowerment

Remember that time you messed up at work and just wanted the floor to swallow you? We’ve all been there. That’s “losing face” – and today, let’s discuss why helping someone recover from that moment is a powerful leadership skill. Hey friends, Coach Maya here! So, why...

How to Take Charge of Your Career? 1 Secret You Need to Know

Hello there! Coach Maya here, ready to dive into a candid conversation about that all-too-familiar feeling of being stuck in your career. You know that frustrating moment when everyone around you seems to surge ahead while you feel like you're just... standing still?...

Assertive ≠ Aggressive: Leadership Balance Changes Everything

Want to be a great boss without being a jerk? Yeah, I thought so. Hello, this is Coach Maya. I am so glad you are here. Look, if you're a natural people-pleaser, leadership can feel like walking a tightrope while holding a cup of hot coffee. One wrong move and... mess...

The Expert Trap (And How to Get Out of It)

Ever feel like your technical expertise is both your superpower AND your career handcuffs? You're not alone. Hello friends! Coach Maya here. So you're the go-to expert. The problem solver. The one who knows all the technical details. But now what? Here's the thing:...

Stop Boring Your Audience!

Hey there. Coach Maya here! Ever feel like you're crushing your presentation, but everyone looks like they're daydreaming about lunch? Trust me, you're not alone. Here are three game-changing communication hacks that'll make people actually want to listen: Being...

Executive Presence: Why Your Brilliant Work Isn’t Getting You Promoted

Hey there, I'm Coach Maya! Let's talk about your career. You're doing great work, but are you positioning yourself for the next big opportunity? Executive presence might be the key to unlocking your career potential. Think of executive presence as your leadership...

Nice Leaders Finish Last? How to Win Without Losing Your Soul

You know what's funny? After coaching thousands of leaders around the world, I keep hearing the same story. Let me share something that might make you a bit uncomfortable, but - this could be a total game-changer for your career. I was coaching Claudia last week, and...

Self-Advocacy at work: How to Play Big

Hey friend! Coach Maya here. So, I've been thinking about something that came up in a lot of my coaching sessions lately, and I just had to share it with you. You know that awful feeling when you're stuck in your career? Like, you're watching everyone else zoom past...

Boss Hacks: 4 Top Tips to Influence Up

Feeling like your ideas are falling on deaf ears? Are you ready to break free from the ordinary and make a positive difference in your career? Hello, my name is Maya Hu-Chan, executive coach and best-selling author. I’d like to share four powerful strategies to help...

From Pushover to Power Player: How to Stop Being a Professional Wallflower

Coach Maya here with some real talk about feeling stuck in your career. You know that frustrating feeling when everyone else seems to be zooming ahead while you're just... there? Yeah, I see you nodding. Let me tell you about two of my clients who went from stuck to...

The Confidence Hack: Crushing Imposter Syndrome Once and for All

Let’s talk about that sneaky little feeling that's probably haunting your career right now! You know that moment in meetings when your brain goes "OMG, someone's gonna realize I'm totally faking this"? That's Imposter Syndrome, and guess what? Even those fancy CEOs in...

Boss Problems? 4 Moves to Take Back Control

Hey there! Let's talk about something that can make or break your professional journey: your relationship with the boss. Yep, that person who signs your paycheck and holds major keys to your career success. Picture this: You're crushing it with your team, everyone...

Boss Hacks: 4 Keys to Influence Up

Ever felt like your ideas were falling on deaf ears? Or maybe you've watched someone less qualified than YOU get promoted while you're stuck in the same old rut. If you've experienced these frustrations, you're not alone. Navigating the corporate world can be a real...

What Does Saving Face Mean?

How do you feel when you're checking out of a store and someone behind the counter says, "Have a nice day?" Do you get a little shimmy in your step? Does your day get a little brighter? Not really? Ever wonder why that is? The term have a nice day is often uttered by...

3 Tips to Overcome Micro-Inequities at Work

One of my clients is experiencing a professional obstacle that is all too common. Susan is a passionate, driven, high-performing leader. She often has a seat at the table with other company leaders. However, she feels that although she has a seat, she does not have a...

3 Strategies to Be an Inclusive Leader

An inclusive leader gives space for themselves and others to reflect and to listen. They're conscientious about how they show up as a leader. When a leader is inclusive, engaging, and courageous, everyone else shows up that way too. There are three specific things...

3 Steps to Think Globally

When you hear the phrase, thinking globally, you might imagine focusing on international business or finding markets around the world. However, in the context of leading with an innovative mindset, the word global means much more. Consider Chinese e-commerce and tech...

Saving Face and Building Relationships

When you hear the words 'saving face,' what do you think of? You might imagine someone trying to recover after saying something embarrassing. Maybe they made a mistake in the workplace and need to repair their reputation. Face is a universal concept, beyond its...

5 Ways to Honor Face to Build Relationships

There are three key concepts of face. Honoring Face, losing face, and saving face. In this video, I talk about honoring face. Honoring face is a cultural concept originated in China. It can and should be an integral part of building relationships and motivating your...

3 Ways to Rebuild Face and Respect

There's an old Chinese proverb, "Spilled water is hard to regain." Think about it. You accidentally knock a glass of water off the table and it spills all over the floor. If you wanted to get all that water back into the glass, how would you do it? Nearly impossible,...

3 Ways to Lead With an Innovative Mindset

Successful companies know that in order to grow they must consistently innovate. And to truly innovate, leaders must lead with an innovative mindset. An innovative mindset allows leaders and workers alike to take small steps to create big impact. One of the most...

What Saving Face Is and Is Not

Saving face is the act of helping someone recover after a mistake in a way that preserves their dignity in the presence of their colleagues, community or family. When it is done authentically, with genuine intention and empathy, the act of saving face for someone can...

Deconstructing Myths About the AANHPI Community-Replay

Since 1992, I have been recognized as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in the United States. So how can we honor the lived experiences of this diverse community and show up as authentic allies coming out of a pandemic that...

How Giving Face Can Build Strong Relationships

When you think of the term saving face, it usually relates to someone taking some kind of an action to keep someone else from feeling humiliated or embarrassed. The concept of face is not just a method to use when problems arise. There is a very proactive, positive...

How Face Relates to Authenticity and Accountability

As an executive coach, I have worked with leaders around the world. I have shared with them a concept that resonates with leaders at all levels. It's so essential to their leadership, but it's also counterintuitive. It's the concept of face. Today, I would like to...

3 Ways to Break Down Insider/Outsider Dynamics

Diversity and inclusion aren't just trendy business buzzwords. Research suggests that companies that embrace diversity perform better than companies that don't make it a priority. And hiring a diverse workforce is only half of the equation. In order for companies to...

Silence: Listening With Ten Eyes

Do you want to learn all about the role that silence plays in cross-cultural negotiations and how important it is to reach positive outcomes? In this video, I discuss how silence can take you to greater heights of success.

The Art of Tough Conversations with Dignity

You’ve heard of Facebook. But have you heard of Face Bank? The term might be unfamiliar to many, but the most effective HR professionals count on it to overcome cultural barriers, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and preserve dignity for all parties involved for a...

American Managers – Asian Employees

Most American managers empower their employees by allowing them to take part in the decision-making process. For an Asian employee who has never done this, this might be a little overwhelming. Watch this video to find out how you, as a manager, can overcome this...

The Importance of Face in China

Know what it takes to be a good leader to employees from China? First, understand the importance of face in Chinese culture and how it impacts the way the Chinese interact in professional settings. For tips on saving face, giving face, and avoiding losing face, watch...

Working With Multigenerational Chinese Team

In this video, I discuss what Chinese employees expect from their managers and mentors. Utilize these tips if you want to succeed in enhancing productivity and earning the respect of these employees.

Three Ways to Shed the ‘Ugly American’ Image

Are you familiar with the term ‘Ugly American’? It is often believed that Americans are arrogant, consider themselves superior to others, and tend to interrupt others, believing that they already know the answers. Watch this video as I discuss 3 workable tips that...

Writing Effective Global Emails

Do you know how to address someone in an email who values hierarchy as part of their culture and who has a higher position than yourself? Watch this video to learn more about how you can write clear and effective emails when working globally.

The Glass Ceiling Still Exists

Are you looking for ways to break the glass ceiling that prevents women from landing top jobs? In this video, learn how to break the glass ceiling and establish your name in the corporate world as a female entrepreneur.

5 Tips to Build Executive Presence to Get Ahead

Do you want to be promoted? It’s time to stop blaming your management and start working on building your Executive Presence! Find out how you can accomplish that and climb up the executive ladder by watching this video using these 5 tips. 1. Be a strong performer 2....

Building Relationships in Virtual Teams

Do you know how to create a strong virtual team? The secret lies in building strong relationships! Watch this video to learn all about it.

Mike Howard Ronin Leadership Podcast with Maya HuChan

I was honored to be a guest on the Mike Howard Ronin Leadership Podcast where we discussed the concept of "saving face" which can help any leader preserve the dignity of those they work with, with those who work for them, and for those, they work for! According to...

Understanding Asian Communication Styles

“Hear ONE, understand TEN.” – What do you understand from this famous Japanese saying? (Hint: It’s about understanding hidden messages)! If you’d like to learn more, feel free to get in touch! Also, watch this video to get some useful tips on how to differentiate...

Introduction of Saving Face (In Mandarin Chinese)

As I was writing the book “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust”, I asked myself the question of what is the biggest worry for the thousands of leaders I've coached over the years? Don't think too long, I have the answer. Interestingly, their concerns...

Saving Face: The Art Of Tough Conversations With Dignity

You’ve heard of Facebook. But have you heard of Face Bank? The term might be unfamiliar to many, but the most effective HR professionals count on it to overcome cultural barriers, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and preserve dignity for all parties involved for a...

Managing in a Multicultural World

In this LinkedIn LIVE interview replay with Nancy Parsons, CEO/President at CDR Companies, LLC, we discuss my latest book Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust and how we can integrate the principles of "face" with cross-cultural management, leadership...

How to Preserve Human Dignity-An Interview

I was recently interviewed by Brian Brogen CGC/PMP a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker In this episode, we learned the importance of saving face which is the title of my latest book, Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust. In the...

Podcast Interview with Wanda Wallace from Out of Your Comfort Zone

Saving Face with Maya Hu-Chan August 6, 2021 Hosted by Wanda Wallace Episode Description Wherever you work, you probably interact and collaborate with people from a range of cultures. What do you need to do to ensure that you are being culturally aware and helping...

Changemaker Spotlight Interview hosted by Gregg Ward

Gregg Ward, Executive Director of the Center for Respectful Leadership, interviews CRL Advisory Council member and best-selling author, speaker, and coach Maya Hu-Chan about her new book "Saving Face: how to preserve dignity and build trust." Changemaker Spotlight...

Saving Face: Building Good Relationships at Work and In Life

In this webinar replay hosted by A Small World, we talked about Saving Face and building good relationships. This is an interactive webinar, with the first 45 minutes of presentation and the last 15 minutes dedicated to questions from the audience.

GRACE under pressure: John Baldoni with Maya Hu-Chan

In this video replay, I discuss how leaders demonstrate respect and compassion toward others as a means of reinforcing the dignity each employee deserves.

Coaching in the Workplace Conference Interview Replay

In this video replay, I speak to the concept of Saving Face. I also explain FACE and what it is. As a leader, you need to tune into people's emotions so they feel respected and appreciated. At the end of the day, everyone benefits. And it has to start with the...

Maya Hu-Chan Speaks with Sylvia Becker-Hill at the Juicy Life Leader Conference

Through this replay from the online conference, you will discover from me and other handpicked experts how you can be the leader the world needs right now without sacrifice or compromise. Learn how to get top results, big impact, and the joy of being just you!

Challenges of the C-Suite with Maya Hu-Chan

CB Bowman interviews Maya Hu-Chan about the challenges executives face in leading an organization. About Maya: Her book “Global Leadership: The Next Generation” was a Harvard Business School Working Knowledge book. Her new book “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity...

Honor in Asian Culture

In this keynote, Maya Hu-Chan speaks of Asian culture in modern times and the importance of what Saving Face means. Keynote for PF Chang’s Operators Conference in Nashville, TN (2019)

Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust

Learn more about my new book, Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust, released in June 2020!

4 Tips to Avoid a Communication Breakdown When Working Remotely

Today we sit down with Maya Hu-Chan to talk about how leaders can navigate communication in this new, virtual world in order to help employees to continue to feel engaged and motivated.

Utilizing the genius and potential of Asian leaders

Watch to learn the secret talent and skills Asian leader’s posses and ways everyone can develop these skills.

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Appreciate Diversity

What does it take to build a high performing team where people feel valued, respected and safe to be themselves?

How to Get the Promotion You Deserve!

Are you one of those people who are smart, work hard but can’t seem to get ahead? What could be holding you back from that promotion and how can you work past that? Watch this video @NAAAP as I share the story of my client, Jenny, who was in a similar situation but...

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Share Leadership

How do you build a team that consistently delivers strong performance? Sharing leadership is the key. Watch this video to learn fifth core competency for global leaders!

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Develop Technological Savvy

How important is it for leaders to be technologically savvy in this fast-moving business environment? Watch this video to find out the effective use of technology can help you communicate well with your team and customers.

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Build Partnership

Are you struggling with building relationships in your workplace? Watch this video to find out the solutions!

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Appreciate Diversity

What does it take to build a high-performing team where people feel valued, respected, and safe to be themselves? Watch this video to find out.

Core Competencies for Global Leaders – Think Globally

How do you develop a global mindset, gain the ability to look at issues from multiple perspectives, and come up with innovative solutions for complex problems? Watch this video @NAAAP where I share the first of the 5 core competencies for global leaders to lead...

Offensive Gestures

Global gestures mean different things in different countries. When traveling abroad, be aware of your body language and how it can be construed. For instance, the "middle finger" gesture in the US means something totally different in China. Be mindful of your...

American Slang & Idioms

Executive Coach Maya Hu-Chan explains how American slang and idioms can in the way of effective communication.

5 Secrets to Building a High-Performing Virtual Team

With more and more companies working seamlessly across cultures and times zones. So what is the secret to building a successful virtual team? Face-to-face interactions are critical to virtual team success. In this video, I explain my 5 top tips to building a...

Lost in Translation

Are You a Global Castaway?

5 Tips for Collaborative Leadership

Having a strategic plan can add to your team's success by inviting other teams to collaborate. Share your goals priorities and challenges openly. You can develop a common scorecard that will enable you to share the success of achieving your goals. This collaboration...

亞洲領導力的核心優勢

Core Strengths of Asian Leadership

Asia is the fasted growing economy for many years now. At the heart of this success are Asian leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers. In this video are 8 common leadership strengths. Core Strengths of Asian Leadership. 1. Trust and Integrity 2.Technical Mastery 3....

Are You Being Understood?

Are You a Global Thinker?

Working globally means thinking globally. It means opening up your eyes, ears, and especially your mind. You need to be quick on your feet and make effective and appropriate choices. Here are 5 common qualities of effective global thinking. 1. Understand your...

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