Dance in Change

Miranda Meng
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Discover stories of corporate leaders and trailblazers who dared to dance in uncertainty while pursuing the visions they believed in. From senior leaders mastering the art of leading teams through change to first-generation entrepreneurs and immigrants navigating unfamiliar environments, Dance in Change delivers insights and actionable strategies on navigating change, leadership, and the tears and laughter of ownership. Podcast host Change-Leadership Coach Miranda Meng invites these leaders to share how they stand up for their values and realize their visions, even when they are "different" or face adversity. In the Leading Through Change series, adaptive corporate leaders share strategies and real-life examples of making change happen- navigating uncertainty, building teams that thrive together during times of change, and fostering human-centered success in a complex, globalized world. In the Trailblazers series, stories of those who challenged the norm and made life-changing decisions— first-generation business owners, immigrants, and leaders who redefined success and made it happen on their own terms. They embrace their authentic voice with actions, even when it sets them apart from those around them.Making meaningful change is a journey that begins within. Leading change transcends culture, gender, corporate hierarchy, and whether you’re part of the minority. It's about the influence you create and the impact you leave behind—one step at a time.

  1. 08/05/2025

    Leading Across Cultures in Southeast Asia When Certainty Isn’t an Option w/Laura Cho

    What does it mean to lead when the rules keep changing—and every country does things differently? In this episode, Miranda speaks with Laura Cho, an experienced senior leader who has held both country and regional HR roles across Southeast Asia. Together, they unpack what leadership looks like in the real world of cultural complexity and organizational uncertainty. You’ll hear: What surprises leaders when taking on a new foreign marketWhy “listening” isn’t enough—and how to build trust when time onsite is shortWhat to do when your “great opportunity” isn’t what your team wantsThe subtle difference between being authentic and staying composedPractical ways to lead across regional and local expectations without losing clarityWhen external uncertainty is high—how can you still show up and support others? Whether you’re supporting a team across countries or just trying to help people through tough times, this episode offers heartfelt leadership insights you won’t find in a management textbook. (00:00) - (01:15) Would you enjoy leading multiple countries across Asia? (01:16) - (03:12) When Chinese zodiac impacts your workforce planning (03:13) - (06:02) Leading a new foreign market: what surprises leaders (06:03) - (09:35) Why listening isn’t enough—and how to manage expectations (09:36) - (12:43) From silence to honesty: helping your team open up (12:44) - (15:32) Building relationships when you have limited time onsite (15:33) - (18:28) Why it’s not “just casual talk”—and what you learn from it (18:29) - (21:24) When you want to develop the team—but they don’t see it that way (21:25) - (24:32) Local vs. regional: handling misalignment with care (24:33) - (27:36) “We can’t do this”: how to respond to resistance (27:37) - (31:33) Showing up as a leader when there’s no clear plan and uncertainty is high (31:34) - (34:33) Authenticity vs. emotional control: the leadership balance (34:34) - (38:03) Supporting your team emotionally—when all under great pressure (38:04) - (41:26) Final reflections: leadership across cultures in uncertainty

    44 min

  2. 28/03/2025

    Leading Younger Generations: Align, Grow Together, and Deliver Results w/Shirley Han

    How do you lead people who think, work, and expect things differently from you? Many leaders struggle with cross-generational collaboration, especially when it comes to managing Gen Z. Do they really need constant feedback? Are they resistant to structure? Or is there a different way to align expectations without frustration? In this episode, I sit down with Shirley Han, a senior banking executive in APAC with nearly 30 years of leadership experience, to discuss the real challenges and opportunities in leading younger generations. She shares how to navigate misaligned expectations, involve Gen Z in decision-making, and build leadership clarity without micromanaging. You’ll hear about:  ✔️ Why Gen Z responds differently to leadership—and how to adapt ✔️ The “Standing Beside vs. Standing in Front” leadership approach ✔️ The right way to involve younger employees in decision-making ✔️ Why investing in young talent is never wasted—despite high turnover ✔️ The biggest mistake senior leaders make when driving change If you want to lead across generations without authority struggles or constant friction, this episode is for you. (00:00) - (02:01) Intro: Are You a Strawberry or a Watermelon?   (02:02) - (05:50) Generational Labels: How Do They Impact Leadership?   (05:51) - (07:52) How Shirley Bridged Gaps Between Senior and Junior Employees   (07:53) - (10:42) What Leaders Often Get Wrong About Managing Gen Z   (10:43) - (12:20) How to Align Expectations Between Senior and Junior Talent   (12:21) - (15:46) The Right Way to Involve Younger Employees in Decision-Making   (15:47) - (19:52) When Gen Z Pushes Back: How to Handle Resistance as a Leader   (19:53) - (22:30) The ‘Standing Beside’ vs. ‘Standing in Front’ Leadership Approach   (22:31) - (25:15) Why Investment in Young Talent Is Never a Waste   (25:16) - (27:59) What Leaders Need to Understand About Change Management   (28:00) - (31:20) Why Gen Z Adapts to Change Faster Than Previous Generations   (31:21) - (33:45) The Most Common Mistake Senior Leaders Make When Managing Change   (33:46) - (36:45) How Senior Leaders Can Build an Open Mindset for Future Success   (36:46) - (39:45) Why Leaders Need to Ask for Feedback—And How to Do It Right   (39:46) - (41:50) The Power of Creating Space for Different Personalities at Work   (41:51) - (45:00) Shirley’s Biggest Leadership Lessons on Influence & Generational Leadership   (45:01) - (47:31) Closing: The One Thing You Should Apply from This Episode

    48 min

  3. 26/02/2025

    Assumptions That Make or Break Your Leadership Influence w/Steven Parker

    What assumptions have shaped your leadership experience? And have you ever felt like the “outsider” in the team you lead—like a new son-in-law or daughter-in-law in a close-knit family? Assumptions shape how we lead, but what happens when they don’t match reality? Whether it’s cultural norms, workplace expectations, or team dynamics, leaders often face hidden gaps in alignment that can make or break their success. Steven Parker, a business advisor, former CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and now a business owner, talked about the hidden gaps in leadership alignment across cultures and organizations. With decades of experience in global business and cross-cultural leadership, Steven shares how leaders can gain trust, align with team members, and drive results—without losing clarity. We discuss: ✔ Why leadership that works in one setting might not translate elsewhere ✔ How cultural and company expectations shape leadership effectiveness ✔ Why observing team dynamics reveals hidden challenges and untapped talent ✔ How identity and self-awareness impact leadership and collaboration ✔ How clarity—not assumptions—helps leaders drive real results You will hear: (00:00) - (04:30) How assumptions shape first impressions and workplace interactions (04:31) - (07:45) Why we have different expectations? (07:46) - (11:20) The danger of making leadership decisions based on assumptions (11:21) - (15:10) The hidden leadership blind spot create barriers for new leaders (15:11) - (18:45) Are you being too flexible or too rigid? (18:46) - (22:30) When leadership expectations collide: Who should adapt? (22:31) - (26:15) One small shift that makes leadership easier across different teams (26:16) - (30:45) Observing team dynamics to identify hidden talents and issues (30:46) - (39:27) Why leaders struggle with their own identity—and how it impacts leadership (39:28) - (41:40) Self-awareness and perception: Knowing yourself and helping others understand you

    43 min

  4. 12/02/2025

    Beyond Confrontation: How to Lead and Influence Without a Fight w/ Nancy Baldwin

    Many leaders believe that making an impact means fighting their way to the top. But what if influence could be built through strategy rather than struggle? Nancy Chen Baldwin shares her journey as an immigrant, Asian American woman, breaking barriers in the corporate world—facing bias, cultural challenges, and leadership hurdles. Nancy is a retired senior executive from one of the largest aerospace companies in the U.S., where she led multi-level engineering organizations in a male-dominated industry. Learn how she navigated resistance, influenced beyond titles, and turned confrontation into opportunity. 🔹 How to challenge leadership without being aggressive 🔹 The key to gaining credibility when underestimated 🔹 Why middle managers hold the real power in change management 🔹 The mindset shift that will transform your leadership Whether you're navigating corporate politics, overcoming bias, or stepping into different leadership roles, this episode will give you the tools to influence with confidence. 00:00:00 – Intro: The hidden power of influence—leading without a fight 00:02:17 – Being "The First": Walking into the boardroom as a foreign-born woman 00:04:23 – How your first impression can shape career success 00:06:09 – The myth of confrontation: Why fighting isn't the only way to be heard 00:07:39 – How to challenge management without being aggressive 00:10:03 – Redefining confrontation: The art of influencing through solutions 00:14:33 – Change starts with you: Why mindset shifts are key to leadership 00:16:56 – Top-down vs. bottom-up change: The missing piece in change management 00:20:57 – Criticism & bias: Overcoming personal attacks in leadership 00:24:02 – How to gain credibility when you're underestimated 00:29:07 – Understanding stakeholder motivations to drive collaboration 00:33:57 – How taking small risks can shape your leadership journey 00:36:42 – The secret to promotion: Why employees (not bosses) determine your success 00:39:33 – The collectivism trap: Why team players often get bypassed 00:43:28 – Believing in yourself when others doubt you 00:48:11 – Are you limiting your own growth? The question every leader should ask 00:52:30 – Dealing with resistance: How to turn workplace skeptics into supporters

    56 min

  5. 27/01/2024

    Lead Your Way and Rally the World to Support You: Become the First-Generation College Grad Latina Executive with Self-care w/Yesenia Castro

    Ever felt the weight of being the first? Today's guest, Yesi, chose to not be alone and not be overwhelmed. She goes through challenges with others' help and encouragements. She walks through the lows and remembers to take care of herself. In this podcast episode, we delve into the life of a trailblazing first-generation college Latina and nonprofit executive director. Her narrative is one of determination and hope, as she recounts the trials of navigating systems that were foreign to her. Instead of walking this path alone, she sought out mentors who could light the way, which led her to discover her true calling in the realm that no one around her stepped in before. Despite facing academic to career hurdles, Yesi never allowed herself to be defeated. She found strength in the sacrifices her origin family had made. Throughout her journey, she learned the critical importance of expressing her emotions, reaching out for assistance when needed, and the profound satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of the next generation. Yesi shows us how she honors herself, how gratitude serves her, and the incredible difference a supportive community can make. She offers heartfelt advice to anyone listening: follow your heart, accept the trials and tribulations of life as essential parts of your story, and never underestimate the power of help and encouragement from those around you. "No one dies," Yesi said. She encourages all to take actions to honor our candid decisions in all situations.  Here us discuss [01:28] First Generation Identity and Becoming the Young Female Executive Director  [06:26] Finding Passion and Purpose   [12:36] Overcoming Challenges in College   [14:22] Support from Family, Life Partner, and Oneself  [20:36] Understanding limitations and Dealing with Tough Moments  [28:08] Momentum and Influencing the Next Generation   [35:24] "Go for it!" "No one dies..."   [38:23] Let's do it!  To know more about Miranda's work: https://mirandameng.com/

    40 min

  6. 15/07/2023

    【feat. 職感】台灣女孩獨闖法國職場，拿到當地人也難搶的工作機會！在法國學習法文、學習吵架

    一定要語言能力超好才能去國外工作嗎？如何找到工作機會，而去法國工作有什麼要注意的地方？ 當地朋友說「我們法國人都找不到工作，你不用試了啦！」你會怎麼做呢？ 原來我們都可以有方法繼續前進 原來我們都有能力爭取我們想要的職涯 法文不夠好，可以去 沒有歐洲相關護照，可以去 身邊重要他人要你在舒適區，可以去 沒有人說很簡單 但想做就可以支持自己、利用資源，走到自己的理想面前 #在法國工作 #法國職場 #交換學生 #出國工作 #找資源 #心態 #為自己發聲 也可至YouTube收看完整訪談： https://youtu.be/EHj4mO2CYgg 00:00-02:47 從交換學生到在法國打工 02:48-03:45 打工的特別經驗 03:46-09:08 從打工到正職：原來不用設限自己 09:09-14:52 支持自己堅持下去的方法 14:53-18:57 在法國如何找到工作？ 18:58-23:38 在法國職場的觀察 23:39-26:21 在法國被欺負的例子 26:22-32:07 法國給工作者的養分 32:08-34:19 給去法國工作的人的小提醒 職感將訪問在不同國家工作的人、在不同職能當中轉職的人、在大家眼中「艱難築夢」的人，從訪談裡裡學習到他們是怎麼做決定、走到現在的位置，借鏡他們的故事，幫助我們自己打造自己想要的職涯。 Instagram: _micareer https://www.instagram.com/_micareer/ Facebook Page: 職感 https://www.facebook.com/%E8%81%B7%E6%84%9F-100810762705528

    35 min

  7. 23/06/2023

    Being Different can be a Nightmare, but I Choose to be Kind and Authentic. A Journey for a Daughter of Immigrants and the First One Coming out w/Annabella Da Encarnacao

    Pride month is here. Would you create a “pride life”? Honoring LGBTQ, honoring love, honoring mutual understanding and being true to oneself is not limited in one month. Would you choose to stay true to yourself even when it means you would be different from many people? Annabella is a CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) who started her coaching business to support people to be authentic. Looking back, she finds being different to be very helpful for her work and her life now. However, when little Annabella did not feel “fully-French”, when she pushed down all her feelings, when she felt her identity was wrong, and when some family members  and friends could not embrace the “real you,” it was no fun. And yet, she is now a proud gay. Someone in college opened a door for her. She does the same to many others. Annabella told everyone who once felt you are different from others “You are not alone. Be kind to others and yourself.” Here us discuss: [02 '15] You may not notice you are breaking the box at the moment  [03 '37] Growing up as a person who does not always look like “fully French” in France [06 '33] Thinking about “who are you” when you noticed your differences [10 '09] What may happen to someone who has no one to relate to?  [15 '03] How to become the one staying true to ourselves? (An act of kindness can open a door) [19 '52] The best relationship you can have is with yourself [22 '04] How to confess in the workplace? [26 '22] Embrace yourself. You are not alone. To know more about Miranda's work: https://mirandameng.com/

    34 min

  8. 19/06/2023

    【feat. 職感】職籃團隊不斷超越自己 就算走到需要硬轉彎的職涯瓶頸，我也準備好了, Part 2 of 2

    我們都看過體壇有人突然受傷，被醫生宣告再也不能從事高強度運動； 我們也看過不只是在體育界的人，創造一個高峰後，因為種種原因漸漸下滑，再也起不來，但也不知該如何是好。 不管是不是體育界的人，在職涯裡，如何面對改變，或是當我們看到令人羨慕的工作時，我們會怎麼做？ 謝謝PLG職籃三連霸臺北富邦隊，體能教練軒哥，大方分享自己的觀察和心得。 自己從體育班到個人競技比賽選手，到現在服務於注重團隊合作和策略的職業籃球， 從個人的競賽裡到現在支持每一位球員的發展，這些轉換和學習，不管是不是在體育界的我們，都能學習。 祝福每一位正在走自己的路的人，都一步一步走出自己要的樣子。 很挑戰，但我們一起走 也可至YouTube收看完整訪談： https://youtu.be/wQOtpCzbdp4 職感將訪問在不同國家工作的人、在不同職能當中轉職的人、在大家眼中「艱難築夢」的人，從訪談裡裡學習到他們是怎麼做決定、走到現在的位置，借鏡他們的故事，幫助我們自己打造自己想要的職涯。 我們聊到： 00:00-02:28 貼身觀察勇士隊野獸，前輩的身教 02:29-04:09 職涯停損點 04:10-09:38 職涯理想和行動 09:39-12:04 大家都可以從體育界學習良多 12:05-16:36 體育人要不要出國？要不要回國？ 16:37-19:44 有看到你羨慕的工作，就去做做看吧 19:45-22:28 回國後，你怎麼想下一步？ 22:29-25:18 體育教練除了教動作，還有教什麼？ 25:19-26:28 祝福，很挑戰的目標，我們一起達成 26:29-29:24 軒哥推薦

    32 min
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About

Discover stories of corporate leaders and trailblazers who dared to dance in uncertainty while pursuing the visions they believed in. From senior leaders mastering the art of leading teams through change to first-generation entrepreneurs and immigrants navigating unfamiliar environments, Dance in Change delivers insights and actionable strategies on navigating change, leadership, and the tears and laughter of ownership. Podcast host Change-Leadership Coach Miranda Meng invites these leaders to share how they stand up for their values and realize their visions, even when they are "different" or face adversity. In the Leading Through Change series, adaptive corporate leaders share strategies and real-life examples of making change happen- navigating uncertainty, building teams that thrive together during times of change, and fostering human-centered success in a complex, globalized world. In the Trailblazers series, stories of those who challenged the norm and made life-changing decisions— first-generation business owners, immigrants, and leaders who redefined success and made it happen on their own terms. They embrace their authentic voice with actions, even when it sets them apart from those around them.Making meaningful change is a journey that begins within. Leading change transcends culture, gender, corporate hierarchy, and whether you’re part of the minority. It's about the influence you create and the impact you leave behind—one step at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Miranda Meng
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dance in Change
  • Show Website
    Dance in Change