Mic Check, Mindset Transformed from a Gen Z Lens

by Camelia Gilani & Madelyne Kaewmanaprasert

Madelyne:

In June9 2026, I had an amazing opportunity to collaborate with Ashley Cheung on a Virtual Water Cooler Chat episode where we had the pleasure of interviewing Andrew Ting, a Legal and Financial Services Executive and Entrepreneurship Professor. This was my second podcast experience during my time at VPG, and it continues to be one of my favorite opportunities because it allows me to engage in meaningful conversations while learning from seasoned professionals.

Andrew Ting was a phenomenal guest, offering valuable insight and practical advice throughout the interview. He spoke openly about leadership, career growth, and navigating a professional path. As a recent college graduate planning to pursue a career in law, I found his experiences and perspective especially encouraging and relevant to where I am on my own journey. What resonated with me most, however, was the conversation Andrew and Ashley shared about the Asian American experience.

As a member of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community myself, I appreciated hearing them discuss representation, cultural identity, and the challenges of balancing personal goals with the expectations that often come from family and society. Their conversation was honest, relatable, and inspiring, and it reminded me of the importance of creating spaces where diverse perspectives can be shared.

A personal takeaway that I gained from this podcast experience and conversation is to embrace growth with curiosity, learn from setbacks, and stay grounded in the values that define who I am, both personally and professionally. Both Ashley and Andrew shared helpful advice for young professionals who are currently navigating the uncertainties of early career development and paving their own professional paths: growth doesn't come from avoiding failure; it comes from being willing to learn from it. This conversation made me rethink how I approach setbacks and how important it is to sit with them and reflect, rather than quickly skipping over them. As a recent college graduate planning to pursue a career in law, I found this conversation especially encouraging and relevant to where I am on my own journey.

Camelia:

This June, I had the wonderful experience of joining Ashley Cheung for an episode of A Virtual Water Cooler Chat, where we interviewed Arivee Vargas, an attorney, former Big Law and corporate executive, and executive coach. I especially enjoyed learning how the different chapters of Arivee’s career shaped the work she does today. Her experiences gave her a unique perspective on professional growth, leadership, and the internal changes that often need to happen before we can create meaningful change around us.

One part of our conversation that stayed with me was Arivee’s explanation that people go through different “seasons” in their careers. Not every stage is meant to look the same, and success does not always require constantly pushing toward the next title or accomplishment. Instead, she encouraged listeners to recognize the season they are currently in and consider what it is asking of them. Some seasons may be focused on learning, while others may call for growth, rest, transition, or taking a risk. Understanding where you are can help you make more intentional decisions and maximize your potential without measuring your progress against someone else’s path.

I also appreciated hearing Arivee reflect on what she imagined the legal profession would be like before becoming an attorney and how she learned to navigate it along the way. Her honesty made the conversation feel both personal and practical. This experience reminded me how powerful podcasts can be in creating space for meaningful discussions that help listeners feel understood, reflect on their own journeys, and approach their careers with greater purpose.