Redefining Success Through Stillness

by Ashley Cheung, VPG Founder

I enjoy traveling, discovering new experiences, and connecting with people. The following quote helps shed some light on contentment and finding peace as a new profit.

In late August, I traveled to Alaska with my mom. It's a majestic place I had never visited, though my parents went over a decade ago. Alaska symbolizes both awe and longing for me. I had often thought about visiting; however, I was held back by uncertainty and a lack of time — especially these days, as a “naturalized citizen” facing current polarization and challenges. Social media amplifies my concerns about our rights after years of hard work. The country feels more divided than ever, and basic human rights are increasingly questioned. Amid this anxiety, I worried about flight delays and irrational fears about safety. However, the trip proved that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real, a lesson I learned during my first Virtual Water Cooler Chat podcast with psychiatrist Anna Yusim, M.D.

Right after arriving home from Alaska, I headed to Las Vegas for the Running Legal Like a Business 2025 conference at the Fontainebleau Hotel. For RLLB 2025, I organized three panels: two for ADAPT.legal on IP careers and tech, and a live recording of our IP Talk: Brand Insights with my dear friend Sasha Strauss, along with McNeal Maddox and Jessica Broyles. We discussed gaining clarity amid chaos and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Running Legal Like a Business 2025 conference

Running Legal Like a Business 2025 conference

Key lessons and growth opportunities:

1. Trust Your Instincts and Listen to Your Body:  Over the past few years, I’ve accomplished a lot with my team, but I kept pushing myself without enough rest. Now, my body is catching up. Despite hosting a podcast to empower others, I unintentionally lost my own voice—literally. The relentless pursuit of perfection, combined with unexpected temperature shifts and fatigue, left my voice hoarse and self-conscious. In the aftermath, I made the difficult but ultimately necessary decision to cancel a trip I had planned and paid for and trusted my team to handle the important tasks. We’re not invincible, our time is not infinite, and learning to recognize the signs to scale back is essential for self-preservation and prioritizing our goals.

   
   

2. Set Boundaries to Protect Priorities: Saying “yes” to others often means saying “no” to ourselves. Fully committing to causes leaves little room for reflection and self-care. I now see the importance of taking the time and space to clarify what truly matters, so that I can serve myself and my goals. It’s about shining confidently without fear or explanation.

   
   

3. Cherish Natural Moments with Loved Ones: The trip’s most memorable moments were witnessing Alaska’s natural beauty with my mother. Watching the sunrise over Tracy Arm Fjord, where glaciers seemed smaller than I imagined, was breathtaking. The helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier—fifteen minutes in the air, then a walk, even doing pushups while drinking from the glacier—was surreal. Although I caught a cold afterward, it was worth it. The highlight was seeing nine orcas traveling together, spyhopping, flapping their fins, and playing freely in their habitat. Their confidence and freedom inspired me to be true to myself. My mother is turning 80 years “young” in January, and during each of these moments, she thanked me for taking her on this journey. There is no guarantee in life that our parents will always be there, especially during the reverse-parenting stage of life. The fact that she took the time to express thank you, when she usually expects me to know that she appreciates me, was extremely meaningful.

   
   

4. Know When to Respond and When to Stay Silent: Not every opinion needs a response. Growth happens in silence; clarity reveals itself over time. True peace is more valuable than money; relationships change, but your inner calm remains. Shine unapologetically—your story and light are for your peace, not everyone’s approval. Trust yourself, celebrate your progress, and find confidence without external validation.

   
   

5. Surround Yourself with Believers:  In today’s attention-seeking culture, genuine friendships are rare and invaluable. I’m fortunate to have found a true supporter in Sasha Strauss. During our podcast recording in Las Vegas, he shared a powerful near-death experience and explained how it shaped his approach to personal branding. Hearing his story broadened my understanding of resilience and strength. I first learned about his health incident over dinner after my debut at RLLB2024, and despite the tight timing, I pushed myself to ensure this live experience happened.

   
   

Celebrating one year since sharing the stage at Running Legal Like a Business 2024, I realize how deeply our friendship has grown—from attending his webinars to learning directly from him. His trust, support, and belief in me serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely believe in my potential and growth.

These experiences and reflections fuel my ongoing journey toward self-awareness and resilience. I am deeply grateful for the courage to travel despite my fears, and for the incredible team, friends, and community that support and inspire me along the way.