Reflections on the Brand Leadership: Trust in Action Event

by Gezelin Cantuba (Creative Engineer) and Madelyne Kaewmanaprasert (Litigation Assistant)

Gezelin:

Thanks to Ashley Cheung, I had the opportunity to attend the “Brand Leadership: Trust in Action” event, where I assisted with setting up and recording the event. It was an intimate but insightful time, which brought together a wonderful panel of guest speakers. During the panel, each shared their perspectives on branding, leadership, and deeply personal stories of the challenges they have faced.

One of my main takeaways from their conversation was staying authentic to yourself and to your beliefs. In this topic, the speakers each spoke of significant experiences where being authentic led to success in the long run and helped build stronger confidence in their judgments and their respective communities. By being honest and empathetic, whether in person or online, you will be able to build genuine connections and further encourage trust in your brand. With the ever-evolving technological environment we have, I think a reminder about being authentic is even more important. The panel ended with a fun raffle and speaking of topics such as authenticity, I personally ended up winning a mug with printed words that said, “Confidence is a Decision." Confidence is key when trying to be your most authentic self, as it is important when facing challenges and for cultivating trust with others.

Madelyne:

This past September, Ashley Cheung offered me the incredible opportunity to attend my first “Brand Leadership: Trust in Action” event as a new member representing the Virtual Patent Gateway team. This dynamic brand event brought together an amazing panel of innovators, creators, and leaders from across the IP and technology industries, from whom I had the privilege of hearing insightful advice, most of which felt tailored for a young woman like me. The energy in the room was contagious, and each conversation revealed what an essential platform it was for industry leaders to share their expertise. As a senior at American University with a strong interest in the legal field, being able to engage with professionals who shared similar passions was truly inspiring and motivating. I was especially proud to be a part of the VPG team and see our company represented among such talented and forward-thinking leaders. The discussions reinforced the importance of authenticity, collaboration, and trust in both personal growth and professional success. Leaving the event, I felt empowered to continue building meaningful connections, learning from others, and pursuing opportunities that align with my goals and values.