This mindset inspired the theme of the first AAPI Consumer Founders Summit.įor Gao and other Asian-based CPG brands, the proof is in the proverbial pudding. Information sharing stems from an abundance mindset.” “Gatekeeping is the result of a zero-sum mindset, one brimming with fear and lack. “We believe in the power of sharing knowledge,” Gao continues. We could say that the AAPI Consumer Founders Summit is the real-life manifestation of the group chat, with other founders in attendance. It’s about information sharing and paying it forward - there’s no gatekeeping over here. And sometimes it’s a gut check, like a new product launch or handling a situation. Sometimes it's sharing information and problem-solving. “Sometimes we lean on the group chat for venting about something or on the flipside, celebrating each other's success. The four cofounders of the AFC had connected and started a group chat, where they regularly share information and lean on each other for advice - essentially like having a personal board of directors. “To have these world-class operators and entrepreneurs come to one place in one day, and give attendees all those gems and insights? I would have loved to have that while I was building my business!” Gao shares. It's proven to be really effective in driving our own growth, and driving change within the culture and within the industry.”įly By Jing and the AFC’s mission statement are rooted in an abundance mentality, proving that the pie is expansive and large - there is room for everyone and there is power in numbers. I think that's the guiding philosophy that all of us go by. And then each individual can gain more when the collective gains more. “By creating a space and opportunity for more founders to come in, you are expanding the pie for everyone. “It's really the idea of a win-win mentality. Through curated panels, workshops and fireside chats, attendees gained insight and participated in thought-provoking discussions on the state of the market, growth opportunities and current challenges for consumer businesses. The event brought together the leaders of the AAPI business community, emerging founders, investors, and more, for a day of education, inspiration and relationship building. Gao cofounded the Asian Founders Collective with three other Asian founders: Kevin Lee (cofounder of immi), Sahra Nguyen (CEO/founder of Nguyen Coffee Supply), and Danny Taing (CEO/founder of Bokksu). AFC is a newly formed coalition of AAPI founders and leaders created to support and empower each other through each other’s growth journeys. That’s why she cofounded the Asian Founders Collective, whose inaugural AAPI Consumer Founders Summit, “The Rising Tide of Consumer Brands,” took place last May in New York City. When there was no table, she created her own - and made sure to welcome other Asian founders to join her and take a seat. Equipped with a background in business (as a brand manager for accounts like CoverGirl and Gillette, while at Procter & Gamble PG), tech (while working at Blackberry) and even food (as the founder of the restaurant Baoism in Shanghai), she made it her mission to introduce the world to Sichuan flavors and create a mainstream brand, defying the naysayers who said “her vision was too niche.” Many other companies are doing the same.”Īfter attending the natural food industry’s biggest trade show, Expo West, back in 2018, Gao identified a glaring gap in the market: there wasn’t a single Asian food brand at the show. “In the tech and fashion industries, there's been more advancement in the representation of Asian voices and founders, who are evolving culture. This is also what drives the purpose statement of Fly By Jing: “Evolving culture through taste, and elevating consciousness by expanding palates and minds.” We're doing it through flavor,” Gao explains. Hollywood is exposing people to Asian culture through film. “It’s about being open-minded to try new things or see something in a new way. For Gao, having an appetite to taste new flavors and allowing different cuisines to pique your curiosity is a way to expand both your palate and mind.
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