Alicia Y.H. Wang
As a thought leader of woman empowerment, Alicia is a former Diplomat of Taiwan and global entrepreneur with private sector experience in international trade and foreign policy. Based in Toronto, she counsels private high school education and consults non-profit organizations for multicultural integration in Canada. Alicia focuses on empowering young leaders and professionals to leverage their knowledge and skills to amplify their values and increase their connections worldwide.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Starting as a dreamer, I defied all odds, becoming a diplomat and journeying across Europe, North America, and Asia. I communicated with people from different countries, speaking multiple languages (English, Spanish, and Mandarin).
My career led to executing multi-million-dollar projects in international trade and investment promotion. I have been involved in multiple state visits, bilateral agreement negotiations, and navigating global media. Developing a keen sensitivity to diverse cultures, I cherish professional relationships and love understanding different perspectives.
During the journey, I was fortunate to encourage people and be encouraged. I had the privilege of working with individuals from different countries, including the president, vice president, business leaders, university executives, think tankers, and journalists. Additionally, I was honored that the government sent me for senior executive training at Harvard Kennedy School to advance my leadership and management skills.
After several years working in Spain, I moved to Canada, balancing work and family. I went out of my way to build every connection and relationship across sectors, developing a wide range of skill sets in public relations spaces. I ended up sharing our stories in primetime interviews at CBC, the Globe and Mail, the National Post, and the Toronto Star. I also established reliable and trusted relationships in Ontario and initiated many joint ventures between Taiwan and Canada. Furthermore, I launched a program at the University of Toronto that advances innovation and education. I was later promoted to Editor-in-Chief, managing a team of 30 professionals for two foreign magazines, nine language news websites, and 20 social media presences.
After over 20 years of a diplomatic journey, I decided to take on new challenges and become an entrepreneur and coach, empowering young leaders and professionals to build their confidence to pursue their dreams. I also volunteer my time to promote high education in Canada and help newcomers better integrate into Canada.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
I believe deeply that success hinges on striking a balance without sacrificing any aspects of life. Often, people find themselves stuck in the daily routine, excelling in their work but losing connection with family or compromising their health without realizing it. I had a revelation when people were working within the system, it was not going to change for you the way that you sought. So I looked for solutions.
The real question of life is not where you are now. It’s where you want to go. It’s how you are willing to create a vision larger than yourself so you can create something even better than before. We live in a knowledge economy. According to Global Market Insights, the E-learning Market size was almost USD 400 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow 14% between 2023 and 2032. COVID and AI have accelerated this process. That is the opportunity that I’ve seen and empowered people to leverage on themselves to create their own online business.
I have learned from the best coaches around the world, including Tony Robbins and Brendon Burchard. My program includes building coaching confidence, finding your niche and your WHO, and learning how to market your personal brand. I offer masterclasses, 1:1 or group coaching, as well as tools and resources to help professionals transform from Experience to Excellence. The goal is to enable them to create their life projects by reversing the engine, sharing their stories to connect with others, and aligning with their purpose and values.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
During COVID-19, I noticed that many people were affected both mentally and physically, leading to a significant shift. Recognizing an opportunity to make a difference, I facilitated half a million PPE donations to frontline workers in hospitals and long-term care homes in Ontario.
It has become evident that there is the potential to create a positive impact through virtual platforms. The pandemic amplified the market and opportunities for personal development, particularly within the E-learning economy. As Warren Buffett once said, investing in yourself is the best thing you can do. All skills are learnable if you are willing to learn more. It brings a synergy for me between personal empowerment and professional development. It is in the direction of growth for the economy and has a positive impact on others’ lives.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The feedback from my clients and the people I have worked with has been incredibly positive. I genuinely understand what people are looking for, and I focus on delivering results that cater to their specific needs. For instance, when I organized several delegations to Taiwan, I communicated with each individual to understand their expectations. I went the extra mile to ensure that those expectations were fulfilled. That’s why every delegation I’ve led has received nothing but high praise and recognition. This commitment to understanding and fulfilling the unique needs of my clients has been a driving force behind the scenes and the positive responses I’ve received.
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
Throughout my global journey, I have learned that when you communicate with people, speak to their hearts. Understanding the expectations of others makes this relationship more authentic. Stay committed to your decisions, and keep flexible in your ways. Not every connection will work out; it’s important to build an ecosystem of support. If you want greater wealth, build better connections. That’s how you become unstoppable.
When I realized that each of us has everything we need to succeed within ourselves, my life took a different trajectory. I began speaking up and sharing my story and my message. I found that there are people out there who are struggling and waiting for someone to represent them. And I realized life is not about me; life is about us. It’s about serving with your heart, making connections, and understanding the impact we can have on others.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
Everyone needs connections, and greater connections lead to greater wealth. Building an ecosystem of support is essential to your success. Surround yourself with people who support you rather than those who discourage you. By nurturing your relationships, expressing yourself with authenticity, and manifesting your desires, you will gain more support from it.
My biggest support system is basically my family and my like-minded community. I suggest building a 3D ecosystem of support, including those people who are successful, your peers, and those people you mentor. Often, I was inspired by my clients when I observed the transformative change in their lives. They become a great source of support.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
When I was young, I defied all the odds to become a diplomat. At that time, it was not common for a woman to be a diplomat. Even though my life goals evolved over time, I still believe in the power of dreams. Believe in yourself and take actionable steps toward your goals. What you need is already within.
I want to empower our audience and young leaders to pursue their dreams because nothing happens unless there is first a dream. By changing nothing, nothing changes. Serve your purpose and continuously work on the values you can bring to the lives of others. Your journey is unique. You deserve more, and you are meant for more. You first need to believe it, and then you will see it. Wishing you success in championing your dream.