Adora Lee
Career & Leadership Coach
Empowerment Speaker & Facilitator
As a Fortune 500 executive, mother, and daughter of immigrants, I've learned that authentic leadership flows from cultural wisdom and deep self-knowledge. I guide ambitious AAPI and female leaders to transform these inner strengths to level up their own selves as well as those around them, leading them to revolutionize their leadership, ignite their teams, and drive meaningful business growth. Through keynotes and coaching, I help leaders show up boldly—creating legacies of impact while being unapologetically themselves.
On paper, I had it all.For 25 years, I climbed the corporate ladder at a Fortune 500 company. Starting from the bottom, I worked my way up to Managing Director. I led global teams solving complex challenges in data and technology. One of my proudest achievements was leading a major initiative to transition our business to a SaaS model, which helped us deliver greater value to customers and meet ambitious revenue goals. During an exciting time in technology—the rise of generative AI—my teams developed cutting-edge tools that supported the world’s top financial institutions.From the outside, it looked like I was thriving. But on the inside, I wasn’t happy.Despite my outward success, something was missing. My calendar was packed with meetings and my inbox overflowed with urgent messages. We spent hours talking about problems instead of solving them. At the end of each day, I felt exhausted, not energized. I knew I could do more – not just for the company, but for myself and my team. Yet I wasn’t sure how to make that happen.Still, I stayed. The paycheck and benefits were hard to leave behind—what some call “golden handcuffs.” My values taught me to be grateful and to make the best of it, so I kept trying to make a difference. I leaned on my faith during those tough Monday mornings. I believed things would get better if I just worked harder.Then, everything changed—I lost my job.The timing was terrible. My husband had just left his job to start his own business, and I was supposed to be the "safe" one with the reliable paycheck. Suddenly, I was unsure of what this meant for our family.At first, I felt ashamed and lost without my daily routine. I had always believed that challenges could become opportunities, but now I had to live that truth. It wasn’t easy. Over the next few weeks, though, something unexpected happened: I began to feel lighter. The stress that has weighed me down for years began to lift. My nervous system felt like it had reset, and for the first time in a long time, I could focus on my wellness and wellbeing.My faith helped me stay strong during this time. It helped me see this setback could be a gift—a chance to realign my life with my deeper purpose.I saw this as an opportunity to create a new path.Over the years, friends and colleagues had often come to me for advice about career changes, difficult work situtations, or just finding clarity when things felt overwhelming. I started noticing a pattern: even those who seemed successful often felt stuck. They wanted more meaning and purpose in their work but didn’t know how to take the next step.The more I reflected, the clearer it became. I believe our gifts are meant to serve others, and suddenly I could see how my experiences—both the highs and the struggles—could help others create their own path forward. I realized my true gift was guiding people to see their potential and find the courage to make bold changes.So, I decided to bet on myself.Now, I'm a leadership coach and speaker, combining my professional experience with my gift to help others. I work with high-achieving professionals to gain clarity, align their careers with their values, and embrace their whole, authentic selves.Through coaching and speaking, I share my story, gifts, and the lessons I’ve learned to inspire others to lead with purpose and joy.I’ve created a path that lights me up—and now, I help others design theirs, too.
My keynotes draw from extensive corporate experience leading data and technology teams and a profound personal transformation following an unexpected career pivot. This journey from corporate executive to leadership coach and public speaker has equipped me with unique perspectives on navigating change, breaking through self-imposed limitations, and redefining success on one's own terms.My presentations resonate with audiences across industries and experience levels, offering actionable strategies for professional evolution and authentic leadership. Drawing from my journey as an Asian American woman leader in technology, the eldest child of immigrants who successfully navigated corporate America, and someone grounded in deep faith, I offer nuanced insights that deeply resonate with professionals navigating similar paths.Specializing in topics including career transformation, authentic leadership, and strategic career navigation, I deliver evidence-based insights while fostering genuine connections with audiences. Whether addressing intimate executive gatherings or delivering conference keynotes, I combine Fortune 500 leadership experience with practical strategies that empower professionals to achieve both excellence and fulfillment in their careers.I look forward to partnering with you to tailor the topic for your event.
Speaking topics that excite me:LeadershipCalculated Risk-Taking for Women in Leadership: Embracing Your Unique Perspective
Addresses the importance of educated risk-taking for women, especially those in tech and leadership roles. Drawing from real-life examples, it explores how calculated risks can lead to greater confidence and career growth. The session challenges women to unlock new opportunities and achievements. Inspired by my FairyGodBoss interviewNavigating Intersectional Leadership: The Unique Experience of Asian American Female Leaders
Addressing the unique challenges and strengths of being both a woman and Asian American in leadership, with strategies for finding empowerment and community.Leadership in Times of Transformation: SaaS and GenAI
Lessons learned from leading teams through business and technological transformation, the skills needed to navigate disruptive change, and their application in the workplace and in life.Beyond Confidence: How to Unlock Your True Potential as a Leader How self-awareness, courage, and vision can propel leaders beyond their comfort zones to reach their full potential. Overcoming imposter syndrome.Authentic Leadership: Leveraging Your Whole Self in the Workplace
The power of authenticity in leadership and how leaders can bring their full selves to drive both performance and personal fulfillment.Leveraging uniqueness, including ethnicity & genderBuilding a Personal Brand as an Asian American Female Leader
Developing a personal brand that reflects individual strengths, unique experiences, and cultural heritage, standing out confidently and authentically.The Power of Dual Identity: Leading with Cultural Fluency
Leveraging the unique perspective of a bicultural experience to lead with empathy, navigate complex work environments, and bridge cultural gaps in global teams.Cultural Resilience: Using Heritage to Empower Your Leadership
Exploring how cultural heritage can serve as a source of resilience and strength, and how minorities and women can bring this into their leadership approach.Personal development & growthFinding Clarity Amidst Complexity: Techniques for Focus and Decision-Making
Practical techniques for cutting through the noise and making sound, confident decisions in complex environments.The Hidden Cost of Misalignment: Avoiding Burnout and Building Resilience
Strategies to identify misalignment in work, prevent burnout, and build resilience, especially in high-stakes environments.Finding true fulfillment in leadership
Insights on recognizing when “success” is no longer satisfying, and practical steps for moving toward meaningful, fulfilling work.
During my 25 years of leadership at a Fortune 500 company, I led global teams in data, product, and technology. Despite outward success, I felt something was missing. So, I chose to create a new path, combining my passion for mentoring with helping others unlock their potential. Now, as a career and leadership coach, I use a servant-leadership approach to support high-achieving professionals in gaining clarity, alignment, and fulfillment in their careers, empowering them to lead with their whole, authentic selves.My coaching approach combines science-backed frameworks and mindset techniques with practical experience tailored to your unique situation. I bring an open and non-judgmental presence, practicing active and reflective listening to fully understand your goals and challenges. My aim is to empower you with tools, insights, and strategies to overcome obstacles, unlock your potential, and achieve meaningful success.
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