Growing up, I had no idea that entrepreneurship was even a thing. Instead, I dreamed of being the CEO of a major corporation. (At least I never lacked in the dreams department.) 

The child of Chinese immigrant parents, I was taught that a steady job and paycheck were the ticket to the American Dream—and I bought in.

I wanted it all—the power, the corner office, the big paycheck, and a closet full of Manolos. So I did the things you’re “supposed” to do: I worked my butt off and got into a good school (Princeton), where I majored in something safe (electrical engineering) that would guarantee me a job until retirement.

By the time I was 25, I was managing a team overseeing millions of dollars in business each year. From the outside, I was “making it “— and I had the six-figure salary, luxury apartment, and proud parents to prove it.