“I want to help others recognize that we are more than the boxes that society puts us in…” | An Interview With Diane Chang

Meet Diane Chang – Impact Consulting Collaboration Partner.

We interviewed Diane to hear more about why she chose this line of work and what Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month means to her.

Let’s start with you telling us a bit about who you are and what you do.

I am an ever-evolving global citizen who strives to contribute to communities in which I can continue to grow and make a positive impact, no matter how small. My way of doing that is by coaching leaders to focus on their most gratifying work, while energizing themselves and their teams.

What made you decide to work with Impact?

As a 3rd generation Chinese South African now living in the United States, working with Impact as an Executive and Leadership Development Coach aligns with my values. I get to purposefully work with leaders to create a culture of inclusion, and to be their authentic and confident selves in all environments.

What is your ‘why’—both professionally and personally—that drives you in this line of work?

Growing up in a racially segregated South Africa, and dropping out of med school, I have had to overcome an inferiority complex both self-imposed, and dictated by the socio-political milieu. I want to help others recognize that we are more than the boxes that society puts us in, and to overcome any mindset barriers that may get in our way.

This month is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month! What does AAPI Heritage month mean to you?

While there is still a lot more to be done to recognize the struggles and contributions of many generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to this country, AAPI Heritage month shines a spotlight, albeit for a brief period. As part of this community, it reminds me that I have not escaped the racism I faced growing up in apartheid South Africa. It is a call for me to look inward and outward every day to ensure I leave a heritage of compassion for my family and global community. Ultimately, I look forward to a society where highlighting any underserved community will not be necessary.

If you weren’t working in this field, what do you think you would be doing?

I asked myself that question in 2014, which led me to do exactly what I am doing now. I am extremely grateful to have transitioned to coaching while building upon everything I learned as both a leader and a member of teams. If I were to make another change, I would probably be working with parents with impressionable preteen children, helping them to understand how well-intentioned yet misguided messages to our children may not always serve them well as they grow up. Unconditional love is so important for them to feel accepted and supported, and yet that kind of love without judgment may be the hardest lesson a parent has to learn.