Cynthia Pong joins us, and what a conversation. A former public defender in New York City turned career strategist, author, and executive coach, Cynthia brings a distinctive voice and deeply practical lens to leadership, especially for those navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments like healthcare.

We dig into how to lead from wherever you are even in massive systems that feel immovable. Cynthia challenges the idea that leadership is about following protocols. Instead, she shares how to reverse the norm, inject your own thinking into the work, and treat your career like a business, whether you're a neurosurgeon, charge nurse, or director. Her concept of “being the CEO of your career” isn’t just catchy, it’s a fundamental reframe of ownership and intention.

What stands out is Cynthia’s clarity around values, identity, and how we actually think. She breaks down the real reason behavior doesn’t change: because we haven’t paused to understand the thought patterns behind it. Her coaching on intention, the five whys, and the grief of not being able to do it all at once? It’s gold. This episode is about the hard stuff: making conscious choices, leading even when you’re not in charge, and holding onto what matters in a world that wants compliance over creativity.

We also touch on DEI, self-care, and how to lead in a VUCA world without losing yourself. If you’ve ever wondered how to break out of the “this is just how we do things here” mindset, or if you’ve felt boxed in by a role that’s too small for your thinking, this episode will speak directly to you. Cynthia is smart, honest, and full of energy. Tune in and be ready to rethink your approach to leadership.

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