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05/23/2026

Author's Notes: Rewriting the Narrative

On May 6th, something special happened.

Rewriting Our Narratives: Asian American Power Moves in Law & TV — The Partner Track Case brought together an incredible group of people for a conversation that was long overdue. The energy in the room was electric, the engagement was incredible, and there was plenty of laughter to go around. But more than anything, important stories were told. And that is exactly what this event was designed to do.

The discussion centered on the powerful and growing influence of Asian Americans in media and the legal profession, two industries where representation has historically been limited but is now being reshaped in bold and meaningful ways. The conversation was rich, honest, and at times deeply personal. Exactly the kind of dialogue that moves the needle.

Our panelists brought the depth, the insight, and the lived experience that made the night truly unforgettable:

Ashley Cheung — Principal & Founder, VPG; Podcaster & Author | Podcast Host of Virtual Water Cooler Chat, FEMTECH LIVE Lounge and IP Talk: Brand Insights
Helen Wan — Author of The Partner Track
Michael Binns — IP Law Foundation Trustee & Co-Founder of ADAPT.legal
Maddy Batliboi — Board Co-Chair, Womankind (NYC Asian Women's Center)
Moderated by the wonderful Dawn Yu, Cross-Border IP Strategist at JiaQuan IP Law.

This is what happens when you put the right people in the room. Conversations that matter, stories that resonate, and a community that shows up for each other. In celebration of AAPI month, this night reminded us all of the power of representation, on screen, in the courtroom, and at the table.

05/19/2026

What does it actually take to win a trial?

Most people only see what happens in the courtroom. But behind every case is an entire team working tirelessly behind the scenes and Phil Eklem, Partner at Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP, is pulling back the curtain.

From the lawyers crafting the strategy, to the paralegals keeping everything organized and running on time, Phil breaks down every role that makes a trial function smoothly.

It's a world most people never get to see unless they're in the trenches with the team.

And here's the thing, every single person matters. A trial isn't won by one brilliant attorney. It's won by a team that communicates, trusts each other, and shows up prepared at every level. Drop one piece, and the whole thing can fall apart.

Teamwork isn't just a nice-to-have in the legal world. It's everything.

This conversation is a great reminder that justice isn't just built in the courtroom it's built long before anyone walks through those doors.

05/16/2026

Author's Notes: Rewriting the Narrative

On May 6th, something special happened.

Rewriting Our Narratives: Asian American Power Moves in Law & TV — The Partner Track Case brought together an incredible group of people for a conversation that was long overdue. The energy in the room was electric, the engagement was incredible, and there was plenty of laughter to go around. But more than anything, important stories were told. And that is exactly what this event was designed to do.

The discussion centered on the powerful and growing influence of Asian Americans in media and the legal profession, two industries where representation has historically been limited but is now being reshaped in bold and meaningful ways. The conversation was rich, honest, and at times deeply personal. Exactly the kind of dialogue that moves the needle.

Our panelists brought the depth, the insight, and the lived experience that made the night truly unforgettable:

Ashley Cheung — Principal & Founder, VPG; Podcaster & Author | Podcast Host of Virtual Water Cooler Chat, FEMTECH LIVE Lounge and IP Talk: Brand Insights

Helen Wan — Author of The Partner Track

Michael Binns — IP Law Foundation Trustee & Co-Founder of ADAPT.legal

Maddy Batliboi — Board Co-Chair, Womankind (NYC Asian Women's Center)

Moderated by the wonderful Dawn Yu, Cross-Border IP Strategist at JiaQuan IP Law.

This is what happens when you put the right people in the room. Conversations that matter, stories that resonate, and a community that shows up for each other. In celebration of AAPI month, this night reminded us all of the power of representation, on screen, in the courtroom, and at the table.

05/09/2026

Author's Notes: The Struggle Is Part of the Story

Nobody tells you how hard it is to actually sit down and write.

Brenna Holland and I had a real, honest conversation about what life as an author actually looks like. You pour your heart into something and criticism comes with the territory. That's just part of putting your work out into the world. You learn to take it, grow from it, and keep going.

But the criticism isn't even the hardest part. Finding the time is. My schedule has only gotten busier and between everything pulling at my attention, carving out space to write sometimes feels impossible. I have even resorted to locking myself in my room and placing myself in full solitary confinement just to get it done! If that's what it takes, that's what it takes.

And yet, I keep coming back to it. Because writing isn't just something I do. It's a passion. One I am not willing to give up anytime soon.

The struggle is real, but so is the love for the craft. And at the end of the day, that love always wins.

To every writer out there squeezing words in between the chaos of life, I see you. Keep going.

What keeps you coming back to your passion when life gets in the way?

05/07/2026

The best country to file your first patent?

The one you're already doing business in.

I asked IP attorney Ronelle Geldenhuys how she approaches patent strategy, locally and globally. Her answer was refreshingly simple, but it's something most founders overlook.

Most people come to her asking the same question: "Where should I start with my IP? What's the best country to file in?"

But before chasing international filings, Ronelle brings it back to basics. Understand your business plan. Know where you operate, where your customers are, and where your risk sits.

Founders racing to file internationally before they've even secured protection in their home market. It's an easy trap to fall into when IP feels urgent and the options feel overwhelming.

But your patent strategy should follow your business plan. Not the other way around.

05/05/2026

Serving others might be the most selfish thing you can do.

Hear me out.

When you give your time, your knowledge, your energy to help someone else move forward, you're serving them, but they're teaching you.

Molly has learned more, grown more, and gained more from serving others than from almost anything else in her career. And honestly? I feel the exact same way.

There's something that happens when you pour into people. You start to see things differently. You absorb their experiences. You gain perspective you never could have found on your own. You grow in ways that no course, no book, no strategy could replicate.

And then there's that feeling afterwards. That quiet sense of fulfillment that's hard to put into words. The kind that reminds you why you do what you do.

So yes, serve others. Give generously. Show up without expecting anything in return.

Just don't be surprised when you walk away with more than you gave.

That's not a coincidence. That's the whole point.

05/04/2026

Rewriting Our Narratives isn't just a title, it's an iteration of our intention. Crafted with care, affirmed by our panelists and moderator, it holds space for stories that are profound, surprising, and YES, even with humor.

Huge gratitude to Ben Schwartz and Tavern Community Coworking for bringing this to life, to Frances Gutierrez Winkler for her expert prompting magic, and to Jeremiah Chan for calling it an event not to be missed — Snoopy and friends would agree. 🐾

Thank you to our panel for making time to share their insights and crafts, tell their stories. Grateful for our incredible sponsors for making attendance possible for nonprofits, students, and communities who matter. And to the law firms celebrating AAPIH Month with us — your support means everything. See you on Wednesday!

If you are not able to come and attend the event, you may support non-profit organizations with the QR codes below to help grow IP talents and create access to the pipelines. We thank you in advance for your support.
ADAPT.legal
IP Law Foundation

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there is no better time to invest in the most important person in your life. YOU.

VPG is sharing an online experience during this AAPIH month: The Journey of Self-Love with Sheena Yap Chan.

Sheena is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly best-selling author and host of the award-winning podcast "The Tao of Self-Confidence." In this workshop, she will guide you through how society and culture have shaped the way you see yourself, what is holding you back, and how to begin healing through self-care and journal exercises.

This isn't just a course. It's a RESET.

And right now, it is 50% off. 🔗 https://vpgateway.teachable.com/p/the-journey-of-self-love-with-sheena-yap-chan

It doesn't stop there. On June 24th, Sheena is joining us LIVE for an empowering one-hour Zoom session moderated by VPG's Heather Martin. Drawing on her VISIBLE Framework, she will walk you through practical strategies to own your story, embrace your identity, and show up boldly and authentically in every area of your life.

🔗 https://www.vpgateway.com/event-details/elevate-your-voice-as-an-author-with-sheena-yap-chan

You deserve to show up for yourself the same way you show up for others

05/01/2026

May 6th is almost here, and you will not be able to ignore the energy.

While my dear friend Professor Sasha Straus won't be able to join us in person at Times Square, he sent the most incredible pep talk ahead of the event. His words have stayed with me for years, and he said it again:

"We can't believe in you if we can't hear you believe in yourself."

That message couldn't be more fitting for what we're gathering to discuss.

Join us on May 6 from 12–2 PM at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square for Rewriting Our Narratives: Asian American Power Moves in Law & TV — The Partner Track Case, a powerful panel discussion on the influence of Asian Americans in media and the legal profession.

When the idea for this panel was conceived, it was going to be a spotlight on The Partner Track, the acclaimed Netflix series based on Helen Wan's novel, which boldly depicts the challenges faced by Asian American women navigating corporate law. However, it then evolved to be more about equal and inclusive representation, visibility, and influence in law and TV.

And Alexandra Lin Holden, the talented playwright of The Chinese Republican, will be my special guest!

Our incredible panelists include:

Ashley Cheung – Principal & Founder, VPG; Podcaster & Author

Helen Wan – Author of The Partner Track

Maddy Batliboi – Board Co-Chair, Womankind

Micheal Binns – IP Law Foundation Trustee & Co-Founder of ADAPT.legal

This is a conversation about representation, identity, and systemic change, and it is one you do not want to miss.

Register now while we have a few spots left! https://www.vpgateway.com/event-details/rewriting-our-narratives-asian-american-power-moves-in-law-tv-the-partner-track-case

04/30/2026

Wrestling is kind of like being a lawyer.

I loved this one from Tina Dorr, because it's not a connection most people would make.

At first it sounds like a stretch. But when Tina breaks it down, it clicks immediately. In both, you're in constant mental motion. You're always thinking about what your opponent is going to do next, and more importantly, how you can use that to your advantage.

It's not just about strength or knowledge. It's about strategy. Anticipation. Staying one step ahead.

The best wrestlers and the best lawyers share the same fundamental skill: the ability to think while under pressure.

It's a great reminder that our experiences, even the ones that seem unrelated, are always teaching us something we'll use later.

What's a skill from an unexpected part of your life that shows up in your work every day? Share below.

04/25/2026

Author's Notes: You Never Know Who Might Says Yes

What's the worst that could happen?

Brenna Holland and I got into one of my favorite topics, reaching out to people on LinkedIn. A lot of people hesitate to make that first move, especially when it comes to highly accomplished individuals. But here's the truth: the nos don't bother me. I reach out to a lot of incredible people, so I get a lot of nos. And that's okay.

Every no builds my confidence a little more. Every reach out is practice. And every once in a while, someone says yes.

Like Seth Godin. I reached out, he said yes, and it became one of the most wonderful episodes I have ever recorded. People are still citing it to this day. None of that happens if I let the fear of no stop me from hitting send.

Brenna and I both agree, reaching out on LinkedIn is a practice worth starting. You don't have to go straight to the top. Just start. Build the habit. Get comfortable with the ask. Because you truly never know who is going to say yes and how that one conversation might change everything.

So who have you been meaning to reach out to? Go send that message.

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